The Kori Bustard: Meeting Africa’s Heavyweight Flyer
The Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori) is an absolute bruiser of the bird world. A mature male can weigh up to 40 pounds, officially making it the heaviest bird in Africa capable of flight.
Watching one take off is like watching a rumbling C-5 transport plane. It isn't exactly a graceful "launch"; the slow, rhythmic beat of its massive 9-foot wingspan takes considerable effort, but it eventually lifts this big boy aloft into the African sky.
Spotting Giants in the Ngorongoro Crater
I spotted this impressive specimen in the Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania. While I wish I had a scale in the frame to truly illustrate its size, I chose to process this image in black and white to better highlight the bird's incredibly complicated plumage and neck markings.
Witness the "Heavyweight" of the Savannah
Standing 4 to 5 feet tall, the Kori Bustard is a prehistoric-looking marvel that every safari-goer should see at least once.
2026 Expeditions: Our current tour dates are nearly full—check for last-minute availability!
2027 Safari Planning: We are officially booking for our 2027 return to Tanzania. Email for details here.
There’s only one bird on the Serengeti that is bigger than a bustard. Meet him here!