Ostrich Safaris in East Africa: Seeing the World’s Largest Bird

While the term “ostrich safari” might bring to mind the idea of riding an ostrich, this is not a standard or accepted activity in East Africa’s national parks. In a safari context, the focus is on seeing these magnificent birds in their natural habitat. Ostriches are a common and fascinating sight on game drives, and witnessing them in the wild is a rewarding part of a safari.

Ostriches on a Game Drive

The best and most authentic way to see ostriches in East Africa is on a game drive in a national park. Ostriches are the world’s largest birds, and they are a powerful and unique presence on the savannah. They are a common sighting in several of East Africa’s parks, particularly in the more arid and open grasslands.

• Kenya: The open plains of Amboseli National Park are an excellent place to see ostriches. Their dark bodies stand out against the yellow plains, and you can often see them in pairs or small groups.
• Tanzania: The vast Serengeti and the grasslands of Tarangire National Park are home to a healthy population of ostriches. In the Serengeti, you can see them roaming alongside wildebeest and zebras, an iconic image of the plains.
• Uganda: The Karamojong plains of Kidepo Valley National Park in northern Uganda are one of the best places in the country to see ostriches. The park’s remote and pristine wilderness offers a fantastic opportunity to see them in a truly wild setting.

On a game drive, you can observe ostriches from a safe distance, watching them run at high speeds (up to 70 km/h), forage for food, or perform their distinctive mating dances.

The Myth of Ostrich Riding

The activity of “ostrich riding” is not a part of a standard safari and is not permitted in any of East Africa’s national parks. This activity is generally limited to private, commercial farms that cater to tourists, and it is a very different experience from a safari. These farms are a place where you can learn about ostriches and interact with them, but they are not a place for a safari. It is important to distinguish between a safari experience and a visit to a commercial farm.

In summary, a true “ostrich safari” in East Africa is not a ride but an opportunity to see these incredible birds in their wild habitat. For anyone who appreciates the diversity of African wildlife, seeing an ostrich on the open plains is a memorable and essential part of the safari experience.