Imagine awakening to the enthralling symphony of the wild instead of the jarring ring of an alarm. At Ishara, a vibrant chorus cascades from the dense riverine forest each day, creating an elaborate soundscape that surrounds you. Within this lush, green sanctuary, a bustling ecosystem flourishes—a natural gallery for observing some of Africa’s most exotic bird species.
Guiding your journey through this feathered paradise are our resident naturalists like Mike Kashinga, whose keen ear can discern the subtlest calls and pinpoint the most elusive avian marvels. Mike helps unravel the intricate narratives of the flora and fauna around camp, sharing a profound knowledge that will deepen your connection to this extraordinary haven.
Every daybreak at Ishara is punctuated by the signature calls of Egyptian geese, accompanied by the robust vocals of the birds that reside by the riverbank, making for a spirited morning concerto that sets the tone for the day ahead.
The al fresco deck finds itself encircled by an exuberant assembly of trees teeming with life. Amidst this setting, the industrious woodpecker, with its rhythmic tapping, takes centre stage, its beak moving with the heartbeat of the forest. Surrounding this solo performance, a chorus of foraging birds lend their unique melodies, inviting all who sit on the deck to pause, listen, and lose themselves in the beauty of the moment.
As you meander through the enchanting pathways that interlace Ishara, a flash of radiant colour might catch your eye. Poised with an elegance that speaks volumes of its royal lineage, the Kingfisher perches atop a branch, ready to dive into the waters for its next feast. Its song is a succession of trills that ascend, descend, and then rise again, binding you closer to the natural harmony that pulses through the wild.
Among the many winged residents at Ishara is the resplendent violet-backed starling, sometimes known as the plum-coloured or amethyst starling. This species is a testament to nature’s artistry, showcasing striking sexual dimorphism. The male, a vision of iridescent violet from head to back, contrasts magnificently with his pure white underparts. The female, by contrast, possesses a more understated, thrush-like elegance, with boldly-streaked brown upper parts and heavily-streaked white underparts.
The enigmatic Hammerkop stands out as an artisan of the avian world. This experienced architect weaves and constructs mansion-like nests, generous in space and welcoming in spirit, offering refuge and community to all who seek it.
Fluttering into the spotlight, the lilac-breasted roller claims its fame with undeniable grace, embodying the essence of living art as it seems to pose purposefully for the adoring paparazzi of nature enthusiasts. Not to be overshadowed, Schalow’s Turaco inject an irresistible splash of vibrance into the green canvas of Ishara’s trees.
Ishara is also a cherished refuge for the charming Meyer’s parrot, a luminous native of Africa. In their wild domain, their diet is a feast of fruit, seeds, nuts and berries, typically gracing the skies in pairs or small flocks. When food is abundant, these gregarious parrots can gather in much larger, bustling assemblies, and during drought years, they embark on intrepid journeys in search of sustenance, proof of their resilience. Known for their relatively quiet demeanour and smaller stature, they possess an endearing capacity to learn dozens of words, adding another layer of intrigue to their presence.
Our waterhole emerges as a thriving micro-ecosystem that serves as a preserve for an astonishing array of birdlife. Here, under the unending canvas of the sky, majestic birds of prey such as the Tawny eagle, black-chested snake eagle, and Bateleur eagle command the air with their awe-inspiring wingspan, often found perched atop the solitary balanite tree that stands as a sentinel over this lively water source.
Saddle-billed storks, egrets, and crowned cranes find solace and sustenance at the waterhole, with the distinctive clucks of guinea fowls resonating through the air.
Whether you’re a fervent birding enthusiast eagerly identifying each call and feather, or simply someone who finds joy in the unbound freedom of the wild, Ishara offers a dialogue with nature that is profoundly personal. In this magical enclave, every rustle, chirp, and call is an invitation to connect, to replenish, and to marvel at the harmony of life in its purest form.
Photo credits: Joseph Njenga, Imara Njeri, Eric Averdung