Rupi Mangat

The Illegal Trade in African Grey Parrots

Published on February 20, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

It’s a cruel online trade, global and killing the lovable talking parrot

Above: African Grey Parrot. Courtesy World Animal Protection

Published: The East African 16 February – 22 February 2019

When a flock of African Grey Parrots flew overhead in Kakamega Rainforest on a recent trip to western Kenya, we were elated. In their natural forested home, the birds vanished into the canopy. It was split-second but fascinating.

To then see the African grey parrot caged like a prisoner – or any other wild creature – is sickening to the core. I have never understood people who keep exotic pets in cages instead of leaving them in their natural homes. I would love to cage these people and feed them with treats. Maybe then they would value freedom.

African Grey Parrot -Psittacus erithacus timneh-, adult on tree, native to Central Africa and West Africa, captive — African Grey Parrot -Psittacus erithacus timneh-, adult on tree, native to Central Africa and West Africa. Copyright: World Animal Protection

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Exciting Climb: Lirhanda Hill in Kakamega Rainforest

Published on February 15, 2019January 1, 2024 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

It’s a split-second flight and l miss the brilliant scarlet of the Great blue turaco that wears the tag ‘only found in Kakamega Rainforest’. The fact the l hear it is okay because l take solace that these stunning birds are still around.

Great Blue Turaco window pane at Rondo Retreat - copyright Maya Mangat for 23 Feb 2019 (800x450) — Great Blue Turaco window pane at Rondo Retreat – copyright Maya Mangat

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A Collection From the Old Days at Kitale Museum

Published on February 8, 2019February 8, 2019 by Rupi MangatLeave a comment

Above: The dinosaur at Kitale Museum. Copyright Rupi Mangat

Published: 9 February 2019

The Maasai of old called it Ol Doinyo Ilgoon which morphed into Mount Elgon that frames the town of Kitale. By a stretch of imagination, the Maasai saw its shape as that of a woman’s breast.

Mount Elgon from Kitale Copyright Rupi Mangat for one time use only - 9 Feb 2019 article on Kitale Museum (800x450) — Mount Elgon from Kitale. Copyright Rupi Mangat

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On The Heights of Elgon

Published on February 1, 2019January 31, 2019 by Rupi Mangat3 Comments

Above: Mount Elgon. Copyright Maya Mangat

Published: 2 February 2019

The grand massif dominates the western skyline around Kitale. Superlatives describe it as the oldest extinct volcano in East Africa dated at 24 million years ago – much older than the 19,340-foot tall, three-million-year old Kilimanjaro that is Africa’s tallest.

With an eighty kilometre diameter, Elgon also boasts the largest volcanic base in the world. It would have once towered over Kilimanjaro but over millennia much of it has been eroded to leave behind dramatic bare faced cliffs and peaks with the highest, Wagagai at 14,177 feet in Uganda. Elgon now is East Africa’s fourth and Africa’s eighth highest mountain with a dramatic 40-square-kilometre caldera.

Wild flowers on Endebess cliff on Mount Elgon. Copyright Maya Mangat

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Wandering Through Kitale Nature Conservancy

Published on January 25, 2019January 25, 2019 by Rupi Mangat2 Comments

Above: Kitale Nature Conservancy police. Copyright Maya Mangat

Published: 26 January 2019

It’s been an exciting night camping in Saiwa Swamp National Park sandwiched between Mount Elgon and the Cherangani Hills. After a filling breakfast at the roadside kiosk near the park, we’re off to Mount Elgon, Africa’s eighth highest peak. A sign near Kitale perks our interest – it’s Kitale Nature Conservancy.

kitale nature conservancy entrance. copyright maya mangat dec 2018 (800x450) — Kitale Nature Conservancy entrance. Copyright Maya Mangat

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