IMG
© Isaac Kilusu

Engikaret Lark Plains

-3.04619 , 36.71292

Tanzania

Engikaret or lark plains is probably the most famous birding spot in east africa, famed for its endemic beeslys's lark and other dry country special,the rich avifauna dry plains is located in the North of the famous Tanzania safari capital,arusha.it is approximately 45 km or 25-30 mins self drive from the city centre,

The area is typically dry through out except in march to may when the long rains are due,from june to july the grasses are a little bit long and in the nearby woodlands a green paradise of acacia scrub, supporting a no of good woodlands species.Most of the land here is governed by the local maasai community,where they graze their cattles in the famous plains and through the rich acacia scrub.

This areas supports mainly a large number of passerines, raptors and few ground dwelling birds,a few mammals are sometimes seen in the plains .Being an important bird and biodiversity area for the critically endangered beeslys's lark,the area is receiving significant conservation support from birdlife and other organisations,apart from the beeslys's there are other good "maasai birds" that inhabit this arid area such as the Athi-short-toed lark(endemic to kenya and northern tanzania)red-throated tit(an east african endemic)short tailed lark and many more

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : -3.0462/36.7129 (2020-12-03 20:08:16 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Engikaret Lark Plains" (2020-12-03 20:08:16 )

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 09:58:40
Engikaret or lark plains is probably the most famous birding spot in east africa, famous famed for its endemic beeslys's lark and other dry country special,the rich avifauna dry plains is located in the North of the famous Tanzania safari capital,arusha.it is approximately 45 km or 25-30 mins self drive from the city centre, The area is typically dry through out except in march to may when the long rains are due,from june to july the grasses are a little bit long and in the nearby woodlands a green paradise of acacia scrub, supporting a no of good woodlands sppspecies.Most of the land here is governed by the local maasai community,where they graze their cattles in the famous plains and through the rich acacia scrub. This areas supports mainly a large number of passerines, raptors and few ground dwelling birds,a few mammals are sometimes seen in the plains .Being an important bird and biodiversity area for the critically endangered beeslys's lark,the area is receiving significant conservation support from birdlife and other organisations,apart from the beeslys's there are other good "maasai birds" that inhabit this arid area such as the Athi-short-toed lark(endemic to kenya and northern tanzania)red-throated tit(an east african endemic)short tailed lark and many more
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 09:34:58
Engikaret or lark plains is probably the most famous birding spot in east africa, famous for its endemic beeslys's lark and other dry country special,the rich avifauna dry plains is located in the North of the famous Tanzania safari capital,arusha.it is approximately 45 km or 25-30 mins self drive from the city centre, The area is typically dry through out except in march to may when the long rains are due,from june to july the grasses are a little bit long and in the nearby woodlands a green paradise of acacia scrub, supporting a no of good woodlands spp

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus)
Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus)
Double-banded Courser (Smutsornis africanus)
Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii)
Barn Owl (Tyto alba)
Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus)
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl (Ketupa lactea)
Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum)
White-headed Mousebird (Colius leucocephalus)
Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri)
Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus)
Pygmy Batis (Batis perkeo)
Taita Fiscal (Lanius dorsalis)
Red-throated Tit (Melaniparus fringillinus)
Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata)
Fischer's Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucopareia)
Fawn-colored Lark (Calendulauda africanoides)
White-tailed Lark (Mirafra albicauda)
Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)
Somali Short-toed Lark (Alaudala somalica)
Short-tailed Lark (Spizocorys fremantlii)
Gray Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes simplex)
Red-fronted Prinia (Prinia rufifrons)
Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans)
Ashy Cisticola (Cisticola cinereolus)
Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais)
Tiny Cisticola (Cisticola nana)
Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis)
Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus)
Banded Parisoma (Curruca boehmi)
Pale White-eye (Zosterops flavilateralis)
Hildebrandt's Starling (Lamprotornis hildebrandti)
Spotted Morning-Thrush (Cichladusa guttata)
Little Rock-Thrush (Monticola rufocinereus)
Abyssinian Wheatear (Oenanthe lugubris)
Beautiful Sunbird (Cinnyris pulchellus)
Vitelline Masked-Weaver (Ploceus vitellinus)
Speke's Weaver (Ploceus spekei)
Black-faced Waxbill (Brunhilda erythronotos)
Steel-blue Whydah (Vidua hypocherina)
Kenya Rufous Sparrow (Passer rufocinctus)
Long-billed Pipit (Anthus similis)
Reichenow's Seedeater (Crithagra reichenowi)
Southern Grosbeak-Canary (Crithagra buchanani)

Gray Wren-Warbler (Calamonastes simplex) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:27:55)

Black-faced Sandgrouse (Pterocles decoratus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:26:54)

Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse (Pterocles exustus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:26:27)

Double-banded Courser (Smutsornis africanus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:26:08)

Temminck's Courser (Cursorius temminckii) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:25:30)

Taita Fiscal (Lanius dorsalis) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:24:51)

Long-billed Pipit (Anthus similis) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:23:22)

Spotted Morning-Thrush (Cichladusa guttata) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:22:21)

Pale White-eye (Zosterops flavilateralis) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:21:32)

Reichenow's Seedeater (Crithagra reichenowi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:21:10)

Banded Parisoma (Curruca boehmi) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:20:57)

Fawn-colored Lark (Calendulauda africanoides) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:20:23)

Kenya Rufous Sparrow (Passer rufocinctus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:20:03)

Vitelline Masked-Weaver (Ploceus vitellinus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:19:34)

White-tailed Lark (Mirafra albicauda) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:17:31)

Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:17:13)

Southern Grosbeak-Canary (Crithagra buchanani) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:16:37)

Black-faced Waxbill (Brunhilda erythronotos) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:16:03)

Steel-blue Whydah (Vidua hypocherina) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:15:38)

Speke's Weaver (Ploceus spekei) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:15:23)

Hildebrandt's Starling (Lamprotornis hildebrandti) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:15:09)

Beautiful Sunbird (Cinnyris pulchellus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:14:50)

Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:13:29)

Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:13:04)

Fischer's Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucopareia) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:12:43)

Abyssinian Wheatear (Oenanthe lugubris) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:12:19)

White-headed Mousebird (Colius leucocephalus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:11:55)

Little Rock-Thrush (Monticola rufocinereus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:10:22)

Zitting Cisticola (Cisticola juncidis) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:09:55)

Desert Cisticola (Cisticola aridulus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:09:40)

Tiny Cisticola (Cisticola nana) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:09:12)

Wailing Cisticola (Cisticola lais) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:08:19)

Ashy Cisticola (Cisticola cinereolus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:07:48)

Singing Cisticola (Cisticola cantans) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:06:57)

Pearl-spotted Owlet (Glaucidium perlatum) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:06:11)

Verreaux's Eagle-Owl (Ketupa lactea) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:05:51)

Spotted Eagle-Owl (Bubo africanus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:04:56)

Barn Owl (Tyto alba) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:04:34)

Red-fronted Prinia (Prinia rufifrons) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:04:13)

Pygmy Batis (Batis perkeo) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:03:45)

Somali Short-toed Lark (Alaudala somalica) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:03:03)

Short-tailed Lark (Spizocorys fremantlii) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:01:02)

Red-throated Tit (Melaniparus fringillinus) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 10:00:23)

Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata) was added by Isaac Kilusu (2021-02-04 09:59:44)

  • Timing and strategy

you can visit this place anytime of the year except april and may,but if you want to see several species of birds in full breeding plumage then this is your time(april-may).any time of the day is good for birding here but in the early morning and late afternoon makes it ideal because most birds activities are heightened ,through june to mid march it tend to be "much hotter" so an early birding here is recommended,just take a walk with local masai guides in the early morning hours ,3hours is enough for you to get a 80-100 species here.thelocal maasai guides will only take you to the beeslys's lark site ,they are not familiar with the other birds,so if you want to see other birds you need to come with a knowledgeable bird guide with you.you can pick one at a local bird club in the city (kilusu bird club)or just get intouch with isaac kilusu at isaackilusu45@gmail.com or +255786665746,he is a top east african bird guide who has guided several birding tours in kenya and tanzania,a long time bird sound recordist,birdmapper,nestwatch monitor and researcher,you can check his profile at https://www.xeno-canto.org/contributor/FAMEEAPTYE

if you need any assistance in any birding location in kenya and tanzania you can reach him through that email

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2022-03-16 11:49
you can visit this place anytime of the year except april and may,but if you want to see several species of birds in full breeding plumage then this is your time(april-may).any time of the day is good for birding here but in the early morning and late afternoon makes it ideal because most birds activities are heightened ,through june to mid march it tend to be "much hotter" so an early birding here is recommended,just take a walk with local masai guides in the early morning hours ,3hours is enough for you to get a 80-100 species here.thelocal maasai guides will only take you to the beeslys's lark site ,they are not familiar with the other birds,so if you want to see other birds you need to come with a knowledgeable bird guide with you.you can pick one at a local bird club in the city (kilusu bird club)or just get intouch with isaac kilusu at isaackilusu45@gmail.com or +255786665746,he is a top east african bird guide who has guided several birding tours in kenya and tanzania,a long time bird sound recordist,birdmapper,nestwatch monitor and researcher,you can check his profile at https://www.xeno-canto.org/contributor/FAMEEAPTYE kennedy elly is another keen birder who you can reach him at  owanoken@gmail.com org/contributor/FAMEEAPTYE if you need any assistance in any birding location in kenya and tanzania you can reach him through that email
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-06 10:36
you can visit this place anytime of the year except april and may,but if you want to see several species of birds in full breeding plumage then this is your time(april-may).any time of the day is good for birding here but in the early morning and late afternoon makes it ideal because most birds activities are heightened ,through june to mid march it tend to be "much hotter" so an early birding here is recommended,just take a walk with local masai guides in the early morning hours ,3hours is enough for you to get a 80-100 species here.thelocal maasai guides will only take you to the beeslys's lark site ,they are not familiar with the other birds,so if you want to see other birds you need to come with a knowledgeable bird guide with you.you can pick one at a local bird club in the city (kilusu bird club)or just get intouch with isaac kilusu at isaackilusu45@gmail.com or +255786665746,he is a top east african bird guide who has guided several birding tours in kenya and tanzania,a long time bird sound recordist,birdmapper,nestwatch monitor and researcher,you can check his profile at www.at https://www.xeno-canto.org org/contributor/FAMEEAPTYE kennedy elly is another keen birder who you can reach him at  owanoken@gmail.com if you need any assistance in any birding location in kenya and tanzania you can reach him through that email
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 10:44
you can visit this place anytime of the year except april and may,but if you want to see several species of birds in full breeding plumage then this is your time(april-may).any time of the day is good for birding here but in the early morning and late afternoon makes it ideal because most birds activities are heightened ,through june to mid march it tend to be "much hotter" so an early birding here is recommended,just take a walk with local masai guides in the early morning hours ,3hours is enough for you to get a 80-100 species here.thelocal maasai guides will only take you to the beeslys's lark site ,they are not familiar with the other birds,so if you want to see other birds you need to come with a knowledgeable bird guide with you.you can pick one at a local bird club in the city (kilusu bird club)or just get intouch with isaac kilusu at isaackilusu45@gmail.com or +255786665746,he is a top east african bird guide who has guided several birding tours in kenya and tanzania,a long time bird sound recordist,birdmapper,nestwatch monitor and researcher,you can check his profile at www.xeno-canto.org if you need any assistance in any birding location in kenya and tanzania you can reach him through that email
  • How to get there

Getting to engikaret is pretty much easier,you can self drive from the city centre to mianzini,along the nairobi namanga road,only 25-30 minutes drive,when you are past oldonyo sambu(another birding hostpot)the next centre you will be nearing is the engikaret township where you pay for the permits in the office

If you are using public transport,get the minibuses to ngaramtoni,get dropped at ngaramtoni police station,take another ride from ther minibuses to oldonyo sambu market centre ,from there you can take another ride to engikaret plains but there are no specific bus rides to that area except on a market day on Saturday

if you are driving from namanga border just get dropped at engikaret township centre

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 10:53
Getting to engikaret is pretty much easier,you can self drive from the city centre to mianzini,along the nairobi namanga road,only 25-30 minutes drive,when you are past oldonyo sambu(another birding hostpot)the next centre you will be nearing is the engikaret township where you pay for the permits in the office If you are using public transport,get the minibuses to ngaramtoni,get dropped at ngaramtoni police station,take another ride from ther minibuses to oldonyo sambu market centre ,from there you can take another ride to engikaret plains but there are no specific bus rides to that area except on a market day on Saturday if you are driving from namanga border just get dropped at engikaret township centre

the entry fees for a guest is 17.5 usd per head ,and you may be needed to tip your local maasai guide with 10000tsh which is aprox 4.5 usd but you can give more if you wish

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2023-10-05 15:07
once you get the entry permit from the lark plains office,which  is opened at 08:00,the local maasail guides will guide you through the area the entry fees for a guest is 15 17.5 usd per head and 10usd for your guide,and ,and you may be needed to tip your local maasai guide with 10000tsh which is aprox 4.5 usd but you can give more if you wish
Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 10:58
once you get the entry permit from the lark plains office,which  is opened at 08:00,the local maasail guides will guide you through the area the entry fees for a guest is 15 usd per head and 10usd for your guide,and you may be needed to tip your local maasai guide with 10000tsh which is aprox 4.5 usd but you can give more if you wish
  • Other attractions

other attractions here include staying at a local maasai boma,learning their culture , beautiful landscapes,bush walks,

other wildlife apart from birds are wildebeest,zebra,gerenuk,common duiker,kirks dikdik, Thompson and grant  gazelles,dwarf ,white-tailed,and slender moogose, several species of butterflies and reptiles

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 11:03
other attractions here include staying at a local maasai boma,learning their culture , beautiful landscapes,bush walks, other wildlife apart from birds are wildebeest,zebra,gerenuk,common duiker,kirks dikdik, Thompson and grant  gazelles,dwarf ,white-tailed,and slender moogose, several species of butterflies and reptiles

there is no any information center apart from the lark plains office,no accommodation around toilets or rest rooms,using  bush is the only option

so you may choose to book a hotel /lodge around arusha city,then come with your lunch if you are planning to do a full day birding there

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 11:07
there is no any information center apart from the lark plains office,no accommodation around toilets or rest rooms,using  bush is the only option so you may choose to book a hotel /lodge around arusha city,then come with your lunch if you are planning to do a full day birding there

engikaret being in the heart of the maasai land,is undoubtly the safest place you can be,maasais are known to be generous people and always welcoming,no mosquitoes or dangerous game in this are but i i recommend you wear long trousers and hiking boots

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Isaac Kilusu on 2021-02-04 11:11
engikaret being in the heart of the maasai land,is undoubtly the safest place you can be,maasais are known to be generous people and always welcoming,no mosquitoes or dangerous game in this are but i i recommend you wear long trousers and hiking boots
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