The first bird we see on arrival is an African Fish Eagle

We’re on our first drive from the camp in Amboseli, on safari in Kenya, when we see the first bird of our trip.

There’s an African Fish Eagle, Icthyophaga vocifer, on the flooded road in front of us.

Males have a 2m wingspan, while females extend to 2.4m.

I can’t quite believe it’s there.

Our guide stops so I can be sure I’ve got as many photos as needed to get at least one decent one. Then he inches the 4×4 closer and closer.

The views I’m getting are incredible. Just look at that face as it turns to stare at us.

As it turns to the side I can see the nictitating membrane sweep across the eye to clean and protect the eyeball.

We’re going to have to drive, towards it as there’s only one track, and the Fish Eagle is sitting in our way. As we go closer it takes flight and I can see its powerful black wings.

What an incredible introductory experience to the wetlands of Amboseli. The next few days are going to be wonderful.

There are petals on my bed, exceptional food and service, and wildlife all around me. Unlike the previous two camps, this one is fenced, so there’s less chance of a nocturnal visit from an Elephant needing to scratch itself against my tent. It seems less of a thrill, but there are still wild Elephants visible from the restaurant patio. Time for a beer and a chat to my new friend Ebo from Ghana.