Maasai Ostrich Farm-Kitengela

Any fool can turn a blind eye but

who knows what the ostrich sees in the sand

Samuel Beckett

This 35 year-old farm is located 45km, approximately one hour’s drive, from the Nairobi City Centre on the outskirts of the fast-growing Kitengela town, making it an accessible and convenient day-trip destination for both locals and international travellers. If you are at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the farm is approximately 30 minutes away, and it is also about one and a half hours’ drive from the Kenya-Tanzania border, positioning it perfectly for those embarking on cross-border adventures. The farm sits on vast 200 acres of land and operates with both conservation and commercial farming licences, allowing it to balance the dual objectives of protecting these magnificent birds while also generating sustainable economic value from ostrich products. The farm started with just five ostriches, and today the population has grown to about one thousand individuals, with seven hundred mature adults and three hundred chicks, a testament to the dedication and expertise of the farm’s management and staff over the past two and a half decades.

The farming methods employed at Maasai Ostrich Farm are carefully tailored to the needs of the birds at different stages of their development, with chicks requiring intensive farming while adults require semi-intensive farming, though it is important to note that there is a high mortality rate for the chicks, a challenge that ostrich farmers around the world continue to face. The brooders feed on processed feeds, much like the normal chicks one might raise at home, and handling of the birds is done through physical constraint, ensuring the safety of both the handlers and the animals during routine checks and medical procedures.

 Two species of ostrich exist today, and both can be observed at the farm, offering visitors a rare opportunity to compare and contrast these magnificent birds side by side. The Maasai ostrich, scientifically known as Struthio camelus maasaicus, is commonly known as the ostrich with a pink neck, pink thighs, and pink legs, and it is commonly found across East Africa, including Kenya and Tanzania. This ostrich is a grazer, meaning it feeds primarily on grass, and it is the species most visitors to Kenya will encounter in the wild and on farms. The Somali ostrich, scientifically known as Struthio molybdophanes, is commonly known as the blue-necked ostrich, and it has blue thighs and blue legs that distinguish it clearly from its Maasai cousin. This species is found in the Horn of Africa, including Somalia and parts of Ethiopia, and it is a browser, meaning it feeds on plants and trees rather than grass, a dietary difference that reflects the distinct environments in which these two species evolved.

The benefits of ostrich farming are numerous and varied, encompassing both consumptive and non-consumptive uses that make the industry economically viable and ecologically sustainable. On the consumptive side, ostrich meat is a highly sought-after delicacy, with one kilogram of bone meat costing 1000 Kenyan shillings, which is approximately 10 US dollars, while one kilogram of steak costs 2000 Kenyan shillings, approximately 20 US dollars, reflecting the premium nature of this lean and healthy red meat. Ostrich feathers, which have been prized for centuries for their beauty and utility, cost 1000 shillings per kilogram, approximately 10 US dollars, and are used in fashion, decoration, and even dusting tools. An ostrich egg, which is the largest egg laid by any living bird, costs 3500 Kenyan shillings, approximately 35 US dollars, and the egg shells, which are thick and durable, cost 1000 ksh per kilogram, approximately 10 US dollars, and are commonly used for decoration, carving, and even as drinking vessels. An adult pair of ostriches costs 200,000 Kenyan shillings, approximately 2000 US dollars, while a pair of chicks costs 60,000 Kenyan shillings, approximately 600 US dollars, representing a significant investment for those looking to enter the ostrich farming industry. On the non-consumptive side, the farm generates revenue through tourism, conservation initiatives, education programmes, and research partnerships, making it a multifaceted enterprise that contributes to both the local economy and the global understanding of these remarkable birds.

Despite its many successes, ostrich farming at Maasai Ostrich Farm is not without its challenges, and the farm faces a number of obstacles that require constant vigilance and adaptive management. Diseases like bacteria E. coli are common and can spread rapidly through flocks if not detected and treated early, posing a significant threat to the health of the birds and the viability of the farm. Deformities can also occur due to fights for territories among the birds, and in some cases, these conflicts lead to serious injury or even death, requiring careful management of social dynamics within the flocks. Challenges in feed meal, including shortages, price fluctuations, and nutritional imbalances, can affect the health and productivity of the birds, and inbreeding remains a concern for genetic diversity and overall flock resilience. Additionally, the high cost of maintenance in terms of electricity and water, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions where ostriches thrive, places significant financial pressure on the farm, requiring efficient resource management and sustainable practices to ensure long-term viability.

For visitors, the farm offers a wide range of activities that cater to all ages and interests, making it a perfect destination for families, groups, and solo travellers alike. Ostrich riding is one of the most popular attractions, allowing visitors to experience the thrill of mounting these powerful birds and feeling their incredible speed and strength firsthand. Bird watching is another highlight, as the farm’s 200 acres provide habitat for a variety of bird species beyond just ostriches, making it a haven for ornithologists and casual bird lovers alike. Team building activities are also available, making the farm an ideal venue for corporate retreats and group outings, while farm tours provide an educational and immersive experience that reveals the inner workings of ostrich farming from chick rearing to adult care.

Visitors can also enjoy the succulent taste of ostrich meat at the farm’s restaurant, savouring a meal that is both delicious and sustainable. For the standard ostrich ride and farm tour, visitors pay 800 Kenyan shillings, approximately 8 US dollars, making it an affordable and accessible experience for most travellers. The farm also offers accommodation at the Maasai Ostrich Resort, which is located within the farm grounds and offers luxurious lodging options for those wishing to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the ostrich experience. The American-style ranch house features five en-suite double rooms with beautiful features that are perfectly furnished, offering a blend of comfort and rustic charm that is ideal for couples and small families. Additionally, there are ten tents with both double and single beds, surrounded by lush romantic gardens that create a serene and relaxing atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration and adventure.

The farm is conveniently located and easily accessible, with its address being Enkasiti Road, off Nairobi-Namanga Road, and it can be reached through various telephone contacts, including +254 733 140 141 and +254 750 835 450, while inquiries and bookings can also be made via email at sales@maasaiostrichfarm.co.ke or through their website at www.maasaiostrichfarm.co.ke. The farm’s staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work, ensuring that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation for ostriches and the vital role they play in Kenya’s agricultural and conservation landscape.

Ostriches are among the most fascinating creatures on Earth, and the farm offers visitors a wealth of fun facts that are sure to amaze and delight. A group of ostriches is called a flock, and they are only native to Sub-Saharan Africa, making them a truly African treasure. They are the only bird with two toes, a unique adaptation that helps them run at incredible speeds, and they are strictly omnivores, feeding on a varied diet of plants, insects, and small animals. The ostrich is the tallest and heaviest bird in the world, with males weighing between 120 and 150 kilograms, while females weigh between 100 and 130 kilograms. Males stand approximately 2.7 metres tall, while females are shorter at approximately 1.7 metres.

 Ostriches are the only flightless bird, but they more than compensate for their inability to fly with their incredible running speed, reaching up to 65 to 70 kilometres per hour, making them the fastest two-legged animals on Earth. They have a large brain that is two times bigger than the human brain, and they possess superb vision, able to see an object as far as 3 kilometres away, a trait that helps them spot predators from great distances. When threatened, ostriches defend themselves with powerful kicks from their legs, which are strong enough to kill a lion, making them formidable opponents despite their seemingly gentle appearance.

The ostrich lays the biggest egg of any bird, and an ostrich egg can take up to one hour to boil due to its thick shell and large size. Nesting is communal, with multiple females laying their eggs in a single nest, and chicks hatch after 40 to 42 days of incubation. Interestingly, males do the nesting at night because their black feathers camouflage well in the darkness, while females sit on the nest during the day because their brown colour camouflages with the soil, ensuring the eggs remain safe from predators at all times.

During the mating season, a male ostrich roars like a lion, a sound that is both surprising and awe-inspiring, and his beak and legs turn red or pink to attract females, a vibrant display of courtship that is a sight to behold. The ostrich dance is another remarkable courtship ritual, involving elaborate movements and displays that are both graceful and comical. The conservation status of the ostrich is listed as Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, meaning that the species is not currently at significant risk of extinction, though local populations face ongoing threats from habitat loss and hunting.

One of the most persistent myths about ostriches is that they bury their heads in the sand when frightened, but this is completely false. The ostrich never buries its head in the sand, and when in danger and unable to run, it simply flops its head and neck onto the ground, using its light colouration to camouflage itself against the soil, a behaviour that has been misinterpreted by observers for centuries. This myth has become deeply ingrained in popular culture, but the reality is far more fascinating and speaks to the ostrich’s remarkable adaptations for survival.

My visit to Maasai Ostrich Farm was an unforgettable experience that deepened my appreciation for these extraordinary birds and the dedicated individuals who care for them. From the thrill of ostrich riding to the educational farm tours, from the delicious ostrich meat to the luxurious accommodation, the farm offers something for everyone, and I left with a newfound respect for ostriches and the vital role they play in Kenya’s agricultural and conservation landscape.

Whether you are a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, a food enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique day trip from Nairobi, Maasai Ostrich Farm is a destination that should be at the top of your list.