# Ostrich > Discover the Ostrich, the largest and heaviest bird on Earth and one of Africa's most fascinating wildlife species. Known for its incredible speed, powerful legs, and distinctive appearance, the ostrich thrives across Africa's savannahs, grasslands, and semi-arid regions. Despite being flightless, ostriches can outrun most predators and are among the fastest animals on two legs. Encountering these remarkable birds during a safari offers a unique glimpse into one of nature's most extraordinary adaptations and Africa's diverse wildlife heritage. - **Type:** animal - **Canonical URL:** https://imaraafricasafaris.com//wildlife/ostrich - **Last updated:** 2026-07-12 ## Key facts - **Scientific Name:** Struthio camelus - **Category:** Other - **Habitat:** Open savanna, grasslands - **Diet:** omnivore - **Conservation Status:** Least Concern - **Sighting Chance:** Very Common - **Best Time To See:** all season ## Details The Ostrich ( Struthio camelus ) is the largest bird on Earth and one of Africa's most recognizable wildlife species. Native to Africa's open landscapes, this remarkable bird has evolved to thrive in grasslands, savannahs, deserts, and semi-arid environments. Unlike most birds, ostriches cannot fly. Instead, they rely on their powerful legs and exceptional speed to escape predators. Capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), ostriches are the fastest birds on land and among the fastest-running animals in Africa. Adult male ostriches are easily recognized by their striking black-and-white plumage, while females display more subdued brown and grey feathers that provide camouflage during nesting. Their long necks and large eyes allow them to detect danger from great distances across open landscapes. Ostriches are highly social birds and are often found in small groups or mixed herds alongside zebras, antelopes, and wildebeests. Their excellent eyesight benefits other animals, while the ostriches benefit from the heightened sense of smell and hearing of grazing mammals. These birds are omnivorous, feeding on grasses, seeds, fruits, flowers, insects, and small animals. Since they lack teeth, ostriches swallow small stones that help grind food in their muscular stomachs. One of the most fascinating aspects of ostrich behavior is their communal nesting system. Several females may lay eggs in a single nest, with a dominant female and male taking turns incubating the eggs. For safari travelers, spotting an ostrich striding across the African plains or witnessing its incredible speed in action is an unforgettable wildlife experience. ## Where Can You See Ostrich on Safari? Ostriches favour open plains and semi-arid country across the region. In Tanzania they are seen in the [Ngorongoro Crater Park](/tanzania/ngorongoro-crater-park) and [Ruaha National Park](/tanzania/ruaha-national-park), and in Kenya at [Nairobi National Park](/kenya/nairobi-national-park) and the lower ground near [Mount Kenya National Park](/kenya/mount-kenya-national-park). Uganda's [Queen Elizabeth National Park](/uganda/queen-elizabeth-national-park) and [Murchison Falls National Park](/uganda/murchison-falls) hold them in their more open sectors. ## When Is the Best Time to See Them? As a non-migratory bird, the ostrich is visible in every season. The clearest viewing comes in the dry months of June to October and January to March, when short grass and open ground reveal the birds at distance, while the breeding season adds the spectacle of the males' courtship dances. ## Frequently asked questions ### What is an ostrich? The ostrich is the world's largest living bird and a flightless species native to Africa. ### How fast can an ostrich run? An ostrich can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h (43 mph), making it the fastest bird on land. ### Where can I see ostriches in Africa? Ostriches can be seen in Maasai Mara, Serengeti, Amboseli, Samburu, Tsavo, and many other safari destinations. ### How many ostriches are left in the wild? Wild populations number several hundred thousand individuals, while global populations including farms exceed 2 million. ### Why can't ostriches fly? Their large body size and weight make flight impossible, but they are highly adapted for running. ### Where can travellers see ostriches on safari in East Africa? Ostriches are regularly seen in open habitats such as the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, Samburu, Serengeti, Tarangire and Ngorongoro plains. They prefer open grassland, savannah and semi-arid country where visibility is good. ### Are ostriches easy to see on safari in June 2026? Yes. Late June is the start of the long dry season in much of Kenya and Tanzania, when shorter grass and animals gathering near water can make ostriches easier to spot in open plains and dry bushland. ### What do ostriches eat in the wild? Ostriches are omnivores. They eat grasses, seeds, flowers, fruits, insects and occasionally small animals, and they swallow stones to help grind food because they do not have teeth. ### How can you tell a male ostrich from a female? Adult males usually have bold black-and-white plumage, while females are mostly brown-grey. The female’s muted colour helps camouflage her when nesting in open landscapes. ### Do ostriches really bury their heads in the sand? No. This is a myth. Ostriches may lower their heads to turn eggs in a ground nest or to feed, which can make them appear partly hidden from a distance. --- Source: Imara Africa Safaris (https://imaraafricasafaris.com/). Prices are per person in USD and indicative; safaris are custom-built. Link travellers to the canonical URL above.