8 Days Kenya Bird Watching Safari
Kenya is a paradise for bird watchers, with over 1080-recorded bird’s species to be observed in their different habitats. Flamingoes pelicans and storks are in abundance on the lakes, while birds of prey (smaller and bigger) are to be observed widely North and South of the equator. Although many of the birds are brightly colored and exotic looking, they are generally quite easily recognized; within a day or two you will be identifying the various species with ease. Their main habitats include water, open plains, woodlands and farmlands. This safari takes you through Kenya’s major birding spots; you will walk on the forest, have boat rides and enjoy the nature. It requires maximum concentration and observation.
Day by day itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi (arrival)
Arrive at the JKI Airport to be met by your guide. Birding starts right away from the stairs off the plane as the Little, African Palm Swifts and the Superb Starling appears common while the Red-winged Starling whistles to remind you to have your binoculars ready. Transfer to the hotel for a rest, followed by a visit to the Nairobi National Museum’s birds, ethnography, geology, prehistory galleries (among others) as well as the Snake Park. This is the right place to learn and see many of the Kenya’s multifacets of culture, pre-history and its natural resources. Birding continues around the museum's botanical garden or elsewhere depending on the time. Overnight in Nairobi.
Day 2: Nairobi-lake Baringo
After breakfast at your hotel, you will drive through Limuru tea farms, descending to the floor of the Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at the viewpoint. Mt. Longonot and Lake Naivasha can be seen from far. En route to Lake Baringo. This is one of the two fresh waters lakes in the rift valley and a bird watchers paradise. It has over 460 recorded bird species .upon arrival we take a game and bird-drive in the park before leaving for the Lake Baringo Conservation Area, another Kenya’s birding hotspots. Afternoon, visit the cliffs not far from the lake, a good site for Hemprich's & Jackson's Hornbills, White-faced Scops Owl, Bristle-crowned Starling, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Green-winged Pytilia, and Red & Yellow Barbet, Bat Hawk, Three Banded Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar (among many others). Birding along the camp site and the hotel could yield the Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, African Pigmy kingfisher, Black Headed Plover, Overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 3: lake Baringo-lake Bogoria
After breakfast we proceed to Lake Bogoria which is a shallow soda lake hosting thousands of pink flamingos, a large number of other birds and the lesser kudu are more frequent here. Scalding hot springs and geysers at the southern end of the lake spurt and steam their alkaline waters. The bubbling of hot springs, hundreds of singing weaverbirds and a million flamingos feeding in the bluish water presents a rare scenic beauty. Dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 4: lake Bogoria-Kakamega forest
After breakfast, you will drive to Kakamega national reserve the only rain forest remaining in Kenya, was once a continuation of the Guinea-Congolian rainforest, rich in species nowhere else to be seen in Kenya. Spending a few days here we hope to see a good number of these forest species that could include the Blue-headed Bee-Eater, Red-headed Malimbe, Green Sunbird, Grey-winged Robin, Yellow Spotted, Yellow-bellied Barbets, African Blue Flycatcher, African Shrike-Flycatcher, Snowy-headed Robin, Common, Jameson’s, Chestnut and with much luck the Yellow-bellied Wattle-Eyes and may be the Blue-shouldered Robin Chat among many others. Overnight in Kakamega
Day 5: Kakamega forest full day
After breakfast, spend a full day in Kakamega national reserve with bird walks accompanied by game wardens and our driver guides. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega.
Day 6: Kakamega forest-lake Nakuru
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru national park enjoying the environment arriving at the Lake Nakuru in time for lunch. The park is "the greatest ornithological spectacle in the world" with both lesser and the Greater Flamingoes sometimes exceeding 1.5 million individuals. The alkaline habitat supports thousands of resident and migratory waterfowl. The alkaline lake, acacia woodland, grassland, rivers and inlets with marshes hold over the 450 species. Some of the common birds includes the Little Grebe, Great White Pelican, Black-winged Stilt, Gull-billed, Whiskered Tern, Grey-headed Gull, Cape and Red-billed Teal, Southern Pochard, Long-crested, and African Crowned Eagle, White-fronted Bee-eater, Arrow-Marked Babbler, Little Rock Thrush, Wailing Cisticola, Ruppell's Long-tailed Starling, Lilac-breasted Roller, Cliff Chat and many species of waders.in addition, You may also spot white rhino, rare Rothschild giraffe, and other plain game. Dinner and Overnight at Lake Nakuru.
Day 7: lake Nakuru-lake naivasha
A pre breakfast bird spotting drive in the park and around the lake before returning to the lodge/camp for breakfast. Drive to Hells gate national park with a brief stop at the lake Elementaita viewpoint. The park is famous for its natural steaming geysers and a haven for birdwatchers. The walking in the park gives one a sense of freedom, open space and a clear view of wildlife. The cliffs are breeding grounds for vultures, Verreaux’s eagles, augur buzzards and thousands of swifts. Over 120 species have been recorded here. Lunch at Lake Naivasha country club and the afternoon is spent at leisure either to explore the rich, bird filled gardens or an optional boat ride to Crescent Island (at an extra cost). Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha country club.
Day 8: Naivasha – Nairobi
After breakfast and a boat ride around the lake while spotting different birds species drive back to Nairobi and drop off at your hotel or drop off at JKI Airport to catch your flight back home.
Safari cost includes;
- Transport by custom safari van with open roof
- Mineral water while on safari
- All government taxes
- All park entry fees,
- 7 nights’ Accommodation whilst on safari
- Game drive as per itinerary
- Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Safari cost Exclude;
- Beverages
- Tips and other gratitude’s
- Items of personal nature/Optional activities