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Kenya Birding Tour

OVER VIEW

This 16-day Birding Tour in Kenya leads on an adventure across Kenya’s diverse landscapes, from the breathtaking Great Rift Valley to the misty montane forest. With over 1,100 bird species, including endemic and migratory varieties, Kenya is a birdwatcher’s paradise.


This meticulously crafted itinerary takes you through the most iconic birding hotspots, offering a chance to spot an astounding range of species while experiencing Kenya’s stunning natural beauty.

Explore Kenya’s top birding destinations, from alkaline lakes to tropical forests and arid savannahs, teeming with diverse bird species and wildlife.



KENYA BIRDING TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lake Naivasha - A Freshwater lake with 350+ bird species.
  • Lake Bogoria - A Ramsar site with vast lesser flamingo populations.
  • Lake Baringo -Hosts 470+ bird species in diverse habitats.
  • Lake Victoria - Papyrus swamps shelter the shoebill stork and papyrus gonolek.
  • Lake Nakuru National Park - Home to flamingos, pelicans, and 450+ bird species.
  • Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy -Known for rhinos but also features 300+ bird species.
  • Kakamega Forest - Kenya’s only tropical rainforest with rare birds like great blue turaco, casqued hornbill, Turner’s eremomela.
  • Samburu National Reserve - An Arid habitat with unique dry-country birds like Somali ostrich.


  • ITINERARY
  • WHAT TO PACK
  • INCLUDES
  • TRAVEL INFORMATION
  • REQUEST A QUOTE 
ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi Kenya

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our company representative and transferred to your place of overnight stay at the start of the Kenya Birding Tour.

If you arrive early, you may have the chance to explore Nairobi National Park, situated on the outskirts of Kenya's capital. This park is home to Africa's iconic big game species, as well as smaller animals like Thomson’s Gazelle. It also serves as a rhino sanctuary and is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA). Kick off your birdwatching experience with potential sightings of notable species such as the Saddle-billed Stork, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Martial Eagle (the largest eagle in Africa), Rüppell’s Vulture, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Common Ostrich, Hartlaub’s Bustard, and the East African endemic Red-throated Tit.

Meal Plan: Dinner

Accommodation: Fairmont The Norfolk.

Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha

Today head out for Lake Naivasha ,this stunning lake is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with over 200 bird species recorded in the area. In the afternoon, we will explore the rich birdlife, hoping to spot species such as the Tropical Boubou, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, White-headed Barbet, Variable Sunbird, and the striking Purple Grenadier. We might also be treated to the melodious calls of the White-browed Robin-Chat and encounter the dryland specialist Buff-bellied Warbler and the Red-faced Crombec. Along the lakeshore, Look out for Yellow-billed Stork, Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwings, Malachite Kingfisher, and Pink-backed Pelicans.

Alternatively, you may decide to have a birdwatching session at Lake Naivasha, a bird-watcher’s paradise. Take a tour of Lake Elementaita for flamingo viewing and other birdlife that includes Black Crakes and African Jacanas, kingfishers, African Fish Eagle, Grebes, Pink-backed Pelican, Long-tailed Cormorant, herons, egrets, ibis, and lapwings. There are also rare ones such as Black Heron, Lesser Moorhen, and Greater Painted Snipe.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 3: Lake Naivasha - Crescent Island Game Park

We’ll start the day with some early morning birdwatching before breakfast. Afterward, we’ll head to Crescent Island, a private wildlife sanctuary located on the eastern shores of Lake Naivasha. Established in 1988, the island became a peninsula when water levels dropped in 2000. Visitors can get up-close views of large mammals like Plains Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, Impala, and Maasai Giraffe, as well as other species such as Defassa Waterbuck, Common Eland, and Common Wildebeest.


The area is a hotspot for birdlife, with up to 80 waterbird species recorded, including White-backed Duck, Saddle-billed Stork, Marabou Stork, African Spoonbill, Great Crested Grebe, the striking African Jacana, and various lapwings like Long-toed and Spur-winged Lapwings.

We’ll also be on the lookout for the Near Threatened (IUCN) Grey-crested Helmet shrike, the lively Grey-capped Warbler, White-bellied Tit, and a variety of other terrestrial birds such as Black-headed Oriole, Red-chested Cuckoo, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Grey-backed and Northern Fiscals.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort

Comfort Level: Luxury

Day 4: Lake Naivasha - Lake Bogoria

After an early breakfast, we will check out and set off for Lake Bogoria National Reserve, arriving in time for lunch. Following lunch, we will explore the Lake Bogoria National Reserve. Lake Bogoria has maintained its salinity, preserving the spirulina (blue-green algae) that feeds the Lesser Flamingo. This gives us a great opportunity to observe large flocks of these flamingos. We may also encounter Greater Flamingo, Black-necked Grebe, Steppe Eagle, Tawny Eagle, African Fish Eagle, and other fascinating bird species in the surrounding woodlands, such as Pygmy Batis, Slate-colored Boubou, Nubian Woodpecker, and Red-fronted Barbet.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Bogoria Spa Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 5: Lake Bogoria - Lake Baringo

After breakfast, we set off early for Lake Baringo, and head out on a motorboat birding excursion. Lake Baringo is a freshwater lake, attracting a different variety of water birds. Here, we can expect to spot species such as the Goliath Heron, Hamerkop, Senegal Thick-knee, Gull-billed Tern, Grey-headed Kingfisher, the vibrant Northern Carmine Bee-eater, and Golden-backed Weaver, among others.


After a two-hour boat ride, we’ll spend some time on land searching for terrestrial birds, including the Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, Spotted Palm Thrush, and Abyssinian Roller, before taking a break for lunch.


In the late afternoon, we continue birding along the cliffs, on the lookout for Hemprich’s Hornbill, Bristle-crowned Starling, Verreaux’s Eagle, and its primary prey, the Rock Hyrax. Guided by a local naturalist, we’ll explore the Tugen Hills, known for their impressive variety of raptors, owls, and passerines.


Other species include the Three-banded Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Greyish Eagle-Owl, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, White-bellied Canary, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Jackson’s Hornbill, Speckle-fronted Weaver, White-billed and White-headed Buffalo Weavers, Dark Chanting Goshawk, African Grey and Nubian Woodpeckers, Red-and-yellow and D’Arnaud’s Barbets, Purple Roller, and many more.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Bogoria Spa Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 6: Lake Baringo - Kakamega Forest

Depart Lake Baringo and thereafter head to western Kenya, to Kakamega rainforest which is one of the hot spots for bird watching in Kenya. Kakamega Forest National Reserve is Kenya’s only true tropical rainforest, similar to the central and west African forests and has been designated an Important Bird Area and supports more than 360 species of birds.

We will stop in the valley for a picnic lunch and do some birding, looking for White-crested Turaco, Beautiful Sunbird, Orange-breasted and Grey-headed Bush shrikes, and White-crested Helmet shrike, among others.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre

Comfort Level: Mid range


Day 7: Birding in Kakamego Forest

Today, we immerse ourselves in the captivating sights and sounds of Kakamega Forest, exploring its numerous trails in search of some of the 194 bird species that call this unique habitat home. This ancient rainforest, characterized by its West African influence, is the easternmost range for many species barely found elsewhere in Kenya. Besides its incredible birdlife, Kakamega is a sanctuary for vibrant butterflies and fascinating insects, enriching the ecosystem's diversity.


As we venture through this lush, tropical haven, look out for stunning species such as the Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Brown-eared Woodpecker, Yellow-crested Woodpecker, Buff-spotted Woodpecker, Joyful Greenbul, Shelley’s Greenbul, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Cabanis’s Greenbul, the shimmering African Emerald Cuckoo and the Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.


Kakamega is renowned for its rare and localized barbets, including the striking Yellow-billed Barbet. We will keep an eye out for the Turner’s Eremomela, a Near-Threatened canopy warbler, in mixed-species flocks high above. If we’re fortunate, we may also spot the Endangered Grey Parrot, though sightings are rare and require a bit of luck.

The forest is also home to three species of wattle-eyes – Yellow-bellied, Jameson’s, and Chestnut Wattle-eye. Along streams near Rondo Lodge, we might catch a glimpse of the elusive White-spotted Flufftail. High in the canopy, species like Western Oriole, Red-headed Malimbe, Stuhlmann’s Starling, and Sharpe’s Drongo await keen birdwatchers.

Kakamega is not just about birds; it also shelters various primate species, including the playful Blue and Red-tailed Monkeys, the majestic Guereza (Black-and-white Colobus), and the elusive De Brazza’s Monkey. Additionally, 40% of Kenya’s butterfly species flutter through this vibrant rainforest.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre

Comfort Level: Midrange


Day 8: Kakamega to Lake Victoria

We’ll kick off the day with an early breakfast before embarking on a one-hour drive south to the shores of Lake Victoria—Africa's largest freshwater lake and the second-largest in the world. This vast water body is shared by three East African nations: Tanzania (49%), Uganda (45%), and Kenya (6%), with the latter having the smallest portion. It also serves as the source of the Nile River, which flows north to Egypt.

Head out on an exciting boat excursion on the lake, where we’ll search for the reed beds surrounding Lake Victoria for papyrus specialists, including the Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, and Carruthers’s Cisticola. Additionally, the area is home to vibrant weaver species like the Black-headed Weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, and Slender-billed Weaver.

After exploring the lake for a few hours, head back to Rondo Retreat for lunch. The afternoon will be spent birdwatching around the forest, making the most of our last opportunity to explore this rich ecosystem.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre

Comfort Level: Midrange


Day 9: Kakamega Forest National Reserve to Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, we'll depart for Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving in the early afternoon to explore the park, renowned for its birdlife. While Lesser Flamingos once filled the lake, they’ve been replaced by smaller numbers of Greater Flamingos due to changes in the lake’s salinity. Lake Nakuru is now an Important Bird Area (IBA), home to diverse bird species.

We may spot Mackinder’s Eagle-Owl on a rocky escarpment, and in the Acacia scrub, expect to see Little Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat, Pale Flycatcher, and Purple Grenadier. We may also encounter Great White Pelican, African Harrier-Hawk, Hildebrandt’s Spurfowl, and others.

Mammals are common, including both endangered White and Black Rhinoceroses, along with Rothschild’s Giraffe and Bohor Reedbuck.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge

Comfort Level: Midrange


Day 11: Lake Nakuru National Park - Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy,

After breakfast, we’ll depart for Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy, with time to search for several notable species along the way. We’ll make a stop at Thomson’s Falls near Nyahururu, one of Kenya's highest towns at 7,700 feet (2,360 meters). Thomson’s Falls cascades impressively down 230 feet (72 meters) into the dense forest below. The mist supports a variety of birdlife, including Chestnut-winged and Slender-billed Starlings, Rock Martin, Grey Cuckooshrike, Kikuyu White-eye, and Sunbirds.

After a lunch stop, we’ll continue toward Ol Pejeta with a brief detour at Wajee Nature Park to search for the Vulnerable Hinde’s Babbler and Holub’s Golden Weaver. An incredible 126 local species have been recorded in the park so you can expect to spot quite a few bird species during a visit. In the afternoon, we’ll arrive at Ol Pejeta for check in and relaxation.

Optional Activity: Head out for a thrilling game drive in search of Black and White Rhinos, along with other wildlife such as African Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, Bushbuck, and Warthog. We may also take a walk in the nearby forest, where we’ll look for African Dusky Flycatcher, Cabanis’s Greenbul, and Abyssinian Thrush among others.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 12: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy

Today begins with an early-morning game drive to observe Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, Fischer’s Sparrow-Lark, Northern White-crowned Shrike, Meyer’s Parrot, and Augur Buzzard. You will also visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, where we’ll learn about efforts to protect this endangered species from poaching and illegal trade. Evening relaxation at the camp or another birding session


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Sweetwaters Tented Camp

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 13: Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy to Samburu National Reserve

After an early bird walk around the lodge grounds and breakfast, we’ll embark on a four-hour drive to Samburu National Reserve. We will take several birding stops along the way to stretch our legs and enjoy more of Kenya’s remarkable birdlife. We’ll look out for Long-tailed and Red-collared Widowbirds. You will arrive in time for a late lunch and in the evening, you will have an optional game drive in the reserve in search of the impressive Beisa Oryx.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 14: Samburu National Reserve

Samburu is a birdwatcher's paradise, offering an incredible variety of species due to its diverse habitats along the Ewaso Ng’iro River. We’ll search for Somali Ostrich, African Hawk-Eagle, Crested Francolin, Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, and a wide array of other birds. This is also a great spot to see mammals such as Olive Baboon, Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk, and the Beisa Oryx.

Look out for the White-headed Mouse bird, a charismatic, uniquely African family of wonderfully long-tailed, crested birds), among many other Maasai-Somali biome species.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 15: Samburu National Reserve to Nairobi

After breakfast, we’ll head south toward Nairobi, making birding stops along the way. As we cross the equator and pass through the Central Kenya Highlands, we’ll have scenic views and the chance to spot birds like Black-winged Lapwing and Cape Crow. On a clear day, we may even catch a glimpse of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak. We will arrive in Nairobi by the afternoon.


Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: : Fairmont The Norfolk.

Comfort Level: Luxury


Day 16: Departure

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have a city tour in Nairobi before heading to the airport for your onward flight back home at the end of the Kenya Birding Tour


WHAT TO PACK

• Comfortable hiking boots and lightweight clothing.

• Rain jacket and a warm sweater for cooler evenings.

• Insect repellent and sunscreen.

• Reusable water bottle.

• Binoculars and a good camera.

• Personal medications and a small first-aid kit.

• Nature blending clothes

INCLUDES

Included in the Kenya Birding Tour

  • Ground transportation in a safari customized 4WD Toyota Landcruiser with gasoline/fuel
  • All Birding Watching Excursions
  • Drinking water / refillable water bottle
  • English-speaking Birding Guides
  • Accommodation and Meals
  • All Park Entrance Fees.



Excluded in the Kenya Birding Tour

  • International Airfares;
  • Visa Fees;
  • Drinks and Beverages
  • Tips, and Gratuities for your Driver/guide and hotel staff
  • Optional activities unless specified as included
  • Any other services not expressly shown in the itinerary or indicated as included.


TRAVEL INFORMATION

Magical Kenya

Experience a safari in Kenya, offering Big Five game viewing, stunning landscapes, and cultural encounters. Explore top attractions like the Masai Mara’s Great Migration, Amboseli’s Mount Kilimanjaro views, and Samburu’s leopards. Immerse in the rich Swahili culture with influences from Africa, India, and Europe.

Kenya’s highlight is the Great Migration, where mega-herds of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move in search of fresh grass, offering dramatic moments such as the Mara River crossings and predator encounters.

Kenya also pairs well with Tanzania and Rwanda/ Uganda, allowing for gorilla trekking and safari-beach combinations to experience both wildlife and relaxation.

Entry Requirements

Visa on Arrival: Travelers from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and other entry points. Ensure that your passport has at least two full blank pages for visas and stamps and is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.is valid for more than six months from the date of entry.

Visa Waivers: Citizens of African Union, Commonwealth, and La Francophonie member states are granted a visa upon arrival with a 90-day fee waiver. East African Community (EAC) member state citizens receive a six-month entry pass free of charge.

Visa Fees and Application: A single-entry visa costs US$50. Applications can be submitted online at eVisa portal Payment can be made online or upon arrival.

Visa Exemptions:

  • East African Countries: Tanzania, Kenya, South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi.
  • Commonwealth Member States: Short stays (up to 90 days) are visa-free for citizens of Commonwealth countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia.
  • The following nationalities do not require a visa to enter Kenya: all nationalities from East African countries (Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, Burundi), all nationalities from COMESA countries (Angola, Eritrea, Malawi, Madagascar, Seychelles, Swaziland, Zambia, Comoros, Kenya, Mauritius, Zimbabwe), and passport holders from OTHERS (Antigua, Barbados, Fiji, Grenada, Lesotho, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, The Grenadines, Vanuatu, Cyprus, Bahamas, Belize, Gambia, Jamaica, Malta, Singapore, St. Vincent-Tonga and Ireland).

East Africa Tourist Visa (EATV)

The East Africa Tourist Visa allows travel between Rwanda, Kenya, and Uganda with multiple entries within 90 days for US$100. Apply online at eVisa portal upon arrival, or at diplomatic missions. If applied for in advance, the first entry must be through the issuing country.

Money and Spending

Kenya's currency is the Kenyan Shilling (KES), but US Dollars (post-2006 bills only) or Euros are widely accepted. Exchange money in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu for the best rates. Credit cards (mainly MasterCard) are accepted at high-end hotels and restaurants in Nairobi but rarely outside the capital.

Mobile Payments

M-Pesa: Kenya is known for its mobile money services, and M-Pesa is widely used for both personal transactions and payments at businesses. Many hotels, shops, and even vendors accept payments via M-Pesa, and it’s convenient for sending and receiving money.

To use M-Pesa, you’ll need to register your phone with a local M-Pesa agent. If you’re a frequent traveler, consider getting a local SIM card with M-Pesa for easier transactions.

Health and Medical Information

Vaccinations:

  • Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory.
  • Recommended: Tetanus, Cholera, Hepatitis A & B, and Malaria prophylaxis.
  • Malaria: Precautions are essential. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and consider antimalarial medication.
  • General Health Tips: Drink bottled or boiled water and carry a basic first aid kit. Consult with a healthcare professional before traveling.

Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Guide

January & February: Best for Game Viewing and Peak Adventure

  • January: Ideal for game viewing during the summer season, outside of the rain periods. Perfect for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though temperatures can be high.
  • February: Great for safaris, particularly in the Masai Mara where rainfall is minimal. Perfect for Mount Kenya expeditions, with low rainfall and high chances of spotting wildlife at watering holes.

March to May: Wet Season with Fewer Crowds

  • March: Transition from dry to wet conditions. Rain becomes more frequent, making some areas difficult to visit due to muddy roads. However, lower costs and fewer tourists make it a more peaceful time to visit.
  • April: One of the rainiest months in Kenya. Ideal for photographers, as the lush green landscape and moody skies create beautiful settings. However, game drives may be challenging due to muddy roads.
  • May: Long rains are in full swing, especially along the coast. Not a great time for beach holidays but perfect for photographers and those looking to explore less crowded parks.

June to October: Best Safari Season and Great Migration

  • June: Start of the long dry season, making it the best time for safaris. Wildlife gathers around waterholes, and the weather is perfect for game viewing.
  • July: The Great Migration begins, with mega-herds of wildebeest and zebras arriving in the Masai Mara. Temperatures are pleasant, and the river crossings are a major highlight.
  • August: Peak of the Great Migration. Witness dramatic river crossings and predator-prey action. The weather is dry, making it an ideal safari experience.
  • September: Dry conditions continue, and game viewing remains excellent, with wildlife concentrated around water sources.
  • October: The migratory herds begin to leave, but resident wildlife still provides plenty of exciting safari opportunities.

November & December: Short Rains and Fewer Tourists

  • November: The short rainy season begins, leading to fewer tourists and lower prices. Despite the rain, this is a great time for a more peaceful safari.
  • December: Hot weather with occasional rain. A great time for wildlife viewing, particularly for birdwatchers, as bird numbers increase during this time.


Banking and Currency:

US Dollars cash is widely accepted and, in most cases, preferred as the currency that travellers should use to EXCHANGE into UGX on arrival for spending money on the road e.g. for drinks, curios, tips. Please note that USD bills older than 2009 are not accepted. Ensure your USD bills are 2009 or younger. Small USD bills are difficult to change – use Uganda shillings for small tips.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards can be used at some lodges and hotels, but a transaction fee of up to 5% may be charged. Ask first.

Travel, Transport, and Getting Around Flights:

Note that baggage allowance on all domestic flights is max 15 kgs in soft bags

Health and Medical Information

Travellers require a Yellow Fever inoculation more than 10 days prior to your departure. The certificate will be checked on arrival in Uganda. If you have a history of liver disorders (hepatitis etc.), consult your physician first.

Tetanus and Cholera inoculations are recommended but not compulsory. Hepatitis inoculation is at the discretion of the traveler.

Malaria prophylactics are a must and can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Please consult your pharmacist/doctor.

Diarrhoea / Giardia - Bottled water is readily available throughout Uganda, however, it’s advisable to bring medicine just in case.


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