Kenya has over a thousand bird species. This huge variety of birds is made possible by the lack of climatic extremes. Kenya straddles the equator and has no 'summer' or 'winter' as such—only wet and dry seasons. In the northern latitudes huge numbers of birds migrate south to avoid the harsh oncoming winters. From as far east as the Bering Straits and as far west as the northern tip of Norway—they come in their millions to East Africa. It has been estimated, give or take a few million, that as many as 6,000 million birds make the journey each year. Combine the migratory birds to the incredible variety of local birds, and you have an ornithological paradise.
In Kenya, more than 100 species of birds migrate to Kenya from other continents. Some of these stay in Kenya until they fly north again. Others continue their migration to southern Africa while a few migrate to Kenya from Madagascar and southern Africa.
In Kenya, more than 100 species of birds migrate to Kenya from other continents. Some of these stay in Kenya until they fly north again. Others continue their migration to southern Africa while a few migrate to Kenya from Madagascar and southern Africa.
All national parks and reserves have their own quota of this grand variety and with a few exceptions; each one of them covers a different type of habitat. There are of course overlapping areas which need to be taken into account when planning a bird safari. However, even on a more standard wildlife safari, taking in all or some of the major game viewing areas, the birds provide a superb added attraction to those who are interested.
Of great importance to those planning bird safaris is that birds can be found in abundance outside the national parks. There are many areas of Kenya covering the same wide variation of habitat, that do not have national park status. In these places game may be scarce—but birds are always present. Examples are Lake Magadi, only 110 kms south of Nairobi in Rift Valley, Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya, a remnant of the great rain forest that once covered much of East Africa; Lake Naivasha, 90 kms north of Nairobi; and the thousands of hectares of farmland, private ranches and even suburban gardens in Nairobi. All these areas are prolific in birdlife.
In photographing birds, they have in many cases become used to cars, and on the lakes used to boats; they seem not to associate these things with people, and can be approached much closer than would be possible on foot. The use of hides, on very specialised safaris, can be arranged, and it would be unusual not to be able to photograph many species by this method.
You can have a short or long birding safari, below is a sample of both a long and short itinerary:
Of great importance to those planning bird safaris is that birds can be found in abundance outside the national parks. There are many areas of Kenya covering the same wide variation of habitat, that do not have national park status. In these places game may be scarce—but birds are always present. Examples are Lake Magadi, only 110 kms south of Nairobi in Rift Valley, Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya, a remnant of the great rain forest that once covered much of East Africa; Lake Naivasha, 90 kms north of Nairobi; and the thousands of hectares of farmland, private ranches and even suburban gardens in Nairobi. All these areas are prolific in birdlife.
In photographing birds, they have in many cases become used to cars, and on the lakes used to boats; they seem not to associate these things with people, and can be approached much closer than would be possible on foot. The use of hides, on very specialised safaris, can be arranged, and it would be unusual not to be able to photograph many species by this method.
You can have a short or long birding safari, below is a sample of both a long and short itinerary:
Bird watching in Kenya 5 Days - Nairobi - L. Naivasha - L.Nakuru - Maasai Mara
Kenya is one of the world’s most superb birding destinations and a must-visit for amateur and professional birders as the seamless overlapping habitats provide many bird species within short distances. Our bird watching safari itineraries are best suited for birders seeking a slow but detailed tour that gives the very best of the Kenyan bird life in a very relaxed atmosphere. We have carefully selected the IBAs (Important Biodiversity Areas) and with a minimum of 2 to 3 night stays in every location, you will have quality time devoted to birding instead of spending long hours on on long road transfers - and this is what makes our birding tours different. Simetimes the trip length does not matter - any safari will provide an excellent species count for the ardent bird watcher.
Day 01: Nairobi - Lake Naivasha
After breakfast we depart from our Nairobi hotel for a scenic drive through the Great North road to Lake Naivasha. Stop en-route at the view points of the Great Rift Valley for stunning views arriving Lake Naivasha by mid-morning for bird walk before time for lunch at Lake Naivasha Lodge.
Lake Naivasha being close to Lake Nakuru and 65 miles from Nairobi, is a freshwater Lake. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1967 and also supports pastoral industries of wine and flowers. During our full day field trip to Lake Naivasha, we study the birds of the region such as herons, fish eagles, ospreys, black crakes, and lily-trotters. Dominated by the shadow of Mt. Longonot, few lakes in the world have a more commanding or spectacular setting than Naivasha.
Dinner and overnight stay at Lake Naivasha Lodge or similar.
Day 02: Lake Naivasha -Lake Nakuru
We leave Naivasha in the morning and head for Lake Nakuru Park, regarded by avid birders' as the greatest World ornithological spectacle on the Earth. The park is famous for its millions of pink flamingoes lining on the lake shore, arriving by mid morning at Lake Nakuru for a game drive en route before checking-in at Lake Nakuru Lodge for Lunch. Afternoon game drive followed by a walk along the shores which will also allow us to see the many wild animals in the park and especially the park is the Sanctuary to the Black Rhino, White Rhino and the Rothschild Giraffe. Here we'll have the chance to look out at some of the common species like the Lesser and Greater Flamingoes, African fish Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Green Wood Hoopoes, Cliff Chat, Great White and Pink Backed Pelicans plus other intra- African Migrants. Dinner and Overnight stay today will be at Lake Nakuru Lodge or similar.
Day 03: Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara
Soon after breakfast, drive across the floor of the Great Rift Valley the longest rift in the crust of the Earth to Masai Mara Game Reserve the unspoiled Savannah.
Masai Mara is actually the northern portion of the Great Plains ecosystem in the neighbouring Tanzania called Serengeti. It is a home to the "big five" lion, buffalo, rhino, leopard and elephant as well cheetah, zebra, giraffe and vast herds of plain antelope and numerous and other wildlife. Our accommodation for the nights will be at one of the excellent lodge Mara Sopa Lodge. Sopa is a Masai word meaning welcome and indeed this is a tradition which has been well adopted by the lodge to all guest. Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly with its surrounding hillside landscape. After lunch and some time to relax and perhaps take a dip in the pool, you will depart with your driver guide for an afternoon game drive in search of the big five. As sun starts to edge dip into the horizon, it will be perfect time to photograph the beautiful Mara rolling plains. Don't forget this is the right time to spot the shy leopard. Dinner & overnight at the lodge.
Day 04: Masai Mara
A full day in the Mara, the extensive grasslands are a strong hold to the threatened, migratory Corncrake and the near threatened Jackson's widowbird. The bush and woodlands around the reserve also hold some unique bird species, more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the Mara, including 12 species of cisticola and birds of prey. Large numbers of palaerctic migrants winter in the area including Caspian plovers and white storks. Other local and unusual birds in the Mara include Rock Cisticola, Rufous Bellied Heron, Denham's Bustard, Black Coucal, Red Tailed chat, Pale Wren Warbler, Tabora Cisticola, Yellow Bellied Hyliota, Green-capped Eremomela and Magpie Shrike. All meals, dinner and Overnight stay will be at Sarova Mara Camp or similar.
Day 05: Masai Mara - Nairobi - Departure
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at pampa Restaurant where you can enjoy some good Brazilian food, Check-in to day room at Nairobi hotel. Farewell dinner Later early in the evening, will be hosted by our company at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant considered "Africa's greatest eating experience" (if you love barbecue it doesn't get better than this), and home to the "Simba Saloon" one of the cities most popular night clubs. Thereafter you will be transferred to the airport in time for your International departure flight
19 Days Kenya Birding SpecialDay 04: Masai Mara
A full day in the Mara, the extensive grasslands are a strong hold to the threatened, migratory Corncrake and the near threatened Jackson's widowbird. The bush and woodlands around the reserve also hold some unique bird species, more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the Mara, including 12 species of cisticola and birds of prey. Large numbers of palaerctic migrants winter in the area including Caspian plovers and white storks. Other local and unusual birds in the Mara include Rock Cisticola, Rufous Bellied Heron, Denham's Bustard, Black Coucal, Red Tailed chat, Pale Wren Warbler, Tabora Cisticola, Yellow Bellied Hyliota, Green-capped Eremomela and Magpie Shrike. All meals, dinner and Overnight stay will be at Sarova Mara Camp or similar.
Day 05: Masai Mara - Nairobi - Departure
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at pampa Restaurant where you can enjoy some good Brazilian food, Check-in to day room at Nairobi hotel. Farewell dinner Later early in the evening, will be hosted by our company at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant considered "Africa's greatest eating experience" (if you love barbecue it doesn't get better than this), and home to the "Simba Saloon" one of the cities most popular night clubs. Thereafter you will be transferred to the airport in time for your International departure flight
Day 01: Nairobi
On arrival at the (J.K.I.A) Airport, you will be met and greeted by Goldfinch safaris representative and transferred to a Nairobi city Hotel In the afternoon an orientation tour of Nairobi city which will include visiting the ornithological section of National Museums of Kenya for a lecture. Overnight tonight will be served at a city hotel.
Day 02: Nairobi - Sweetwaters.
After breakfast, depart to the Sweetwaters Tented Camp in the secluded heart of the Ol Pejeta Ranch and Rhino sanctuary. Built within a private ranch, the camp is a "Rhino heaven" which also supports a wide variety of birds such as Augur Buzzard, Stout Cisticola, Cape Robin Chat, Black Kite, African Harrier Hawk among other highland species. The sanctuary also support large mammals such as elephants, giraffes etc, it is only here that you can have a night game drive at extra cost. A visit to the Chimpanzee sanctuary should not be missed Lunch will be served at the Camp. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at luxurious Sweetwaters Tented Camp.
Day 03: Sweetwaters - Samburu.
After an early morning breakfast we depart for Samburu National Reserve by driving north through the high wheat fields of Timau, crossing the equator and then down into the thorny landscape of Samburu country. This area boost of unique bird species as such as Buff Crested bustard, Kori bustard, Chestnut weaver, Golden palm weaver, Golden breasted starlings, Water thicknee, among others. Also unique northern wildlife which are not found in any other part south of equator, here you will find the Grevy zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, the long necked gerenuk, herds of elephants and their predators abound. The life-giving Uaso Nyiro River plays a major role in the ecosystem of this region.
Overnight tonight will be served at Samburu sopa lodge.
Day 04: Samburu.
Spend the whole day bird watching trying to come up with a list of 400 different species found in this region. All meals & overnight at Samburu Sopa lodge
Day 05: Samburu - Lake Nakuru.
After an early breakfast we drive south through Isiolo, crossing the northernmost foothills of Mount Kenya, until we reach Nanyuki town. Heading west we make a brief stopover at Thomson’s Falls, known for its 237ft cascade. After the stopover, we drive southward to our next destination Lake Nakuru. Located in the Great Rift Valley 1750m above sea level, Lake Nakuru is known as an ornithological paradise by birdwatchers because the lake is world famous as the location of the greatest ornithological spectacle on earth, which boasts any where between one and two million lesser and greater pink flamingoes that feed on the abundant algae thriving in the lakes warm waters. It is one of the few parks that have been specifically established (Gazetted) for the protection of birds specifically flamingoes, more than 450 species of birds have been recorded here. The park has also been established for the protection of endangered species such as the rhino and is also home to Columbus monkeys, Leopards, Giraffes, and a variety of plain antelope.
An afternoon game drive around the lakeshore will be the main feature for the afternoon, dinner & overnight tonight will be served at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 06: Lake Nakuru.
After breakfast, spend the whole day bird watching and trying to come up with the total list of 450 different species found here. Dinner & overnight tonight will be at Lake Nakuru Lodge
Day 07: Lake Nakuru - Lake Bogoria
After breakfast, we proceed to the jewel of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Bogoria. Described as the "Most beautiful view in Africa" by Bishop Hannington, the lake is well known for its Hot springs and geysers, which are spread out along its southern shores. The hot sulfur water gushing out of the ground is known to have therapeutic values. These natural spas and their steam are Mother Nature's version of a bath & sauna. After a relaxing bird walk around the lake, your lunch will be served at Lake Bogoria Hotel. Later in the after you will enjoy an extensive bird walk around the lake and the lodge environs, here we expect to find a variety of species as such as Woodland kingfisher, Northern puff back, White headed buffalo weaver, Rufous crowned roller, African golden oriole, African hoope . Our dinner and overnight will be served at Lake Bogoria Hotel .
Day 08: Lake Bogoria - Lake Baringo
After breakfast we drive further north to Lake Baringo one of the leading ornithology lakes in East Africa, more than 470 bird species call this area home. We check-in at Lake Baringo Country Club a superb and compact hotel set at the shores of Lake Baringo. Our bird walk today will feature the following rare species e.g. White faced scopes owl, Bristol crowned starling, Goliath heron, Fan tailed raven. A relaxing boat ride on the lake will be the feature of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at Lake Baringo Country Club .
Day 09: Lake Baringo - Saiwa Swamp
Today our birding safari will depart Lake Baringo and drive towards Saiwa Swamp National Park in Kitale, the only exceptional Park in Kenya enjoyed exclusively on foot and birding landmark. Lunch to be served in Hotel at Kitale Town before afternoon bird walk. The birding menu for today will be Great blue turaco, Ross turaco, Ludher's bush shrike, White capped robin chat, Grey crown crane etc. Dinner and overnight stay at a Hotel at Kitale Town .
Day 10: Saiwa Swamp - Kakamega Forest.
Depart to Kakamega Forest, covers an area of 240sq.km is a living remnant of the original equatorial rainforest, which once extended from Guinea in the west, to East and Central Africa for a fulfilling and eventful day of birdwatching in this only & unique remaining rain forest with some of very rare and spectacular bird species in the world like the Grey Parrot, Great blue and Black billed turacos, blue headed bee eaters, Turner's eremomela, Little grey greenbul etc.. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at Kakamega Golf Hotel or similar.
Day 11: Kakamega Forest - Lake Victoria
A morning lecture on the birds of this small forest which harbour's over 380 different plant species, 50 of which have traditional medicinal value, some endemic animal species, 400 butterfly species and 330 bird species at an altitude of between 1500-1700m followed by a walk to try and identify the available rare species of this equatorial forest. Lunch at Kakamega Golf Hotel followed by a short drive to Lake Victoria where we will do a late afternoon birding around the lake for fresh water birds species e.g. African open bill stork, Swamp flycatcher, Red chested sunbird, Hammerkop, Eastern grey plantain-eater etc. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at Sunset Hotel.
Day 12: Kisumu - Lake Naivasha.
Today after an early breakfast, our safari will be destined for Lake Naivasha, the only freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. From the top of the Rift Valley escarpment, you can see the lake sparkling under the sun thousands of feet below you. The lake is home to a large colony of hippos and it's also a Mecca for bird watchers and researchers since over 400 different species of birds have been recorded here e.g. Long toed plover, Great white egret, Grey headed gull, Southern pochard, Red billed teal and not mention the Lilly trotter; African jacana. The lake location and wildlife makes it an ideal place for an afternoon boat ride. A visit to the liberating Crescent Island, which is completely undeveloped, wild and free, is one of the few places on earth where you can
wander/walk on foot among herds of zebra, wildebeest, gazelle, giraffe and dik diks. There are no predators and no fences so it will be quite a liberating and exciting feeling to walk among the wildlife.
Lunch will be served at the tranquil Lake Naivasha Country Club, which has retained its colonial architecture since it was built in 1937 as a staging post for the Imperial Airways flying water boat services from Durban to London. The lodge is built on 55 acres of lakeside green lawns shaded by mature acacias and spreading fever trees. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at Lake Naivasha Country Club.
Day 13: Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate.
After breakfast, a morning bird walk with the aim of viewing birds on the shores of the Lake with a few hours of relaxation before lunch. Afternoon visit to Hell's Gate National Park, which is breeding ground for vultures in Kenya e.g. Lammergeyer vultures. Dinner & overnight tonight will be served at Lake Naivasha Country Club .
Day 14: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara.
Today our safari expedition will take us to the jewel of Kenya's parks, the world famous Masai Mara Game (Wildlife) Reserve. This is Kenya's number one park and is always on every bird watcher's and wildlife tourists "Must see list". Full of life with various types of animals and birds, Masai Mara crown's the climax of every safari in Kenya. It's rolling grasslands and acacia savannah have time and again been captured on film with the movie "Out Of Africa" being the most famous. Masai Mara is home to the "Big Five" (Elephant, Buffalo, Lion, Leopard and Rhino) and over 450 bird species as such as Bare faced go away bird, Hooded vulture, Egyptian vulture, Flappet lark, Red necked fowl, White necked raven etc. Apart from the big five, the Masai Mara is most famous for the spectacular annual migration of over a million wildebeest, zebra, gazelle etc from the Serengeti in northern Tanzania crossing the Mara River into Kenya in search of fresh feeding grounds, which takes place in late July or August. During this crossing, hundreds of animals are swept away by the first moving Mara River and other are killed by the ferocious African Crocodiles. This crossing gives true meaning to the phrase.
Lunch will be served at the excellent Mara Sopa Lodge After lunch and some time for relaxation, or sunbathing and going for a dive in the pool, your driver/guide will take you for an afternoon game drive in search of the shy and elusive leopard, the solitary and ill-tempered Rhino, lions, buffaloes, and many others. As the sun starts to edge its way dip into the African horizon it will be the perfect opportunity to capture the beautiful Mara landscape on film or video camera. Dinner & overnight tonight will be served at, Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 15 & 16: Masai Mara.
An early morning birding/ game drive after breakfast will be our perfect start of another unforgettable and memorable birding day in Africa. With picnic lunch en-route you spend your day in Mara Plains trying to identify and record the over 450 species record in this reserve. All meals and overnight tonight will be served at, Mara Sopa Lodge.
Day 17: Masai Mara - Amboseli.
After an early morning breakfast, we proceed to Amboseli National Park via Nairobi for an early lunch at Toona Tree Restaurant, before proceeding to Amboseli beautifully situated beneath the foot of Africa's highest mountain Mt. Kilimanjaro (5895m), the park is well renowned for its huge herds of elephants and various types of other Savannah wildlife such as Giraffes, Bushbuck's, Kudu, Warthog's, Zebra's and over 425 species of birds recorded here such as White faced whistling duck, Brown snake eagle, Yellow billed stork, Woolly necked stork, Shikra, Helmented guinea fowl, African cuckoo, The snowcapped peak of Kilimanjaro rising above white clouds dominates every aspect of Amboseli and forms a backdrop to an impressive display of wildlife attracted to this location by swamps and springs fed by underground rivers from Kilimanjaro's melting snow. Amboseli was the location around which such famous writers like Sir Ernest Hemingway and Robert Ruark tailored their stories of big game hunting in the wilds of Africa. Enjoy a birding game drive en-route, as we arrive in time for your dinner at the Ol-Tukai Lodge or Amboseli Serena, situated deep in the heart of the world famous Amboseli National Park. Overnight tonight will be served at Ol-Tukai Lodge / Amboseli Serena lodge
Day 18: Amboseli
After breakfast it will be the perfect time for photographing the humbling and magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro the highest peak in Africa. With picnic lunch you depart your lodge for a full day birding section with our eagle eyed birding guide. Dinner and overnight tonight will be served at Ol-Tukai Lodge/Amboseli Serena
Day 19: Amboseli - Nairobi - Fly
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at Pamp Grill Restaurant where you can enjoy some good Italian food. Later early in the evening, a complimentary dinner will be hosted by our company at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant considered "Africa's greatest eating experience" (if you love barbecue it doesn't get better than this), Thereafter you will be transferred to the airport in time for your International departure flight.
