19 Day Kenya Bird Watching Safari

Day 01: Nairobi
On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met and greeted by our customer service representative and transferred to the luxurious Nairobi Safari Club Hotel where you will relax in your air-conditioned suite and ware-out the jet lag. In the afternoon an orientation tour of Nairobi city which will include visiting the ornithological section of National Museums of Kenya for a lecture. Nairobi Safari club, formerly a private club for members only is the ideal place to be. All the rooms in the hotel are suites, six of which are Presidential Suites. Here you can enjoy the clubs sauna, gym, swimming pool, various bars and other amenities. Overnight at Nairobi Safari Club.

Day 02: Nairobi – Sweetwaters.
After breakfast, depart to the exquisite Sweetwaters Tented Camp in the secluded its surrounding hillside landscape. The 77 rooms, 12 suites, and 1 Presidential Suite are all equipped with en-suite bathrooms, mini bars and elevated verandahs (patios) from which guests can sun bathe, relax and enjoy the view of the valley and it’s resident wildlife and birds. The lodge has direct-dial telephone services, satellite television and video services. P.S don’t forget your swimming costume for a midday or night swim under the star filled African sky
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, Buffalos, 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 at, Mara Sopa Lodge (BLD).

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 boosts of unique bird species as such as Crested Bustard, Kori Bustard, Chestnut Weaver, Golden Palm Weaver, Water Thicknee, among other. 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.

Your new home for the next two nights will be at Sarova Shaba Lodge. It’s located high above the banks of the life-giving Uaso Nyiro River in the Shaba Game Reserve (Filming location of the Hit CBS Survivor III, series). Shaba lodge is composed of 85 luxury thatched-roof bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, all of which are facing the river. Each room is furnished with local stone and off-cut timber, a presidential suite with a separate bedroom, lounge, and private Jacuzzi is also available, as well as 4 junior suites. The lodge beautifully incorporates the existing natural springs as one of its special features. The 1989 movie “Born Free”, a true-life story of George and Joy Adamson was shot in the Game Reserve and some of the scenes were shot at the lodge. An open-air restaurant over looking the river, swimming pool, curio shop, bars, and it’s location at an oasis make it a perfect base from which to explore the Shaba Reserve, as well as its sister reserve – Buffalo Springs to the west. Overnight Sarova Shaba Lodge (BLD)

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 Sarova Shaba Lodge (BLD) .

Day 05: Samburu – Lake Nakuru.
After an early breakfast bid farewell to Shaba as 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 Nyahururu Falls, still known to many as Thomson’s falls for its 237ft cascade. After the stopover, we drive southward to our next destination Lake Nakuru. Located in the Great Rift Valley 1750 meters above sea level, Lake Nakuru is known as an ornithological paradise by bird watchers because the lake is world famous as the location of the greatest bird spectacle on earth which boasts any where between one and two million lesser and greater pink Flamingos 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 Flamingos, 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.
Lunch will be served at Lake Nakuru Lodge, which, is situated in the south ecological niche of the park. The lodge with its friendly and competent staff is an oasis of comfort that provides first class customer service and offers commanding views of lesser Flamingos dotted with the greater Flamingos. It blends in perfectly well with its natural surroundings and animals often patrol peacefully close to the lodge adding to its captivating magic. For some R&R “Rest and Relaxation”, the spacious logged and inviting Mamma Nikki’s bar, the cool upstairs Rhino Paddock Cocktail bar overlooking the Lake and the enticing blue pool can be tremendously inviting.
An afternoon game drive around the lakes hore will be the main feature for the afternoon, dinner & overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge (BLD).

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 at Lake Nakuru Lodge (BLD)..

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 spicies as such as Woodland kingfisher, Northern puff back, African golden oriole, African hoope etc. Your dinner and overnight Lake Bogoria Hotel (BLD).

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 spicies e.g White faced scolpes Owl, Bristol Crowned Starling, Goliath Heron, Fan Tailed Raven etc. A relaxing boat ride on the lake will be the feature of the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club (BLD).

Day 09: Lake Bogoria – 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. Dinnerand overnight at Hotel at Kitale town (BLD).

Day 10: Saiwa Swamp – Kakamega Forest.
Depart to Kakamega Forest for an extensive bird walk in this only & unique remaining rain forest with some of very rare species in the world e g Grey Parrot, Turacos, Turner’s Eremomela, Little Grey Greenbul etc. All meals and overnight at Kakamega Golf Hotel (BLD).

Day 11: Kakamega Forest – Lake Victoria
A morning lecture on the birds of this region 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 warbler, Red chested sunbird, Hammerkop etc. Dinner and overnight 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 our trade mark and logo African jacana. The lakes 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

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 a breeding ground for vultures in Kenya e.g. Lammergeyer vultures. Dinner & overnight at Lake Naivasha Country Club (BLD).

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 birdwatchers and wildlife tourist’s “Must see list”. Full of life with various types of animals and birds, Masai Mara crown’s the climax of every safari in Kenya. Its 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 others are killed by the ferocious African Crocodiles. This crossing gives true meaning to the phrase “Survival of the fittest”.
Lunch will be served at the excellent Mara Sopa Lodge your new home for the next two nights. “Sopa” means welcome in the Masai language and true to its name, the lodge and its staff offer first class customer service and accommodations under a welcoming atmosphere. Set in the Oloolaimutia valley the lodge blends in perfectly well with its surrounding hillside landscape. The 77 rooms, 12 suites, and 1 Presidential Suite are all equipped with en-suite bathrooms, mini bars and elevated verandahs (patios) from which guests can sun bathe, relax and enjoy the view of the valley and it’s resident wildlife and birds. The lodge has direct-dial telephone services, satellite television and video services. P.S don’t forget your swimming costume for a midday or night swim under the star filled African sky
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, Buffalos, 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 at, Mara Sopa Lodge (BLD).

Day 15 & 16: Masai Mara.
An early morning birding game drive after breakfast is the perfect start of another unforgettable and memorable birding day in Africa. With picnic lunch enroute you spend your day in Mara Plains trying to identify and record the over 450 species record in this reserve. All meals and overnight at, Mara Sopa Lodge (BLD).

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 whilsting Duck, Brown Sneke Ealge, Yellow Billed Stork, Woolly Necked Stork, Shikra, Helmented Guinea Fowl, African Cuckoo etc. 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. With an airstrip at Empusel Gate, the park is also home to the Masai people, those tall, brave, and proud nomads who live in close harmony with the environment and the wildlife that surrounds them.
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, situated deep in the heart of the world famous Amboseli National Park. The lodge is camouflaged in a forest of fever trees, yellow barked acacia trees, palms and well designed cottage style accommodations, which spread out on either side of the main lodge. Each room offers a breathtaking view of the magnificent Mt. Kilimanjaro and the surrounding wetlands. Ol-Tukai lodge blends perfectly well into the African savannah and it will bring out your natural instincts. You can go for a dive in the Acacia tree shaded swimming pool, or for those of you reading enthusiasts, you can read the day away in the well-stocked library with a relaxing view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. After your afternoon game drive you can spend some time in the open-air bar, which is open until the last guest retires, so if you’re the “night owl type” this is the perfect opportunity for you to stay up all night Overnight at Ol-Tukai Lodge (BLD).

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 your eagle eyed birding guide. Please take this opportunity to add a new specie in your birding list. Dinner and overnight at Ol-Tukai Lodge (BLD).

Day 19: Amboseli – Nairobi – Fly
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at Toona Tree 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), 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.

• All meals on safari
• Accommodation throughout your safari
• Unlimited supply of bottle water in safari vehicle
• All transfers as indicated in the itinerary
• All government taxes included
• Services of an English-speaking driver/guide
• Guaranteed window seat throughout safari
• All national park fees, conservancy fees and hotel taxes