Ornithology in East Africa, Birding Tours in Kenya, Bird Watching Safaris in East Africa, Birding in the Mara

Tours and Safaris in East Africa, Ecotourism in Kenya, Uganda Gorilla Safaris

Index

Bird Watching Adventures (Nairobi-Central and Northern Kenya-Rift Valley) 12 days

Day 01 and 02: Nairobi

Arrival in Nairobi with an overnight stay at Hotel of choice among the five star accommodations in this modern African metropolis. Depending on time of arrival, afternoon city tour then proceed for Dinner and overnight at the hotel. Early breakfast and a bird watching trip to Nairobi National Park in the morning until noon. Afternoon bird watch at Lukenya Hills, the National Museums of Kenya or the Nairobi Arboretum, or both.

Day 03: Nairobi - Samburu Game Reserve

Approximately 343 North East of Nairobi lies the Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. A drive through the Rift Valley and the highlands takes you to these reserves which are unparalleled in Kenya for the number and diversity of its game and bird diversity. After lunch, time to relax before heading out on a game viewing and bird watching drive. Dinner and overnight at the Samburu Serena Lodge.

Day 04: Samburu And Buffalo Springs National Park Reserves.

Morning and afternoon game drives and bird watching are provided. Among the wildlife are the various antelopes and all the Big Five (i.e. Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Rhino and Buffalo). Expected birds click here. All the meals and overnight at the Samburu Serena Lodge.

Days 05: Samburu - Sweet Waters Game Reserve

After breakfast, depart for Sweetwater's Chimpanzee and wildlife Sanctuary. This Sanctuary is the only one of its kind in Kenya. Visitors can enjoy the unique opportunity of observing the Chimps by boat on the Ewaso Nyiro River. The riverine forest and Savannah grasslands of the Sanctuary are home to 22 orphaned Chimps and a variety of birdlife. Dinner and overnight at the Sweetwater's Tented Camp.

Day 06: Sweetwater's - Mt. Kenya Safari Club (or Serena Mt. Lodge)

After breakfast, we proceed the few kilometers east to Mt. Kenya Safari Club, a luxurious retreat with spectacular views across the forested slopes to the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kenya. Among the activities available within the grounds of these manicured lawns and ornamental ponds are - swimming, tennis, gold, bowling, croquet, trout fishing and game viewing. Lunch, dinner and overnight at the club. (Remember that a tie and jacket for the gentlemen and evening dress for ladies is necessary for dinner at this exclusive club). Bird watching is possible in the compound and adjacent forest.

Day 7 and 8: Mt. Kenya Safari Club - Aberdares National Park

After breakfast, depart for Nyeri arriving in time for lunch. For clients staying at Treetops, lunch is served at the Outspan Hotel and for those staying at the Ark, lunch is served at the Aberdare Country Club. After lunch, a transfer is provided to either Treetops or the Ark, which are strategically situated for night game viewing. Dinner and overnight at Treetops/Ark. An afternoon bird watching and game viewing possible, plus a full sight seeing, game and bird watching the following day.

DAY 09: Aberdares (Treetops) - Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, proceed to Lake Nakuru arriving in time for lunch. An afternoon game drive/bird wacthing takes us round the Lake, home of the world famous pink Flamingos. Lake Nakuru NP is truly an ornithologist's paradise. Dinner and overnight at the Lake Nakuru Lodge or Sarova Lion Hill.

DAY 10: Lake Nakuru National Park - Masai Mara Game Reserve

Awoken by the most natural alarm clock (birdlife) for breakfast then the unforgettable journey to one of the wonders of the world, Maasai Mara Game Reserve via Narok and Olkurruk, where the Maasai culture is displayed by the Oloo Lolo Maasai Cultural Association and thereafter into the Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Being the northern stretch of the world famous Serengeti National park it is the scene of the teeming wildebeest and Zebra migration. On arrival relax by the pool. Afternoon game drive and bird walks. Dinner and overnight at Sopa Lodge.

DAY 11: Masai Mara Game Reserve

Morning and afternoon game drives are provided. Among the wildlife seen are Wildebeest, black rhino, cheetah, giraffe, elephant, great herds of antelope and fascinating primates such as the red-tailed monkey. Game drives and bird watching in open land drovers and bush walks with excellent resident guides and naturalists reveal the wonders of the Mara in an interpretative experience for you. All meals and overnight at Sopa Lodge.

DAY 12 : Masai Mara Game Reserve - Nairobi

Depart early for Nairobi via Narok and ascend the escarpment to the highlands east of the Great Rift Valley of central Kenya. A full day is spent in Nairobi e.g. shopping, Internet surfing, meeting friends or an entire morning bird watch with a packed lunch (or early return to hotel) at either Lukenya Hills, Olorgesaillie Prehistoric Site, Kikuyu Escarpment Forest, Manguo Ponds in Limuru or southern part of Kinangop Grasslands.

Bird Watching in Rift Valley and Western Kenya - 9 Days

Day 01: Nairobi – Lake Baringo

Pick up from your hotel and drive through Limuru tea farms, descending to the floor of the Great Rift Valley with a brief stop at the viewpoint. Mt. Longonot (which is of volcanic origin) and Lake Naivasha can be seen from far. Enroute to Lake Baringo. This is one of the fresh waters lakes in the rift valley and a bird watchers paradise –it has over 460 recorded bird species and a number of hippos. Check in and in lunch at Lake Baringo county club of which the rooms have plenty of information on the areas bird life or campsite. A resident ornithologist and our professional guide lead bird walks before breakfast and in the evenings. Dinner and overnight at lodge / campsite.

Day 02: Lake Baringo – Lake Bogoria National Reserve

After breakfast, take a 1-hour bird watching trip by boat to the island to view more birds and hippos. On the Island, you can organize short excursions at an extra cost to see the Njemps village (local tribe) and dancing, or a local snake farm. After proceed to the nearby Lake Bogoria NR 1 hour away. Lake Bogoria is a shallow soda lake hosting Flamingos, a large number of other water and terrestrial birds and the beautiful Lesser Kudu antelope. Scalding hot springs and geysers at the mid-west end of the lake spurt and steam their alkaline waters. Flamingos feeding in the bluish water present a rare scenic beauty. Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite

Day 03: Lake Bogoria National Reserve – Kakamega Forest National Reserve

After breakfast, drive to Kakamega Forest National Reserve via Kerio Valley or Eldama Ravine. This is the country's only tropical rain forest and formed part of the dense and continuous fain forest that stretched from West Africa, across central Africa and in to the highland areas East and West of the Great Rift Valley. The forest is world renowned as home to several hundred species of birds, rare and endemic snakes and amphibians, insects, monkeys and other mammals as well as countless native tree species. Dinner and overnight at lodge/campsite.

Day 04: Kakamega Forest National Reserve

After breakfast, spend a full day in the Kakamega Forest National Reserve with bird walks accompanied by local community guides and our driver/guides. Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite.

Day 05: Kakamega Forest National Reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park after an early breakfast arriving at the Lake Nakuru Lodge in time for lunch. The park is a home to stunning flocks of lesser and a great flamingos, which literally turn the lakeshores in to a magnificent pink stretch. The bird life here is world renown and over 400 bird species can be seen. You may also spot white rhino, rare Rothschild giraffe, and other plain game. Dinner and overnight at a lodge/campsite.

Day 06: Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Elementaita

A pre breakfast bird spotting drive in the park and around the lake before returning to the lodge for breakfast. Drive to Lake Elementaita Lodge with a brief stop at viewpoint. Lunch and dinner at Elementaita Lodge. The Lake is famous for its natural steaming hot springs (where you can take a bath!) and a haven for birds. The walking/hiking by the Lakeside in the afternoon (accompanied by a local Maasai guide and our guides) gives one a sense of freedom and a chance to see local birds.

Day 08: Lake Elementaita – Lake Naivasha

After a leisurely breakfast drive to Lake Naivasha Lodge and immediately start exploring birding opportunities at specific points along the Lakeshores e.g. Kenya Wildlife Service Annex and Elsamere Field Study Centre. The afternoon is spent at leisure either to explore the rich, bird filled gardens and woodlands, an optional boat ride to crescent Island (at an extra cost) or birding at nearby Hell’s Gate National Park or Crater Lake (Lake Sonachi). Dinner and overnight at lodge/campsite.

Day 09: Lake Naivasha - Nairobi

Leave for Nairobi after breakfast with birding options enroute e.g. Manguo Ponds at Limuru. Drop off at your hotel for lunch or drop off at JKI Airport to catch your flight back home.

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