Route: Nairobi – Samburu – Meru – Mount Kenya – Lake Nakuru – Lake Baringo – Kakamega Forest – Lake Naivasha – Maasai Mara – Nairobi
Experience the ultimate Kenya birdwatching and wildlife safari as you journey through some of East Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. From the arid landscapes of northern Kenya and the tropical rainforest of Kakamega to the Rift Valley lakes and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara, this safari offers exceptional birdwatching, incredible wildlife encounters, breathtaking scenery, and outstanding photography opportunities.
Designed for serious birders, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers, this safari provides opportunities to observe hundreds of bird species while exploring Kenya’s most spectacular natural habitats.
Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Welcome to Kenya
Upon arrival at Nairobi’s international airport, you will be met by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy introductory birdwatching around Nairobi or relax after your journey. Nairobi is home to an impressive variety of birdlife despite being a bustling city.
Look out for species such as Speckled Mousebirds, Variable Sunbirds, Hadada Ibises, and numerous weavers.
Accommodation: Nairobi Hotel
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Day 2: Nairobi to Samburu National Reserve
After breakfast, depart for northern Kenya through scenic landscapes and rural communities before arriving at Samburu National Reserve.
Following lunch, enjoy your first birding excursion along the Ewaso Nyiro River, one of the reserve’s most productive birdwatching areas.
Samburu’s unique dry-country habitats are home to several northern Kenya specialties, including the Somali Bee-eater, Golden Pipit, Vulturine Guineafowl, and numerous raptors.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 3: Full Day Birdwatching & Wildlife Viewing in Samburu
Spend the day exploring Samburu’s rugged landscapes through morning and afternoon game drives.
The reserve offers excellent opportunities to observe both wildlife and birds, including lions, elephants, leopards, Grevy’s zebras, and the famous Samburu Special Five.
Birdwatchers may encounter Hunter’s Sunbird, White-headed Mousebird, Ashy Cisticola, hornbills, bee-eaters, and many other species unique to northern Kenya.
Accommodation: Samburu Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 4: Samburu to Meru National Park
After breakfast, travel to the beautiful and less-crowded Meru National Park.
Known for its lush vegetation, rivers, and diverse habitats, Meru offers outstanding birdwatching and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Enjoy an afternoon birding excursion while searching for African Finfoots, kingfishers, bee-eaters, and, with luck, the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Accommodation: Meru Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 5: Full Day Birdwatching in Meru National Park
Spend a full day exploring Meru’s rivers, forests, and open grasslands.
The park’s rich habitats support a remarkable diversity of birdlife, making it a paradise for photographers and bird enthusiasts.
Look for colorful rollers, hornbills, bee-eaters, herons, eagles, and numerous forest and riverine species while enjoying spectacular wildlife sightings throughout the day.
Accommodation: Meru Lodge or Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 6: Meru to Mount Kenya Region
Travel south towards the forested slopes of Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest mountain.
The cool montane forests provide a dramatic contrast to the lowland savannahs visited earlier in the safari.
Enjoy an afternoon nature walk while searching for Hartlaub’s Turaco, Mountain Illadopsis, sunbirds, and other forest specialists.
Accommodation: Mount Kenya Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 7: Full Day Birding Around Mount Kenya
Begin the day with an early morning birdwatching excursion when forest birds are most active.
The region offers excellent opportunities to observe highland species including the Abyssinian Thrush, Tacazze Sunbird, mountain greenbuls, and various forest raptors.
Enjoy the tranquility and spectacular scenery of Kenya’s central highlands.
Accommodation: Mount Kenya Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 8: Mount Kenya to Lake Nakuru National Park
Travel to the Great Rift Valley and arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park.
An afternoon game drive introduces you to one of Kenya’s premier birding and wildlife destinations.
The lake attracts flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, and African Fish Eagles, while the park’s grasslands and forests provide habitat for rhinos, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and zebras.
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 9: Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo
After breakfast, continue north to Lake Baringo, one of East Africa’s most celebrated birdwatching destinations.
The lake’s varied habitats support hundreds of resident and migratory bird species.
An afternoon birding excursion provides opportunities to observe Northern Masked Weavers, Hemprich’s Hornbills, kingfishers, herons, and many other species.
Accommodation: Lake Baringo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 10: Full Day Birdwatching at Lake Baringo
Spend the day exploring the lake and surrounding habitats.
Enjoy a boat safari for close-up views of water birds, hippos, and crocodiles before continuing with birding along rocky cliffs, acacia woodlands, and lakeshore environments.
Look for Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Goliath Heron, giant kingfishers, African Fish Eagles, and many other notable species.
Accommodation: Lake Baringo Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 11: Lake Baringo to Kakamega Forest
Travel west to Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and one of the country’s most important biodiversity hotspots.
Upon arrival, enjoy an evening forest walk while searching for the spectacular Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, forest hornbills, and numerous rainforest specialists.
Accommodation: Kakamega Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 12: Full Day Birdwatching in Kakamega Forest
Spend the day exploring the forest’s rich network of trails and diverse habitats.
This unique ecosystem supports many species found nowhere else in Kenya.
Birdwatchers can search for Turner’s Eremomela, African Broadbill, Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Grey Parrot, and numerous colorful forest birds.
Accommodation: Kakamega Forest Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 13: Kakamega Forest to Lake Naivasha
Return to the Rift Valley and travel to the beautiful shores of Lake Naivasha.
Enjoy afternoon birdwatching around the lakeshore and surrounding wetlands.
Watch for African Jacanas, Pied Kingfishers, fish eagles, cormorants, pelicans, and numerous waterbirds that thrive in this freshwater ecosystem.
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 14: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Depart for the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Arrive in time for an evening game drive through one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations.
Birdwatchers can look for Secretary Birds, Lilac-breasted Rollers, vultures, eagles, bustards, and many other savannah species while enjoying excellent wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 15: Full Day Safari & Birdwatching in Maasai Mara
Spend a full day exploring the vast plains of the Maasai Mara.
In addition to outstanding birdwatching, enjoy opportunities to search for the Big Five, cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and countless other wildlife species.
The reserve’s open landscapes make it ideal for spotting raptors, ostriches, bustards, rollers, and numerous grassland birds.
Optional activities include a sunrise hot air balloon safari and photography-focused game drives.
Accommodation: Safari Camp or Lodge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day 16: Maasai Mara to Nairobi – Departure
Enjoy a final morning birdwatching excursion before departing for Nairobi.
As your remarkable journey comes to an end, reflect on the incredible diversity of birds, wildlife, landscapes, and cultures experienced throughout Kenya.
Upon arrival in Nairobi, transfer to the airport or your hotel for onward travel arrangements.
Meals: Breakfast
Safari Highlights
- Discover Kenya’s most rewarding birdwatching destinations.
- Possibility of observing over 600–800 bird species.
- Explore diverse habitats including savannahs, forests, mountains, wetlands, lakes, rivers, and semi-arid landscapes.
- Search for rare species such as Pel’s Fishing Owl, Great Blue Turaco, Golden Pipit, Somali Ostrich, and Hunter’s Sunbird.
- Enjoy game drives, guided birdwatching walks, forest hikes, and boat safaris.
- Experience exceptional wildlife viewing, including the Big Five.
- Outstanding opportunities for wildlife and bird photography.
- Travel in comfortable 4×4 safari vehicles with experienced birding guides.
- Suitable for serious birders, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
Included Activities
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Guided birdwatching walks
- Boat safari on Lake Baringo
- Forest birding excursions in Kakamega Forest
- Nature walks in the Mount Kenya region
- Wildlife and bird photography opportunities
- Airport transfers
Best Time to Travel
November to April
Ideal for migratory birds, breeding plumage, and excellent bird diversity.
June to October
Perfect for wildlife viewing during the dry season when animals gather around water sources.
Accommodation Options
- Comfortable Mid-Range Lodges & Tented Camps
- Bird-Friendly Eco-Lodges
- Luxury Safari Lodges Available Upon Request
This safari offers one of the most comprehensive birdwatching and wildlife experiences in Kenya, combining world-class birding destinations with iconic safari landscapes for the ultimate African nature adventure.
