Bird watching Safari Extravaganza
(1 night Elementaita, 1 night Nakuru, 1 night Bogoria, 1 night Kakamega, 2 nights Naivasha, 2 nights Samburu)
Safari Itinerary
This bird Watching Trips Kenya Package lets you explore the richest places in Africa in terms of bird species. Around 1090 species are living in there. You will visit Lake Elementeita, Lake Nakuru National Park,Bogoria, Kakamega , and Lake Naivasha. This trip is the perfect blend of birding activities and wildlife giving you a quiet, relaxing and educational touch with nature.
Accommodation summary:
Destination | Hotel Name | Room type | Meal Plan | Number of Nights |
Elementaita | Serena Elementaita Camp | Standard | Full board | 2 night |
Nakuru | Serena Elementaita Camp | Standard | Full board | 2 night |
Lake Bogoria-Baringo | Lake Bogoria Resort and Spa | Standard | Full board | 1 night |
Kakamega | Rondo Retreat Center | Strandard | Full board | 1 night |
Masai Mara | Sentrim Mara | Standard | Full oard | 2 nigths |
Naivasha | Eserinani Resort | Standard | Full board | 2 nights |
Samburu | Sentrim Samburu | Standard | Full, bed and breakfast | 2 nights |
Skeleton itinerary:
Day one:
Nairobi to Elementaita National Park
Tour Highlights:
Lake Elementaita, located about 120 km northwest of Nairobi, Kenya, is a soda lake in the Great Rift Valley. It’s a magical holiday setting with immaculately maintained upscale safari tented camps on its shores. Here are some fascinating things about Lake Elementaita:
- Bird Watching: Lake Elementaita is renowned for its rich avifauna. It’s home to over 400 bird species, including the famous flamingos. The lake is a protected area to conserve birdlife and is listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Some of the birds you can spot here include ducks, geese, spikes, cormorants, kingfishers, pelicans, and more.
- Great White Pelicans: Lake Elementaita supports one of the major breeding colonies of the Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus) in the world. It’s the only place in Kenya where these majestic birds breed.
- Other Wildlife: The lake lies within the Soysambu conservancy, covering about two-thirds of its shorelines. It harbors approximately 10,000 mammals, including Rothschild giraffes, leopards, bush pigs, jackals, elands, gazelles, and zebras. Visitors may also glimpse the nocturnal aardvark and families of warthogs. Outdoor activities like game drives, bird watching, and visits to the natural warm spa that flows into the lake are popular here.
- Changing Colors: When the seasons become drier, the salt concentration in the alkaline lake increases, causing the lake to change color from clear to light pink and finally to pink-red.
08:00am: Pick up from Nairobi
10:30am: Stop over at the great Rift Valley view point.
11:30am-12:30 am: Check in and lunch and rest at the hotel
02:00pm- Afternoon: Full day game drives with bird watching at Lake Elementaita Animal Sanctuary, hiking and nature walks
Overnight and meals at Sentrim Elementaita on full board basis.
Day two:
Elementaita – Lake Nakuru
Tour Highlights
Lake Nakuru National Park is a fantastic birdwatching destination in Kenya, known for its diverse avian population. Here are some exciting details about birdwatching at Lake Nakuru:
- Bird Species: With over 400 bird species recorded, Lake Nakuru is a birding hotspot. The park’s soda lake attracts a wide variety of birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans at the western end of the lake. It’s also one of the best places in Kenya to spot the striking long-tailed widowbird.
- Notable Birds:
- Great White Pelican: These majestic birds are commonly seen here.
- Greater Flamingo: Both greater and lesser flamingos frequent the lake.
- Hottentot Teal: A small dabbling duck found in African wetlands.
- Verreaux’s Eagle and Long-crested Eagle: Impressive raptors.
- Other treats for avid birders include the Bateleur, European Roller, Grey Crowned Crane, and the elusive Long-tailed Widowbird.
- Best Time for Bird Watching: While birdwatching is good year-round, the optimal time for birders is from November to March. During this period, you’ll enjoy pleasant weather and the presence of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa (they stay in the park from November through April). Breeding season also means many birds are in full plumage
08:00am: Transfers to Lake Nakuru
10:00 am -12:30 pm: Game drives and bird watching.
12:30-02pm: Picknic lunch at the park.
02:00pm-Afternoon: Nature walks, afternoon game drives and bird watching at the park.
Overnight at Lake Nakuru Flamingo Lodge on full board basis.
Day three: Lake Bogoria National Park
Lake Bogoria National Reserve has more than 350 birds on its list, but the main attraction, when (or if) they arrive, is an estimated 2 million lesser flamingos that flock to the shallow waters to feed on algae. Mixed in are many greater flamingos as well. Lake Bogoria is one of the best places in Kenya to see large flocks of these birds. Plenty of other waterbirds are easy to spot, and the call of a fish eagle is never far off.
08:00 am: Pick up from Elementita to Lake Bogoria National Park
10:00 am: Game drives at the park
01:00 am: Picnic lunch box
Return to hotel for rest and relaxation.
Overnight at Baringo Spa Resort on full board basis
Violet backed sunbird
Day four.
Lake Nakuru to Lake Bogoria.
Lake Baringo National Park is a hidden gem for birdwatchers, located in the remote west-central plains of Kenya. Here are some fascinating details about birdwatching at Lake Baringo:
- Bird Diversity: Over 470 bird species have been recorded in and around Lake Baringo. The park’s freshwater lake is fed by two rivers: OlArabel and El Molo. These rivers create a unique wetland habitat that attracts a wide variety of birdlife.
- Boat Trips: Tourists often take boat trips guided by locals from OlKokwe Island. These trips allow you to explore the lake and witness breathtaking views while spotting rare and exotic birds.
- Notable Birds:
- Hemprich’s Hornbill: This beautiful hornbill species is found in South Sudan, Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda, and Eritrea. Its distinct features include a dark brown coloration, a dull reddish bill, and white streaks in the tail. Listen for their signature “keeya” call.
- Jackson Hornbill: Unique in coloring, the Jackson Hornbill is native to North-East Uganda and North West Kenya. Males have red bills with white or yellow tips, while females have black bills. These birds thrive in the dry savanna.
- Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Ostrich, Eleonora’s Falcon, White-crested Turaco, and more are also spotted here.
- Scenic Views: Lake Baringo offers mesmerizing scenic views of the Rift Valley. Besides birdwatching, the park is home to Africa’s great mammals, including hippos, hyrax, Kenya’s last greater kudu, and white Colombus monkeys. Seven freshwater fish species inhabit the lake as well.
- Ideal Time: The best time for birdwatching is during the dry season (January to March and July to October) when water levels are lower, concentrating the birds around the lake
08:00am Pick up from Lake Nakuru to Baringo
10:00 am Lake Baringo view
10:00 am Guided nature walks and bird watching, boat riding
12:30pm: Picnic lunch at the hotel.
02:00-Afternoon: Full day game drives at Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Overnight and meals at Bogoria Resort and Spa
Day Four:
Baringo-Kakamega
Tour highlights
Kakamega Forest National Reserve is a true paradise for birdwatchers! Located in western Kenya, this forest reserve is an eastern extension of the great Congo Basin rainforest. Here’s why Kakamega Forest is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts:
- Rich Bird Diversity: More than 350 bird species have been recorded in Kakamega Forest. It’s one of Africa’s most famous birding forests, supporting a wide variety of avian life. Among these, 36 species are endemic to the forest and can only be found here.
- Notable Birds:
- Great Blue Turaco: This spectacular bird with vibrant blue plumage is a highlight. You’ll be mesmerized by its presence.
- Blue-headed Bee-eater: Another colorful gem, the blue-headed bee-eater, adds to the forest’s avian beauty.
- Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Crested Guineafowl, and the Giant Kingfisher are also commonly spotted.
- Keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Vieillot’s Black Weaver.
- Birding Specials: For avid birders, Kakamega Forest offers treats like:
- African Blue Flycatcher
- African Broadbill
- African Emerald Cuckoo
- African Goshawk
- Banded Prinia
- Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill
- And many more
08:00am: Kakamega rainforest bird forests with butterflies
10:00am: Visit to the waterfalls
11:00- Afternoon: Nature walks and bird watching and village walks
Overnight and meals at Rondo retreat center on full board basis.
Day five:
Kakamega forest – Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake situated approximately 88 kilometers northwest of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, stands as a true haven for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. Famous for its diverse ecosystem, the lake’s calm shores provide the ideal habitat for an amazing range of bird species. With its abundance of wetlands, acacia forests, and open grasslands, Lake Naivasha has become the go-to destination for bird-watching enthusiasts from around the world.
- Here are some of the fascinating bird species you can observe at Lake Naivasha:
- African Fish Eagle: This majestic bird is a prominent resident of Lake Naivasha. Known for its distinct call and striking appearance, the African Fish Eagle is a symbol of the African wilderness. Observing this bird of prey swoop down to snatch fish from below the lake’s surface is an awe-inspiring sight.
- Great White Pelican: Lake Naivasha is scientifically known to be one of the largest breeding colonies of the Great White Pelicans in East Africa. These elegant birds, with their relatively large beaks, can be observed gliding gracefully over the calm waters and flying in groups.
- Goliath Heron: This large bird is one of the most sought-after sightings for avid birdwatchers. Often found wading through the lake’s shallow waters, these magnificent birds are a testament to the diversity of avian life in the region.
- African Jacana: Walking on water is no problem for the African Jacana. With their specialized elongated toes, these birds appear to effortlessly navigate the floating vegetation of Lake Naivasha. Their striking appearance, with bright yellow chests and detailed patterns on their wings, makes them easy to spot in their natural habitat.
- Malachite Kingfisher: Despite its small size, the Malachite Kingfisher is a true gem of Lake Naivasha. Its feathers feature vibrant shades of green and blue, making it easy to spot as it feeds on small fish and insects.
- African Spoonbill: The African Spoonbill, with its distinctively long, spoon-shaped bill, is a common sight along the shores of Lake Naivasha. These elegant waders can often bobserved sweeping their bills through the water in search of crustaceans and other aquatic creatures.
08:00am: Boat rides at Crescent Island with bird watching
09:00am- Afternoon: Guided safari walks at Animal sanctuary
Return to your hotel for rest and meals
Overnight and meals at Eseriani Resort on full board basis.
Day 07& 08: Maasai Mara
Kenya proudly hosts an astounding 11% of the world’s bird species, which is exactly what this tour has been designed to highlight. Ample time has been distributed at each site, ensuring a steady and immersive experience at every destination. This tour is focused on achieving a substantial bird count while aiming to see as many endemics as possible. Expect sightings of rare species and a significant count of Palearctic migrants.
Led by our professional Lead Bird Guide, you’ll explore Kenya’s leading national parks and lesser-known but remarkable birding locations. Along the journey, you will have the From opportunity to see Kenya’s astonishing wildlife, including a diverse array of large game, small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, intriguing arthropods, and a captivating assortment of flora and fauna.
07:00am: Kakamega- Mara
01:00pm: Check in and lunch
04:00 pm: Afternoon game drives
Retire for rest and meals at your hotel on full board basis
Day 09 & 10: Olpajeta
List of Birds in Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Ol Pejeta conservancy is a great Kenya birding destination located in central Kenya’s Laikipia County, this conservancy is a non- profitable wildlife conservancy covering an area of 360 square kilometers and situated between the foothills of Aberdares and Mount Kenya. Ol Pejeta conservancy is one of the prime sanctuaries of Laikipia plateau famous for being the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, apart from hosting a variety of wildlife including the big five.
Ol Pejeta conservancy is a great Kenya birding destination boosting over 500 bird species, birds in Ol Pejeta conservancy include resident species, visitor species, migrant species, endangered species and nearly endangered species. Some of the bird examples among many found there include;
08:00 am: Maasai Mara – Olpajeta
01:00 am: Picknick lunch
04:00 pm: Afternoon game drives
Retire for rest and meals at your hotel on full board basis
Day six:
Lake Naivasha full day
Relax at the hotel
Overnight at Eseriani Resort
04:00pm: Afternoon game drives for bird viewing
Return to your hotel for rest and meals
Overnight at Simba Lodge on full board basis.
Samburu:
Despite the Semi arid state of the park, Samburu boasts of hoting over 400 species of diverse birds. The Ewaso Nyiro river that streaches across the park is a natural coolant and water supply for the wildlife and birds found in the area and can be spotted there having a dring at the wonderful spring.
The Acacia bushland dominates much of the Samburu area and birds like Pygmy falcons, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Magpie Starlings, Somali Bee-eater, Vulturine Guineafowl, Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill and the tiny Yellow-vented Eremomela are easily found.
Most of the lodges with well maintained gardens in the park can be a magnet for the surrounding birds such as; Abyssinian Scimitarbills, Black-capped Social Weaver, Black-throated Barbet, Black-bellied Sunbird and sometimes a Shining Sunbird.
The riverine woodland of the Ewaso Ny’iro river is a refuge especially for big raptors like Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Egyptian, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures can all bee seen roosting on the tall trees. Smaller birds that inhabit the woodland are Orange-bellied Parrots, Lesser-masked Weavers and Scaly-throated Honeyguide.
The main river and springs attract waterbirds such as African Spoonbills, Water Thick-knees, Reed Cormorants, African Darters and many waders like Wood Sandpipers, Three-banded, Little-ringed and Kittilitz Plovers
Day eight:
Samburu full day
08:00 am: Morning game drives
01:00 pm: Relax & lunch at your hotel
04:00pm: Afternoon game drive
Retire for rest at the hotel
Overnight at Sentrim Samburu on full board basis.
Day nine:
Departure
08:00 am: Departure
01:00 pm: lunch at Fogo Gaucho Restaurant04:00 pm: Departure
Grey Crowned Crane.
Total Cost:
2 pax: USD 3850 per person sharing in a double or twin
2 pax: EUR 3650 per person sharing in a double or twin
3 pax: USD 3035 per person sharing in a tripple room
3 pax: EUR 2800 per person sharing in a tripple room
4 pax: USD 2680 per person sharing in a double room
4 pax: EUR 2450 per person sharing in a double room
Package includes:
- Transport via 4X4 safari vehicle
- 6 nights’ accommodation
- Services of a professional English speaking guide
- All park fees
- Unlimited game drives
- Mineral water while on safari
- Meals as per the itinerary
- Excursion fees and boat rides at Lake Bogoria and crescent Island.
Package excludes:
- Anything not mentioned in the cost includes
- Alcoholic & soft drinks
- Laundry fees and international calls
Terms & conditions apply.