This 9-day Kenya Birding Safari offers an incredible opportunity to explore Kenya’s top birding ecosystems — from misty montane forests to arid lowlands and the lush wetlands of the Great Rift Valley.
Kenya’s position on the equator makes it one of the most bird-rich countries in Africa, with over 1,100 recorded species, including several endemics and migratory species. You’ll travel from the cool highlands of Aberdares and Mount Kenya to the semi-desert habitats of Samburu, and then across the Rift Valley lakes to the tropical rainforests of Kakamega and the shores of Lake Victoria.
Expect to record 400–500 species during this exciting bird-watching expedition guided by expert ornithologists.
Depart Nairobi after breakfast and drive north through lush coffee and tea plantations to the Aberdare highlands. Arrive at your lodge or camp in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon birding in the forested foothills and moorlands of Aberdare National Park.
Birds to Spot: Aberdare Cisticola (endemic), Hartlaub’s Turaco, Mountain Greenbul, and Tacazze Sunbird.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: The Ark Lodge / Aberdare Country Club.
Early morning bird walk around the forest edges before heading to Mount Kenya National Park. Arrive in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon birding hike in the forest zones.
Birds to Spot: Hunter’s Cisticola, White-starred Robin, Olive Ibis, and Scarce Swift.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Serena Mountain Lodge / Castle Forest Lodge.
Depart after breakfast, descending from the mountain forests into the semi-arid plains of Samburu. Arrive in time for lunch. Afternoon bird-watching along the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Birds to Spot: Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Bee-eater, Golden-breasted Starling, and Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Ashnil Samburu / Samburu Sopa Lodge / Campsite.
Spend a full day exploring Samburu’s diverse bird habitats: riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and dry plains. Birds to Spot: Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Pygmy Falcon, Palm-nut Vulture, and Black-capped Social Weaver.
Wildlife Bonus: Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, and Beisa Oryx.
Accommodation: Meals & Overnight; Lodge or Campsite in Samburu.
Depart early heading south across the equator to the Rift Valley. Arrive at Lake Bogoria National Reserve for lunch. Afternoon birding around the lake’s hot springs and alkaline waters.
Birds to Spot: Greater & Lesser Flamingos, Black-necked Grebe, Chestnut-banded Plover, and Avocet.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Lake Bogoria Spa Resort / Campsite.
Short morning drive to Lake Baringo. Enjoy a boat ride and full-day birding around the islands and cliffs.
Birds to Spot: Goliath Heron, Hemprich’s Hornbill, African Fish Eagle, and White-faced Scops Owl. Optional visit to local Njemps community for cultural experience.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight; Soi Safari Lodge / Tumbili Cliff Lodge.
After breakfast, travel west across scenic landscapes to Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Evening bird walk in the forest edges.
Birds to Spot: Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Turner’s Eremomela, and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Rondo Retreat / Kakamega Isecheno Guesthouse.
Explore different zones of the forest including Buyangu and Isecheno trails. Birds to Spot: Grey Parrot, African Shrike Flycatcher, Red-tailed Bristlebill, and Yellow-spotted Barbet.
Optional evening visit to Kisumu on the shores of Lake Victoria for sunset views.
Accommodation: Meals & Overnight: Rondo Retreat / Kisumu Impala Eco Lodge.
Distance: Kakamega To Nairobi 400 Km Drive Time: Approx. 6–7 Hrs (Flight Option Available From Kisumu)
Early morning birding at Dunga Swamp near Lake Victoria for papyrus specialists. Birds to Spot: Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, and Malachite Kingfisher. After breakfast, drive or fly back to Nairobi where your birding adventure ends.
This tour is customizable and can be tailored to your interests, budget, and travel dates for a personalized safari experience.