19 Days 18 Nights Birdwatching Safari

Embark on an 18-night, 19-day birdwatching safari that takes you through some of Kenya’s most spectacular birding destinations. From Nairobi to Amboseli, this journey offers a comprehensive birding experience. Here’s your full safari itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon your morning arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (J.K.I.A), you’ll be greeted by our customer service representative. They will transfer you to the luxurious Nairobi Safari Club Hotel, where you can unwind and adjust to the time difference. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of Nairobi, including a visit to the ornithological section of the National Museums of Kenya for a bird lecture. Overnight at Nairobi Safari Club Hotel (Dinner, Lunch, and Breakfast included).

Day 2: Nairobi to Sweetwaters

After breakfast, depart for the exquisite Sweetwaters Tented Camp in the secluded heart of the Ol Pejeta Ranch and Rhino sanctuary. The camp is surrounded by a wealth of bird species, and you might spot Augur Buzzard, Stout Cisticola, Cape Robin Chat, Black Kite, African Harrier Hawk, and more. You’ll also have the option for a night game drive. Lunch at the camp, followed by a visit to the Chimpanzee sanctuary. Dinner and overnight at Sweetwaters Tented Camp (BLD).

Day 3: Sweetwaters to Samburu

An early start takes you to Samburu National Reserve. The area is rich in unique bird species such as Buff Crested Bustard, Kori Bustard, Chestnut Weaver, Golden Palm Weaver, Golden Breasted Starlings, and more. You’ll also have the chance to spot northern wildlife not found south of the equator, including Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Reticulated Giraffe, Somali Ostrich, and others. Your accommodation will be at Sarova Shaba Lodge. (BLD).

Day 4: Samburu

Spend the day birdwatching in the Samburu National Reserve, where you aim to identify a variety of rare species. All meals and overnight at Sarova Shaba Lodge (BLD).

Day 5: Samburu to Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, journey south to Lake Nakuru, renowned for its flamingo spectacle and rich birdlife. The park is home to more than 450 bird species, including Lesser and Greater Flamingoes. Your accommodation for the night will be at Lake Nakuru Lodge (BLD).

Day 6: Lake Nakuru

Enjoy a full day of birdwatching in Lake Nakuru National Park, aiming to identify as many bird species as possible. Dinner and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge (BLD).

Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Lake Bogoria

Drive to the beautiful Lake Bogoria, known for its hot springs and geysers. You’ll embark on a bird walk around the lake and its surroundings. Expect to see Woodland Kingfisher, Northern Puffback, White-Headed Buffalo Weaver, Rufous-Crowned Roller, African Golden Oriole, and more. Dinner and overnight at Lake Bogoria Hotel (BLD).

 
Day 8: Lake Bogoria to Lake Baringo

Continue your birdwatching adventure as you head to Lake Baringo, a renowned birdwatching destination with over 470 bird species. Check-in at Lake Baringo Country Club, and enjoy a bird walk. In the afternoon, go for a relaxing boat ride on the lake. Dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club (BLD).

Day 9: Lake Baringo to Saiwa Swamp

Leave Lake Baringo and head to Saiwa Swamp National Park, known for its unique birdwatching opportunities on foot. You’ll enjoy a bird walk to spot species like the Great Blue Turaco, Ross’s Turaco, Ludher’s Bush Shrike, White-Capped Robin-Chat, Grey-Crowned Crane, and more. Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Kitale (BLD).

 
Day 10: Saiwa Swamp to Kakamega Forest

Depart for Kakamega Forest, a unique rainforest in East Africa that is home to rare and spectacular bird species. Spend the day birdwatching in this magnificent forest. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega Golf Hotel (BLD).

 
Day 11: Kakamega Forest

Enjoy a morning lecture about the forest’s bird species and a bird walk to identify the rare and beautiful birds of the region. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega Golf Hotel (BLD).

Day 12: Kakamega Forest to Lake Victoria

After a morning bird walk in Kakamega Forest, you’ll depart for Lake Victoria, where you’ll go birding around the lake to spot freshwater bird species. Dinner and overnight at Sunset Hotel (BLD).

 
Day 13: Kisumu to Lake Naivasha

Leave for Lake Naivasha, the only freshwater lake in the Rift Valley. Here, you’ll have the chance to see more than 400 bird species. Lunch at Lake Naivasha Country Club, followed by a boat ride on the lake to view more birdlife. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Country Club (BLD).

 
Day 14: Lake Naivasha to Hell’s Gate

After a morning bird walk along the lake shores, spend a few hours relaxing before lunch. In the afternoon, visit Hell’s Gate National Park, known for its vulture populations, including Lammergeyer Vultures. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Country Club (BLD).

 
Day 15 & 16: Lake Naivasha to Masai Mara

Head to Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, and a birdwatcher’s paradise. Spot the “Big Five” and over 450 bird species, including Bare-Faced Go-Away Bird, Hooded Vulture, Egyptian Vulture, Flappet Lark, Red-Necked Fowl, White-Necked Raven, and more. Enjoy two nights at Mara Sopa Lodge, with daily game drives. (BLD).

Day 17: Masai Mara to Amboseli

Depart for Amboseli National Park, known for its elephant herds and birdlife. Enjoy birding en-route and a picturesque view of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Dinner and overnight at Ol-Tukai Lodge. (BLD).

Day 18: Amboseli

Spend the day photographing the stunning Mt. Kilimanjaro and birdwatching, with over 425 bird species in the park. Dinner and overnight at Ol-Tukai Lodge (BLD).

 
Day 19: Amboseli to Nairobi

After breakfast, return to Nairobi. Enjoy lunch at Pampa Grill Restaurant, followed by a complimentary dinner at the Carnivore Restaurant, known as “Africa’s greatest eating experience.” Later, transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international departure flight.

This comprehensive birdwatching safari takes you through Kenya’s diverse landscapes and ecosystems, providing opportunities to observe a wide variety of bird species along with Kenya’s incredible wildlife