9 Days Mount Kilimanjaro – Lemosho Route

Lemosho Route is unique, challenging, and adventurous. Suitable for experienced climbers and those with enough energy

Itinerary at a Glance

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting the Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterward, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco, and Barafu, known as the

Full Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival/Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport, guests will be received by Kenan representative and transferred to Nairobi Safari Club Hotel. The day includes an afternoon guided visit to the National Museum Bird Gallery following a short bird walk at Nairobi National Museum Botanic Garden, offering the chance to see species like the Variable Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird, Collard Sunbird, African Goshawk, Palm Swift, Baglafetch Weaver, and more. Meals and accommodation provided at the Nairobi Safari Club Hotel or a similar establishment. (BLD)

Day 2: Nairobi – Thika

The journey begins in the morning as guests head north to Thika, stopping at Blue Post Inn with its unique twin waterfalls, Chania and Thika Falls. Bird enthusiasts can anticipate encounters with coastal species that penetrate the mainland following the River Tana. Possibilities include the Trumpeter Hornbill, Brown Hooded Kingfisher, Zanzibar Sombre Green Bull, and African Golden Weaver. Lunch at the Blue Post Inn Hotel. The afternoon continues with a climb to the slopes of Mt. Kenya in Naro Moru, where the mountain forest transitions into valley grassland. Unique bird species in this area include the Eastern Double Collared Sunbird, Alpine Swift, Black Chested Snake Eagle, Narina Trogon, Scaly Throated Honey Guide, and more. Dinner and overnight stay are at Naro Moru River Lodge. (BLD)

Day 3: Mount Kenya

A full day is devoted to birding in a mountain lodge surrounded by a lush montane forest. Expect to spot rare species such as Green Ibis, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Harrier Hawk, Rufous Sparrow Hawk, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, Black Stork, Red Fronted Parrots, and many others. Dinner and accommodation at Serena Mountain Lodge. (BLD)

Day 4: Mt. Kenya – Lake Baringo/ Lake Bogoria

The journey continues as guests head for Lake Baringo with a stop at the Nyahururu Waterfalls. Possibilities of spotting birds like Chestnut-Winged Starlings, Slender Billed Starling, Rock Martin, and Grey Cuckoo Shrike around the waterfalls are on the agenda. The route leads into the Great Rift Valley and Lake Bogoria National Park, known for its unique birdlife, including congregations of Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Steppe Eagle, Curlew Sandpiper, Black Necked Grebe, and Black Headed Plover. Dinner and accommodation at Lake Baringo Country Club. (BLD)

Day 5: Lake Baringo

A full day at Lake Baringo, a renowned birding mecca with over 500 bird species recorded. Guests can explore the lake’s environs, cliffs, and bushes to spot varieties of species, including Cape Eagle Owl, White-Faced Scops Owl, Jackson’s Hornbill, and more. Dinner and overnight stay are at Lake Baringo Country Club. (BLD)

Day 6: Lake Baringo – Kakamega Forest

The journey continues to Kakamega Forest, an isolated remnant of the equatorial rainforest. The forest is rich in birdlife and home to species like Turners Eremomela, Black Billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, and others. Dinner and accommodation at Rondo Retreat Center. (BLD)

Day 7: Kakamega Forest

A full day of bird watching is on the agenda in Kakamega Forest, renowned for its unique and rich birdlife. Expect to spot species like Chapins Flycatcher, Turners Eremomela, and more. Meals and accommodation are at Rondo Retreat Center. (BLD)

Day 8: Kakamega Forest – Lake Victoria

The journey heads south to the shores of Lake Victoria, with a bird walk focusing on the Dunga Beach Swamp. This site offers opportunities to see scarce and threatened species like the Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, and others. Dinner and accommodation at the Imperial Hotel. (BLD)

Day 9: Lake Victoria – Lake Nakuru

The journey continues to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its abundant birdlife and the pink hue of flamingos lining its shores. Expect to see birds like White-Winged Black Tern, Hilderbrants Francolin, African Fish Eagle, Steppe Eagle, and more. Meals, dinner, and accommodation at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge. (BLD)

Day 10: Lake Nakuru – Lake Naivasha

The day begins with a bird walk or optional boat ride at Lake Naivasha, the only freshwater rift valley lake in Kenya. Guests can spot species like Red Knobbed Coots, African Spoonbill, African Jacana, and Little Grebes, depending on water levels. Meals are provided at Lake Naivasha Country Club. (BLD)

Day 11: Lake Naivasha

A full day of bird watching in the Lake Naivasha region, with bird walks around the club grounds and a visit to the Elsa Mere Field Study Center. Species to look out for include Gadwall, Spotted Red Shank, Black Tailed Godwit, Great White Egret, and more. Dinner and accommodation are at Lake Naivasha Country Club or a similar establishment.

Day 12: Lake Naivasha – Masai Mara

The journey continues to Masai Mara, a world-renowned natural theater known for its rich wildlife. Meals and accommodation are at Sarova Mara Camp or a similar establishment.

Day 13 & 14: Masai Mara

Enjoy two full days dedicated to exploring the expansive grasslands of Masai Mara. During these days, travelers will have ample opportunities to observe varieties of bird species, some of which are considered threatened or unique. In this abundant ecosystem, you may see a variety of avian wonders, the elusive Corncrake, the distinctive Jackson’s Widowbird, the charming Rock Cisticola, the elegant Rufous Bellied Heron, and many other fascinating species. Birdwatching enthusiasts will have a splendid time capturing the beauty of these birds in their natural habitat. Meals and accommodation at Sarova Mara Camp.