Overview
This 12-Day Birding Safari combines some of Kenya’s finest birding destinations with two days of Big Five game viewing in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Travel from Nairobi to Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Kakamega Forest and Lake Naivasha — four Rift Valley lakes and a rainforest that together host over 450 bird species, including globally threatened and rare endemics.
Ideal for dedicated birders and wildlife-loving companions, the route blends specialised birding opportunities (waterbirds, raptors, forest specialists) with classic savannah game drives. Expect comfortable lodges, guided boat trips, early-morning birding walks and plenty of time for photography and record-keeping.
Highlights
- Birding hotspots: Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Kakamega Forest and Crescent Island (Naivasha).
- Over 450 species possible, including flamingos, pelicans, hornbills, turacos and rare raptors.
- Two full days of game viewing in the Maasai Mara with Big Five opportunities.
- Island Camp Resort (Baringo) — island birding and boat trips with expert guides.
- Forest birding in Kakamega — home to the Great Blue Turaco and several forest endemics.
- Comfortable lodging at Sarova Lion Hill, Island Camp Resort, Rondo Retreat, Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort and Mara Sopa Lodge (or similar).
Itinerary
Pickup from your Nairobi hotel or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and head to Lake Nakuru. Stop at the Rift Valley escarpment for photos before arriving for lunch at your lodge. Afternoon game drive around Lake Nakuru to view flamingos, pelicans, spoonbills and other waterbirds. Expect to see zebra, buffalo, black rhino and leopard in the park. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar.
Early morning birding is recommended — the lodge’s immediate surroundings attract over 50 species. Take advantage of morning and afternoon game drives and consider a boat ride on the lake. Return to the lodge for relaxation and more birding from the grounds. Dinner and overnight at Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge or similar.
After breakfast, depart for Lake Baringo. Arrive at Island Camp Resort (situated on an island) in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon exploring the island grounds where hornbills, bee-eaters, barbets and waterbirds are abundant. Take a guided walk with an experienced birding guide for excellent sightings. Dinner and overnight at Island Camp Resort.
A full day dedicated to bird watching — boat trips on the lake with a local guide are recommended and often yield many species in a short time. Island Camp Resort offers prime waterbird viewing and the chance to tally high species numbers. Dinner and overnight at Island Camp Resort.
After breakfast, take a short boat trip to the mainland and drive toward Kakamega in the Lake Victoria basin. Arrive after lunch, settle into the lodge, and prepare for forest birding the next day. Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat.
Spend the day birding Kakamega’s mid-altitude tropical rainforest — home to 194 forest-dependent bird species including the Great Blue Turaco and globally threatened species such as Chapin’s Flycatcher. Best birding windows are early morning and late afternoon; mid-day is ideal for rest at the lodge. Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat.
Depart after breakfast for Lake Naivasha, with lunch en route. Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy lodge facilities — perhaps a swim or a sundowner. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar.
Early visit to Crescent Island Game Sanctuary for birding and guided walks among giraffe, zebra and waterbuck. Later take a boat trip on Lake Naivasha or relax at the lodge. Crescent Island is prime habitat for African Fish Eagle, pelicans and numerous shorebirds. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort or similar.
Depart early for the Masai Mara to ensure maximum game and birding time. Arrive by lunchtime for your first afternoon game drive in the Mara. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.
Morning and evening game drives with excellent opportunities for large predator sightings and raptors. Birding in the Mara includes vultures, woodpeckers, turacos and migrant passerines. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.
Another full day of game drives and birding; explore different regions of the Mara to maximise species lists and Big Five sightings. Dinner and overnight at Mara Sopa Lodge or similar.
After breakfast, depart for Nairobi. Drop off at your Nairobi hotel or transfer to Jomo Kenyatta Airport for your flight home. End of services.
Cost
Cost Includes
- Accommodation as listed (11 nights) or similar.
- Meals as specified (breakfast, lunch & dinner where indicated).
- All game drives, boat trips and park entrance fees where stated.
- Transport in a 4×4 safari vehicle with driver-guide.
- Local birding guide services where arranged (if included).
- Bottled water during drives and transfers.
- Transfer to/from Nairobi as specified.
Cost Excludes
- International flights and visas.
- Travel/medical insurance.
- Optional activities not listed (specialist guide fees, balloon safari).
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and lodge staff.
- Personal expenses and items not listed under “Cost Includes.”
FAQs
Expect a wide variety — flamingos, pelicans, African Fish Eagle, hornbills, bee-eaters, turacos (including the Great Blue Turaco in Kakamega), endemic forest species and numerous raptors. Many migrants may be present depending on the season.
Yes — the itinerary includes game drives, scenic drives and comfortable lodge downtime that appeal to non-birding companions while still offering exceptional birding opportunities.
Specialist birding guides can be arranged and added to your package (supplement applies). Local driver-guides are experienced in bird identification, but an ornithologist can be added for advanced birders.
Early morning and late afternoon walks are optional at many lodges (e.g., Kakamega guided forest walks). Most birding can also be done from vehicles and short walks — suitable for most fitness levels.
Boat trips are recommended and can be included where specified. Confirm inclusion when booking as private boat hires or additional fees may apply.
Kenya offers year-round birding; the best time for migrants often coincides with local seasons. We’ll advise on timing for target species when you enquire.
Park fees are included only if explicitly listed under “Cost Includes.” We will confirm exact inclusions when preparing your quote.
