Birding Safaris n Tours Kenya-Bird Watching Safaris Kenya,Africa Partners in Safari bird watching Safari,Bird Watching Safaris in Africa, East Africa Ornithological Safaris, Kenya Birding Tours, Kenya ornithology, Bird Photography visit important birds area.21 Days Birding Safari around Kenya Trip covering Arabuko Sokoke, Mida Creek, Tsavo, Taita Hills, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Samburu, Nakuru, Baringo, Kakamega, Mara, Naivasha, Nairobi)
Kenyan boarders other countries with unique biodiversity, creating interesting biomes that contribute immensely to our species diversity. Indeed Kenya is an ornithological dream come true thanks to the diverse ecosystems, we experience bird watching and excellent large game viewing therefore birder does not have to worry too much about boring the non birders partner, spouse or other family members sharing the safari. We arrange privately guided Ornithological Safaris throughout Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. We arrange Group Trips as well as safaris for the Independent Traveller and families. We specialize in customized African safari itineraries taking care of special interests.
21 Days Birding Safari Around Kenya Trip covering Arabuko Sokoke, Mida Creek, Tsavo, Taita Hills, Amboseli, Mount Kenya, Samburu, Nakuru, Baringo, Kakamega, Mara, Naivasha, Nairobi)
Day 1: Nairobi
Arrive at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) where you will be met By Africa Partners in safari representative and transfer to the to the Nairobi Serena Hotel.
Nairobi Serena Hotel
Nairobi Serena Hotel is one of the finest hotels in Nairobi with high level of modern hospitality and location in a tranquil surrounding. Nairobi Serena Hotel is a member of the ‘Leading Hotels of the World’. Nairobi Serena Hotel is located on the outskirts of the city centre, approximately 18 Kms. from the airport and 5 minutes walk to the city centre.Room décor and interiors are inspired by Pan African design themes with full expression in the intricate timberwork that accentuates the guest rooms. Views from the rooms are of Central Park to the east, and to the west, acacia groves and lush gardens.
Day 2: Nairobi - Samburu Game Reserve
Leave Nairobi soon after breakfast drive Northwards through Central Kenya Highland.On the way we see pineapple plantation of Thika and the neat kikuyu subsistence farms, on a clear day we may observe glimpses of the Second highest mountain in Africa the Mt Kenya with its snow capped peaks on the Equator. We Proceed past the Mount Kenya region onto the Semi arid Northern Kenya frontier District. Our host are the Samburu people who are pastoralists herding their cattle like their brothers in the South the Maasai. On the drive we pass through spectacular scenery, and the grasslands along the roadside are a great place for Black-winged Plover, Black-shouldered Kite, Dusky Turtle-dove, Angola Swallow, Greater Blue-eared Glossy-starling, Cape Rook, Boran Cisticola, Tacazze Sunbird, Red-collared and Long-tailed Widowbirds (seasonal) and Speke's Weaver. We Cross the Equator into this unique adventurous African wilderness arriving in time for lunch at the Serena Samburu Lodge We experience an evening drive in search of the unique birds and animals in Samburu Game Reserve
Day 3/4: Samburu Game Reserve
Samburu is one of the most exciting reserves in Kenya and may be even in the greater East Africa. The semi-desert habitat and the rich woodlands along the Ewaso Nyiro River are teeming with wildlife. Exploring this fantastic reserve will always produce a most overwhelming array of bird species such as Palm-nut and Hooded Vultures, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Crested and Yellow-necked Francolins, Vulturine Guineafowl, Buff-crested and White-bellied Bustards, Black-faced and Lichtenstein's Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrot, African Scops-owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Somali Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Von der Decken's Hornbill, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Bearded Woodpecker, Pink-breasted Lark, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Hunter's and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Golden-breasted and Fischer's Starlings, Donaldson-Smith's Sparrow-weaver, Cut-throat and the stunning Somali Bunting. Mammal life is also prolific, with many species not seen elsewhere on our tour. Just a few of the many possibilities are Olive Baboon, Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Dwarf Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Grevy's Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Kirk's Dikdik, Common Waterbuck, Gerenuk and the magnificent Beisa Oryx. Two night stay at the Samburu Serena Lodge. Morning and evening game drives, searching for different species of birds and the rare animals associated with this area together with the big five. Dinner and overnight are spent at the lodge. Day 4: Samburu National reserve – Lake Nakuru National Park
We depart after breakfast for Lake Nakuru National Park allowing time to search for several key species along the way with a stop over at Thomson's falls also known as Nyahururu Falls. Nyahururu is one of Kenya’s highest towns, at 2360 m above sea level. Just outside the town lies Thomson’s Falls on the Ewaso Narok River. It falls 72 m, the mist feeding the dense forest below. At Thomson falls we’re likely to see Chestnut-Winged Starlings, Slender billed starling, Rock Martin, Grey cuckoo shrike around the waterfalls. . In the early afternoon we will arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park, home of the pink Lake Nakuru arena of the greatest birding spectacle on earth! Huge numbers of Lesser Flamingos feed in the shallow alkaline water, sometimes up to a million, with smaller numbers of Greater Flamingos. Lake Nakuru in the Lake Nakuru National Park which was recently named as an Important Birding Area (IBA) Due to the huge birds population and number of species in this magnificent park. This Kenyas important birding areas holds millions of migratory birds. A huge rocky escarpment en route is a favourite roosting spot for the Mackinder's Eagle-owl and we may be able to find this highly sought-after species. The Acacia scrub is a favourite haunt for Little Grebe, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-winged Starling, Little Rock-thrush, Pale Flycatcher, and Purple Grenadier Exploring the Acacia woodland and the lakeside marshes we will no doubt come across many wonderful avian delights such as Great White Pelican, Great Cormorant, African Spoonbill, African Fish-eagle, African Harrier-hawk, Hildebrandt's Francolin, Grey-headed Gull, Broad-billed Roller, Levaillant's Cuckoo, White-browed Coucal, Green Wood-hoopoe, Rufous-necked Wryneck, Grey Woodpecker, Black Cuckoo-shrike, Northern Anteater-chat, Grey-backed Fiscal, Brown-crowned Tchagra and African Firefinch. Mammals are also quite common in the park and it is one of the few places in East Africa where the endangered White Rhino can be found. Some of the other mammals we hope to encounter are the Rothschild’s Giraffe and Reedbuck. One night stay at the Sarova Lion Hill/Similar. Dinner and overnight at the Sarova Lion Hill lodge.
Day 5: Lake Nakuru National Park- Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Experience an early morning game drive in this Kenya's gems and depart later for Lake Bogoria in the Lake Bogoria National Reserve another of Kenyas IBA (important bird areas). You will have an opportunity of visiting the hot springs and the lake offers a home to migratory bird species mainly Greater and Lesser flamingos. Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo are some of the Great East Africa Rift Valley Lakes. The Reserve's herds of the rare Greater Kudu makes it unique and other game to view. The south shore of Lake Bogoria has acacia-ficus woodland and to the north is a papyrus swamp. Birds unique to this area include Congregatory of Lesser and Greater flamingo, Steppe eagle, Curlew Sand piper, Black necked grebe and Black headed Plover. Dinner and Overnight will be at Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 6: Lake Baringo
An early morning walk around the lodge grounds down the road towards the gates and entrance to the reserve we spot different endemic species. Later on we leave for Lake Baringo, another important bird area. These areas boast of two major ornithological attractions the largest nesting colony of Goliath Heroines and home of Verreaux's Eagle. Dinner and overnight are spent at the lodge. Day 7: Baringo - Kakamega forest
Pre-breakfast bird walk and later drive to Kenya virgin tourist circuit western Kenya arriving in your lodge in time for lunch. The Kakamega forest is a walking safari destination where our mission of bird watching is fulfilling in this only true tropical rain forest in Kenya and a site of international significance for bird conservation. Dinner and overnight spent at the Rondo Retreat Centre.
Day 8: Kakamega Forest
Full day enjoying the sights and sounds of this unique forest, walk through the trails bird watching adventure, Kakamega is the home to 194 bird species. The forest is West African in character and many birds here are not found elsewhere in Kenya. After the grueling trek we return to the tranquil Rondo Retreat Centre. Kakamega Rain Forest is a haven for butterfly collector, beetle specialist, frog fancier, spider hunter, tourist or bird watcher. A vast array of birds hosted by the Kakamega Rain Forest is the most flamboyant Great Blue Turaco, gemlike Emerald Cuckoo and the cacophonous Black-and-white casqued Hornbill. A range of monkey family such as the blue Sykes, the red tailed, the common Black and White Colobus, and the rare deBrazza’s.40% of the total butterfly population of Kenya is found in the Kakamega forest .We also have a chance to experience one of the diverse African culture of the Abaluhya people. Dinner and overnight spent at the Centre
Day 9: Kakamega Forest - Lake Elementaita
Leave Western Kenya and drive to towards the Great East African Rift Valley and arrive at the Lake Elementaita by time for lunch. We experience a nature walk to the lake, with over 500 species, bird watching is very rewarding . Lake Elementaita is the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Other activates available are Horse ridding, Game drives to Lake Nakuru National Park, Swimming, Balloon safaris. Enjoy conducted bird walks. Dinner and overnight spent at the lodge.
Day 10: Lake Elementaita – Lake Naivasha
After breakfast we depart for Lake Naivasha arriving in time for lunch. Lake Naivasha is another IBA with over 350 species of birds been recorded. We try to spot the rare and threatened fish Eagle among other species. Dinner and overnight at the Lake Naivasha Lodge lodge.
Day 11: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara Game Reserve
We take an early morning bird walk before checking out and departing for the amazing Maasai Mara Reserve and experience game viewing en route. We arrive in time for lunch and take a late afternoon game viewing searching for different species of birds in this area. Dinner and overnight spent Mara Serena Lodge.
Day 12: Masai Mara Game reserve
Full day of bird watching with a picnic lunch, visit Mara River where we sport different species of birds as well as the big five namely elephant, lion, leopard white and black rhinoceros, buffalo, and the plain game. Among the birds of this area are red winged schalow's Turaco, Orange -buff pel's fishing owl, flock of crested guinea fowls, bustards, secretary birds among others. Dinner and overnight spent the Mara Serena Lodge.
Day 13: Masai Mara-Nairobi
We depart soon after breakfast from the Masai Mara and have a game drive en-route in the rolling savannah grass of Mara as we proceed to Nairobi. We stop at the viewpoint to have a panoramic view of the beautiful sceneries of the Great East African Rift Valley. We arrive in Nairobi in time for lunch. In the afternoon we visit the National Museum where we identify the bird species we have recorded and those that we yearn to have to identify. Dinner and overnight spent at the Jacaranda Hotel.
Day 14: Nairobi -Amboseli National Park
We depart for Amboseli National Park after breakfast pass through the Industrial area of Nairobi the capiatal city of Kenya.On a clear day we will be able to catch glimpses of the Highest Mountain in Africa the Mt. Kilimanjaro and we experience game drive en-route. Welcome to the homeland of the Maasai who are pastoralist and still practice their traditional culture to date and have coexist in harmony with wildlife for many years. Bird life at the Amboseli National Park is abundant. We arrive in time for Lunch at the Amboseli Serena Hotel. In the afternoon we search for birds especially in the in the swampy where we will experience.
Amboseli National Park at the foot of the grand snow-capped Mt.Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, Amboseli is a photogenic Park and hosts great number of game We enjoy morning and evening game viewing drives in searching for the birds of prey including six species of vultures in the 47 recorded amongst which two are very rare, Taita falcon and Southern barded harrier Eagle. Dinner and overnight spent at the lodge.
Day 15: Amboseli - Tsavo West National Park.
After breakfast, we proceed to Tsavo West with an en route birding.The Tsavo habitat is relatively denser thicket of savanna dominated by acacia-Commiphora bush land with Baobab, grassy plains, riverine woodland, the Mzima Springs. The park is also famous for the autumn bird ringing at the Ngulia Safari Lodge with thousands of European and Asian Palearctic migrants on their way south. we arrive in time for luch at Ngulia Safari Lodge. Afternoon game drive in the wilderness that supports a large number of big game such as elephants, rhino, lion, huge herd of buffalo etc. We encounter a Multitude of Bird life and constantly meet new species. Examples of some the species are white-headed buffalo weaver, starings, bustards, parots, rollers, and hornbills among others. You can also visit the Mzima springs with an under ground water hide where you will en joy viewing Hippos and fish as well as endemic birds such as the King fishers. Dinner and overnight spent at the lodge
Day 16: Tsavo National Park - Taita Hills
We bird in the park en route heading for Taita Hills Forest where we hope to see endemics “Taita Three” Apalis, White-eye and Thrush. Other specialties include Striped Pipit, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Striped-cheeked Greenbul.Dinner and overnight at the Salt Lick Taita Hills.
Day 17: Taita Hills - Watamu
We leave for the Kenyan Indian Ocean Coast, set on wards to the Northern coast to Watamu (meaning sweat). Today, we relax in the cool tidal breeze on the snow white sandy beaches after an adventurous journey. Dinner and overnight at the Turtle bay beach club. Day 18: Arabuko- Sokoke forest
Today we take a short drive to this unique natural and experience trekking in the African wilderness, and we will enjoy walking in the several well-marked walking trails around the forest. It is one of the last remnant indigenous forests in Kenya, the largest and most intact coastal forest in East Africa, and by far the largest remnant of the forests that once dominated Kenya's coastal fringe.
Arabuko- Sokoke forest supports remarkable biodiversity. It contains at least three distinct vegetation types, which provide the habitat for several endangered species, a high number of species in relation to the area, 20% of Kenya's bird species and about 30% of its butterflies have been recorded in this small part (0.07%) of Kenya. At least 24 rare or endemic bird, mammal and butterfly species are restricted to this stretch of coast. This high proportion of endemic species, some known only from Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, makes the forest a key part of the East African Coastal Forests Endemic Bird Area.The forest holds some of the rare endemic species like the smallest owl, Sokoke scops owl, Amani sun bird, sported ground thrush and migratory birds. Dinner and overnight at the Beach Hotel.
Day 19: Gede ruins forest
We visit the Gede ruins, remaints of a Swahili town, typical of most towns along the East African Coast. It traces its origin in the twelfth century but was rebuilt with new town walls in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. This rebuilding is connected with the emigration of many citizens of Kilwa to Mombasa, Malindi and other places along the coast.. Some of the unique birds are Nicator, cuckoo falcon, Swifts that nests in the wells, mottled throated spine tail, horn bills, snake eagles among others. Dinner and overnight at the Beach Hotel.
Day 20: Mida creek
The creek is a large inlet that opens in to the sea south of Watamu and rises and falls with tides. Mida creek is one of Africa's largest mangrove creeks and is a very important part of the marine eco-system in the Watamu/Sokoke World Biosphere Zone. The mangrove roots provide a rich source of food for the fish, crabs, shrimp and oysters. The fish and crustaceans then provide the food for Mida's legions bird population and the local population thus completing the food chain. Young corals and fish also begin their lives in these nutrient rich waters, before the tides sweep them into the Indian Ocean where they spend the remainder of their lives.
Mida Creek is an excellent bird watching area. Traditional dugout canoes, Arabic dhows and Western motorboats are all used for bird viewing, water skiing and relaxing boat cruises on Mida Creek. Thousands of migratory birds regularly visit the creek and the crab plover is the star attraction. We walk on the boardwalk to the Mida village through Mangrove habitat to spot birds like dimorphic egret, bar tailed godwit, terek sand piper, Eurasian gurlew, common green shanks among others. Dinner and overnight spent at the l Beach Hotels.
Day 21: Departure
We transfer you to the Moi International Airport Mombasa for your onward flight back home home.
Contact us for prices
INCLUDED:
Meet, great, and assist at Airport.
All transport and Transfers in Toyota Land Cruisers or safari buses all 4wds with a window seat guarantee.
Accommodations as specified i.e. full Board double rooms sharing
3 meals a day
Park entry fees and sightseeing fees
Service of English Speaking driver/guides.
Car and Driver park entry fees.
Driver’s allowances
2 game drives per day while in National parks and Game reserves
Government taxes including V.A.T
1 liter of bottled water per person per day
EXCLUDED:
Personal spending such as telephone calls, faxes, internet access, laundry etc.
International Flights
Airport taxes
All types of drinks, wines and spirits.
Tourist entry VISA where required
Optional excursions not mentioned in the inclusions and/or quoted separately
Tips and gratuities to driver guides/lodge/hotel staff
All other extras not mentioned in the 'what's included'.
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