Birds of Kenya Safari​

Details & Itinerary

Day 1 – Nairobi:

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, you will be met by a representative of Akara Expeditions and transferred to a local hotel where you will check-in and later we proceed to Nairobi National Park, an ornithological paradise starter within the city environs. In the afternoon visit the National Museum Bird Gallery, followed by a short bird walk at Nairobi National Museum Botanic Garden. Here we anticipate seeing species like the Variable Sunbird, Bronze Sunbird and the Collard Sunbird, African Goshawk, Palm swift, Baglafetch Weaver, among others.

Day 02 – Lake Naivasha:

Morning departure to Lake Naivasha. Lake Naivasha consists of a shallow freshwater lake surrounded by lush acacia woodland and open grassland. There is an abundance of dense vegetation framing the edge of the lake, making for a glorious habitat for the prolific bird life.

Naivasha has over 400 recorded bird species. The waters of the Lake attract many waterbirds including the continent’s highest concentration of African Fish Eagles, many Goliath Heron, Jacanas, Pied and Malachite Kingfisher, Red-knobbed coot, Spoonbills, Little Grebe, rare Maccoa Duck, African Darters and Saddle Billed Stork.

Day 03 – Lake Elementaita:

Morning departure to Lake Elementaita. Species of interest recorded here include both Lesser and Greater Flamingo, the remarkable Jackson’s Widowbird and the Grey crested helmet Shrike. Both Martial and Crowned Eagles have also been sighted here.

Day 04 – Lake Nakuru:

The breathtaking Lake Nakuru National Park is a mecca for a plethora of birds, specifically the flamingo. Apart from the obvious Greater and Lesser Flamingo, species of interest recorded here include many Great White Pelican and Black necked and Little Grebe, as well as rare Martial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel and Madagascar Squacco Heron.

Day 05 – Kakamega Forest National Reserve:

Kakamega forest is a unique environment, not just in Kenya but in Africa. It is the only remnant on Kenya of the once great tropical rainforest that stretched across Central Africa. 

The forest is home to more than 300 bird species including the Angsore’s Greenbul, Blue headed Beeeater, Chapin’s Flycatcher and Turner’s Eremola. Other notables include the Red Chested Owlet, Least Honeyguide, Great Blue Turaco, Banded Snake eagle, and Crowned Eagle. This beautiful forest is also home to around 350 species of butterflies and various mammals including bush pigs, giant forest hedgehogs, colobus monkeys, Debrazzar monkeys and pottos.

Day 06 – Kakamega / Kisumu / Maasai Mara

After breakfast and check-out, either take a day drive to Maasai Mara National Reserve or drive to Kisumu town and take a local flight to Maasai Mara. Upon arrival at Mara relax at a reserved hotel at your leisure. 

Day 07 & 08 – Maasai Mara

Probably the most famous reserve in Kenya, the Masai Mara is home to a wide range of wildlife including lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffalo, giraffes, black rhinos, elephants and many more. The Mara is equally popular with birders, and specialist birding safaris. Of the over 500 recorded species, notables include the Corncrake, Grey crested Helmet Shrike, Lesser Kestrel, Madagascar Squacco Heron, Saddle Billed Stork, Secretary Bird, Ostrich, White headed Vulture among more common species, Lilac Breasted Roller, Yellow billed Ox pecker among the large herds, and Martial and Crowned Eagles.

Day 09 – Maasai Mara / Nairobi

After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch. Relax at a reserved hotel day room until transferring to the airport for your onward arrangements.