9 DAYS KENYA BIRDING SAFARI
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This 9-day Kenya safari is a birdwatcher’s paradise, with a strong focus on diverse avian species across various habitats. It begins in Nairobi, with an optional visit to Nairobi National Park. The journey then explores several key birding locations: Lake Naivasha, known for its waterbirds; Lake Nakuru, famous for its flamingos and rhinos; and Lake Baringo, a true birding hotspot with over 470 recorded species. The safari then ventures to Kakamega Forest, a tropical rainforest home to unique forest-dwelling birds and primates. The trip concludes in the world-renowned Maasai Mara, offering a final opportunity for birdwatching alongside classic big game viewing. This itinerary is ideal for bird enthusiasts who also want to experience Kenya’s iconic wildlife and landscapes.

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Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our safari representative and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore the city and visit the Nairobi National Park, an urban oasis that is home to a variety of bird species, including ostriches, crowned cranes, and raptors. (Meals on Bed& Breakfast)

Day 2: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha

After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake known for its abundant birdlife. Take a boat ride on the lake, where you can spot African fish eagles, pied kingfishers, and a variety of waterfowl. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Hell’s Gate National Park for more birdwatching opportunities, as well as the chance to see wildlife such as zebras, giraffes, and gazelles. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 3: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its flamingos and diverse bird species. The park is also home to rhinos, giraffes, and lions, providing ample opportunities for both birdwatching and wildlife viewing. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 4: Lake Nakuru to Lake Baringo

Continue your journey to Lake Baringo, a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 470 species recorded in the area. Take a boat ride on the lake to see African darters, goliath herons, and other water birds. Explore the surrounding cliffs and acacia woodlands for additional birdwatching opportunities. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 5: Transfer to Lake Baringo

Spend a full day exploring the diverse habitats around Lake Baringo, from the lake shores to the surrounding savannah and scrubland. Look out for specialties such as Hemprich’s hornbill, Jackson’s hornbill, and bristle-crowned starling, as well as a variety of raptors and water birds. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 6: Lake Baringo to Kakamega Forest

Depart for Kakamega Forest, a tropical rainforest in western Kenya that is home to a unique assemblage of bird species. Explore the forest trails in search of turacos, barbets, and other forest-dwelling birds, as well as primates such as colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 7: Transfer to Kakamega Forest

Spend a full day birdwatching in Kakamega Forest, where you can encounter sought-after species such as blue-headed bee-eater, African broadbill, and turner’s eremomela. The forest also offers the chance to see rare butterflies and other wildlife. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 8: Kakamega Forest to Maasai Mara

Depart for Maasai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve. While known for its spectacular mammal sightings during the Great Migration, Maasai Mara also offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, with over 450 species recorded in the area. (Meals on Full board basis)

Day 9: Masai Mara

After breakfast, spend your final day in Kenya exploring the grasslands and acacia woodlands of Masai Mara, where you can spot secretary birds, vultures, and various other birds of prey. Keep an eye out for iconic African wildlife such as lions, elephants, and wildebeest as you take in the stunning landscapes of this world-renowned reserve. (Meals on Breakfast & Lunch)

Tour  includes                                 
  • Park admission fees and wildlife drives.
  • Fees for boat rides, including professional English-speaking driver guides.
  • Full-board accommodations
  • Transport in a 4* 4 Safari van or 4*4 Jeep
  • Service of experienced English speaking guide
  • bottled drinking water
Tour excludes.                     
  • International airline tickets and visas
  • Life insurance
  • Personal expenses include purchasing souvenirs, crafts, refreshments, laundry services, hiring a porter, and tips, among others.

PEAK SEASON 1ST JUNE TO 30 OCT

$ 4,261 PER PERSON SHARING

HIGH SEASON JANUARY – MARCH, NOV- 20TH DEC

$ 3,704 PER PERSON SHARING

LOW SEASON APRIL – 3OTH MAY

$ 3,590 PER PERSON SHARING

Route
9 days safari
9days safari

Safari Destinations

  • Nairobi (and optionally Nairobi National Park): Start point and optional initial wildlife viewing.
  • Lake Naivasha: Freshwater lake known for waterbirds.
  • Lake Nakuru National Park: Famous for flamingos and rhinos, also good for other bird species.
  • Lake Baringo: A birdwatcher’s paradise with over 470 recorded species.
  • Kakamega Forest: A tropical rainforest with unique forest-dwelling birds and primates.
  • Maasai Mara: Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, offering both excellent birdwatching and classic big game viewing.

Activities and transportations

Safari Booking

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go on safari?

It depends on what you want to see. For the Great Migration river crossings in the Maasai Mara, visit between July and October, when the herds cross the Mara River in search of fresh grazing. For calving season and dense predator activity, January to March is excellent, particularly around the southern Serengeti. Kenya's two dry seasons (June to October and January to February) generally offer the clearest skies and easiest game viewing across Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu, since animals gather around limited water sources. The 'green season' (November and April to May) brings lush scenery, migratory birdlife, and lower rates, though some rural roads can be muddy. Tell us your travel dates and priorities, and we will recommend the destinations that fit best.

Do I need a visa and vaccinations?

Most nationalities need a Kenya eTA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you fly; Tanzania and Zanzibar require their own separate visa, available online or on arrival depending on your nationality. Entry requirements change from time to time, so confirm the current rules for your passport a few weeks before departure. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from, or have transited through, a Yellow Fever risk country, and we recommend it in general along with being up to date on routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, hepatitis A and B). Most safari areas are malaria zones, so antimalarial medication is strongly advised. Always check final requirements with your doctor or a travel health clinic, and ask us for the latest entry rules when you book.

Are your safaris private or group?

Every itinerary we build is private and tailor-made by default: your own vehicle, driver-guide, and schedule, with no strangers added to your trip. That means you can linger an extra morning at a favourite lodge, adjust the route on the go, or add a visit to the Emmanuel New Hope Rescue Centre we support. If you would rather share costs or travel as a solo guest, we can also arrange a scheduled group departure and match you with other travellers on similar dates. Either way, your safari is planned by our Nairobi-based specialists around your budget, dates, and interests, not a fixed package.

How much does a Kenya safari cost?

Safari costs vary widely depending on where you stay and how you travel. Budget camping safaris in parks like Amboseli or Lake Nakuru can start from around USD 150 to 250 per person per day, mid-range lodge safaris typically run USD 250 to 450 per day, and luxury tented camps in the Maasai Mara or Serengeti can exceed USD 750 per day. Your quote always includes a private vehicle, driver-guide, park fees, and accommodation as specified in your itinerary. Since every trip we build is tailor-made, tell us your budget and travel dates and we'll show you exactly what it buys, with no hidden extras.

What should I pack for an African safari?

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives, since bright colours and dark blue can attract tsetse flies in some regions. Bring layers for early morning drives, which can be cold even near the equator, plus a hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. A good pair of binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, and a portable charger make a real difference to the experience. Comfortable closed shoes are more useful than sandals, and most lodges offer laundry service, so you rarely need more than a week's worth of clothing even on a longer trip. We send a full packing checklist tailored to your specific itinerary and season once you book.

Do you offer self-drive or chauffeur-driven car hire?

Yes. Alongside our guided safaris, we offer both self-drive car hire and chauffeur-driven vehicles for clients who want more flexibility around Nairobi, the coast, or shorter road trips. Self-drive suits experienced drivers comfortable with Kenyan road conditions, while a chauffeur-driven car is the better choice for game-viewing routes, night driving, or if you'd simply rather relax and let a local expert handle the roads. All our vehicles are well-maintained 4x4s suited to both tarmac and rougher safari tracks. Let us know your route and dates and we'll recommend the right option.

Is it safe to travel to Kenya and Tanzania?

Millions of visitors travel safely to Kenya and Tanzania every year, and the main tourist circuits, national parks, and coastal resorts are well-established and closely monitored. As with any international travel, sensible precautions apply: use a reputable operator (we're KATO-verified), avoid displaying valuables in cities, and follow your guide's advice in wildlife areas, where the real risk is animals, not crime. We stay in regular contact with our clients throughout their trip, and our drivers know the routes and current conditions well. If you have specific safety questions about your itinerary, we're happy to talk them through before you book.

Can you combine a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or Diani?

Absolutely, it's one of our most popular combinations. A typical itinerary pairs 4 to 7 days on safari in the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, or Serengeti with 3 to 5 days unwinding on the beach in Zanzibar or Diani Beach, taking advantage of short connecting flights between the two. We handle all the logistics, including domestic flight bookings and airport transfers, so you go straight from game drives to the Indian Ocean without the stress of planning it yourself. Tell us how many days you have and we'll suggest a balance between wildlife and beach time that fits your trip.

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