LESB – 003 -17 DAYS BIRDING SAFARI KENYA
There are over 1000 species of birds in Kenya and plenty of places to view these. The below safari will reveal most of these birds of Kenya.
Day 1 :
Arrival Nairobi airport and Transfer to Panafric Hotel/ Boulevard hotel for overnight and dinner.
Day 2:
We begin our Safari from Nairobi into the Rift Valley Lakes of Naivasha. There are several bird species around Lake Naivasha. These include; White Pelican, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Black Crake, African Jacana, several duck species, Long-toed Lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, Green Wood hoopoe, and over half of the species in Kenya can be seen. In the evening, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl hunts along the lakeshore acacias. Overnight at Naivasha Resort lodge/ Elsamere Centre.
Day 3:
In addition to exploring the surroundings of your cottage, there is also the possibility of visiting Hell’s Gate NP . This is one of the few parks where it is possible to walk, and the cliffs have breeding Nyanza and Mottled Swifts, and a colony of Rueppell’s Vultures. Over night and Meals at Naivasha Resort lodge/ Elsamere Centre.
Day 4:
Today, you will head for Lake Victoria. On the way, you may wish an option to spend three or four hours passing through Lake Nakuru NP , which is again excellent for water birds and acacia species. On the way to Kisumu, you may wish to visit some diminishing grasslands above Molo, where Sharpe’s Longclaw is regular, along with Wing-snapping Cisticola. When you reach Kisumu, if time permits, you will be able to visit Hippo Point, where the papyrus beds have specialities such as Black-headed and Papyrus Gonoleks. Overnight at Imperial Hotel or Grand Kimwa Kisumu.
Day 5 :
There are two possibilities on this day. The journey to Kakamega is quite short, but can be extended along the coast of the lake, where the area around Sio port has further papyrus specialties. Some grassland in the west is also productive for species such as Uganda Spotted Woodpecker, Red-headed Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and Blue Swallow. These sites could also be visited in a long morning from Kakamega town, so are possible on a different day. Overnight Golf Hotel Kakamega.
Day 6 :
Today, it will be possible to spend all day exploring Kakamega Forest. In the northern part, Solomon is recommended, and in the south Wilberforce. The number of birds is incredible, and include Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Grey Parrot, Yellow-billed, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, several Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Thick-billed Honeyguides. Overnight Golf Hotel Kakamega.
Day 7 :
It is recommended to spend one day in the north and stay at Udo’s Bandas, and the second night at the Forest Rest house in the south. Both are fairly spartan, but you may purchase firewood to cook with. Both are also in the heart of the forest. Overnight Rondo Retreat.
Day 8:
After some final forest birding, we will head north to the market town of Kitale. Nearby are two excellent birding localities, Kongolei and Saiwa Swamp. Overnight Alakara Hotel or similar.
Day 9:
Today, we skirt the Cherangani Mountains, and head through the spectacular Kerio Valley and Tugen Hills. On the way, we can stop to seek out similar birds to Kongolei, and in the valley, species such as Little Weaver and D’Arnaud’s Barbet. When we arrive at Lake Baringo, and we should see our first special birds of the area. Overnight Lake Baringo hotel or proceed to Lake Bogoria hotel.
Day 10:
All day will be spent around Lake Baringo/ Bogoria. You may wish to use a local guide, who will help find the difficult species. Overnight Lake Baringo hotel or proceed to Lake Bogoria hotel.
Day 11:
We head south from Baringo, and skirt the Aberdares, stopping at Thompson’s Falls where we can seek out Slender-billed Starling, African Snipe and Tinkling Cisticola. We then pass across Solio Plains, sometimes good for Bustards, which can include the scarce Denham’s, as well as Capped Wheatear, Long-tailed Widowbird and wintering Lesser Kestrels and Montagues and Pallid Harriers. Food can be bought en-route at Nyahururu, or meals can be obtained at the lodge. Overnight at Naromoru River Lodge.
Day 13:
After final birding around Naro Moru, we head north, stopping to look for Dusky Turtle Dove and the near-endemic Boran Cisticola. Once in Samburu , birds are profuse, and include Somali and White-throated Bee-eaters, Golden Pipit, Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich. In addition, dry-country mammals are present, including Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx and Reticulated Giraffe, and Elephant, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are all possible. Over night Samburu Block lodge.
Day 14: A further day will be spent in Samburu. Samburu lodge.
Day 15:
Heading back slowly into the highlands, we will stop at Wajee Camp, where the endemic Hinde’s Babbler lives in the grounds. In addition, African Wood Owl roosts, and there is a selection of other highland birds around. Overnight Wajee Bungalows or similar.
Day 16:
often include Yellow-crowned Bishop and White-winged Widowbird. We will stop at Thika Blue Posts, and have the option of an afternoon at Kieni Forest. This remnant patch seems very quiet at first, but is home to many scarce highland birds. Overnight New Blue Posts Thika.
Day 17:
After breakfast, we will have an Option to head for Nairobi NP or straight to the Airport or spend more time relaxing in Nairobi. After, transfer to airport for Flight Home.
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High Season |
Low Season |
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1 Jan - March 30, July 1 to 15th
Dec |
April 1 to 15th June |
| Price person sharing |
US$ 4250 |
US$3915 |
Minimum four people.
Price includes:
1. Transport throughout Safari
2. 3 meals a day
3. Accommodation
4. Park Entrance Fees
5. Driver/Guide
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