14 Nights/15 Days Nairobi - Thika - Mt. Kenya - Lake Baringo - Kakamega forest - Lake Victoria - Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara

Day 01: Arrival Nairobi
On arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta Airport, met by our representative and later transferred to Nairobi Safari Club Hotel where you will relax on your suite. Nairobi Safari Club formerly a private club for members only is the ideal place to be. Afternoon guided visit to 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. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight Nairobi Safari Club Hotel or similar one. (BLD)

Day 02: Nairobi - Thika
Today we leave in the morning and head Northward of "the city in the sky" towards Thika, Blue Post Inn - unique with its twin waterfalls Chania and Thika Falls, provide rewarding bird watching time for birders'. Here we have an opportunity to encounter with a few coastal species that penetrate into main land following the River Tana. We could be lucky to sight the Trumpeter Hornbill, Brown Hooded Kingfisher, Zanzibar Sombre Green-bull and African Golden Weaver. Great egret, Ayres Hawk Eagle, Green sand piper, African green pigeon, Eastern bronze napped pigeon, Purple Crested Turaco, Green headed sunbird and Black cuckoo shrike before our lunch time at Blue Post Inn Hotel.
Later in the afternoon we leave Thika and climb high until the slopes of Mt Kenya, Naro Moru where mountain forest gives way to valley grassland. Unique birds to this area include, Eastern double collared sunbird, Alpine swift, Black Chested snake eagle, Narina Trogon, Scaly throated honey guide, Mountain Wagtail, White headed wood hoopoe, African Black Duck, Grey Cuckoo shrike and Yellow-bellied waxbill. Dinner and overnight stay will be at Naro Moru River Lodge (BLD).

Day 03: Mt. Kenya
We will spend the whole and birding at this Mountain Lodge with montane forest. Rare species likely to be seen include; Green Ibis, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Harrier Hawk, Rufous Sparrow hawk, Ayre's Hawk Eagle. Black stork, Red Fronted Parrots, Green Ibis Common snipe, Mountain Buzzard, Bronze napped pigeon Mountain white-eye, Abbots Starling, Sharpe's Starling, Mountain Oriole and Thick-billed seedeater. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Serena Mountain Lodge (BLD).

Day 04: Mt. Kenya - Lake Baringo/ Lake Bogoria
We leave in the morning and head for Lake Baringo with a stop at the Nyahururu Waterfalls, there are possibilities of sighting Chestnut-Winged Starlings, Slender billed starling, Rock Martin, Grey cuckoo shrike around the waterfalls. Proceed on by road into the Great Rift Valley and onto Lake Bogoria National Park. The Reserve's herd 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 (BLD).

Day 05: Lake Baringo
Full day at Baringo, well known by many avid Ornithologist as mecca for Birds, with 500 species of birds having been recorded. Explore this area with field Birding around Lake Baringo, it's environs, the Cliffs and the bushes. There are possibilities to see rare species like, Cape Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Jackson's Hornbill, Hemprich's Hornbill, Brown-Tailed Rock Chat, Nothern Red Bishop, Northern Masked Weaver and White Billed Buffalo Weaver, Olivaceous Warbler, Northern brownbul, Jackson's golden backed weaver, Little weaver, Brown Tailed Rock Chat, Goliath heron, Northern Shoveller, Verreauxs eagle owl, Bristle crowned starling, Senegal Thicknee, Pygmy falcon, Blue cheecked bee-eater. Dinner and Overnight will be at Lake Baringo Country Club (BLD).

Day 06: Lake Baringo - Kakamega forest
Today we leave lake Baringo and head to an isolated remnant of the equatorial rain forest that once spread over Africa from west to east. It contains an excellent representation of bird, animal, and plant species including an array of primates. Kakamega forest through Eldoret. Kakamega forest's aviauna is rich and unusual in its composition. Two globally threatened species reside here, Chapins Flycatcher and Turners Eremomela. The aviauna is unique not only nationally but also continentally; the forest holds large populations of Black and white colobus and Red tailed monkeys among others. Dinner and Overnight stay at Rondo Retreat Center (BLD).

Day 07: Kakamega forest
Full day bird walk at the eastern most extension of the great tropical rain forest stretching from west Africa. This forest is renowned for its uniqueness and richness in bird life and species like, Turners Eremomela, Black billed Turaco, Great blue turaco, Cameroon Sombre Green bull, Little grey Green bull, Yellow Bellied Wattle eye, Purple-throated cuckoo, Hairy Breasted Barbet, Grey breasted Illadopsis, African Grey Parrot, Square tailed drongo and Chapins Flycatcher. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Rondo Retreat Center (BLD).

Day 08: Kakamega forest - Lake Victoria
We leave this morning after our breakfast and head southwards to the shore's Lake Victoria, our bird walk will be focusing on the Dunga beach Swamp this site is home to one of the most reliable sites in Kenya for the scarce and threatened papyrus yellow warbler. Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp fly catcher, Marsh Tachgra, Jacksons golden backed weaver, Red chested sunbird, Sedge warbler, Carruthers's Cisticola, Southern red bishop, Northern brown throated weaver, Greater swamp warbler. Lunch, Dinner and Overnight tonight will be Imperial hotel (BLD).

Day 09: Lake Victoria - Lake Nakuru
We leave this morning drive to Lake Nakuru National Park coloured with a shimmering flamingo pink from thousands of the beautiful birds lining its shores. Nakuru National Park, a shallow and strongly alkaline lake, with surrounding acacia woodland & grassland. Firstly gazetted as a bird sanctuary is, known for its bird life for the thousands of Lesser and Greater flamingos make this lake their home, among hundreds of other Species unique to this area which include, White winged Black Tern, Hilderbrants Francolin, African fish eagle, Steppe eagle, Grey crested Helmet Shrike, Red-capped lark, Spotted Crake. Wildlife is also in abundance here. Lake Nakuru National Park has been made into one of Kenya's rhino sanctuary. Lunch, dinner and overnight stay tonight will be at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge (BLD).

Day 10: Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha
Depart for Lake Naivasha morning bird walk or boat ride (Optional), the only fresh water rift valley lake in Kenya. It's unique in that its' freshness is maintained by a combination of underground out flow and sedimentation of salts. The lake supports a diverse water-bird community, with more than 80 species recorded regularly. It is a significant site for Red knobbed coots, African spoonbill, African jacana and little grebes depending on water levels. All meals will be served at Lake Naivasha Country Club (BLD) or similar.

Day 11: Lake Naivasha
Full day at the lake Naivasha Region with bird walks around the Club grounds and a visit to the Elsa Mere field study center. Notable birds unique to this area include, Gadwall, Spotted Red Shank, Black Tailed Godwit, Great white egret, Black Headed Gull, Purple Swamp Hen and Mottled swift. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Lake Naivasha Country Club or similar.

Day 12: Lake Naivasha - Masai Mara
Drive across acres of wheat and barley to Masai Mara. The Masai Mara Game Reserve, is regarded as the most magnificent natural theatre in the world. Set in the heart of Africa's Great Plains, the Masai Mara boasts 1,672 square kilometers of unspoiled wilderness. It is home to the highest concentration of animals and birds anywhere on the continent. Dinner and Overnight stay will be at Sarova Mara Camp or similar.

Day 13 & 14: Masai Mara
Two full days in the Masai, the extensive grasslands are a strong hold to the threatened, migratory Corncrake and the near threatened Jackson's widowbird. The bush and woodlands around the reserve also hold some unique bird species, more than 450 bird species have been recorded in the Mara, including 12 species of cisticola and birds of prey. Large numbers of palaerctic migrants winter in the area including Caspian plovers and white storks. Other local and unusual birds in the Mara include Rock Cisticola, Rufous Bellied Heron, Denham's Bustard, Black Coucal, Red Tailed chat, Pale Wren Warbler, Tabora Cisticola, Yellow Bellied Hyliota, Green-capped Eremomela and Magpie Shrike. All meals, dinner and Overnight stay will be at Sarova Mara Camp.

Day 15: Masai Mara - Nairobi - Fly
After breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi arriving in time for lunch at Toona Tree Restaurant where you can enjoy some good Italian food, Check-in to day room at Nairobi hotel. Farewell dinner Later early in the evening, will be hosted by our company at the world famous Carnivore Restaurant considered "Africa's greatest eating experience" (if you love barbecue it doesn't get better than this), and home to the "Simba Saloon" one of the cities most popular night clubs. Thereafter you will be transferred to the airport in time for your International departure flight.

KENYA ADVENTURE BIRD WATCHING SAFARI - 21 NIGHTS/22 DAYS

DAY 1 Arrive and transfer to the domestic flight and fly to Malindi on a KQ flight departing with a morning flight to arrive after 1 hours. Pick from Malindi Airport and transfer to TURTLE BAY BEACH RESORT for check in and short rest to take care of the Jetlag. TURTLE BAY BEACH RESORT is situated in WATAMU a 20 mins drive from Malindi Airport. Over 450 Species have been recorded within a radius of 25 Kilometres of Watamu and Turtle Bay Beach Club is superbly located in a hotspot for East African coastal birds.

DAY 2 With PICNIC LUNCHES we spend full day spend birding around the wonderful sites covering a range of habitats from tidal mangroves and East African dry forest, to dry bush. This means we visit the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest the largest Kenyan remnant of East African coastal dry forest which consists of three vegetation types each with its own assemblage of species. “The Small Six” are the six Globally Threatened birds which occur in the forest, The presence of these six rare birds has resulted in the forest being ranked by BirdLife International as one of the ten most important forests in mainland Africa for bird conservation. These Special Species: Sokoke Scops Owl – Africa’s smallest owl, confined to the Cynometra Thicket.

Clarke’s Weaver – endemic and found from March to December in Brachystegia Forest. Amani Sunbird – found in open Brachystegia Forest. Sokoke Pipit – present year round in Brachystegia Forest and easiest to observe flying over the tree canopy early in the morning. East Coast Akalat – shy and difficult to see. Spotted Ground Thrush – a migrant from South Africa and the most endangered of the six. Dinner & Overnight at TURTLE BAY BEACH CLUB

DAY 3 Depart from Nairobi and drive southeast with a short stop over at HUNTERS LODGE to view the bustling colony of African Golden Weavers and have a chance to look for the Resident Giant Kingfishers before proceeding to Saltlick Safari Lodge, famous for the large number of elephants that visit its floodlit waterhole each night to arrive for LATE LUNCH. Afternoon spend birdwatching in a remnant patch of forest at the top of the Taita Hills. Dinner and over night at SALT LICK SAFARI LODGE.

DAY 4: Early Morning bird watching at TAITA HILLS. Return to the Lodge for breakfast and there after we depart and drive to the bird-rich Lake Jipe, where we'll search for waterbirds. After a picnic lunch on the lakeshore we'll drive to VOYAGER ZIWANI LUXURY CAMP where we will arrive late afternoon. By the way in some dry scrub close to Ziwani Camp we'll look for White-headed Mousebird, Scaly Chatterer and White-throated Robin. Dinner and overnight at VOYAGER ZIWANI LUXURY CAMP.

DAY 5 An early breakfast at Voyager Ziwani Camp, then drive to Kitovu Forest close to the border with Tanzania for bird viewing then return to Voyager Ziwani Camp for lunch lunch. Then drive through Tsavo West National Park to Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge arriving late afternoon. After check in do a late afternoon game drive with a visit Mzima Springs. Dinner and overnight at Kilaguni Serena Safari

DAY 6 Depart after breakfast and drive to Amboseli National Park arriving in time for LUNCH at AMBOSELI SERENA SAFARI LODGE or OLTUKAI LODGE. Afternoon spend looking for species typical of this area especially on the marshlands. Dinner and overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA SAFARI LODGE or OLTUKAI LODGE.

DAY 7 Full day spend bird watching in this park with LUNCH & DINNER INCLUDED. Overnight at AMBOSELI SERENA SAFARI LODGE or OLTUKAI LODGE

DAY 8 Depart after an early breakfast and drive Mount Kenya region arriving at either SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE or NAROMORU RIVER LODGE in time for lunch. Afternoon spend around the lodge bird watching. Dinner and overnight at NARO MORU RIVER LODGE or SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE.
 

DAY 9 After breakfast and drive with PICNIC LUNCHES to the moorland habitat of Mount Kenya then ascend to above 10,000 feet to view the Alpine Chats that are common at this altitude and can be found around this area. We also look for Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird. In the late afternoon we drive back to NARO MORU RIVER LODGE or SERENA MOUNTAIN LODGE for Dinner and overnight.

DAY 10 Depart after breakfast in the lodge and drive northwest on the floor of the world’s greatest Valley viewing the beautiful landscape to arrive at Lake Nakuru National Park. Arrive in good time to do some birding before going for LUNCH at Lionhill Lodge. Afternoon game and bird viewing at Lake Nakuru national Park. Dinner and overnight at Lion Hill Lodge. The park is also a Sanctuary for both black and white rhinos, famous for millions of greater and lesser flamingoes and other bird species such as Narina Trogon. Red-throated Wryneck, Greater and scaly throated Honey guides, Arrow Marked Babbler and African Fire finch. This park is also a good area to see the leopard.

DAY 11 Full day spend bird watching in this park looking for black and white rhinos, millions of greater and lesser flamingoes and other bird species such as Narina Trogon. Red-throated Wryneck, Greater and scaly throated Honey guides, Arrow Marked Babbler and African Fire finch. This park is also a good area to see the leopard. Dinner & overnight at Lion Hill Lodge

DAY 12 Depart after breakfast and drive further northwest stopping for Black Headed Lapwings, Dark Chanting-Goshawk and silver birds to arrive at Lake Baringo arriving in time for lunch at Lake Baringo Country Club. Afternoon spent on the grounds of the Hotel bird viewing. Dinner and overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.

DAY 13 Breakfast at the Hotel. Morning free to view birds. Depart there after around 0900 drive to Lake Bogoria National Reserve which is a short distance away arriving in time for lunch at Lake Bogoria Hotel. Afternoon game and bird viewing. Also visit the Hot Springs. Afterwards drive back to Lake Baringo Country Club for Dinner and overnight

DAY 14 After breakfast drive through the Scenic Western Escarpment of The Great Rift Valley to Western Kenya region, arriving at KAKAMEGA FOREST in time for lunch at RONDO RETREAT CENTER. Afternoon visit the Kakamega Rain Forest to view the rare Red Columbus monkeys and the elusive forest animals, the abundant bird life like the beautiful Rose Turaco, butterflies and much more. Dinner and overnight at RONDO RETREAT CENTER

DAY 15 Full day spend viewing birds at this once extensive woodland forest. Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Center.

DAY 16 Very early breakfast and depart just after dawn With PICNIC LUNCHES driving westwards towards the UGANDA BORDER where we will go looking for Rock Pratincoles that normally reside on some isolated boulders. Also on the nearby streamside bushes we look for Senagal Coucal, Yellow Fronted Tinkerbird Yellow Throated Leaf-love, Copper Sunbird, Bar breastedFirefinch Compact Weaver and many more other species. Evening drive back to RONDO RETREAT CENTER for Dinner and overnight.

DAY 17 After an early breakfast depart and drive stopping along the shores of Lake Victoria for some bird watching then South East through the Western Escarpment of The Great Rift Valley and down on its floor viewing the beautiful landscape and plains to the World famous Masai Mara, arriving in time for Lunch at Mara Serena Lodge. Afternoon Game viewing. Dinner and overnight at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
DAY 18 Early Morning Game drive. Return to the Lodge for breakfast then with PICNIC LUNCH drive to western part of the Reserve around the Musiara Swamps doing game drives and bird watching. Dinner and overnight in Mara Serena Safari Lodger.

DAY 19 After breakfast drive through the center of the Masai Mara doing BIRD and GAME VIEWING. LUNCH at KEEKOROK LODGE. Afterrnoon do a bird viewing at Keekorok Lodge for 30 minutes then drive slowly viewing game through Sekenani Gate to Siana Springs Intrepids for Dinner and overnight. This day you can have an optional night drive.

DAY 20 Before breakfast we'll explore a valley near camp. Return to the Camp for breakfast and thereafter drive on the floor of the Great Rift Valley via Narok Town to Lake Naivasha which is highest of all the Rift Valley lakes at an altitude of 1880 metres above the sea level and also Kenya’s second largest Fresh water lake to arrive Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort lunch. Afternoon spend birding in the grounds of our Resort. Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.

DAY 21 Early Morning spend birding at the grounds of your hotel and surrounding areas before breakfast then after breakfast take a 2 hour boat trip for bird watching in the lake looking for Goliath Heron and Giant Kingfisher among the masses of other water birds. After lunch drive south-east to HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK well known for its colonies of Rupell’s Vultures and hordes of Mottled and Nyanza Swifts and Lanners hunting the swifts along the cliffs. With Luck we may see the Spooted Eagle Owl. Dinner and overnight Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge or Lake Naivasha Simba Lodge.

DAY 22 Morning spend birding at the grounds of lodge. Breakfast and drive back to Nairobi arriving at around 1300 hrs.