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Overview
This is a dedicated 10-Day Kenya Birding Safari designed for serious birders and nature enthusiasts. Moving beyond the standard safari route, this itinerary focuses on Kenya's Important Bird Areas (IBAs). From the congregational waterbirds of the Rift Valley lakes to the grassland endemics of the Maasai Mara and the arid-country specials of Tsavo, you will have the opportunity to check off over 400 species, including raptors, waders, and Palearctic migrants.
From USD 2,710 per person sharing (based on the largest group size; smaller groups vary). Contact us for an exact quote for your group size and travel dates.
Price per person sharing (USD)
| Guests in the vehicle | Per person sharing |
|---|---|
| 2 guests | USD 3,487 |
| 4 guests | USD 2,710 |
Rates are per person sharing, based on the number of guests in the safari vehicle. Contact us for an exact quote for your group size and travel dates.
N/B: This itinerary can be customized to match your travel preferences and schedule
Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Depart Nairobi and descend into the Great Rift Valley, a major flyway for migratory birds. Your destination is Lake Bogoria National Reserve, a soda lake famous for supporting one of the world's largest populations of Lesser Flamingos. Check in at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort. Your afternoon birding drive along the shoreline offers close-up views of the flamingos, as well as the Cape Teal, Black-necked Grebe, and the migratory Steppe Eagle soaring above the hot springs.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort.
Day 2: Lake Bogoria to Lake Naivasha
Start with an early morning bird walk to catch the dawn chorus. Look for the Grey-headed Kingfisher and the beautiful Silverbird in the acacia thickets. Depart for Lake Naivasha, a freshwater haven. Check in at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort. The lodge grounds are a birding site in themselves, teeming with Superb Starlings, Lovebirds, and the Speckled Pigeon. Spend the afternoon listing species in the lush gardens and lake edge.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
Day 3: Boat Ride & Birding at Lake Naivasha
Enjoy a morning boat excursion on Lake Naivasha, the best way to photograph the majestic African Fish Eagle in action. The lake margins host Goliath Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, and African Jacanas. In the afternoon, visit Crescent Island or Hell's Gate (optional) to spot cliff-nesting raptors like the Verreaux's Eagle and the Augur Buzzard, alongside terrestrial species like the Secretary Bird.
Dinner and overnight at Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha to Maasai Mara National Reserve
Depart for the Maasai Mara National Reserve. While famous for mammals, the Mara is an underrated birding destination with over 470 recorded species. Check in at Mara Sentrim Lodge. Your afternoon birding drive focuses on the open grasslands, home to large terrestrial birds like the Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, and the localized Rufous-bellied Heron in the marshy areas.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sentrim Lodge.
Day 5: Full Day Birding in Maasai Mara
Spend a full day exploring the Mara's diverse habitats. The reserve is exceptional for raptors, hosting 57 species including the Bateleur, Martial Eagle, and various Vultures (Lappet-faced, Ruppell’s, and White-backed) often seen at kills. In the riverine forests, look for the Schalow’s Turaco and Ross’s Turaco. The open plains are perfect for spotting the Lilac-breasted Roller, Sooty Chat, and Yellow-throated Longclaw.
Dinner and overnight at Mara Sentrim Lodge.
Day 6: Maasai Mara to Lake Nakuru National Park
Leave the Mara and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Check in at Nakuru Maili Saba Camp. Nakuru is a birdwatcher's paradise, historically famous for flamingos but now a hotspot for the Great White Pelican. The yellow-barked acacia forests surrounding the lake are the best place to find the Grey-crested Helmet-shrike and the Greater Blue-eared Starling.
Dinner and overnight at Nakuru Maili Saba Camp.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru to Amboseli National Park
Travel south to Amboseli National Park at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. Check in at Amboseli Sopa Lodge. The park's system of swamps creates a permanent oasis for waterbirds in an arid landscape. Your afternoon birding session will target the Grey Crowned Crane, Blacksmith Plover, and the Long-toed Lapwing foraging in the marshes.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Day 8: Full Day Birding in Amboseli
Enjoy a full day dedicated to the avian life of Amboseli. The dry bush country surrounding the swamps is home to the rare Taveta Golden Weaver and the Pangani Longclaw. Scan the skies for the Taita Falcon. Visit Observation Hill for a vantage point to spot Saddle-billed Storks and Egyptian Geese. The contrast between the arid scrub and lush swamps ensures a high species count for the day.
Dinner and overnight at Amboseli Sopa Lodge.
Day 9: Amboseli to Tsavo East National Park
Drive to Tsavo East National Park, a vast stronghold for dry-country specials. Check in at Ashnil Aruba Lodge. The park's arid bushland is the habitat for the Somali Ostrich (distinct from the Common Ostrich) and the stunning Vulturine Guineafowl. The area around Aruba Dam attracts numerous waterbirds and is a great spot to set up your scope/binoculars.
Dinner and overnight at Ashnil Aruba Lodge.
Day 10: Tsavo East to Nairobi
On your final morning, take a "birding en-route" drive as you exit Tsavo. Look for the Golden-breasted Starling, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, and the Northern Carmine Bee-eater. Begin your return journey to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon. You will be dropped off at the airport or your hotel, marking the end of a prolific birding expedition.
Included
Included in Your Trip Cost
- Accommodation
- Meals as per itinerary
- National Park entrance fees
- Professional Tour guide
- Tour Van or Land cruiser
- Drinking water
Excluded
- International Flights
- Tips
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Laundry
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Questions about 10-Day Kenya Birding Safari: Rift Valley, Mara & Tsavo Specials
Where does this safari start and finish?
Pick-ups and meetings are arranged in Nairobi. Tell us your hotel or arrival flight and we will confirm the exact meeting point and time.
Who will guide me?
Your safari is led by an experienced driver-guide who knows the parks and wildlife. Our consultants are also on WhatsApp at +254 794 588 242 if you have questions along the way.
Can I change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour can be adjusted to your dates, budget, group size and interests. Send us your changes and we will confirm what is possible.
What is included in the price?
See the Included and Excluded lists above for this tour. We confirm everything in writing in your quote, so there are no surprises.
How do I book and pay?
Send an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp and a consultant will confirm availability and send your quote. Payments are made securely online through Pesapal, and we explain each step when you confirm.
What should I know about health and safety?
Please arrange travel insurance, speak to your doctor about vaccinations and malaria prevention, and read our safety and health guide before you travel.
Request a Free Quote
Tell us your dates and group size — we’ll reply within 24 hours with a tailored quote. No payment needed.
- Free, no-obligation quote within 24 hours
- Tailor-made itineraries for your dates & budget
- Private safari vehicle & expert local guides
- Meet & pick-up in Nairobi, support throughout your trip