Discover the hidden avian gems of Western Kenya on this specialized 6-Day Birding Safari. This itinerary takes you off the beaten path to the lush Kakamega Forest, the only remnant of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Here, you will search for West African forest species found nowhere else in the country. Your journey concludes on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kisumu, a haven for waterbirds and the rare Papyrus Gonolek.
N/B: This itinerary can be customized to match your travel preferences and schedule
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NUMBER OF PAX IN A VEHICLE |
AMOUNT PER PERSON SHARING |
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2 PAX |
USD 1725 |
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4 PAX |
USD 1380 |
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6 PAX |
USD 1265 |
Your birding adventure begins with an early morning departure from Nairobi, driving west through the Great Rift Valley and the tea plantations of Kericho. Arrive at Kakamega Forest in the afternoon. Check in at the serene Rondo Retreat Centre, nestled deep within the forest. Enjoy a late afternoon nature walk to spot forest giants like the Great Blue Turaco and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.
Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.
Wake up to the cacophony of forest life. Spend the full day exploring the various trails of Kakamega, such as the Pump House and Buyangu Hill. This forest is home to over 360 bird species. Look for the Blue-headed Bee-eater, Turner’s Eremomela, and the Grey Parrot. Your guide will help you identify the unique calls of the forest dwellers. Enjoy a picnic lunch under the canopy before continuing your search.
Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.
Dedicate another day to the deeper parts of the forest to find the shy and elusive species. Early morning is the best time to spot the Equatorial Akalat and the White-tailed Ant-thrush. You may also encounter diverse primates, including the Red-tailed Monkey and the beautiful De Brazza’s Monkey. In the evening, take a night walk (optional) to look for the Potto and various owl species.
Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre.
After a final morning bird walk, bid farewell to the rainforest and drive to Kisumu City on the shores of Lake Victoria. Check in at Dunga Hill Camp. In the afternoon, take a boat ride on the lake to spot waterbirds like the African Skimmer, Hamerkop, and Kingfishers. The lake breeze offers a refreshing change of pace.
Dinner and overnight at Dunga Hill Camp.
Spend the day exploring the Dunga Swamp and the local heronry. This papyrus swamp is a critical habitat for the near-threatened Papyrus Gonolek and Papyrus Canary. You will also visit the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary, which hosts free-ranging impalas and zebras, as well as caged leopards and lions. The sanctuary’s lakefront location attracts numerous waders and egrets.
Dinner and overnight at Sarova Imperial Hotel (Kisumu).
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast in Kisumu. Depending on your preference, you can visit the nearby Ndere Island National Park (optional) for a morning hike before beginning your drive back to Nairobi. You will be dropped off at your hotel or airport in Nairobi, marking the end of your unique Western Kenya birding safari.
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