This tour explores the western region of Kenya starting with Kakamega forest to Kisumu bird sanctuary and Dunga Beach. Kakamega forest National reserve is the only tropical forest left in Kenya. The forest is one of Kenya’s birding hot spots. It marks the easternmost distribution of many sought-after West African species. The best time to visit the forest is between March to April.
6 DAYS OF LAKE VICTORIA TO KAKAMEGA FOREST BIRDING TOUR
DAY: 01 NAIROBI- KAKAMEGA
You’ll depart Nairobi and drive to Kakamega Forest approximately 6-7 hours. Check into your accommodation at Rondo Retreat Centre upon arrival. After lunch take a short walk in the forest to get a feel of the environment and spot some early bird species, like The Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater and the crowned Eagle. Continue exploring the forest trails visiting key spots like Isiukhu Falls and the ancient Mama Mutere tree. Optional night walk to experience the forest’s nocturnal wildlife including owls and nightjars.
DAY: 02-03 KAKAMEGA FOREST
Begin with an early birdwatching session to catch the morning activity. Species to look for include the Grey-throated Barbet, Yellow-billed Barbet and Black and white casqued Hornbill. Visit the Buyangu Hill viewpoint for panoramic views and more birdwatching opportunities. In the afternoon explore different habitats within the forest, such as wetlands and grasslands, to spot a variety of bird species. You can also look out for the Sharpe’s Drongo, Kakamega Greenbul and the Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat. Return to your accommodation for a rest or take a leisurely walk to spot any birds you might have missed. Reflect on your birdwatching experiences and enjoy a relaxing evening at your accommodation.
DAY: 04 KAKAMEGA FOREST- KISUMU
Depart Kakamega Forest and drive to Kisumu approximately 1-2 hours. Check in to your accommodation at the Dunga Lake side Resort. Visit Dunga Beach for bird watching and a ride on Lake Victoria. The wetlands are home to numerous bird species, including African fish eagles, pelicans, kingfishers, Red chested Sunbird and Purple-banded Sunbird You can enjoy captivating sightings and capture memorable photographs. Dunga beach area is more than just a beach, as it is also a wetland ecosystem teeming with life and ecological significance. Return to your accommodation for dinner and overnight
DAY: 05 HERONRYBIRD SANCTUARY
After breakfast, you’ll head to Heronry Bird Sanctuary where you’ll be able to see herons, egrets and other water birds like the African Openbill, white winged Swamp Warble, Papyrus Gonolek, Swamp Flycatcher, Carruther’s Cisticola, among others. Take a boat ride on Lake Victoria to get closer to the birds and explore the surrounding wetlands. The sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for bird photography, especially during the breeding season when birds are nesting. You’ll have dinner and overnight at Sarova Imperial Hotel.
DAY: 06 KISUMU – NAIROBI
You can have an optional visit to Ndere Island National Park very early before departing Kisumu. The park is located on an Island in Lake Victoria and is accessible by boat. You can spend your morning here enjoying the Islands natural beauty and looking out for bird species like the Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle and other water birds. You can also visit the Ahero Rice Paddies which is located about 25 km east of Kisumu. You’ll be able to see various waterfowl, waders and other wetland birds.
Arrive in Nairobi for your flight back home.
