8 Days Budget Birdwatching Photography Through Amboseli National Park, Tsavo National Parks & Arabuko Sokoke Forest

8-Day Budget Birdwatching Photography Safari

Embark on a captivating birdwatching and photography safari through Kenya’s most diverse and scenic locations. From the breathtaking views of Amboseli with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop, to the rich birdlife of Tsavo East and West, and the unique species found in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest, this journey promises unforgettable moments for both bird enthusiasts and photographers. Capture the beauty and essence of Kenya’s avian treasures as you explore these iconic destinations.

Day 1: Nairobi – Amboseli National Park Depart from Nairobi and head to Amboseli National Park, a 4-5 hour drive. Arrive, check in, and have lunch at your hotel/lodge. Amboseli is a rich birdlife destination, with over 400 bird species recorded, including the globally threatened Madagascar Pond-Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Lesser Kestrel, and possibly Africa’s most sought-after bird, the Shoebill (which has been recorded in the area). The park’s diverse ecosystem makes it a hotspot for bird photographers. The park also boasts forty-two of the ninety-four species of the Somali-Maasai biome found in Kenya.  

To maximize your birdwatching experience, visit Amboseli during and just after the October-December rains. This is when local birds are joined by migrants from the Northern Hemisphere, sometimes in large numbers. Migratory birds can be seen from November to April, with the best months for sightings being November, December, January, April, and May. These months, considered the rainy season, offer perfect conditions for birding and birdwatching in the plains of Amboseli.   

Make a stop at Observation Hill for panoramic views of the park and Mount Kilimanjaro. This is also a great spot to see raptors and other birds of prey. In the mid-morning, continue to the swamp areas such as the Ol Okenya Swamp, where you can see a variety of bird species, including the African jacana, Goliath heron, and grey crowned crane.

Take a short break at a designated picnic area to enjoy coffee or tea while observing the birds around you. Continue exploring the park’s grasslands and acacia woodlands, looking out for ground birds like Hartlaub’s bustard and the localized Pangani longclaw, as well as dry country specials like the steel blue whydah and Von der Decken’s hornbill.

Head out for lunch and return for your second game drive, focusing on different habitats to maximize your birdwatching opportunities. Visit areas with dense vegetation for species like the white-bellied go-away bird and Taveta golden weaver. Stop at boreholes where birds come to drink and bathe to see a variety of species in one place. Dinner and overnight stay at Amboseli Penety Resort.

Day 4: Amboseli National Park – Tsavo West National Park Depart Amboseli and head to Tsavo West National Park, one of the best parks for birding. It spans 9065 square kilometers and features extensive land of grey thorn bush and red ochre sand, often covered with tall, lush green grasses after good rains.

The best time to visit the park is from October to April when bird migration is at its peak. In this park, you are likely to see species like the Golden-breasted and Fischer’s Starling, Grasshopper Buzzard, Friedman’s and Singing Bush Lark, Somali Bee-eater, Pringle’s Puffback, Tsavo Sunbird, Taveta Golden Weaver, Common White-throat, Brown-breasted Barbet, and Quail Plover.  

Thousands of Palearctic migrants move through Tsavo during migration, and Ngulia Lodge is one of the best spots to see them. If timed correctly, you might have the opportunity to witness bird ringing in action. Ringing is mostly done in November and attracts biologists from all over. Focus on photographing birds in different habitats within the park.

Day 5: Tsavo West National Park – Tsavo East National Park Birdwatching photography can be done at any time in Tsavo East National Park throughout the year. The majority of bird species in Tsavo East are permanent residents, with a few migratory and seasonal European birds, as well as coastal bird species. The best time to spot various birds is during the rainy season when abundant foliage and fruits attract them. Fewer travelers visit the park during this time, making it quieter and increasing your chances of spotting birds undisturbed. Migratory European species are present from November to April. Continue photographing birds and the unique landscapes.

Day 6: Tsavo East National Park – Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Leave Tsavo East National Park and head to Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve, a 1-2 hour drive. Arabuko Sokoke is the largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa and is famous for its biodiversity, including mammals, butterflies, amphibians, and birds. The endemic Clarke’s Weaver is also found here. The forest comprises Miombo Woodland, Cynometra, and mixed forest.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Explore the forest to spot species like the Sokoke Scops-Owl, near-endemic Amani Sunbird, Sokoke Pipit, Malindi Pipit, East Coast Akalat, Scaly Babbler, and Mombasa Woodpecker. Return to Jacaranda Watamu for dinner and relaxation in the evening.

Day 7: Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve Start your day early to spot the birds at their most active. Return to your lodge for breakfast. Take a guided walk through the forest to spot more bird species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the forest and capture the unique birds and lush forest landscapes. You will be able to capture various birds, including the localized Collared Palm Thrush, Fischer’s Turaco, Mangrove Kingfisher, Scaly-throated and Pallid Honeyguides, Eastern Green Tinkerbird, Green Barbet, and Green-backed Woodpecker. The Golden-rumped elephant shrew is also a common resident here. The open Miombo woodland offers good views of the gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Forest and Pale Batis, Dark-backed Weaver, Southern-banded Snake Eagle, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-bellied and Fischer’s Greenbul. Fiery-necked Nightjars and African Wood Owls can commonly be seen in the forest at night.  

Day 8: Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve – Nairobi After breakfast, you will be provided with transportation for your journey back to Nairobi. You’ll be transferred to Malindi International Airport for your flight back to Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. You’ll be dropped off at the airport to catch your flight home.

Highlights of the Safari: Each of these locations offers unique opportunities to capture the diverse landscapes, wildlife, and cultures of Kenya. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an enthusiastic amateur, Kenya’s photogenic spots are sure to inspire and impress. Remember to respect the wildlife and local customs as you embark on your photography adventure. Happy shooting with Cherish Africa Safaris.