Day 1: Nairobi, Kenya

JKIA International Airport arrival you will clear immigration and collect your bags, where you will be met & transferred by private vehicle to your hotel to settle in.

The Emakoko Lodge Nairobi.  D-BB

Day 2: Nairobi – Meru National Park

After breakfast we will transfer to Wilson airport for a departure flight at 10.20 arriving around 11.30 in Meru. It is approximately one hour to Meru National Park which of all the Kenyan parks presents the widest variety of landscapes and habitats together with numerous animals and birds. We will be met on our arrival by our  professional bird guides who will as a team guide you for the duration of this adventure. We will have an introductory game drive en-route to camp arriving in time for lunch and a further afternoon game & birding drive to explore the local area of the park.

Leopard Rock Lodge LDBB

Days 3 : Meru National Park

Full day of game drives & birding in Meru National Park; an arid park landscape but with an extensive network of rivers and streams.

Meru National Park is a forest reserve located 350km from Nairobi, east of Meru town. It is one of Kenya’s lesser known parks, covering an area of 87 044 hectares. Kenya’s location on the equator gives it a tropical climate and a lot of summer rainfall, which encourages the growth of vegetation. This vegetation provides habitat to wide range of animals including elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, black rhino and hippo. Buffalo, Oryx, Oribis, zebra, giraffe, hartebeest, impala, kudu, mongoose, warthog, dik dik, civet, caracal, wild dog, baboons, hyena and vervet monkeys can also be spotted. Meru National Park is also to home to an abundance of birdlife that includes Pel’s fishing owl, Peter’s fin foot which inhabits the Murera and Ura Rivers

Leopard Rock Lodge LDBB

Day 4: Meru National Park – Mt. Kenya National Park.

This morning the drive is around 4 hours to our hotel situated in the shadow of Mt Kenya, Kenya’s highest mountain, arriving in time for lunch. We will spend the afternoon exploring & birding in the nearby forest. One night only here as this fits with the purpose of our visit giving us a full afternoon and the following morning to explore the forest.

Serena Mountain Lodge LDBB

Day 5: Mt. Kenya National Park – Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast we set off for a full morning exploration on the Aberdare Moorlands, followed by a picnic lunch taking in the species not found elsewhere here. Next it is a three to four hour drive towards the Rift Valley floor and onto the famous Lake Nakuru National Park, renowned for its birdlife. Here we arrive in time to settle in and enjoy a sundowner before dinner
overlooking the lake, and discuss tomorrows birding and wildlife viewing in the park.

Lake Nakuru National Park, was home originally to the “greatest bird spectacle in the world”. This internationally recognized catch phrase that was actually coined in 1960 by one of our first safari guests, American author, and Audubon Society naturalist, Roger Tory Peterson. Today the chemistry of Lake Nakuru is changing, from being the soda lake that attracted thousands of Flamingoes, to now just a handful. This change over the past 20 years will be discussed, and actually how much the landscape has actually changed over the last 100 years may surprise many. This park provides sanctuary for Rothschild giraffe, both black and white rhino and leopard, and during our time here there are many bird species to enjoy and observe.

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge LDBB

Day 6: Lake Nakuru National Park

A full day of exploring & birding, amongst the resident wildlife and becoming aware of the last 100 years of change in this eco-system.

Lake Nakuru you will see the spectacular gathering of lesser Flamingoes in there hundreds of thousand together with an abundance of other water birds like the Western Reef Heron, Lesser Jacana, and black-headed Gull. We will also look for Acacia forest species, including Green-wood Hoopoe, Hildebrandt’s and Coqui Francolins, Rufous-naped and Fawn-colored Larks, scarce Grey-crowned Helmet-shrike, Arrow-marked Babbler, Bearded Woodpecker, Mottled swift and White-shouldered Cliff Chat. On the baboon cliff we shall be on the lookout for fox Kestrels and other species of falcons.

Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge LDBB

Day 7:  Lake Nakuru National Park – Lake Baringo via Lake Bogoria

Today we will drive to Lake Baringo which lies in the semi-desert of the northern Rift Valley. It is a haven of peace and beauty and is an ornithologist’s paradise. Here we will find a lake with large areas pink with Flamingoes and other birdlife. On our way to Baringo we pass through amazing volcanic landscapes and a rich habitat full of birdlife. We will take a short detour to the alkaline lake and hot springs of Lake Bogoria where we will also find Flamingoes and a plethora of other birdlife with interesting varied landscapes and interesting geology.

Baringo Island Camp LDBB

Day 8: Lake Baringo

A full day of exploring Lake Baringo & all it’s birdlife and beauty.

In Lake Baringo Birding along the cliffs will give you golden chances to see some owls and raptors on the cliffs and adjacent acacia. Key species to look for are White-faced Scopes Owl, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Bristle-crowned Starling ,Mouse-colored Penduline Tit, Beautiful Sunbird, Bristle-crowned Starling, Jackson’s Golden-backed, Little and Northern Masked Weavers. In the evening we visit several sites looking for Vereaux and Spotted-Eagle Owls, as well as the White-faced Scops Owl.

Baringo Island Camp LDBB

Day 9: Lake Baringo – Kakamega Forest

We will leave after an early breakfast for a full-day scenic drive over the Tugen Hills, through the Kerio Valley and Serikwa plateau and finally onto Kakamega Forest arriving later afternoon. We stay at Rondo Retreat just inside the Forest. Originally a retreat for missionaries, this delightful haven is now open to other visitors: the peaceful gardens are an ornithologist’s &
gardeners dream, alive with different species of birds. We spend our days here exploring Kakamega Forest National Reserve and enjoying a little downtime if needed, with nature and birdlife all around.

Rondo Retreat Centre LDBB

Days 10 & 11 : Kakamega Forest

Two days of birding & enjoying all that Kakamega has to offer. You will have the chance to really explore and bird here in depth, or take some time out and pursue your own wishes. We will create some options here for you based on your key interests.

Rondo Retreat Centre LDBB

Day 12: Kakamega Forest – Masai Mara Game Reserve

We leave Kakamega after an early breakfast for a full day scenic drive stopping at Lake Victoria and onto the north west boundary of Kenya’s famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, to arrive at Losokwan Mara Camp,  The camp location gives us access to key forest areas on the edge of the Mara Reserve, as well as the game & birdlife rich Mara River fringes, and lastly to the open rolling plains of both the Mara Triangle and the Mara Game Reserve.

Losokwan Mara Camp, LDBB

Day 13 & 14: Massai Mara Game Reserve & Mara Triangle

Two full days of birding & game-viewing in the Massai Mara. The Mara/Serengeti eco-system is perhaps the only region left in Africa where the visitor may see animals in excess of the super-abundance as existed a century ago. A large diversity of habitat and birdlife will be explored beyond what is normal for a Mara Game Reserve safari.

Losokwan Mara Camp, LDBB

Day 15: Massai Mara Game Reserve – Nairobi, Kenya

Today is the last morning in the Mara and we take the 11.00AM scheduled flight from the Mara back to Nairobi’s Wilson airport. On arrival a transfer by private vehicle will be arranged according to whether you are joining the extension to Tsavo and the Coast, or departing from JKIA Nairobi International Airport this evening. Last minute shopping and transfer via a restaurant for those departing, a day room at the Tamarind is also available if you wish and for those continuing on the journey you have an overnight at The Emakoko Lodge where we started your great adventure.

The Emakoko Lodge Nairobi.  D-BB

Day 16: Nairobi – Taita Hills/Tsavo West

This morning we will have an early departure from The Emakoko Lodge to Wilson airport for our departure at 07.30AM arriving around 8.20AM in Kilaguni, Tsavo West National Park, who’s unparalleled diversity of habitats ranges from mountains, rocky ridges and outcrops, isolated hills, belts of riverine vegetation, palm thickets, mountain forest, open plains with savannah bush and semi-desert scrub, lakes and wooded grassland. We will be met again by our  guidesy. We will drive onward 3-4 hrs to the Taita Hills, a privately owned wildlife sanctuary that is a model conservation area with its own warden and rangers. Time to settle in and enjoy the views before dinner and an insight into the coming two days.

Taita Hills Game Lodge LDBB

Days 17 & 18: Taita Hills

These two days will be spent in the Taita Hills & Tsavo area exploring a whole new range of opportunities for new species and a diversity we must protect for all. We will have the opportunity for a valuable insight into this amazing area. One of the days we will explore the Lake Jipe area of Tsavo West.

The Taita Hills Game Sanctuary provides a safe environment to over 50 species of mammals and 300 species of birds within 28,000 acres of rolling savanna and woodland habitats. The Sanctuary is a success story in sustainable conservation where wildlife – including elephant, lion, buffalo and giraffe – thrive. Game drives are tightly controlled to ensure that animals are not harassed and some areas are completely closed to vehicles.

Taita Hills Game Lodge  LDBB

Day 19:  Taita Hills/Tsavo – Malindi (Coast)

Drive via Tsavo East to Watamu where our destination is a beach hotel to base ourselves from while exploring the local region for new species found on the coast. This evening we will learn about what is in store for the following two days.

Ocean Beach Resort & Spa is a five-star hotel in Malindi that takes hospitality back to its essence with its unique, tropical early 20th-century style with wooden roofs and elegant wooden floors. It is found in the sand dunes beach, 2 kilometers north of Malindi Township. This resort offers contemporary luxury accommodations, a world-class spa, gourmet restaurants, natural beauty, and an indefinable hospitality experience. A distinguished member of Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas of the World

Ocean Beach Resort and Spa  L-DBBL

Days 20 & 21: Malindi

Two full days to explore the Sokoke, Mida Creek area for all the hidden Gems and species we hope to see.

Arabuko-sokoke forest lies a few kilometers inland on the Kenya coast, between the towns of Kilifi and Malindi and it is 110 km north of Mombasa city.It is the largest extant fragment of the forest that was once covered much of East Africa Coast, and whose remnants constitute the East Africa Coastal Endemic Bird Area.  Arabuko-sokokeis home to bird species, butterfly species and at least 24 rare and endemic bird, mammal and butterfly species.

Arabuko Sokoke is a Birding Sanctuary with over 270 species of birds recorded in the forest in the past including: The clarke’s weaver can only be found here and about 30 kms further north of Arabuko-Sokoke in the entire world. Onother globally threatened bird species found here are: Amani sunbird, east coast akalat, sokoke scops owl, sokoke pipit, the spotted ground thrush. There are over 40 recorded mammal species in the forest including: Caracal, elephant-shrew, elephant, syke’s monkeys, buffalo, civet, ader’s duiker, bush baby, yellow baboons and the sokoke bushy-tailed mongoose.

Mida Creek is a stopover point for many migratory birds and an essential protected area for their survival. This makes it one of the most important and beautiful natural attractions on the Kenyan coast. Mida is best explored by boat, on a cruise through the creek at sunset for a sundowner drink, as the setting sun turns the waters to gold and flocks of roosting birds fill the sky. Flamingoes are often seen feeding in Mida.

Ocean Beach Resort and Spa  DBBL

Day 22: Malindi – Nairobi, Kenya

Morning relaxation, lunch followed by transfer to Airstrip. With a 16.00 scheduled flight Vipingo to Nairobi arriving around 18.00 this is certainly our longest flight. Upon arrival at Wilson we will transfer by private vehicle for Dinner at The Carnivore Restaurant before our final transfer to JKIA Nairobi International Airport for our departure home or onward journey. Dinner at the Carnivore is included.

BIRDING ADVENTURE TOUR COST

US$14,950 .00 per person sharing | Single Supplement US$1,300.00

Minimum: 04 ( Four) Adults to operate this safari

PACKAGE INCLUDES 

• Accommodation as stated above
• All land and domestic air as stated in the itinerary
• Game drives & birding activities during the safari portions of the trip as stated
• Domestic flights and Local transfers as per itinerary.
• Professional birding tour guides
• Transport in 4×4 Safari land-cruisers whilst on safari
• All meals as stated
• Water, Soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages while at most safari camps

PACKAGE EXCLUDES

• International flights
• Travel Insurance
• Activities not mentioned
• Items of a personal nature
• Staff Gratuities
• Visas for Kenya
• Laundry and drinks while in Nairobi
  *Optional village visits e.g  Maasai Mara will cost generally US$30.00 per person paid direct to
  the village.