https://www.tanzaniabirding.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya-tours.jpgDay 1: We would suggest flights arriving on British Airways into Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Depending on time/method of arrival,we will transfer to the Boulevard Hotel Nairobi, rest of the day relaxing and recovering from Jet lag.
Day 2: After breakfast, we will depart for the highlands. Passing through Nairobi, we will reach Thika, overlooking the Chania & Thika Falls and birding. We will then continue to Thiba Paddyfields for waterbirds, and finally to Wajee Camp, where the endemic Hindes Babbler is resident. Wajee Rest house.
Day 3: The day may be spent birding at Wajee, Karatina
Pond and then Drive to Samburu National Reserve.Over night Serena Lodge.
Day 5: We will spend the entire day Birding and Game viewing in the Park. Over night at Samburu Serena Lodge.
Day 6: After breakfast, we will drive out of the reserve, and up into the highlands again. In the afternoon,we will drive Birding on Mt Kenya,return to Naromoru River Lodge in the evening.
Day 7: After a short birding in the lodge grounds, we will
transfer across the Solio Plains, and skirt the Aberdares to Thompson’s Falls, and the nearby marsh. We will then descend into the Rift Valley, and up to Lake Baringo, where we can spend the evening in the camp grounds. Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 8: All day will be spent in the vicinity of Lake Baringo, exploring the cliffs and lakeshore areas.
Day 9: After breakfast, we will drive through the spectacular Kerio Valley and then head south to Kakamega forest,where we will spend the afternoon in the northern part of the forest reserve. Over night Isecheno Resthouse.
Day 10: We will spend the first half of the Day in the southern part of the reserve,after which we will drive Kisumu.Over night Imperial Hotel.
Day 11: After breakfast, we will transfer to the Masai Mara Park. Game viewing enroute to our Lodge at the Serena Lodge.
Day 12: We will leave the Mara,game viewing and heading across Loita Plains and to Lake Naivasha country Club.
Day 13: The first half of the morning will be spent around the shores of Lake Naivasha and in the after noon we will drive back in Nairobi passing by the Limuru Pond before arriving in Nairobi at the Boulevard Hotel.
Day 14: To day we will head for a long drive heading to the coast overnight at Scorpion Villas.
Day 15: We will explore the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, with its many rarities. We will also look over Mida Creek for waterbirds and drive to Mombasa staying at the WhiteSands in Mombasa. End of Trip.
Note: At the end of the Tour one may take an option to spend a couple of Days by the Beach and arrange to Fly Mombasa to Nairobi connecting with the Outbound Flight Home.
The extra arrangements will not be part of the package Tour.
This Tour Takes us to explore, Lake Nakuru, the arid North with Lake Baringo, western Kenya into the ever green Kakamega Forest with its specialties, the world famous Maasai Mara Reserve, and Finishing with Tanzania’s most popular and unique parks of Tarangire, the Serengeti Plains and the world heritage site at Ngorongoro Crater.
Welcome! Karibu!
Day 1: On arrival at Nairobi Airport you will be met by a representative from Birding Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on your arrival time you may have the option to visit Nairobi National Park in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the Boulevard hotel. The Boulevard Hotel is situated a short distance from the center of town. This clean, simply appointed hotel is the base hotel for many of the overland companies and is often used as the departure point as well as for pre-departure meetings. All rooms look either onto the gardens or the pool, and in addition to the swimming pool the property has a restaurant, tennis courts and a bar.
Day 2: The day is at your leisure with an overnight at the Boulevard Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 3: This morning you will be met at your hotel by your Birding Safaris
driver/guide and transferred by road to Lake Nakuru National Park for birding and wildlife viewing. In Nakuru you will look out for the commoner bird species to include Rock Thrush, Lesser and Greater Flamingoes, Rupell’s long tailed starling, Green wood hoopoes, African Fish Eagle, Tawny Eagles, and many other winter and intra African Migrants will have arrived then. The Mammal list will as well be long. The White Rhino is protected from poachers here and the only site on your itinerary for the Rothschild’s Giraffe will be at Lake Nakuru Park. After the first excitement in the park you will have a picnic lunch at the Cliff picnic site where you will share it with Black kites Cliff chats and Rock hyraxes before driving further north into Lake Baringo. The rest of the evening is at your leisure with an overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club. Lake Baringo is a fabulous place to simply chill out. As with Lake Naivasha, the 170km² lake is fresh water and it has a charming campsite and luxury lodge on its shores. Its main attraction is the fabulous bird life, which abounds here and attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. The demand is such that the lodge, Lake Baringo Country Club, has a resident ornithologist who conducts bird walks and evening slide shows. The lodge and campsite have lots of trees which ring with bird songs.
Day 4: The day will be spent bird watching with an overnight at Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 5: Today you will add up your list with yet more exciting bird species with one of the local guides to include: Little Weaver and D’Arnaud’s Barbet, you should encounter Slender-tailed Nightjar, Heuglin’s Courser, Spotted Thick-knee, Northern Masked, Little, Jackson’s and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Bristle-crowned Starling, Hemprich’s and Jackson’s Hornbills, Mouse-colored Penduline Tit, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, the beautiful Sunbird and much more.
After a late breakfast you will head to the Kakamega Forest. On the way you can expect further birding at the spectacular Kerio Valley where you may see the Little Bee Eater and Fan Tailed Raven. Overnight at Rondo Retreat. Rondo Retreat’s accommodation consists of luxury wooden cottages/chalets in the heart of Kakamega Forest and is the most top class accommodation facility in Kakamega Forest. The property is run by an International Christian fellowship Mission.
Day 6: Early morning birding in the Kakamega forest with the resident bird guide, where upon birding will depend on how good the weather will be this morning but usually you should be able to find a wide range of western Kenyan specialties.
Bird life in Kakamega Forest is incredible, to include the Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Grey Parrot ( the forest has about 18 pairs of grey Parrots-the only remaining population inn Kenya, Yellow-billed, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, several Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Thick-billed Honey guides, Turner’s Eremomela, Banded and White-chinned Prinias, Blue and Dusky Crested Flycatchers, Chapin’s Flycatcher, several Greenbuls and Illadopsises, Yellow bill and Bar-tailed Trogons.
After the first half of the morning you will return at Rondo Retreat
for lunch after which you will be transferred to Lake Victoria in Kisumu arriving in the late afternoon. If time permits you will do birding around the swamps in Kisumu where you can expect to spot a number of lake Victoria specialties in the surrounding swamps at the Hippo point which include; Wing-snapping Cisticola, Black-headed and Papyrus Gonoleks, Caruthers’s Cisticola, Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus and Yellow-fronted Canaries, Black-billed Barbet, White-browed and Blue-headed Coucal, Greater Swamp Warbler and many more depending on luck. Overnight at the Imperial Hotel Kisumu. The Imperial Hotel Kisumu is a 4 star Hotel in the middle of Kisumu Town and is the most top class tourist hotel in Kisumu Town.
Day 7: After breakfast you will have the option to bird the swamps around Lake Victoria again for species you might have missed out the last evening. You will then drive to the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, birding the plains en route to the lodge where species such as the Common Stone Chat, Usambiro Barbet, Yellow t
hroated Long Claw, White Bellied Bustards… may be spotted. Overnight at the Serena Lodge. Set in the heart of Africa’s Great Plains, the Masai Mara boasts 1,672 square kilometers of unspoilt wilderness. It is home to the highest concentration of animals and birds anywhere on the continent. Throughout the year the Mara is a place of natural drama, a kaleidoscope of color and life. The famed “Big Five” – Elephant, Rhino, Lion, Buffalo and Leopard – roam the reserve, together with hundreds of others from the fastest animal on earth, the Cheetah, to one of the most secretive, the Bat-eared Fox. After the rains, when the first flush of grass turns the Mara’s golden savannah green, the mesmerizing wildlife spectacle anywhere takes place here: the Great Migration. This is the time when 1.5 million Wildebeest, accompanied by vast numbers of Zebra and Gazelles make the long and dangerous trek from drier lands in Tanzania, northwards to this corner of Kenya. For most of the century the Mara has drawn those searching for adventure and the thrill is still the same today with days spent face to face with nature at its most untouched and enthralling. The Mara Serena Lodge is built high up on a ridge overlooking the Mara River and offers one of the most spectacular views of all the Masai Mara Lodges. Inspired architecturally by Masai huts, the lodge has a pool, its own airstrip and a hippo-viewing platform by the river. Each of its own 76 bedrooms has its own bathroom and shower as well as a panoramic outlook, even from the pool one can enjoy uninterrupted views of the rolling savannah.
Day 8: The full day will be spent exploring the Mara Plains for birds and
mammals. Overnight at the Serena Lodge.
Day 9: After a dawn game drive you will then return to the lodge for a late breakfast before heading for Nairobi. En route you will have a number of birding and wildlife photographic opportunities on the plains. You will then arrive at your hotel in Nairobi where you can relax for the rest of the evening in anticipation to your next week on safari into Tanzania. Overnight at the Boulevard Hotel.
Day 10: After Breakfast you will be picked up from the hotel by a Tourist
Shuttle Bus which will transfer you to Tanzania. After finishing with the immigration procedures you will cross into Tanzania arriving in Arusha for lunch at the Impala Hotel. After lunch and refreshments you will drive to Tarangire National Park for overnight at the Tarangire Tented Safari Lodge. Situated 114km from Arusha, Tarangire National Park boasts magnificent herds of wildlife. The park gets its name from the river that threads its way through the length of the reserve. It is famous for its dense wildlife population. Thousands of animals – wildebeest, zebra, buffalo, and fringe-eared Oryx – migrate from the dry Masai Mara steppe to the Tarangire River looking for water. Lion and other predators follow the herds. The Tarangire Safari Lodge is located on a ridge with one of Tanzania’s most spectacular panoramic views. The Lodge has 35 tents and bungalows with beds, electricity and en suite toilet and solar heated shower. After game-viewing guests can enjoy the refreshing swimming pool.
Day 11: After breakfast you will head out for birding and wildlife viewing in Tarangire National Park. Tarangire is the home of Tanzania’s oldest Elephants and bird life is Prolific too. The endemic Ashy Starling and the rare Yellow colored Love bird are numerous in Tarangire. You will spend the entire day exploring the bushes in Tarangire after which you will return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 12: Early morning drive to the Serengeti, which is actually a continuation of the Masai Mara Eco System. You will be welcomed by the famous spectacular wildebeest migration where plenty of wildlife including Lions and other predators are seen taking advantage of the migrating prey. Overnight at Ikoma Bush Tented Camp. The Serengeti National Park is arguably the best-known wildlife sanctuary in the world. “Serengeti” means “endless plains” in the Masai language, and within its boundaries are more than three million large mammals. About 35 species of plains animals can be seen here including the so called “big five” – elephant, rhino, lion (more than 2,000 of them), Leopard and Buffalo. Most of the plains game congregates in Southern Serengeti, followed by their attendant predators. Some time in May or June the herds migrate North and West in search of water. They remain in North Serengeti and the western corridor during the dry season, July-October, returning South again as the November rains approach. The Wildebeest calving takes place on the short grass plains during late December – early February. In their wake follow the predators; lion cheetah and hunting dogs with vultures circling overhead. Other common species found here include hippo, giraffe, eland, impala and other antelope types, baboons, monkeys and a profusion of almost 500 bird species. Ikoma Bush Tented Camp located in the Serengeti, is a permanent tented lodge each Tent is spacious enough to accommodate twin beds with attached private showers and toilets as well as a private balcony. Each tent is private and distanced to ensure maximum privacy from each. The dinning area accommodates a maximum of 32 people, which is an advantage compared to the crowded popular Tourist Lodges in side the Park boundaries. The property being run by a British/American couple that are residents in Tanzania. The camp is located outside the National Park boundaries so walking, which is a must for birders, is not restricted as is the case within the National Parks, optional pre -break fast bird walks are possible.
Day 13: This morning you will have an optional pre breakfast opportunity to walk around the campgrounds birding, being escorted by
a local resident Masai tribesman. You will then embark on a full day on the Serengeti Plains exploring the entire park and as well searching for the two Endemic birds on the plains which include the Grey Breasted Spur fowl and the Fisher’s Love bird. Overnight at the Sopa Lodge. Looking out over the seemingly endless Serengeti plains, the Serengeti Sopa offers a tranquil oasis set in thousands of square kilometers of National Park. This full service hotel has spacious rooms, all boasting the same fine view as the restaurant, pool and bar area. Each suite, with its own large balcony, has a full en-suite, fridge, air conditioning and comfortable double beds.
Day 14: After an early game drive and all the wildebeest migration excitement, you will then drive out of the Serengeti plains into the famous Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge. Listed by Unesco as a world heritage site, the incomparable Ngorongoro Crater is the world’s largest “caldera”. A caldera is the broad, crater-like basin of a volcano formed by the collapse of the central cone. Dominated by cliffs standing some 600 meters high and presenting a sheer drop down to a wide open space of some 264 square km, the crater is one of the most amazing sights seen anywhere. The Crater is home to 25,000 larger mammals, almost half of them zebra and wildebeest. There are also gazelle, buffalo, eland, hartebeest and wart hog. Such vast numbers attract predators a plenty, mainly lion and hyena but also cheetah and leopard. More than 100 species of birds not found in the Serengeti have been spotted here. Countless flamingos form a pink blanket over the soda lakes.Spread out along the upper most rim of the Ngorongoro Crater the Sopa offers breathtaking views of the crater floor far below. Gazing on the sight below you will be amazed at the wildlife when you actually make your way to the crater floor today or tomorrow – it is like no where else in the world! Each room of the Ngorongoro Sopa offers a fine view – unless the infamous fog shrouds the view in the early morning – with full en-suite, two double beds and one can enjoy the view from the pool, restaurant and bar as well.
Day 15: The entire day will be spent on the Crater floor taking your last wildlife pictures. Overnight at the Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge.
Day 16: Today you will be transferred to Arusha arriving for an early lunch at the Impala Hotel. After lunch you will be transferred to Nairobi by a Public Tourist Shuttle Bus and to Nairobi Airport for your evening flight home, or you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your outbound flight depending on your flight arrangements or a Shuttle bus to Nairobi if out bound Flight is in Nairobi.
This Itinearary is typically targetting Kenya`s Big Game sites with high chances of Photography and Video shooting.
DAY 1 TSAVO WEST
Depart from Nairobi in the morning for the drive south-east to Tsavo West National Park, arriving at KILAGUNI LODGE in time for a late lunch. Kilaguni is an attractive and comfortable lodge, set next to a water hole that attracts a wide variety of animals. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 2 TSAVO WEST
An early morning game drive will give you the opportunity to explore one of Kenya’s largest National Parks, where magnificent scenery and an abundance of wildlife combine to provide a spectacular safari setting. Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy free time to relax before lunch and an afternoon game drive, visiting Mzima Springs where a viewing chamber provides amazing views of the underwater habitat of the resident hippos. Dinner and overnight at KILAGUNI LODGE.
DAY 3 AMBOSELI
After an early breakfast, head west to Amboseli driving close to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and arriving at AMBOSELI SERENA LODGE in time for lunch. The lodge is set amidst acacia trees and gently flowing natural springs and overlooks a waterhole where animals gather to drink. Guests are invited to participate in the lodge’s reforestation programme by planting a tree during their stay. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 4 MT. KENYA
After breakfast, return to Nairobi for lunch at the Carnivore Restaurant before continuing north to the slopes of Mt. Kenya. Dinner and overnight at NAROMORU RIVER LODGE.
DAY 5 SAMBURU
After breakfast, drive north, crossing the equator, to Samburu National Reserve, arriving at SAMBURU BLOCK LODGE in time for lunch. This rustic lodge is built from locally available materials in order to blend into the surrounding environment and every room has a private veranda overlooking the Ewaso Nyiro River. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
DAY 6 SAMBURU
Early morning game drive in the reserve, which is an area of wild beauty consisting of scrub desert, open savannah and small rugged hills. The reserve is renowned for rare animal species such as the reticulated giraffe, the Grevy’s zebra, the long-necked gerenuk antelope, the Somali ostrich and the Beisa oryx, thought to be the animal behind the legend of the unicorn. Take advantage of some free time to relax at the lodge before lunch and an afternoon game drive. Dinner and overnight at SAMBURU BLOCK LODGE.
DAY 7 ABERDARES
After an early breakfast, head back across the equator to the central highlands in time for lunch at the Outspan Hotel. Then transfer to TREETOPS LODGE in the Aberdare National Park. Treetops is one of the most famous game viewing lodges in the world, since it was here in February 1952 that Princess Elizabeth became Queen on learning of the death of her father, King George VI. The lodge, rising out of the ground on stilts, has four decks and a rooftop viewing platform overlooking a water hole and salt lick where animals come to feed. You may be lucky enough to spot one of the rare species that inhabit the Park, for example a black rhino, a bongo, a giant forest hog or even a black leopard.
DAY 8 NAKURU
After breakfast, drive west to Lake Nakuru, arriving at the SAROVA LION HILL LODGE in time for lunch. Lake Nakuru is an ornithologists’ paradise, being home to over 400 species of bird. The park, covering 180 square kilometres, also comprises grassland, forest and rocky cliffs supporting a variety of wildlife, including warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, gazelles, hippos and even the occasional leopard. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight at the lodge, where facilities include a swimming pool and an open air bar and restaurant.
DAY 9 MASAI MARA
After an early breakfast, drive south west to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving at the Mara Simba Lodge in time for lunch. The Lodge is strategically nesting at the edne of Talek River where a number of Big game assemble for water during the dry season.
You will have an option for the afternoon Game drive or just relax and chill out at your Lodge Balcony.
Day 10 MASAI MARA
Early morning game drive in the most popular national reserve in Kenya. The Masai Mara is the Kenyan section of the Serengeti Plains and the traditional land of the Maasai tribe. Wildlife is abundant and you have a good chance of seeing the ‘Big Five’: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. During the months of July and August, the annual wildebeest migration takes place. Witnessing millions of these animals crossing the Mara River from Tanzania in search of pasture is truly a staggering experience. Return to the camp for lunch before a second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at Keekorock Lodge.
DAY 11 MASAI MARA
A further day shall be spent on the Mara Plains.Over night Keekorock Lodge.
DAY 12 NAIROBI
After breakfast, return to Nairobi by road. On arrival, connect with your international flight.
Welcome to our Kenya Keen Birders Tour. This Tour is specially designed for the Keen birders, the Tour can be re-designed to include destinations primarily omitted, such as the Arabuko Sokoke Forest on the Coast as well as Coastal National Parks such as the Tsavo and other birding sites such as the Taita hills… for those who will have more time than the time scheduled on this Original Itinerary.
Welcome! Karibu!
Day 1: Arrival and Transfer to Nairobi .over night at the Boulevard Hotel.Depending on the time of arrival,we may have chance for an excursion into Nairobi National Park,returning tou Hotel for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 2: We begin our Safari from Nairobi into the Rift Valley Lakes of Naivasha,there are several bird species around Lake Naivasha. These include; White Pelican, Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, Black Crake, African Jacana, several duck species, Long-toed Lapwing, Malachite Kingfisher, Green Woodhoopoe, White-headed Barbet, Bearded and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Grey-capped and Lesser Swamp Warblers, White-fronted Bee-eater, Winding and Rattling Cisticolas, Grey-headed Bush-shrike and many more. Hirundines can be plentiful, and over half of the species in Kenya can be seen. In the evening, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl hunts along the lakeshore acacias.Over night at Elsamere Centre.
Day 3: In addition to exploring the surroundings of your cottage, there is also the possibility of visiting Hell’s Gate NP . This is one of the few parks where it is possible to walk, and the cliffs have breeding Nyanza and Mottled Swifts, and a colony of Rueppell’s Vultures. Lammergeier have been recently reintroduced, and other species which are regular include Schalow’s Wheatear and Pectoral-patch Cisticolas may be sited.Over night and Meals at Elsamere Centre.
Day 4: Today, you will head for Lake Victoria. On the way, you may wish an option to spend three or four hours passing through Lake Nakuru NP , which is again excellent for waterbirds and acacia species, and has additional specialities including Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Arrow-marked Babbler, Wailing Cisticola, and is one of the best places for Lappet-faced Vulture. It also has both White and Black Rhino, protected here from poachers, and sometimes both Lion and Leopard may be seen. On the way to Kisumu, you may wish to visit some diminishing grasslands above Molo, where Sharpe’s Longclaw is regular, along with Wing-snapping Cisticola. When you reach Kisumu, if time permits, you will be able to visit Hippo Point, where the papyrus beds have specialities such as Black-headed and Papyrus Gonoleks, Carruther’s Cisticola, Swamp Flycatcher, Papyrus and Yellow-fronted Canaries, Black-billed Barbet, White-browed and Blue-headed Coucal, Greater Swamp Warbler an! d others. Over night at Imperial Hotel Kisumu.
Day 5: There are two possibilities on this day. The journey to Kakamega is quite short, but can be extended along the coast of the lake, where the area around Sioport has further papyrus specialities, as well as western species such as Copper Sunbird, Black and Black-winged Bishops, Woodland Kingfisher, Bar-breasted and Black-bellied Firefinches and Grey Kestrel. Also, there are two river crossings where Rock Pratincole is regular. Some grassland in the west is also productive for species such as Uganda Spotted Woodpecker, Red-headed Lovebird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and Blue Swallow. These sites could also be visited in a long morning from Kakamega town, so are possible on a different day. Overnight Golf Hotel Kakamega.
Day 6: Today, it will be possible to spend all day exploring Kakamega Forest. There are two excellent areas, around Isecheno in the south and Kakamega in the north. Visiting both parts provides the best opportunities, and local guides will help tremendously. In the northern part, Solomon is recommended, and in the south Wilberforce. The number of birds is incredible, and include Great Blue and Black-billed Turacos, Grey Parrot, Yellow-billed, Grey-throated, Yellow-spotted and Hairy-breasted Barbets, several Woodpeckers, Scaly-throated and Thick-billed Honeyguides, Turner’s Eremomela, Banded and White-chinned Prinias, Blue and Dusky Crested Flycatchers, Chapin’s Flycatcher, several Greenbuls and Illadopsises, Yellowbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, Equatorial Akalat, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Snowy-headed and Blue-shouldered Robin-chats and many more. Over night Golf Hotel Kakamega
Day 7: It is recommended to spend one day in the northern Part of the Forest and the in the southern Part of the Forest. . Both are fairly Spartan. Accommodations will depend on the requested arrangements which may include Udos Bandas or Isecheno Rest house for the budget Groups or Golf Hotel and Rondo retreat for these requiring a little luxury.
Day 8: After some final forest birding, we will head north to the market town of Kitale. Nearby are two excellent birding localities, Kongolei and Saiwa Swamp. At Kongolei, there are several dry country birds scarce elsewhere, including Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-weaver, Lesser Blue-eared Starling, White-crested Turaco and Brown-rumped Bunting. Saiwa is home to the Sitatunga antelope, as well as De Brazza Monkey, and is a good site for Blue-headed Coucal, Double-toothed Barbet, Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird, Black-throated Wattle-eye and Splendid and Purple Glossy Starlings. Overnight Alakara Hotel.
Day 9: Today, we skirt the Cherangani Mountains, and head through the spectacular Kerio Valley and Tugen Hills. On the way, we can stop to seek out similar birds to Kongolei, and in
the valley, species such as Little Weaver and D’Arnaud’s Barbet. When we arrive at Lake Baringo, and we should see our first special birds of the area. During the few days, we should encounter Slender-tailed Nightjar, Heuglin’s Courser, Spotted Thick-knee, Northern Masked, Little, Jackson’s and Vitelline Masked Weavers, Bristle-crowned Starling, Hemprich’s and Jackson’s Hornbills, Mouse-coloured Penduline Tit, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Beautiful Sunbird and much more.Over night Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 10: All day will be spent around Lake Baringo. You may wish to use a local guide, who will help find the difficult species. Over night at Lake Baringo Country Club.
Day 11: We head south from Baringo, and skirt the Aberdares, stopping at Thompson’s Falls where we can seek out Slender-billed Starling, African Snipe and Tinkling Cisticola. We then pass across Solio Plains, sometimes good for Bustards, which can include the scarce Denham’s, as well as Capped Wheatear, Long-tailed Widowbird and wintering Lesser Kestrels and Montagues and Pallid Harriers. Finally, we arrive at Naro Moru River Lodge, where a self-catering two-bedroomed cottage is recommended. Food can be bought en-route at Nyahururu, or meals can be obtained at the lodge. Overnight Naro Moru River Lodge.
Day 12: The lodge grounds are excellent for birding, and can have such species as Giant Kingfisher, Black Duck, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Red-fronted Parrot, Narina Trogon, Grey Apalis, Rufous Chatterer, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Crowned Hornbill and up to nine sunbird species. It is also a base for Mt Kenya, and there are options to explore on a day trip the lower slopes, where some mountain specialities such as Mountain Greenbul, Grey Cuckoo-shrike, Brown-chested Alethe, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Hunter’s Cisticola and White-tailed Crested Flycatcher can be seen. An option is to take a 4WD up to the Meteorological Station, where one night can be spent, and species such as Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, Alpine Chat, Jackson’s Francolin, Abyssinian Ground Thrush and rarely, Olive Ibis can be seen. Overnight Naromoru River Lodge.
Day 13: After final birding around Naro Moru, we head north, stopping to look for Dusky Turtle Dove and the near-endemic Boran Cisticola. Once in Samburu , birds are profuse, and include Somali and White-throated Bee-eaters, Golden Pipit, Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich, White-headed Mousebird, Kori and Buff-crested Bustards, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Violet Woodhoopoe, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Black-capped Social Weaver, Shining and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Bare-eyed Thrush and Palm-nut Vulture. In addition, dry-country mammals are present, including Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx and Reticulated Giraffe, and Elephant, Lion, Cheetah and Leopard are all possible. Over night Samburu Block lodge.
Day 14: A further day will be spent in Samburu . Samburu Block Hotels.
Day 15: Heading back slowly into the highlands, we will stop at Wajee Camp, where the endemic Hinde’s Babbler lives in the grounds. In addition, African Wood Owl roosts, and there is a selection of other highland birds around. Overnight Wajee Bungalows.
Day 16: After leaving Wajee, we will visit some rice-paddies, where waterbirds are profuse, and often include Yellow-crowned Bishop and White-winged Widowbird. We will stop at Thika Blue Posts, and have the option of an afternoon at Kieni Forest. This remnant patch seems very quiet at first, but is home to many scarce highland birds, including Chestnut-throated and Black-throated Apalises, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Bar-tailed Trogon, Ayre’s Hawk-eagle, Olive and Bronze-naped Pigeons, White-headed Woodhoopoe and Tullberg’s Woodpecker. The grounds of the New Blue Posts are also good for birding, and have scarcities which can include African Penduline Tit, Black Duck, Grey-olive Greenbul, Giant Kingfisher, Trumpeter Hornbill, Black-collared Apalis and Purple-crested Turaco. Overnight New Blue Posts Thika.
Day 17: The final day will still be bird-filled. After breakfast, we will have an Option to head for Nairobi NP or straight to the Airport or spend more time reluxing at the Lodge grounds. The park is excellent for many grassland species, including up to 9 species of Cisticola! Hartlaub’s Bustard is regular, and other birds can include Northern Pied Babbler, African Darter, Red-throated Tit, Shelley’s Francolin, Jackson’s Widowbird, and African Finfoot at the Hippo Pools. And Transfer to airport for Flight Home.
DAY 1 AMBOSELI
Depart Nairobi in the morning for the drive south to Amboseli National Park, driving close to Africa’s highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and arriving at Oltukai Lodge in time for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 2 AMBOSELI
Before breakfast, depart for an early morning game drive in the National Park. Amboseli (which means ‘place of water’ in Maasai) covers 392 square kilometres and wildlife is easy to spot on the plains. The park is particularly noted for its elephant population and large herds can be seen grazing in the two permanent swamps, fed by water filtered through the volcanic rock of Mt. Kilimanjaro. During the dry season mirages, interspersed with herds of zebra and wildebeest, hover in front of visitors on the simmering dry lakebed. Return to the lodge/camp for lunch before a second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the lodge.
DAY 3 LAKE NAKURU
After breakfast, drive north through the great Rift Valley to Lake Nakuru National Park, arriving at Lake Elementaita lodge in time for lunch. Lake Nakuru is an ornithologists’ paradise, being home to over 400 species of bird. The park, covering 180 square kilometres, also comprises grassland, forest and rocky cliffs supporting a variety of wildlife, including warthogs, waterbucks, buffaloes, gazelles, hippos and even the occasional leopard. Enjoy an afternoon game drive before dinner and overnight at the lodge.
Day 4 MASAI MARA
After breakfast, drive to the Masai Mara National Reserve, arriving at the Keekorock lodge in time for lunch. After unpacking and relaxing for a while, enjoy an afternoon game drive before returning to the lodge for dinner and overnight.
Day 5 MASAI MARA
After an early breakfast, enjoy your first game drive in the most popular national reserve in Kenya. You will drive to the Mara River to witness the wildebeest migration, where millions of animals cross from Tanzania in search of pasture – truly a staggering experience. Return to the camp for lunch and optional visit to a Maasai village before a second game drive in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at your lodge.
DAY 6 MASAI MARA
After breakfast, leave the lodge/camp for a full day game drive to the Mara River to see the wildebeest and taking a picnic lunch in the bush. Return to the lodge/camp in time for a drink before dinner and overnight.
Day 7 NAIROBI
After breakfast, game drive to the gate and then return to Nairobi by road, stopping en route at the Rift Valley Viewpoint to buy souvenirs. On arrival, connect with your international flight or continue with your chosen beach
Holiday in Mombasa as an optional extention of the trip.
https://www.tanzaniabirding.com/wp-content/uploads/Tanzania-birding-tours.jpgBirding the East Coast of Africa is rarely offered as an independent Tour by many safari outfitters or birding specialized organizations, while still very few would think of taking an Independent trip just birding the Eastern Coast of Tanzania and Kenya and their adjacent areas. This tour gives an opportunity to explore the Eastern Arc Mountains as well as National parks and areas of endemism including the Arabuko Sokoke Forest of Kenya, East and West Usambara Mountains, South Pare Mountains, Lake Jipe Area and Tsavo East National park. You can take the tour as part of an extension from various major tours or from Mombasa Kenya as part of your Beach holiday.
Coastal Birding Itinerary 12 days:
Featuring : Eastern Arc Mountains – Usambara Mountains, South Pare Mountains, Taita Hills, Tsavo East National Park and Aarabuko Sokoke Forest Birding
Day 1: We will check out of our Resort at Diani Beach in Mombasa, driving a little bit off the coast, we will head South East into Tanzania, on the way we will stop for species that are possible along the bushes as we drive, such as the Zanzibar Red Bishop, African Golden Weaver, Golden Palm Weaver, Mombasa Wood Pecker, Blue Spotted Wood Dove and others. We will stop at the border and process our Visas into Tanzania then drive on to the Eastern Side of the Usambara Mountains, we will drive to the high elevation of Amani Nature Reserve in the East Usambaras – the only true coastal forest remaining in Tanzania if not Africa’s Eastern coastal strip.
We hope to arrive Amani nature reserve in the early hours of the day. Depending on time of arrival we may locally bird around the lower forest of East Usambara mountains as we drive into the higher elevation of the East Usambara Mountains at Amani Nature Reserve Rest House where we stay. The Rest House offers basic accommodation originally designed for scientific researchers in Botany and Malaria and formerly the headquaters of IUCN. The Rest House, though basic has many of its bed rooms en suite with a warm running shower, a dining area to take a very limited number of people serving delicious fresh food stuff locally growing around Amani. A cold beer is always present-served at the dining area.
Day 2: We will spend the day birding the Amani area. The morning before breakfast should be well birded around the Malaria center where it is usually easier to see the sunbirds and the Green Headed Oriol. There are a number of green buls too. After breakfast, you may take the Mbomole trails which leads deep into the forest where species such as the White Chested Alethe, Usambara Akalat, Green Barbet, Fischers Turaco and Black Backed Weaver, Trumpeter Hornbill as well as an array of other forest specialities can be spotted, this morning, we may chance, the Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Wallers Chestnut Sterling, Kenricks Sterling, Black Bellied Glossy Sterling, Palm Nut Vultures, Cabanis bunting… etc
The afternoon will see us visiting tea plantaion where forest reminants and streams may reward us with some more specialities. Evening back to Amani.
Day 3: After local birding around, we will transfer to the Western side of the Usambara Mountains. We hope to get to the West Usambara Mountains in the late evening, the mountains rise up steeply from the surrounding plains and can only be entered from a few roads including the only Tarmac roads dating back in the old German and English Colonial times. From a distance, the mountains are a colorful mosaic. On the fertile slopes around the towns of Soni and Lushoto, farmers cultivate small plots. The view points on the southern and western side of Usambara are well known for the spectacular view of Mkomazi and Handeni plains.
Because of its pleasant climate, the mountains were favored by the Germans and the English during Colonial times as is evidenced by the numerous historic buildings from the past. The Mullers Mountain Lodge itself where we stay is an old Residence of the German Chief who lived here during the colonial times. Muller Mountain Lodge is the only upper market accommodation in the area with superb service.You will not forget the great cookery at this home residence when you leave after a couple of nights here. Bon apetit.
Day 4: After an early breakfast you will explore some of the forest reminants in the area for the many rare and endemic species present in this area. The mountains offer a variety of Tanzanian Endemics and rarities to include: The Fullebourns Black Boubou, Usamabara Weaver, The Black Fronted Bush Shrike and the Grey Cuckoo Shrike, others include The Yellow Throated Woodland Warbler and an endless list of Greenbuls to include the tiny Greenbul and the mountain Greenbul, Shelly’s Yellow Stripped Strip Chicked.
The African Tailor bird ( a new species on record ) will be another bird to look out for here. Much of the Forest in the West Usambaras has been leveled for cultivation so much of the natural forest has been lost, however there are some good spots for birding such as the forest towards the sawmill and another small portion behind the Mullers lodge where birding is great. Evening return to the Mullers Lodge for Dinner and overnight.
Day 5: We will drive out of the Usambara Mountains and head to the same village, on the way we will be exploring dry country steppes, for possibilities of the Black Bellied Sun Bird and others, we then continue to the South Pare Mountains for a further exploration. Overnight at the Elephant Motel in same village.
Day 6: We will drive to the Taita Hills, crossing the border back into Kenya, once in the area we will bird locally targeting the Taita endemics including possibilities of the white eye and other country species. We will stay at the Salt Lick Safari Lodge. Salt Lick Safari Lodge is located in the heart of the privately owned at the foot of the Taita Hills, and consists of 96 rooms elevated on stilts and linked by raised walkways. Most of the guestrooms, as well as the restaurant and the terraced bar command spectacular views of the waterhole and surrounding grasslands, where elephant, buffalo and a variety of plains game can be seen throughout much of the year. The area is illuminated by floodlights to facilitate game viewing at night, and there is an underground tunnel and chamber allowing guests to closely and safely view wildlife at ground level. Dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Taita Hills Area birding and game viewing. Birding into the area introduces; Scarce Swift, Taita Falcon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Taita Apalis, Cabanis Bulbul,Taita Fiscal, Orange Ground-Thrush, Sharpe’s Starling, Mountain Buzzard, Taita Thrush, Abbott’s Starling, Fischer’s Turaco, White-starred Robin, Crowned Eagle, Yellow-throated Wood-warbler,Taita Falcon, Striped Pipit, Taita White-eye, Green-backed Twinspot, Stripe-cheecked Bulbul, Moustached Green-Tinkerbird, Overnight Salt Lick Lodge.
Day 8: We will transfer to Voi and on into Tsavo East National park. Rest of the day birding & big game viewing in the area. Look out for Common Ostrich, Somali Ostrich, Cattle Egret, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Secretary bird,Brown Snake-eagle, Bateleur, Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk, Black-headed Heron, Tawny Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, African Crowned-eagle, Martial Eagle, Crested Francolin, Yellow-necked Spurfowl, Crested Guineafowl, Vulturine Guineafowl, Helmeted Guineafowl, Black-bellied Bustard, Somali CourserOvernight at the Voi Safari Lodge.
Day 9: Full day birding & big game viewing. Expect to see; Spur-winged Plover, Black-headed Plover,
Superb Starling,Fischer’s Starling,Yellow-billed Oxpecker,Caspian PloverOvernight Voi Safari Lodge.
Day 10: Drive to Arabuko Sokoke Forest, birding the forest rest of the day. Species to look out for include; Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Cardinal Woodpecker, Rufous-naped Lark, Plain Martin,
https://www.tanzaniabirding.com/wp-content/uploads/kenya-tours.jpgDay 1: We would suggest flights arriving on British Airways into Nairobi – Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Depending on time/method of arrival,we will transfer to the Boulevard Hotel Nairobi, rest of the day relaxing and recovering from Jet lag.
https://www.tanzaniabirding.com/wp-content/uploads/Tanzania-birding-tours.jpgBirding the East Coast of Africa is rarely offered as an independent Tour by many safari outfitters or birding specialized organizations, while still very few would think of taking an Independent trip just birding the Eastern Coast of Tanzania and Kenya and their adjacent areas. This tour gives an opportunity to explore the Eastern Arc Mountains as well as National parks and areas of endemism including the Arabuko Sokoke Forest of Kenya, East and West Usambara Mountains, South Pare Mountains, Lake Jipe Area and Tsavo East National park. You can take the tour as part of an extension from various major tours or from Mombasa Kenya as part of your Beach holiday.