How many birds can we expect to see

On average, groups record 450–600 species depending on the season and weather conditions.

Is this itinerary suitable for beginners?

Yes. The trip is ideal for both beginners and experienced birders. The guide will help identify species and calls.

What level of fitness is required?

Moderate. Most birding is along vehicle tracks or forest paths. No strenuous hiking is required.

Yes. Boat trips in Lake Baringo and Lake Victoria are conducted by experienced local boatmen with safety gear provided.

Binoculars (8x42 or 10x42 recommended) Camera + telephoto lens Neutral-colored clothing Comfortable hiking shoes Rain jacket, hat & sunscreen Insect repellent Refillable water bottle

Will we also see big mammals?

Yes. Lions, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, buffalos, zebras, hippos, and more are common in several locations.

Can the trip be customized?

Absolutely. We can add days, adjust locations, include photography focus, or arrange private departures.

12-Day Kenya Birding Safari | Bird Watching Kenya

Overview

This 12-day guided birding expedition takes you across Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems—from highland forests and freshwater lakes to savannah plains and papyrus wetlands. Designed for serious birders and nature lovers, the trip covers key birding hotspots including Manguo Ponds, Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara, Lake Victoria, Kakamega Forest, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, and Nairobi National Park.

With opportunities to spot over 600+ species, including regional endemics, forest specialists, raptors, waterfowl, and nocturnal birds, this itinerary offers some of the richest birding experiences in East Africa. Expert guiding, well-timed field sessions, and carefully selected habitats ensure you maximize sightings throughout the journey.

Highlights

Spot 600+ bird species across forests, savannahs, wetlands, lakes, and grasslands
Visit Kenya’s top birding hotspots: Masai Mara, Lake Victoria, Kakamega Forest, Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru
Excellent chances of regional specialties such as Papyrus Canary, Bar-tailed Trogon, Great Blue Turaco, Sharpe’s Longclaw, White-crested Turaco, and more
Boat trips on Lake Victoria & Lake Baringo for close-up waterbird encounters
Multiple chances to photograph large mammals including elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes & hippos
Targeted nocturnal birding for nightjars and owls
Stunning landscapes: Rift Valley viewpoints, lake basins, forest trails, and savannah plains
Comfortable safari accommodations throughout the trip
Expert birding guide offering species ID support in every habitat

Day 01 :

Arrival in Nairobi

Arrive in Nairobi and transfer to Summerdale Inn for rest and overnight stay.

Day 02 :

Manguo Ponds – Rift Valley – Crater Lake Sanctuary

Morning birding at Manguo Ponds for waterfowl including Maccoa Duck, Fulvous & White-faced Whistling Ducks.
Stop at Rift Valley Viewpoint for Hunter’s Cisticola, Golden-winged Sunbird, and highland species.
Continue to Crater Lake Lodge, check in, then bird the sanctuary for Tchagra, Woodpeckers, Starlings, and Scimitarbill.

Day 03 :

Transfer to Masai Mara – Talek River Birding

Drive to the Mara, arriving for lunch at Fig Tree Camp.
Afternoon birding along Talek River for Barbets, Coucals, Honeyguides, Parrots, Cisticolas, and a possible Schalow’s Turaco.
View hippos, crocs, and big game.

Day 04 :

Full-Day Masai Mara Birding & Big Cats

Full-day drive with packed lunches.
Target species include Bustards, Ostrich, Vultures, Eagles, Sandgrouse, and Cheetah/Leopard sightings.
Return to camp for overnight.

Day 05 :

Drive to Lake Victoria – Papyrus Birding

Arrive at Imperial Hotel.
Evening birding along papyrus edges for Papyrus Canary, Gonolek, Coucals, Barbets, Doves & Swamp Flycatcher.

Day 06 :

Lake Victoria Boat Trip – Transfer to Kakamega Forest

Morning boat excursion for Carruthers’s Cisticola, Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler, Swamp Warblers, and Weavers.
After breakfast, travel to Kakamega Forest, check in, and enjoy afternoon forest-edge walks for Turacos, Robin-Chats, Barbet species, and Flufftails.

Day 07 :

Full-Day Kakamega Forest Birding

Spot forest specialties such as Black-billed Turaco, Bar-tailed Trogon, Jameson’s Wattle-eye, Woodhoopoes, Rufous Warbler, Woodland Warblers, and Monkeys.
Afternoon walk along forest roads for Hornbills, Malimbes, and Bluebills.

Day 08 :

Transfer to Lake Baringo – Afternoon Birding

Stop en route for White-crested Turaco, Little Rock Thrush, and Cisticolas.
Check in at Soi Safari Lodge and head to Lake Bogoria for Flamingos, Hornbills, Go-Away Birds, Sparrows, Doves & Flycatchers.

Day 09 :

Lake Baringo Boat Trip – Nocturnal Birding – West Bay

Morning boat ride for Goliath Heron, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, Herons & Darter.
After breakfast, search for nocturnal species including Nightjars, Coursers, and Owls.
Afternoon at West Bay for Sandgrouse, Lapwings, Woodpeckers, and Barbets.

Day 10 :

Lake Baringo to Lake Nakuru

Morning departure to Lake Nakuru National Park for Rhino, Giraffe, Ducks, Spoonbills, Plovers, Avocets, Buzzards & more.
Lunch and overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Afternoon game and birding session.

Day 11 :

Morning Birding – Kinangop Grasslands – Nairobi

Final Nakuru morning session, then drive to Kinangop Grasslands for Sharpe’s Longclaw and Widowbirds.
Return to Nairobi for overnight at Summerdale Inn.

Day 12 :

Nairobi National Park – Departure

Morning game drive in Nairobi National Park targeting waterbirds, raptors, grassland species, and large mammals.
Return to the hotel for freshening up, then transfer to the airport.