8-day kenya birding safari itinerary

Tour Overview

This 8-day birding safari takes you to Kenya’s most rewarding birding destinations within the Great Rift Valley and western Kenya. From the alkaline shores of Lake Nakuru to the freshwater wetlands of Lake Baringo and the lush Kakamega tropical forest, you’ll encounter hundreds of bird species, including East African endemics and globally threatened species.

Expect an incredible diversity of habitats, breathtaking scenery, and the opportunity to photograph and observe Kenya’s remarkable avifauna with expert guidance.

Destination: Lake Nakuru • Lake Naivasha • Lake Baringo • Lake Bogoria • Kakamega Forest • Dunga Beach
Tour Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Availability: All Year Round

Tour Highlights

Birding at Kenya’s best avian hotspots

Visit to Rift Valley Lakes (Nakuru, Naivasha, Baringo, Bogoria)

Birding at Kakamega Forest (Kenya’s only rainforest)

Dunga Beach exploration on Lake Victoria

Over 500 possible bird species sightings

Professional English-speaking birding guide

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Lake Nakuru

Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, meet your guide, and transfer to Lake Nakuru National Park. This park is home to over 500 bird species, including globally threatened and endemic birds such as the Rueppell’s Griffon, Abyssinian Thrush, White-headed Vulture, and Gray-crested Helmetshrike.

Meal Plan: Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Day 2: Full Day Birding at Lake Nakuru National Park

Spend the entire day birding at Lake Nakuru, known for its pink-hued flamingos, raptors, and waterfowl. Species highlights include Maccoa Duck, Greater Spotted Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Pallid Harrier, and Crowned Eagle.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Sarova Lion Hill Lodge

Day 3: Transfer to Lake Naivasha – Birding Excursion

After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake famous for its diverse birdlife. Over 350 bird species thrive here, including Basra Reed Warbler, African Spoonbill, Red-knobbed Coot, and Lesser Flamingo. Optional boat ride on the lake to spot African Fish Eagles in action

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Lake Naivasha Country Club / Enashipai Resort

Day 4: Transfer to Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria

Depart for Lake Baringo, a freshwater lake supporting over 470 species of birds. Stop at Lake Bogoria, home to spectacular flocks of Greater and Lesser Flamingos.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Soi Safari Lodge / Tumbili Cliff Lodge

Day 5: Full Day Birding at Lake Baringo

Explore Lake Baringo’s diverse habitats with local guides. Expect to spot African Jacana, Goliath Heron, White-faced Whistling Duck, Northern White-faced Scops Owl, and Hemprich’s Hornbill.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Soi Safari Lodge / Tumbili Cliff Lodge

Day 6: Transfer to Kakamega Forest

After breakfast, travel westwards to the Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s only tropical rainforest and home to over 350 bird species. The journey offers scenic views of the Rift Valley and tea plantations.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dinner and Overnight: Rondo Retreat Centre / Isecheno Guesthouse

Day 7: Full Day Birding Kakamega Forest – Transfer to Dunga Beach

Spend the morning exploring Kakamega Forest, where about 36 species are endemic to this ecosystem. Later, transfer to Dunga Beach via Kericho, birding en route. Expect to spot the Blue-headed Bee-eater, Great Blue Turaco, and Turner’s Eremomela.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch

Dinner and Overnight: Kiboko Bay Resort / Lake Victoria Serena Resort

Day 8: Birding at Dunga Beach – Transfer to Nairobi / Departure

Enjoy a morning birding session at Dunga Beach, known for papyrus specialists such as the Papyrus Gonolek and Carruthers’s Cisticola. Later, transfer to Nairobi Airport for your departure flight.

Meal Plan: Breakfast

Price Includes

Transport in a customized safari vehicle with a pop-up roof
All park entry and conservation fees
Accommodation and meals as stated in the itinerary
Services of a professional English-speaking birding driver-guide
All birding and game-viewing activities as per itinerary
Driver allowances and government taxes
Bottled drinking water in the vehicle

Price Excludes

International flights and visas (Kenyan Visa)
Tips for guide, porters, and hotel staff
Items of personal nature (laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Optional activities not included in the itinerary
Travel insurance

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8-day kenya birding safari itinerary