9-day kenya birding adventure safari

Tour Overview

Destinations: Lake Naivasha • Hell’s Gate • Lake Elementaita • Lake Nakuru • Masai Mara • Kiambethu Tea Plantation
Safari Type: Birding and Wildlife Safari
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi – Transfer to Hotel

Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel in Nairobi. Depending on arrival time, you can enjoy a brief birding session in the hotel gardens spotting species such as the variable sunbird, speckled mousebird, and African pied wagtail.

Dinner and Overnight: Nairobi Hotel

Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha (Birding via Hell’s Gate National Park)

After breakfast, drive through the Great Rift Valley to Lake Naivasha. En route, stop at Hell’s Gate National Park, an ideal birding location home to species like the Lammergeier, Verreaux’s Eagle, and the Chinspot Batis. Continue to Lake Naivasha for lunch and afternoon birding along the lake shores.

Dinner and Overnight: Lodge at Lake Naivasha

Target Birds: Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Great White Pelican, Giant Kingfisher

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 3: Whole Day Birding – Crescent Island, Lake Naivasha

Spend the day birding on Crescent Island, a haven for both resident and migratory birds. You may also spot giraffes, zebras, and antelopes during your walk. Boat rides on the lake offer views of fish eagles hunting and other water-associated species.

Dinner and Overnight: Lodge at Lake Naivasha

Day 4: Birding Lake Elementaita

Drive to Lake Elementaita, another UNESCO-listed Rift Valley Lake known for its alkaline waters and bird diversity. Explore the lake shores and surrounding bushlands.

Target Birds: Black-necked Grebe, Cape Teal, Avocet, Lesser Flamingo, and Grey-headed Gull.

Dinner and Overnight: Lodge at Lake Elementaita

Day 5: Birding at Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, one of Kenya’s best birding destinations. Spend the entire day birding and game viewing. Expect to see flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, and several raptors.

Other Sightings: Rhinos, buffaloes, giraffes, and lions.

Dinner and Overnight: Lodge at Lake Nakuru

Day 6: Transfer to Masai Mara National Reserve

Depart after breakfast for Masai Mara, Kenya’s most famous wildlife reserve, known for its open savannas and abundant birdlife. Enjoy birding en route and an evening birding/game drive upon arrival.

Dinner and Overnight: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Masai Mara

Day 7–8: Full-Day Birding in Masai Mara

Spend two full days birding and exploring different habitats in the Masai Mara—riverine forests, open grasslands, and acacia woodlands. Look out for savannah endemics and migratory species.

Target Birds: Lilac-breasted Roller, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, Rufous-bellied Heron, and various raptors.

Dinner and Overnight: Safari Lodge or Tented Camp in Masai Mara

Day 9: Masai Mara – Kiambethu Tea Plantation Transfer to Nairobi

After breakfast, drive to Kiambethu Tea Plantation near Limuru. Enjoy a guided forest walk to spot more highland species such as the Hartlaub’s Turaco and White-starred Robin. Lunch is served at the plantation before your transfer to Nairobi for your onward flight.

Price Includes

All accommodation as per itinerary
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
All transport and airport transfers
Bottled water during the safari
Services of an English-speaking professional birding guide
Comprehensive bird checklist
Park entrance fees for all destinations
Flying Doctors evacuation cover

Price Excludes

International airfare to Kenya
Kenya entry visa fees
Travel and medical insurance
Drinks at the table (soft & alcoholic beverages)
Tips and gratuities to guides, drivers, and hotel staff
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone calls, souvenirs, etc.)

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9-day kenya birding adventure safari