Amazing 7-Day Kenya Birding Tour

Arrival in Nairobi - Nairobi National Park

Begin your Kenya birding tour in the remarkable Nairobi National Park, Africa's only wildlife sanctuary within a capital city's boundaries. This unique ecosystem hosts over 400 recorded bird species despite its proximity to urban Nairobi.

Start early morning birding sessions targeting the park's signature species including Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard, and the endemic Kenya endemic subspecies of various grassland birds.

The park's diverse habitats—from open grasslands to riverine forests along the Mbagathi River—provide excellent opportunities for photographing both resident and migratory species.

Notable sightings include African Fish Eagle, Augur Buzzard, Grey Crowned Crane, and seasonal Palearctic migrants like European Roller and Lesser Kestrel.

Evening transfer to Kariminu River Camp offers additional birding along the Chania River, where forest edge species like African Paradise Flycatcher and various sunbird species are commonly observed.

The day concludes with a comprehensive species checklist review and briefing for the mountain forest adventures ahead.

Overnight: Kariminu River Camp

Nairobi - Mount Kenya Forest

Journey into the mystical montane forests of Mount Kenya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional endemic bird diversity.

The transition from lowland to highland habitats provides dramatic birding opportunities as you ascend through different vegetation zones.

Castle Forest Lodge, situated at 2,100 meters elevation, serves as your base for exploring Kenya's most significant montane forest ecosystem. Target species include the stunning Hartlaub's Turaco, Mountain Buzzard, African Crowned Eagle, and numerous forest specialists like Olive Thrush and White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher.

The legendary Abbott's Starling, endemic to Kenya's highland forests, represents a major prize for serious birders. Early morning and late afternoon forest walks reveal secretive species including various robin-chats, akalats, and the elusive Green-winged Pytilia.

Overnight: Castle Forest

Mount Kenya Forest - Samburu National Reserve

Transition from montane forests to the semi-arid landscapes of Samburu National Reserve, home to Kenya's most spectacular desert-adapted bird species.

This dramatic habitat change introduces an entirely different avian community adapted to harsh, dry conditions. Samburu's unique position north of the equator makes it a crucial birding destination for Northern Kenya specialties rarely found elsewhere in East Africa.

Key target species include the magnificent Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Golden-breasted Starling, and the endemic Somali Bee-eater. The Ewaso Nyiro River creates a lifeline through the arid landscape, attracting diverse waterbirds including Egyptian Goose, Yellow-billed Stork, and various kingfisher species.

Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp

Full Day Kenya Birding Tour in Samburu National Reserve

Dedicate this full day to exploring Samburu's remarkable bird diversity across its varied microhabitats. Early morning expeditions target the reserve's most sought-after species including the rare Grevy's Zebra-associated Red-billed Oxpecker and the spectacular Somali specialties.

The reserve's acacia woodlands host an incredible variety of species including White-bellied Go-away-bird, Donaldson-Smith's Sparrow-weaver, and various distinctive northern subspecies. Midday birding along the Ewaso Nyiro River reveals water-dependent species like African Skimmer (seasonal), Pel's Fishing Owl, and various herons and egrets.

The day's highlight often includes encounters with the legendary Somali Ostrich family groups and the spectacular aerial displays of Vulturine Guineafowl during their evening gatherings.

Overnight: Ashnil Samburu Camp

Samburu National Reserve - Lake Nakuru National Park

Journey south to Lake Nakuru National Park, internationally famous for its spectacular flamingo populations and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Outstanding Universal Value to ornithology. Lake Nakuru represents one of the world's most important alkaline lake ecosystems, supporting millions of Lesser and Greater Flamingos during peak seasons.

The park's diverse habitats—from alkaline lake shores to acacia woodlands and rocky escarpments—host over 450 recorded bird species. Target specialties include African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Great White Pelican, and the endemic Kenya subspecies of various cliff-nesting species.

The park's renowned raptor diversity includes Verreaux's Eagle, Tawny Eagle, and seasonal migrants like Steppe Eagle. Nakuru Lodge's elevated position provides spectacular panoramic views of the flamingo spectacle while offering comfortable accommodations within the park boundaries.

Overnight: Nakuru Lodge

Lake Nakuru - Lake Naivasha - Thika

Explore the freshwater ecosystem of Lake Naivasha, Kenya's highest lake and a critical Important Bird Area supporting over 400 species including significant populations of migratory waterbirds.

Boat excursions on Lake Naivasha provide close encounters with African Fish Eagle, Great Cormorant, Long-tailed Cormorant, and various ducks and grebes.

Crescent Island's walking safari offers unique opportunities to observe waterbirds at close range without vehicle restrictions, including excellent photography conditions for species like Sacred Ibis, Egyptian Goose, and various heron species.

The return journey to Kariminu River Camp via Thika provides transition zone birding opportunities, targeting species that bridge highland and lowland ecosystems.

Overnight: Kariminu River Camp

Departure from Nairobi

This final day of the Kenya birding tour serves as reflection on an extraordinary ornithological journey through Kenya's most spectacular birding destinations, with lasting memories of endemic species encounters, spectacular landscapes, and the incredible diversity that establishes Kenya as Africa's premier birding destination.

Professional guides conduct final species list compilation, providing detailed documentation of your week's sightings for personal records and citizen science contributions.

Departure with comprehensive species lists, professional photographs, and unforgettable memories of East Africa's remarkable avian heritage.