May 2026: Birds & Wildlife of Kenya
A Kenya safari is one of the most iconic travel experiences in Africa, and with over 1,000 bird species in Kenya, it’s a must for birders. This 16-day itinerary has been designed to showcase the best birding tours in Kenya and offer unforgettable encounters with large mammals and sweeping savanna landscapes.
With a group size limited to just five participants, this Kenya birding safari is exclusive and personalised.
Areas Covered – Where You’ll Go:
- Nairobi: Overnight stay and introduction to Kenya
- Samburu National Reserve: Home to Kenya’s ‘northern specials’ including Vulturine Guineafowl
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Spectacular plains wildlife beneath Mount Kenya
- Rift Valley Lakes: Visit Lakes Nakuru, Bogoria, and Baringo for waterbirds and flamingos
- Kakamega Forest: A remnant of Central Africa’s tropical forest, rich in birdlife and primates
- Kisumu & Lake Victoria: Explore the shores of Africa’s largest lake
- Masai Mara: Four nights of unlimited game drives in one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves
Accommodation:
Your accommodation is of a medium-plus to high standard. It includes safari lodges in the main, as well as a few inns and country lodges. Importantly, all accommodations have en-suite facilities, and are clean and comfortable.
Birdwatching in Kenya – Target Species & Habitats:
This birding safari in Kenya balances classic African savanna birding with specialist forest and wetland species. Whether you're into large birds of Kenya, rare forest dwellers, or waterbirds, there’s something for everyone.
Target species include:
- Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Bee-eater, Somali Ostrich
- Von der Decken's Hornbill, Jackson's Hornbill, Fan-tailed Raven
- Papyrus Gonolek, Yellow-billed and Red-and-Yellow Barbets
- African Broadbill, Golden-breasted Starling, Bristle-crowned Starling
- Blue-shouldered Robin-Chat, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Jackson's Widowbird
- Red-tailed Bristlebill, Papyrus Canary, African Blue Flycatcher
From big birds in Kenya like the Somali Ostrich to small birds of Kenya like the Bluebill, the variety is spectacular.
Kenya Mammals & Wildlife Viewing:
Kenya is synonymous with large mammal safaris, and this tour includes excellent opportunities to see:
- Reticulated, Masai & Rothschild's Giraffes
- Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Hartebeest, Topi, Zebra
- Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Serval, Elephant, Buffalo, Black Rhino
- Bat-eared Fox, Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Olive Baboon, Red-tailed Monkey
- Samburu, Ol Pejeta, and the Masai Mara provide the most prolific wildlife sightings.
Is This Kenya Bird Tour Right for You?
This tour is ideal for travellers looking for a balanced birding and wildlife safari in Kenya. Whether you’re a passionate birder or a nature enthusiast wanting to experience Kenya’s best bird and animal life, this tour delivers a rewarding and immersive adventure.
See the 2023 trip report - Birds & Wildlife of Kenya 2023.
See the Trip Advisor review of this tour.
Gallery
Itinerary
Birds & Wildlife of Kenya Route Map
Birds & Wildlife of Kenya route map. Click to enlarge.
Tour in brief
Group size: limited to a maximum of 5 participants.
Areas visited: Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lakes Nakuru and Baringo, Kakamega Forest, Lake Victoria and the Masai Mara.
Expected weather conditions: generally warm to hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms occurring regularly.
Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus; some long traveling days and some full days out on safari.
Accommodation standards: good to high: private guest houses, lodges and mobile camps.
Mammal viewing: Outstanding! Unbeatable for multitudes of plains game and predator action.
Top mammals: Reticulated, Rosthchild's and Masai Giraffes, Thomson’s and Grant’s Gazelles, Defassa Waterbuck, Topi, Coke’s Hartebeest, Grevy's Zebra, Gerenuk, Desert Warthog, Bearded Gnu, Leopard, Lion, Cheetah, Serval, Elephant, African Buffalo, Black Rhino, Kirk’s Dik-Dik, Olive Baboon, Black-and-White Colobus, Red-tailed Monkey, Bat-eared Fox.
Birding in brief: Excellent, many of the East African specials to be seen.
Top birds: Vulturine Guinefowl, Somali Ostrich, Somali Bee-eater, Von der Decken's Hornbill, Jackson's Hornbill, Black-and-White Casqued Hornbill, Fan-tailed Raven, White-bellied Bustard, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Greyish Eagle Owl, Yellow-billed Barbet, Red-and-Yellow Barbet, Red-bellied Parrot, Jameson's Wattle-eye, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, Rosy-patched Bush Shrike, Bocage's Bush Shrike, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Canary, African Shrike Flycatcher, Mackinnon's Shrike, African Blue Flycatcher, Red-tailed Bristlebill, Chubb's Cisticola, Carruther's Cisticola, Black-faced Rufous Warbler, Golden-breasted Starling, Bristle-crowned Starling, Fischer's Starling, Blue-shouldered Robin Chat, Golden-winged Sunbird, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Black-billed Weaver, Jackson's Widowbird, Red-headed Bluebill and many others.
Add ons: spend more time in Kenya visiting Amboseli (for classic Mount Kilimanjaro views) and Tsavo, or spend time relaxing on the coast.
Full Itinerary
Rates
2026:
5 participants: US$ 6 850 per person sharing ($428 per day).
4 participants: US$ 7 495 per person sharing ($468 per day).
3 participants: US$ 8 590 per person sharing ($536 per day).
2 participants: US$ 10 650 per person sharing ($665 per day).
Single supplement: US$ 995.
Contact us for prices for other group sizes.
Price may be subject to change based on factors beyond our control.
Includes
- Accommodation
- All meals (except lunches and dinners on first and last days)
- Entrance fees
- Ground transport in 4×4 photographic converted Land Cruiser
- Masai Mara - Nairobi flight
- Bottled water in vehicle whilst travelling
- Personalised checklists
- Specialist guide fees
Excludes
- All airfares except charter flight
- Travel and medical insurance
- Lunches and dinners on first and last day
- All drinks
- Optional excursions where applicable
- Gratuities
- Items of a personal nature
Note:
- This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions at the time and other factors beyond our control.
- Birds and mammals mentioned on this itinerary do not represent all that can be seen. A full list of possibles appears on your checklist.
Tour ends in Nairobi on the last day of the tour. We will arrive at approximately 13h00; so evening departure flights will work well. For those who may need to overnight in Nairobi we can arrange all accommodation and transfers (at extra cost). Day rooms may be available between arriving and departing Nairobi on international flights on the final day, at extra cost. Please check with us before booking any flights.
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