Wild Birding | Wild Kenya: Birds & Nature in 17 Days

Wild Kenya: Birds & Nature in 17 Days

per person

Perfect for birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, this 17-day tour takes you through Kenya’s top birding and safari regions. Designed to highlight the country’s extraordinary bird diversity, the tour also brings you face-to-face with iconic African wildlife in some of the continent’s most scenic landscapes.

Immerse yourself in Kenya’s breathtaking biodiversity as you traverse a mosaic of ecosystems. From the shimmering alkaline lakes to vast grasslands, dense bushlands to open savannahs, and lush rainforests, each habitat provides its own unique range of avifauna and rich variety of wildlife.

This tour goes beyond mere birdwatching, offering encounters with Kenya’s iconic megafauna. The pinnacle of the tour is a three-day exploration of the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve, where the bird species are exceptional and the wildlife is word renowned. If travelling in the months of July, August and September this tour will allow you witness the the world-famous Wildebeest Migration – a bucket list experience.

This immersive experience promises to leave an indelible mark, creating memories that will resonate long after your holiday concludes.

*It’s worth noting that this tour can of course be entirely focused on birding.

Map:

Number of days

Bird count:

Over 300

Best time of year:

All year round, but to nitpick the prime birding season in Kenya is during the short rains of November and early December. This period is when species are most vibrant with breeding plumages on display, and captivating behaviours of whydahs, widowbirds, and bishops. Additionally, it is when numerous Palearctic migrants make their presence felt, so the count will be high. However, if you want to see the wildebeest migration at the Masai Mara, then September is highly recommended.

Speed:

Slow to moderate.

Difficulty:

On-foot birding at Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Kakamega Forest and Lake Victoria, but nothing too strenuous with the remaining birding activities achieved via safari vehicle.

Sustainability:

Wild Birding designs birding and wildlife holidays that support conservation, empower local communities, and tread lightly. We work exclusively with trusted local guides and conservation-minded lodges, avoid crowded circuits, and keep group sizes small to minimise our impact. We actively encourage guests to take part in citizen science through eBird, and we’ve partnered with Sustainable Travel to offer optional carbon offsetting and direct support for local conservation projects.

Price:

Our tailor-made birding tours are custom-designed for each client, making standard pricing difficult. Costs vary based on factors like accommodation, group size, duration, and specific locations. For a personalised quote that matches your taste and budget, please contact us with your requirements.

As an example, this Wild Kenya: Birds & Nature in 17 Days costs £5,350 per person, based on a group of 6 individuals staying in top-end mid-range safari lodges with shared twin rooms.

For our Set Departure Birding Tours, with fixed prices, please click the button below.

Bird species highlights:

Papyrus Gonolek
Papyrus Canary
Carruthers’s Cisticola
Malachite Kingfisher
Lilac-breasted Roller
Secretarybird
Kori Bustard
Southern Ground Hornbill
Martial Eagle
Tawny Eagle
Rosy-breasted Longclaw
Bare-faced Go-away-bird
Red-necked Spurfowl
Great Blue Turaco
Ross’s Turaco
Turner’s Eremomela
Superb Starling

African Fish Eagle
Dark Chanting-Goshawk
Spotted Eagle-Owl
African Scops Owl
Northern White-faced Scops Owl
Shikra
Verreaux’s Eagle
Slender-tailed Nightjar
Heuglin’s Courser
Blue-capped Cordon-bleu
D’Arnaud’s Barbet
Black-throated Barbet
Brubru
Grey-headed Bushshrike
Jackson’s Golden-backed Weaver
Northern Masked Weaver
Blue-headed Bee-eater

Wildlife highlights:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Excellent chances of seeing Black and White Rhino, Lion, African Elephant, Grevy’s Zebra, Jackson’s Hartebeest, and Chimpanzee (at the sanctuary).
Meru National Park – Stronghold for the elusive Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, as well as Lion, Elephant, and large herds of Buffalo.
Samburu National Reserve – Known for its “Samburu Special Five”: Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Somali Ostrich, Reticulated Giraffe, and Gerenuk. Also good for Leopard and Elephant.
Nairobi National Park – Unusual proximity of Lion, Black Rhino, and Giraffe against a city skyline. Good for Plains Game and photographic opportunities.
Lake Naivasha – Hippos in the lake and Colobus Monkeys in the riparian forest. Possible sightings of African Clawless Otter and Sitatunga in adjacent wetlands.
Lake Nakuru National Park – Famous for both species of Rhino, large Buffalo herds, Rothschild’s Giraffe, and occasional sightings of Leopard and Lion.
Lake Bogoria / Lake Elementaita – Spectacular flamingo flocks (seasonal), alongside Greater Kudu and a chance of Predators on the prowl near water’s edge.
Lake Baringo – Nile Crocodile and Hippo sightings, plus cultural visits with local communities. Occasional sightings of Aardvark and Porcupine on night drives.
Kakamega Forest – Rare forest-dwelling mammals like the Debrazza’s Monkey, Giant Forest Squirrel, and Banded Mongoose. Excellent for butterfly diversity.
Lake Victoria (Kisumu) – Hippos in the papyrus swamps, with chances of Sitatunga. Good wetland mammal and reptile viewing.
Mara Triangle Conservancy (Masai Mara) – High density of predators including Lion, Cheetah, and Leopard. Iconic savannah species: African Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Buffalo, Giraffe, Topi, and – depending on timing – dramatic wildebeest and zebra movements.

Tour Leader:

Paul grew up in the northern part of Kenya, particularly in Laikipia, an area abundant in cultural heritage and wildlife. His upbringing played a crucial role in cultivating his passion for adventure. As an energetic and resourceful tour guide with several years of experience in travel arrangement and reservation services in East Africa, Paul is adept at conducting research to optimise travel plans. He possesses extensive experience in organising itineraries based on time frames, weather conditions, and events, always dedicated to providing clients with the best customer service and travel experience possible.

Paul holds a special attachment and attention to authentic wildlife, birdlife, culture, scenic land, historical sites, flora, and fauna in East Africa. It is his pleasure to guide clients through most, if not all, attractions to experience the untamed savannah bush fully—wildlife viewing, relaxing on sunny, sandy white beaches, tackling challenging landscapes for mountain climbing, exploring the hot, unending great plains of the north during desert safaris, and discovering unimaginable destinations and landscapes during sightseeing. This includes exclusive hidden gems and safaris tailored for honeymooners, among others.

As a staunch supporter and promoter of eco-tourism, Paul advocates for the preservation of parks’ sensitive ecosystems and actively advocates for safe and sustainable safaris, guaranteeing clients’ safety by ensuring they have the right tour vehicle and equipment to conquer terrains, coupled with excellent service delivery in both guiding and comfortable stays, ensuring nothing but the best and most memorable experiences.

His favourite bird is the Kenya endemic, William’s Lark.

Contact Us.

17 Days

Kenya

Departure

Nairobi
Included

Airport Transfers

Birding Telescope

Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Mineral Water

National Park Fees

Overnight In Top Safari Lodges

Professional Bird Guide

Professional Driver

Safari Vehicle

Updated Bird Checklist

WiFi