Wild Kenya: Endemics Birding Tour
This birding tour focuses entirely on Kenya’s recognised endemic bird species, offering avid birders a unique opportunity to encounter some of the country’s most elusive and sought-after species.
This endemic-focused birding tour takes you to key areas in Kenya where sought-after endemic bird species are found. While our primary aim is to see all of Kenya’s possible endemics, we will also be on the lookout for numerous near-endemic species, including those exclusive to East Africa.
Likely True Endemics To Be Seen
- Jackson’s Francolin
- Sharpe’s Longclaw
- Aberdare Cisticola
- Snowy (Brown-and-white) Barbet
- Hinde’s Babbler
- Williams’s Lark
- Clarke’s (Kilifi) Weaver
- Kikuyu White-eye
- Taita Thrush
- Taita Apalis
- Taita White-eye
Likely Near Endemics To Be Seen
- Hartlaub’s Turaco
- Southern Grosbeak Canary
- Red-throated Tit
- Northern Pied Babbler
- Black-lored Babbler
- Taveta Golden Weaver
- Amani Sunbird
- Tsavo Sunbird
- Grey-crested Helmetshrike
- Jackson’s Widowbird
- Sokoke Scops-Owl
- Sokoke Pipit
- Hidebrandt’s Starling
- Abbott’s Starling
- Kenrick’s Starling
- Lynes’s Cisticola
- Hunter’s Cisticola
- Kenya Rufous Sparrow
Map:
Number of days:
11
Expected bird count:
Over 250
Speed:
Medium – this tour was designed to be impactful, gaining a large count of endemics within a brief time.
Difficulty:
Easy/Medium – lots of on-foot birding but nothing overly tiring or strenuous.
When to visit:
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.
Sustainability:
At Wild Birding, our goal is to ensure that every birding holiday we create contributes positively to bird conservation efforts and local communities. Our determination to promote sustainable travel led us to become founding members of Tourism Declares Climate Emergency. As part of this commitment, we have established the world’s pioneering carbon scoring and offsetting framework for tailor-made holidays. Feel free to request us to carbon score your individual trip!
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: Endemics Birding Tour costs £2,775 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.
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 organisng 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.
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Departure
Nairobi -
Included
Airport TransfersBirding TelescopeFull board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)Mineral WaterNational Park FeesOvernight In Top Safari LodgesProfessional Bird GuideProfessional DriverSafari VehicleUpdated Bird ChecklistWiFi
Our gallery
Day 1: Nairobi National Park - Kikuyu White-eye & Snowy (Brown-and-White) Barbet
Day 2: Ngong Forest/Lake Naivasha - Kikuyu White-eye & Snowy (Brown-and-White) Barbet
Day 3: Kinangop Plateau/Aberdare National Park - Sharpe’s Longclaw, Aberdare Cisticola, Kikuyu White-eye, Jackson’s Francolin & Hinde’s Babbler
Day 4: Aberdare National Park/Mount Kenya National Park - Aberdare Cisticola, Kikuyu White-eye, Jackson’s Francolin & Hinde’s Babbler
Day 5: Mount Kenya National Park/Shaba National Reserve
Day 6: Shaba National Reserve - Williams’s Lark
Day 7: Shaba National Reserve/Drive to Nairobi - Williams’s Lark
Day 8: Drive to Taita Hills/Taita Hills - Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye & Taita Apalis
Day 9: Taita Hills - Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye & Taita Apalis
Day 10: Arabuko Sokoke Forest - Clarke’s Weaver + near endemics Sokoke Scops Owl & Sokoke Pipit & Amani Sunbird
Day 11: Dakatcha Woodlands - Clarke’s Weaver / Late afternoon flight to Nairobi
