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TOUR OVERVIEW
This 7-day bird-watching safari takes you through Kenya’s western birding circuit — an incredible journey from the Great Rift Valley lakes to the lush rainforests of Kakamega and the papyrus wetlands of Lake Victoria.
The route offers diverse habitats, from open savannah and alkaline lakes to highland forests and tropical swamps. You’ll spot both endemic and migratory birds, as well as a good number of mammals and butterflies. Expect to record over 350 species during this trip, guided by a professional ornithologist.
- Destinations: Nairobi - Lake Naivasha - Lake Nakuru - Kerio Valley - Saiwa Swamp -Kakamega Forest - Lake Victoria (Kisumu Region).
- Safari Type: Ornithology, Photography & Nature Safari.
- Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights.
- Starting Point: Nairobi.
- Ending Point: Nairobi Or Kisumu.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- Birding in Kenya’s only rainforest — Kakamega Forest.
- Flamingos and pelicans at Lake Nakuru.
- Boat and walking safaris at Lake Naivasha.
- Endemic bird species at Saiwa Swamp National Park.
- Papyrus birds at Lake Victoria wetlands.
- Opportunity to record 350–400 species.
- Wildlife sightings: colobus monkeys, antelopes & hippos.
ITINERARY
Depart Nairobi after breakfast, descending into the Great Rift Valley with scenic stops at viewpoints. Arrive at Lake Naivasha in time for lunch. Afternoon birding around the lake shores and a boat ride to Crescent Island for close-up views.
Birds to Spot: African Fish Eagle, Great Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge / Camp Carnelley’s.
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Kenya’s birding gem. Morning and afternoon birding safaris.
Birds to Spot: Greater & Lesser Flamingos, African Spoonbill, White Pelican, and Blacksmith Lapwing.
Wildlife Bonus: Rhino, buffalo, Rothschild’s giraffe, and leopards.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Lake Nakuru Lodge / Flamingo Hill Camp.
Depart early, driving through scenic escarpments to the Kerio Valley near Iten. Afternoon birding at viewpoints and escarpment cliffs.
Birds to Spot: Verreaux’s Eagle, White-headed Barbet, Silverbird, and Chestnut-crowned Sparrow-Weaver.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Kerio View Hotel / Campsite overlooking the valley.
After breakfast, drive north to Saiwa Swamp, Kenya’s smallest national park and home to the endangered Sitatunga antelope. Enjoy guided bird walks along the swamp boardwalk.
Birds to Spot: Ross’s Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, and White-spotted Flufftail.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Sirikwa Safaris Lodge / Saiwa Park Bandas.
Depart after breakfast and drive to Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Afternoon birding walk around the Isecheno or Buyangu areas.
Birds to Spot: Blue-headed Bee-eater, Grey Parrot, Turner’s Eremomela, and Black-and-white-casqued Hornbill.
Accommodation: Dinner & Overnight: Rondo Retreat Centre / Isecheno Guesthouse.
Spend the full day birding along forest trails, enjoying the unique sounds and sightings. Birds to Spot: African Shrike Flycatcher, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Snowy-crowned Robin-Chat, and Green Hylia.
Optional evening drive to Kisumu for a sunset over Lake Victoria.
Accommodation: Meals & Overnight: Rondo Retreat or Kisumu Impala Eco Lodge.
Morning birding at Dunga Swamp on the shores of Lake Victoria — an Important Bird Area (IBA).
Birds to Spot: Papyrus Gonolek, Carruthers’s Cisticola, Malachite Kingfisher, and Swamp Flycatcher.
Accommodation: After breakfast, return to Nairobi or transfer to Kisumu Airport for your onward flight.
This tour is customizable and can be tailored to your interests, budget, and travel dates for a personalized safari experience.
LOCATION MAP
INCLUDED & EXCLUDED
- Transport in a custom 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof.
- Professional English-speaking birding guide.
- All park entry fees and government taxes.
- Full-board accommodation (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Bottled drinking water throughout the safari.
- Boat ride at Lake Naivasha & guided bird walks at Saiwa and Kakamega.
- Airport transfers (if needed).
- International flights & visas.
- Optional excursions or cultural visits.
- Travel & medical insurance.
- Drinks, tips & personal expenses.
- Laundry and phone calls.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS (EXTRA COST)
- Extension to Ruma National Park (for Blue Swallow sightings).
- Extra day in Kisumu Wetlands & Ndere Island National Park.
- 3-day beach birding extension to Diani or Watamu.