14 Days Of Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour

Tour  Overview

14 Days of Kenya leisurely birding tour. This very memorable 14-day Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour is designed for bird enthusiasts who prefer an unhurried pace while soaking in the rich diversity of East Africa’s birdlife.

This thoughtfully crafted itinerary takes you through Kenya’s most iconic birding destinations, from the misty montane forests of Gatamaiyu and Kakamega to the vast savannahs of Masai Mara and the tranquil shores of Lake Victoria.

Day	Activity
Day 1:	Arrival For the Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour
Day 2:	Birding In Gatamaiyu Forest & Transfer to Crater Lake Sanctuary
Day 3:	Then Transfer To Masai Mara National Reserve
Day 4:	A Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour in the Heart of Masai Mara
Day 5:	Another Full Day In Maasai Mara
Day 6:	Birding Expedition to Kisumu and Lake Victoria
Day 7:	Birding Expedition from Kisumu to Kakamega
Day 8-9:	Two Days of Birding Bliss in Kakamega Forest
Day 10:	Birding Africa Experience at Kerio Escarpment and Journey to Nakuru
Day 11:	To Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves
Day 12-13:	Two Days of Avian Exploration at Buffalo Springs Reserve
Day 14:	En Route Birding to Nairobi

Detailed  itinerary

Day 1: Arrival For the Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour

This marks the beginning of an unforgettable Kenya Birdwatching Safari, promising incredible sightings and lifelong memories. After a short briefing and introductions, we transfer to your Nairobi hotel for check-in, relaxation, and an overview of the exciting days ahead.

Day 2: Birding In Gatamaiyu Forest & Transfer to Crater Lake Sanctuary

We depart early for an immersive birding excursion in the enchanting Gatamaiyu Forest, part of the larger Kikuyu Escarpment ecosystem. This lush forest is renowned for its rare and regionally restricted species.

The forest is alive with bird calls as we explore its trails. We should expect rich photographic opportunities and the thrill of spotting forest specials.

Day 3: Then Transfer To Masai Mara National Reserve

After breakfast, we depart for the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve, one of Africa’s richest wildlife destinations. Along the way, we stop at various habitats to maximize bird sightings.

Later in the afternoon, we explore the riverine habitats along the Talek River, home to an abundance of birdlife and wildlife. Birds of note include: African Green Pigeon, Grey Kestrel and Coqui Francolin.

Day 4: A Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour in the Heart of Masai Mara

After breakfast, we venture on an exciting full-day birding expedition into the heart of Masai Mara National Reserve. Equipped with packed lunches and binoculars, we venture deep into the reserve’s pristine wilderness. Throughout the day, we focus on locating a wealth of bird species thriving in this iconic landscape.

Keep an eye out for the striking Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Rufous-tailed Weaver, and the distinctive Magpie Shrike. Other highlights include the elegant Secretary Bird, the vivid Schalow’s Turaco, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Hooded Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Black-winged Plover, and Temminck’s Courser. As we scan the skies, we often spot a variety of soaring raptors, adding to the day’s excitement.

We reach the famous Mara River crossing point, renowned for the dramatic wildebeest migration. Witness thousands of Brindled Gnu (wildebeests) braving the crocodile-infested waters in one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. While observing this dramatic event, we also focus on riverine birdlife, which includes water-associated species rarely seen elsewhere.

We should pause to take in the distant views of the Serengeti across the border, the experience adds another layer of wonder to our day.

Day 5: Another Full Day In Maasai Mara

We rise early for another full day of birding and wildlife photography in the Masai Mara. Today’s focus extends beyond birds to the region’s elusive mammals and predators.

Look out for Leopards, Serval Cats, and Bat-eared Foxes in the early light. Meanwhile, the skies come alive with impressive raptors such as Rüppell’s Vulture, White-backed Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Lesser-spotted Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Martial Eagle, and the magnificent Saddle-billed Stork.

The afternoon is dedicated to tracking down savannah specialists, both feathered and furred. We hope to witness the Martial Eagle swoop down or spotting a Lilac-breasted Roller on a branch.

Day 6: Birding Expedition to Kisumu and Lake Victoria

Upon arrival at Lake Victoria, we settle into our accommodations before heading straight to the shoreline. Here, the Papyrus swamps, reed beds, and open waters create perfect habitats for the Lake Victoria basin biome birdlife.

During this lakeside birdwatching excursion, we target specialties such as the Angola Swallow, Papyrus Gonolek, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Black-headed Weaver, Slender-billed Weaver, Golden-backed Weaver, Double-toothed Barbet, and the colorful Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird. The Lake Victoria basin biome rewards us with an abundance of species seldom seen elsewhere.

Day 7: Birding Expedition from Kisumu to Kakamega

Our day begins with a tranquil boat excursion on Lake Victoria during prime birding hours. We hope to spot the elusive White-winged Swamp Warbler, Carruthers’s Cisticola, Black Crake, Blue-headed Coucal, Fawn-breasted Waxbill, and Yellow-bellied Waxbill. Other likely sightings include the Eastern Plantain Eater, Woodland Kingfisher, and the striking Cardinal Quelea.

Late Morning: Breakfast and Journey to Kakamega Forest

After the boat ride, we enjoy breakfast before continuing our journey to Kakamega Forest, Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest. Along the way, we take in the rolling hills and lush farmland of Western Kenya.

Afternoon: Birding in Kakamega Forest

Upon arrival, we settle in for lunch before heading into the forest for an afternoon birding session. Kakamega Forest is a biodiversity hotspot, home to species typical of the Congo-Guinea Forest biome.

We search for iconic species such as Ross’s Turaco, Black-billed Turaco, Great Blue Turaco, Equatorial Akalat, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, and Grey-throated Barbet. With patience, we may also find the Dusky-crested Flycatcher, Thick-billed Honeyguide, and several species of Greenbuls—adding to the excitement of this forest birding expedition.

Day 8 & 9: Two Days of Birding Bliss in Kakamega Forest

Morning Birding Adventures in Kakamega Forest

We dedicate the next two days to an immersive birding experience in the magical Kakamega Forest. This unique patch of rainforest represents the easternmost extension of the Guinea-Congo Forest Biome, home to a diverse array of Central and West African bird species rarely seen elsewhere in Kenya.

Afternoon Forest Exploration

We continue along shaded paths, scanning for the vibrant Green-headed Sunbird, Green-throated Sunbird, and the distinct calls of Yellow-spotted, Hairy-breasted, and Yellow-billed Barbets. If luck is on our side, we may catch a glimpse of the rare African Grey Parrot, a highlight for many birdwatchers on this Kenya Bird Watching Safari.

Other exciting sightings may include the elusive White-spotted Flufftail, Mackinnon’s Shrike, and the melodic Black-faced Rufous Warbler.

We also watch for:

• Banded Prinia
• Black-collared Apalis
• Red-headed Malimbe
• Woodpeckers like Brown-eared, Golden-crowned, Cardinal and Buff-spotted Woodpeckers
• The elusive White-tailed Ant-thrush

Day 10: Birding Africa Experience at Kerio Escarpment and Journey to Nakuru

After breakfast, we depart Kakamega and head toward the stunning Kerio Escarpment. The views here are breathtaking, and the birding is equally rewarding.

As we explore this highland landscape, we search for:

• White-crested Turaco
• Stripe-breasted Seedeater
• Black-headed Gonolek
• Double-toothed Barbet
• Boran Cisticola
• Horus Swift

These birds thrive in the rugged escarpment habitat, which presents excellent sightings for birdwatchers and photographers.

Day 11: Kenya Leisurely Birding Tour to Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba Reserves

After breakfast, we head north toward Samburu National Reserve, an arid savannah ecosystem that contrasts with the lush forests we previously explored.

En route, we make strategic birding stops, hoping to find:

• Jackson’s Widowbird
• Red-cowled Widowbird

These birds can be tricky to find, but their striking plumage makes them a delight when sighted.

Later in the day, we explore the reserves on an afternoon game and birding drive. Here, we look for iconic species such as:

• Vulturine Guineafowl
• Black-bellied Sunbird
• Golden Palm Weaver
• Gambaga Flycatcher
• White-headed Mousebird
• Black-faced Sandgrouse
• Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse
• Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse
• Somali Courser
• Taita Fiscal

This region offers excellent photographic opportunities and is a highlight on a Kenya Birding Tour.

Day 12 & 13: Two Days of Avian Exploration at Buffalo Springs Reserve

Morning Birding Adventures

Over the next two days, we bird the diverse habitats of Buffalo Springs Reserve, one of the finest birding destinations in Northern Kenya. The open savannah, riverine forests, and arid plains offer excellent opportunities to find some of Kenya’s most sought-after species.

During our morning outings, we hope to encounter:

• Pink-breasted Lark
• William’s Lark (a rare and prized sighting)
• Somali Ostrich
• Somali Short-toed Lark
• Bearded Woodpecker
• African Grey Woodpecker (least expected in this region)
• Golden-breasted Starling
• Buff-crested Bustard
• Kori Bustard

Possibly, each sighting enriches our Kenya Bird Watching Safari, offering fantastic photographic opportunities for bird and nature enthusiasts.

After our morning birding sessions, we return to the lodge for a leisurely lunch. These midday breaks offer a chance to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Many species visit the lodge gardens, allowing for casual birding even while at rest.

Afternoon and Evening Birding

In the late afternoons, we continue with our excursions. The cooler temperatures and soft light provide ideal conditions for birdwatching and photography.

In the twilight hours, we listen for and seek out:

• Pearl-spotted Owlet
• Pygmy Falcon
• Scissor-tailed Kite
• Egyptian Vulture

Hornbills, including: Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Northern Red-billed Hornbill and Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill

Day 14: En Route Birding to Nairobi

Irresistible Birding Opportunities

Even as we make our way home, we remain on the lookout for exciting birding opportunities. We make strategic stops en route, scanning for species that may have eluded us earlier in the trip.