9-Day Kenya Birding & Photography Safari Safari Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 9-day birding and photography safari through Kenya’s most spectacular birding hotspots and wildlife reserves. Home to over 1,100 recorded bird species, Kenya offers one of Africa’s finest birding experiences, from the flamingo-filled lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the lush forests of Mount Kenya and the legendary plains of the Maasai Mara.
Designed for passionate birders, wildlife photographers, and nature enthusiasts, this safari combines exceptional bird watching with outstanding opportunities to photograph Kenya’s iconic wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cultures.
Itinerary
Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), you will be warmly welcomed by your professional safari guide and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, enjoy an afternoon birding excursion to Nairobi National Park or Karura Forest, where you may spot:
- African Fish Eagle
- Crowned Crane
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- White-bellied Bustard
- Secretary Bird
- Variable Sunbird
Activities
- Airport Transfer
- Bird Photography
- Welcome Briefing
- Overnight in Nairobi
Accommodation: Tamarind Tree Hotel / Eka Hotel / Similar
After breakfast, depart for Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya's premier freshwater lakes and a paradise for bird lovers.
Enjoy a relaxing boat safari while photographing:
- African Fish Eagle
- Pied Kingfisher
- Giant Kingfisher
- African Jacana
- Great White Pelican
- Malachite Kingfisher
- Goliath Heron
Later enjoy a guided walking safari on Crescent Island.
Activities
- Boat Safari
- Bird Photography
- Walking Safari
Accommodation: Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort / Similar
After breakfast, proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, internationally renowned for its incredible birdlife and rhino sanctuary.
Look out for:
- Greater Flamingos
- Lesser Flamingos
- African Spoonbill
- Yellow-billed Stork
- Pink-backed Pelican
- Grey Crowned Crane
- African Harrier Hawk
Wildlife includes:
- White Rhino
- Black Rhino
- Rothschild's Giraffe
- Lions
- Leopards
Activities
- Full-Day Game Drive
- Bird Photography
- Wildlife Photography
Accommodation: Sarova Lion Hill Lodge / Similar
Travel north to Lake Baringo, considered one of East Africa's finest birding destinations.
Possible sightings include:
- Verreaux's Eagle
- Hemprich's Hornbill
- Bristle-crowned Starling
- Northern Masked Weaver
- White-faced Scops Owl
- Little Bee-eater
- African Darter
Enjoy an afternoon boat excursion.
Activities
- Bird Watching
- Boat Excursion
- Sunset Photography
Accommodation: Soi Safari Lodge / Similar
Drive to the beautiful Samburu National Reserve, home to Kenya's unique northern species.
Bird highlights include:
- Vulturine Guineafowl
- Somali Ostrich
- Golden-breasted Starling
- Secretary Bird
- Martial Eagle
- Abyssinian Scimitarbill
Wildlife Photography:
- Grevy's Zebra
- Reticulated Giraffe
- Gerenuk
- Beisa Oryx
- Lions
- Leopards
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge / Similar
Spend the day exploring Samburu's diverse habitats.
Focus on photography during the golden hours while searching for:
- African Hawk Eagle
- Bateleur Eagle
- Bee-eaters
- Hornbills
- Sunbirds
- Kingfishers
Afternoon wildlife photography session.
Accommodation: Samburu Sopa Lodge / Similar
After breakfast, fly or drive to the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Enjoy an evening game drive featuring:
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Secretary Bird
- Kori Bustard
- Crowned Crane
- Ostriches
- Raptors
Wildlife:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Leopards
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Wildebeest
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Similar
Spend the day exploring the Mara's spectacular plains.
Possible bird sightings include:
- Saddle-billed Stork
- African Openbill
- Grey Kestrel
- White-headed Vulture
- Bateleur Eagle
- Southern Ground Hornbill
- Secretary Bird
Optional:
- Hot Air Balloon Safari
- Maasai Village Visit
Photography opportunities include:
- Big Cats
- Elephant Herds
- River Crossings (Seasonal)
- Sunrise Landscapes
- African Sunsets
Accommodation: Mara Serena Safari Lodge / Similar
Enjoy an early morning birding drive before returning to Nairobi.
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy lunch before your transfer to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) for your onward journey.
Activities
- Morning Bird Walk
- Scenic Drive or Flight
- Airport Transfer
Includes/Excludes
Safari Includes
- Meet & greet upon arrival
- Airport transfers
- 8 nights accommodation
- Full-board meals during the safari
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof
- Professional English-speaking birding safari guide
- Park entrance fees
- Boat safaris at Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo
- Unlimited game drives
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
Safari Excludes
- International and domestic flights (unless specified)
- Kenya visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic and premium beverages
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon Safari, Maasai Village Visit)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- This itinerary offers an exceptional blend of birdwatching, wildlife photography, and classic safari experiences, taking guests through Kenya's most productive birding habitats while providing outstanding opportunities to capture the country's remarkable biodiversity and landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions
During this safari, guests may record over 350–500 bird species, including:
- African Fish Eagle
- Secretary Bird
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Grey Crowned Crane
- Saddle-billed Stork
- Flamingos
- Pelicans
- Bee-eaters
- Kingfishers
- Hornbills
- Sunbirds
- Eagles
- Vultures
- Weavers
- Bustards
- Herons
- Owls
African Elephant Lion Leopard Cheetah Black Rhino White Rhino Buffalo Hippopotamus Crocodile Grevy's Zebra Rothschild's Giraffe Reticulated Giraffe Gerenuk Hyena Wildebeest
