Overview
Experience a 9-day bird watching safari in Kenya with Marula Horizon Safaris, exploring Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, and Aberdares National Park. This tour offers a mix of savannah, Rift Valley lakes, highlands, and northern Kenya habitats for a wide variety of birds.
Highligts
- Birdwatching in Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Samburu, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, and Aberdares
- Full-day and half-day birding excursions
- Flamingo and waterbird spotting at Rift Valley lakes
- Boat rides at Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo
- Expert guides and private 4x4 safari vehicle
- Accommodation in hotels or similar lodges with full board
Itinarary
Depart Nairobi and head to Maasai Mara, a renowned destination for bird watching. After lunch at Keekorok Lodge, spend the afternoon observing species such as red-winged starlings, turacos, orange-buff pel’s fishing owl, and crested guinea fowl. Overnight at Keekorok Lodge or similar.
Enjoy a full day of bird watching in Maasai Mara, seeking out Jackson’s bustard, ground hornbills, secretary birds, vultures, and bateleur eagles. Return to Keekorok Lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Travel to Lake Naivasha, a haven for water birds. Spot fish eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, purple gallinules, red-knobbed coots, and marsh harriers. Optional boat ride to Crescent Island offers additional birding opportunities. Overnight at Naivasha Sawela Lodge or similar
After breakfast, explore the rich birdlife around Lake Naivasha or take a boat ride to Crescent Island. Proceed to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its flamingo populations. Observe species such as Cape pigeons, Maccoa ducks, blacksmith plovers, spurwing plovers, lanner falcons, lilac-breasted rollers, and sunbirds. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Embark on a day trip to Lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria. At Lake Baringo, look for goliath herons, Verreaux’s eagles, bristle starlings, Hemprich’s hornbill, and fish eagles. Enjoy a boat ride to see fish eagles hunting. Continue to Lake Bogoria, known for its hot springs and flamingo flocks, as well as black-necked grebes, fish eagles, and spur-winged plovers. Overnight at Lake Bogoria Spa Resort.
Travel via Thompson Falls to Aberdares National Park. Stay at the Ark Lodge, which overlooks a swampy glade and waterhole, ideal for spotting bongo antelopes. Overnight at Ark Lodge.
Aberdares to Samburu Game Reserve
Drive to Samburu Game Reserve, a region rich in birdlife. Look for species such as helmeted and vulturine guineafowls, northern masked weavers, and other colorful birds. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge or similar
Spend the day exploring Samburu, observing Masai ostriches, sand grouse, pygmy falcons, martial eagles, and numerous smaller birds. Early morning birdwatching is included. Overnight at Samburu Sopa Lodge.
After breakfast, enjoy a morning game drive before returning to Nairobi in the late afternoon. This marks the end of the safari.
Inclusins
- Accommodation in lodges or similar hotels (8 nights)
- Meals on FB
- Cost based on per person sharing
- Exclusive 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser with pop-up roof for 9 days
- Experienced English-speaking driver/guide
- Birding guide for all excursions
- Park entrance fees for Maasai Mara(low season), Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Aberdares, and Samburu
- Boat rides at Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo
- 1 liter bottled water per person per day
- Flying Doctors air ambulance evacuation in case of emergency
- Safari accessories (first aid kit, cool box, fire extinguisher)
- 24-hour emergency contact
Exclusions
- Driver tips (recommended USD 10–15 per person per day)
- Balloon safari over Maasai Mara (approx. USD 450–500)
- Masai village visits (approx. USD 25–30)
- Personal expenses such as visas, souvenirs, insurance, or other incidentals
FAQs
Accommodation in lodges or similar hotels, private 4×4 vehicle with driver/guide, birding guide, park fees, boat rides at Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo, bottled water, and safari safety equipment.
Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Aberdares, and Samburu.
Jackson’s bustard, ground hornbills, secretary birds, fish eagles, flamingos, pygmy falcons, lilac-breasted rollers, and many waterbirds.
Yes, guides assist with spotting and identifying birds, making it suitable for all levels.
