Kenya is one of the best destinations in Africa for bird watching. With over 1,134 bird species recorded, the country offers many habitats where birds thrive. This 14-day Kenya birding safari takes you through top birding sites including Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru National Park, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, and Mount Kenya.
More than 100 bird species can be spotted in one protected area. The trip can be customized to meet the needs of every bird enthusiast, taking you through valleys, savannah grasslands, and highland regions.
14-Day Kenya Bird Watching Safari Highlights
- Visit Kenya’s top birding destinations: Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, Meru, and Mount Kenya
- Spot hundreds of bird species including flamingos, pelicans, eagles, bee-eaters, and kingfishers
- Enjoy peaceful boat rides on Lake Naivasha to see aquatic birds and hippos
- Experience exciting game drives in Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, Samburu, and Meru National Parks
- See both common and rare birds in different habitats such as lakes, forests, and grasslands
- Go on guided nature walks and watch birds at close range with experienced guides
- Discover Kenya’s wildlife including elephants, rhinos, lions, zebras, and giraffes
- Enjoy comfortable lodges and great views of Kenya’s landscapes throughout your safari
- Visit Mount Kenya National Park for high-altitude bird watching
- Perfect safari for both beginner and experienced bird watchers
Brief Trip Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
- Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha (boat ride)
- Day 3: Full-day birding at Lake Naivasha
- Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 5: Birding and game drive at Lake Nakuru
- Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Day 7: Full-day birding at Ol Pejeta
- Day 8: Ol Pejeta – Samburu Game Reserve
- Day 9: Birding at Samburu
- Day 10: Samburu – Meru National Park
- Day 11: Birding at Meru National Park
- Day 12: Meru – Nanyuki
- Day 13: Birding at Mount Kenya
- Day 14: Return to Nairobi
Detailed 14-Day Kenya Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Meet your safari representative upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. You will get a short briefing about the 14-day Kenya birding safari. Relax and enjoy your evening. You might spot a few birds around your lodge.
Day 2: Nairobi – Lake Naivasha and Boat Ride
After breakfast, drive to Lake Naivasha, Kenya’s second-largest freshwater lake. Check in at your lodge and have lunch. In the afternoon, go birding and enjoy a boat ride. Look out for Egyptian Goose, Garganey, Hottentot Teal, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-knobbed Coot, Laughing Dove, Black Crake, and Malachite Kingfisher.
Day 3: Full Day Birding at Lake Naivasha
Spend a full day bird watching at Lake Naivasha. Birds often seen here include Maccoa Duck, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Steppe Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, Green Sandpiper, and European Bee-eater. You may also spot hippos, gazelles, and impalas along the shores.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha – Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park, known for its large flocks of flamingos and pelicans. Check in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, explore the park’s acacia woodlands and look for birds such as Bateleur, Abyssinian Thrush, Grey-crowned Crane, and Black-winged Lapwing.
Day 5: Birding and Game Drive in Lake Nakuru National Park
Enjoy a full day of bird watching and game viewing. Lake Nakuru hosts more than 400 bird species including Lesser Flamingos, Greater Flamingos, Great White Pelicans, Grey-headed Gulls, and African Spoonbills. You may also see lions, leopards, rhinos, zebras, giraffes, and buffalo.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru – Ol Pejeta Conservancy
After breakfast, drive north to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the last remaining northern white rhinos. After lunch, go bird watching and look out for D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Black-winged Lapwing, Nubian Woodpecker, Buff-crested Bustard, and White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher.
Day 7: Full Day Birding in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Start the day with a morning nature walk led by an armed ranger. Bring your binoculars to view more than 300 bird species including residents, migrants, and endangered species. Later, relax at the lodge and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Day 8: Ol Pejeta – Samburu Game Reserve
After breakfast, travel to Samburu Game Reserve in northern Kenya. Arrive in time for lunch, then go for an evening game drive to look for birds and animals such as reticulated giraffes, Somali ostriches, and Beisa oryx.
Day 9: Full Day Birding in Samburu
Spend the day exploring Samburu’s dry plains and riverine forests. Common birds include Ashy Cisticola, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Vulturine Guineafowl, Golden-breasted Starling, Somali Bee-eater, and Secretary Bird. You may also see Grevy’s zebras, elephants, and giraffes.
Day 10: Samburu – Meru National Park
After breakfast, drive to Meru National Park, another birding paradise with over 300 species. Arrive in time for lunch and relax. Later, enjoy birding and watch for Boran Cisticola, Somali Ostrich, African Finfoot, and Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Day 11: Birding and Game Drive in Meru National Park
Spend the day birding and exploring Meru National Park. Look for Golden Palm Weaver, Buff-crested Bustard, Martial Eagle, Taita Fiscal, and Rufous Chatterer. You will also see animals like rhinos, crocodiles, elephants, zebras, and buffalo.
Day 12: Meru – Nanyuki
After breakfast, enjoy an early morning birding drive before heading to Nanyuki. Check in at your hotel, have lunch, and spend the afternoon relaxing or exploring local craft shops for souvenirs.
Day 13: Nanyuki – Mount Kenya National Park
After breakfast, visit Mount Kenya National Park for another birding experience. The park is home to over 130 species including Meyer’s Parrot, Green Pigeon, and Violet-backed Starling. You can also enjoy bird watching at different altitudes while walking along scenic forest trails.
Day 14: Nanyuki – Nairobi
After breakfast, return to Nairobi. Depending on your schedule, you may visit the Giraffe Center or the Karen Blixen Museum before heading to the airport.