This 5-day Kenya bird watching and photography tour takes you to some of the most beautiful wildlife destinations, including the famous Masai Mara National Reserve and the Great Rift Valley. You will explore Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Naivasha, known for their large bird populations and incredible wildlife.
Lake Nakuru National Park is one of the best birding areas in the world. It is home to black and white rhinos, giraffes, baboons, buffaloes, and other animals. Kenya can be visited throughout the year, but the best time for bird watching is from November to April, during the breeding season when birds are in full plumage.
This is also the best time to see migratory birds from North Africa and Europe. However, Kenya remains an excellent bird watching destination all year round.
5-Day Kenya Bird Watching & Photography Safari
- Explore the Great Rift Valley and enjoy scenic viewpoints along the way
- Go bird watching at Lake Naivasha and spot eagles, ospreys, and herons
- Visit Lake Nakuru National Park to see flamingos and rhinos
- Enjoy birding and wildlife photography in Masai Mara National Reserve
- Spot the Big Five and rare bird species like the Secretary Bird and Ross’s Turaco
- Dine at the famous Carnivore Restaurant in Nairobi before your departure
5-Day Kenya Birding Safari Highlights
- Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
- Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
- Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
- Day 4: Full Day Birding in Masai Mara
- Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi
Detailed 5-Day Kenya Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi to Lake Naivasha
Meet your birding guide and drive along the Great North Road to Lake Naivasha. On arrival, enjoy lunch followed by a walking birding safari where you can spot fish eagles, black crakes, ospreys, herons, and lily-trotters. Stop at the Great Rift Valley viewpoint for scenic views, and later visit the Elsamere Conservation Centre in the evening.
Day 2: Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast, head to Lake Nakuru National Park, famous for its pink flamingos that cover the lake’s shores. On the way, enjoy a short game drive before lunch at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Later, walk along the lakeshore to see rhinos, giraffes, and other wildlife. Bird species you may spot include the Tawny Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Green Wood Hoopoe, Cliff Chat, Great White Pelican, and both Lesser and Greater Flamingos.
Day 3: Lake Nakuru to Masai Mara
After breakfast, drive through the Great Rift Valley to Masai Mara National Reserve, located next to Tanzania’s Serengeti. This reserve is home to the Big Five — lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos — as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, and many antelope species.
After checking in at your lodge, enjoy lunch and an afternoon game drive. Capture great photos of wildlife and birds across the open grasslands as the sun sets. Evening is also a good time to spot leopards.
Day 4: Full Day Bird Watching in Masai Mara
Spend the whole day bird watching in Masai Mara. Look out for African Finfoot, Jackson’s Widowbird, Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, Denham’s Bustard, Abdim’s Stork, Southern Ground Hornbill, Ross’s Turaco, Secretary Bird, Schalow’s Turaco, Usambiro Barbet, Purple Grenadier, and many more. The Masai Mara offers an excellent chance to photograph rare and colorful bird species throughout the day.
Day 5: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After breakfast, drive back to Nairobi and have lunch at the famous Carnivore Restaurant, known for its traditional African dishes. After lunch, you will be transferred to the airport, marking the end of your 5-day Kenya bird watching and photography tour.