This 6-day Kenya birding safari takes you to some of the top birdwatching destinations in Kenya including Nairobi National Park, Manguo Swamp, Gatamaiyu Forest, Lake Elementeita, and Lake Baringo.
Explore the Kenya Lake System in the Great Rift Valley, a natural area made up of three connected lakes – Lake Bogoria (10,700 hectares), Lake Nakuru (18,800 hectares), and Lake Elementeita (2,534 hectares).
This region is home to hundreds of bird species, including about thirteen that are globally threatened. Whether you are a casual birdwatcher or an experienced birder, this Kenya birding safari is designed for everyone who enjoys observing and photographing birds.
6-Day Kenya Birding Safari Highlights
- Explore Kenya’s best birding destinations including Nairobi National Park, Manguo Swamp, Gatamaiyu Forest, Lake Elementeita, and Lake Baringo
- Spot hundreds of bird species including flamingos, eagles, owls, hornbills, kingfishers, and bee-eaters
- Discover the Great Rift Valley lakes – Bogoria, Nakuru, and Elementeita – famous for large flamingo populations
- Enjoy guided bird walks and photography sessions led by professional birding guides
- Visit Gatamaiyu Forest to observe Afro-tropical highland bird species and forest primates
- Experience Lake Elementeita, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to migratory Palearctic birds
- Explore Lake Baringo, one of Kenya’s top birding sites with over 470 recorded species
- See wildlife such as lions, buffaloes, and giraffes during birding excursions in Nairobi National Park
- Enjoy comfortable lodges and scenic drives through Kenya’s Great Rift Valley landscapes
- Suitable for both experienced birders and beginners seeking a rich bird-watching adventure in Kenya
Brief 6-Day Kenya Birding Safari Itinerary
- Day 1: Birding in Nairobi National Park
- Day 2: Bird watching in Manguo Swamp and Gatamaiyu Forest
- Day 3: Birding at Lake Elementeita
- Day 4 & 5: Birding safari at Lake Baringo
- Day 6: Transfer from Lake Baringo to Nairobi
Detailed 6-Day Kenya Birding Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Birding in Nairobi National Park
Meet your birding guide for a short briefing, then head to Nairobi National Park, located only 10 km from the city center. The park is one of Kenya’s oldest and is home to more than 500 bird species.
In addition to birds, you may spot buffaloes, lions, leopards, and rhinos. Bird species you can expect to see include African Finfoot, Kori Bustard, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Masai Ostrich, White-faced Whistling Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Long-crested Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Bateleur, Tawny Eagle, Martial Eagle, Crowned Eagle, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Great Painted Snipe, and many others.
After birding, transfer to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Bird Watching in Manguo Swamp and Gatamaiyu Forest
After breakfast, drive to Manguo Swamp, about 40 minutes from Nairobi along the Nairobi–Naivasha road. This wetland is home to freshwater bird species such as the Maccoa Duck, which is classified as near-threatened by the IUCN.
Later, visit Gatamaiyu Forest, part of the southern extension of the Aberdare Range. It is a great place for observing Afro-tropical highland birds. Look out for species like Abbott’s Starling, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Hunter’s Cisticola, and Fine-banded Woodpecker. You may also see primates such as Colobus and Sykes’ monkeys.
Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 3: Birding at Lake Elementeita
After breakfast, head to Lake Elementeita (also spelled Elmenteita), whose name comes from the Maasai word “muteita,” meaning “dusty place.” The lake is an Important Bird Area and home to both Greater and Lesser Flamingos.
Together with Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria, it supports over four million flamingos. You can also see many Palearctic migratory species. Common birds here include African Hobby, Peregrine Falcon, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Lesser Kestrel, Lammergeier, African Marsh Harrier, African Cuckoo Hawk, Goliath Heron, Squacco Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Gull-billed Tern, among others.
Return to your lodge for dinner and rest.
Day 4 & 5: Birding Safari at Lake Baringo
After breakfast, drive to Lake Baringo, one of Kenya’s richest birding areas with about 470 bird species recorded. The lake features seven islands including Ol Kokwe, Samatian, and Devil’s Island.
Look out for birds such as Little Bittern, Dwarf Bittern, Goliath Heron, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Abdim’s Stork, Allen’s Gallinule, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Somali Sparrow, Blue-naped Mousebird, Pygmy Sunbird, Northern Carmine Bee-eater, White-crested Turaco, and African Pygmy Kingfisher.
You can also enjoy nature walks and photography around the lake before returning to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6: Transfer from Lake Baringo to Nairobi
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning before driving back to Nairobi. Depending on your flight schedule, you may stop at the Giraffe Center or other attractions before being transferred to the airport for departure.