10-Day Birdwatching Safari Kenya | Sunup Adventures
Ultimate Birdwatching Safari Kenya: An Avian Odyssey
Experience a world-class avian odyssey with Sunup Adventures. Kenya is home to over 1,100 bird species, making it a premier destination for ornithologists and nature photographers. From the “Pink Carpets” of the Rift Valley to the high-altitude raptors of Amboseli, this 10-day program is designed for maximum sightings and expert guidance.
Tour Highlights
THE DETAILED ITINERARY
Days 1-2: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park
The Gateway to Giants and Raptors
Your adventure begins at 08:00 hrs with a scenic 4-hour drive to Amboseli National Park. As the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro emerges, so do the park’s aerial inhabitants.
Key Sightings: African Fish Eagle, Secretary Bird, Martial Eagle, and various Hornbills.
Specialty: Search the marshes for the endangered Lesser Flamingo and the elegant Grey Crowned Crane.
Days 3-4: Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park
Freshwater Wonders and Towering Cliffs
Head to the lush shores of Lake Naivasha. A private boat ride to Crescent Island offers a unique “walk with wildlife” experience.
Water Birds: African Jacanas, Goliath Herons, and Great Cormorants.
Raptors of Hell’s Gate: The park’s sheer cliffs are the perfect nesting grounds for Verreaux’s Eagle, Augur Buzzards, and rare vultures.
Days 5-6: Lake Bogoria & Lake Baringo
Hot Springs and Endemic Rarities
Witness the “pink carpet” of flamingos at the alkaline Lake Bogoria, then transition to the birding haven of Lake Baringo, where over 470 species have been recorded.
Unique Finds: Hemprich’s Hornbill, Northern Masked Weaver, and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl.
Experience: A guided boat excursion to see the African Fish Eagle in a high-speed hunting display.
Day 7: Lake Nakuru National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Famous for its rhino sanctuary and flamingo-lined shores, Nakuru offers diverse habitats ranging from woodlands to rocky escarpments.
Key Sightings: Yellow-billed Storks, Pelicans, and the endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe (often seen among the acacia trees).
Days 8-9: Masai Mara National Reserve
The Grand Finale
While the “Big Five” roam the plains, the sky belongs to the birds. The Mara River is a hub of activity for aquatic and predatory species.
Key Sightings: Lilac-breasted Roller (Kenya’s national bird), Southern Ground Hornbill, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, and the Yellow-throated Longclaw.
Day 10: Masai Mara to Nairobi
After a final sunrise birding session and breakfast, we drive back to Nairobi, arriving in the afternoon for your flight home or hotel transfer.
✅What’s Included in Your 10-Day Birding Safari
We believe in a “no-stress” safari experience. From the moment you land in Nairobi until your departure, the following are fully covered:
Expert Birding Guides: A professional, silver-level naturalist guide specialized in Kenyan ornithology and wildlife behavior.
Transport: Custom-built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for 360° birding photography and guaranteed window seats.
Accommodation: 9 nights in hand-picked luxury birding lodges and eco-tented camps (Full Board basis).
Meals: All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners while on safari, including bush picnics to maximize birding time.
Park & Reserve Fees: All entrance fees for Amboseli, Hell’s Gate, Lake Nakuru, and the Masai Mara.
Water & Snacks: Unlimited bottled mineral water and light snacks provided in the vehicle during game drives.
Activities: Private boat rides on Lake Naivasha and Lake Baringo as specified in the itinerary.
Emergency Cover: AMREF Flying Doctors emergency air evacuation insurance.
Transfers: All airport pickups and drop-offs at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO).
❌What’s Excluded
To give you the flexibility to manage your personal budget, the following are not included:
International Flights: Airfare from your home country to Nairobi.
Visas: Kenyan E-Visa fees (ensure these are processed at least 2 weeks before travel).
Travel Insurance: Personal medical, baggage, and trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended).
Tips & Gratuities: Tips for your safari guide, boat captains, and lodge staff (standard industry guidelines provided upon booking).
Beverages: Alcoholic drinks, sodas, and premium coffee/tea at the lodges.
Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Safaris in the Masai Mara (can be pre-booked upon request).
Personal Items: Laundry services, phone cards, souvenirs, and items of a personal nature.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📅 When is the absolute best time for this birding safari?
While Kenya offers spectacular resident birding year-round, the prime window is between November and April. During these months, Kenya hosts millions of Palearctic migrants from Europe and Asia. November is particularly special as many resident birds are in their vibrant breeding plumage and actively displaying.
🛂 Do I need a Visa for Kenya in 2026?
Kenya has transitioned to a Visa-Free regime, but all international visitors must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before departure.
Process: Apply via the official eTA website at least 3 days before travel.
Validity: Single entry for up to 90 days.
Requirement: You will need your flight itinerary and Sunup Adventures booking confirmation to complete the form.
🔭 What birding gear should I bring?
To get the most out of your 10-day odyssey, we recommend:
Binoculars: 8×42 or 10×42 are ideal for the varied light conditions of the Rift Valley.
Camera: A lens with at least 300mm–600mm focal length for clear shots of raptors and waterfowl.
Spotting Scope: Highly recommended for Lake Bogoria and Lake Nakuru to observe distant flamingo colonies.
Field Guide: Birds of East Africa by Terry Stevenson & John Fanshawe.
🦟 What about health and vaccinations?
Yellow Fever: A certificate is mandatory if you are arriving from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission.
Malaria: Most birding areas (like Baringo and the Mara) are in malaria zones. We strongly advise consulting your doctor about a prophylaxis (like Malarone) before you travel.
Hydration: Always drink the bottled water provided in our vehicles.
👗 What should I wear on a birding safari?
Stick to neutral earth tones (khaki, olive, beige). Avoid bright whites, which can startle birds, and dark blue or black, which can attract tsetse flies in certain wooded areas. Layers are essential, as Amboseli mornings can be 10°C while midday in the Mara can reach 28°C.
🚙 How many people are in a vehicle?
At Sunup Adventures, we limit our birding groups to a maximum of 6 people per 4×4 Land Cruiser. This ensures every guest has a window seat and ample room for camera gear and tripods.