3-Day Nairobi and Amboseli Bird Photography Safari
Three photography-focused birding days in Nairobi and Amboseli national parks, combining savannah, acacia scrub, pools, marshes and open plains.
About this tour
This three-day programme combines birding with wildlife photography in Nairobi National Park and Amboseli National Park. It is intended for travellers who want concentrated field sessions around a business trip, conference or other short stay, without turning the itinerary into a general sightseeing excursion.
Nairobi National Park provides the first full day. The route moves among parking-area trees, scrub, pools, grassland and acacia habitat, creating opportunities to work with barbets, sunbirds, cisticolas, lapwings, herons, egrets, raptors and other open-country birds. Morning and afternoon sessions are separated by lunch.
Day two transfers to Amboseli for dry-country birds, freshwater marshes and large mammals. After lunch and a midday rest at Oltukai Lodge, photography resumes when the light softens. The final morning begins around sunrise and focuses on flamingos, herons, storks, coursers, hornbills and Taveta Golden Weaver before lunch and the return journey to Nairobi.
Both beginner and experienced photographers can join, and most activity takes place from a vehicle or on short walks. The route can operate throughout the year, with June to October and January to March identified as generally drier periods. Birds, mammals, weather and light remain variable, so no photographic result or sighting is guaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Kenya.
Birds you can spot
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi National Park Bird Photography Expedition
After an early breakfast, spend the day photographing birds in Nairobi National Park. Trees and scrub can hold several barbets, Green-backed Honeybird, sunbirds, apalises, prinias, cisticolas, Tropical Boubou, scrub-robin, flycatcher, Purple Grenadier and Little Bee-eater. Pools add lapwings, Black Crake, African Rail, Common Moorhen, herons, egrets, Reed Cormorant and African Darter, while grassland and acacia areas may produce spurfowl, francolin, bustards, longclaws, larks, babbler and raptors. Lunch separates the morning and afternoon sessions, with the return to the lodge scheduled around 17:30.
Day 2
Amboseli Transfer & Afternoon Waterbird and Wildlife Photography
Leave early for Amboseli, aiming to enter the park at about 11:00. Dry-country possibilities include Eastern Pale Chanting Goshawk, Pygmy Falcon, Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Tawny Eagle and two large vulture species. Around the freshwater marshes, look for several ducks, whistling-ducks, African Jacana and Greater Painted-snipe. After checking in at Oltukai Lodge for lunch and a rest, return to the park when afternoon light improves; elephants and other large mammals may also offer photographic opportunities.
Day 3
Sunrise Flamingo & Marshland Photography in Amboseli + Return to Nairobi
Use the sunrise drive for Amboseli birds such as Greater and Lesser flamingos, Goliath and Purple herons, Saddle-billed Stork, Double-banded Courser, Southern Ground Hornbill and Taveta Golden Weaver. After the morning session, return for lunch and prepare for the road journey back to Nairobi.
Locations & map
- Nairobi National Park - Kenya
- Amboseli National Park - Kenya
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Year-round; June–October and January–March are described as generally drier periods
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Safari vehicle, road transfers and short walks Purpose-adapted safari vehicles provide open views and access for camera equipment; most photography is vehicle-based.
Policies & FAQ
Is previous photography experience necessary?
No. Both beginners and experienced photographers can join, with guidance on finding subjects, framing and photographing birds and wildlife.
How physically demanding are the three days?
Activity is easy to moderate. Most photography takes place from a vehicle, with only short walks and no strenuous trekking.
What transport is used during the tour?
The itinerary uses safari vehicles arranged for bird and wildlife photography, with road transfers between Nairobi and Amboseli.
When are conditions generally driest?
The programme can operate year-round. June to October and January to March are identified as periods that are often drier, but weather and light still vary.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.