8-Day Kenya Birding and Mammal Safari
Eight active safari days linking Nairobi National Park, Mount Kenya's Castle Forest, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and Kakamega Forest for birds and mammals.
About this tour
This eight-day safari crosses a compact but varied section of Kenya, moving from Nairobi's city-edge savannah to Mount Kenya forest, Samburu's northern dry country, a Rift Valley lake and the rainforest at Kakamega.
The first morning is spent in Nairobi National Park before the road journey continues to Castle Forest. Montane birding around the forest gives way to several sessions in Samburu National Reserve, where the programme concentrates on dryland birds, raptors and northern mammals. Lake Nakuru provides a contrasting waterbird and large-mammal stop before the route turns west.
The final section is based at Kakamega Forest. Trail sessions there focus on forest birds including turacos, greenbuls, flycatchers, woodpeckers and several named regional specialties. The last morning remains available for birding before either a road return to Nairobi or departure through Eldoret Airport.
Early starts, road transfers, game drives and forest walks make this an active itinerary. Each location has its own set of possible birds and mammals, but no wild encounter is assured. Current departure dates, price, group limit and the complete accommodation and service package are arranged through an inquiry on BirdWatch.info.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Kenya.
Guides
Itinerary
Day 1
Nairobi National Park → Castle Forest (Mt. Kenya)
Begin with an early session in Nairobi National Park for savannah birds and mammals such as rhinos, gazelles and hartebeest. Eagles and storks are among the possible birds. After lunch at Galleria Mall, continue by road to Castle Forest, with additional birding if daylight permits. Stay at Castle Forest Lodge.
Day 2
Castle Forest → Nanyuki → Samburu
Bird the forest road in the morning for sunbirds, other montane species and monkeys. The journey then passes Nanyuki, where lunch is planned, before continuing to Samburu. Birding from the reserve entrance may produce Vulturine Guineafowl, Kori Bustard, Pygmy Falcon and several eagles. Overnight is at Samburu Simba Lodge.
Day 3
Full Day in Samburu National Reserve
Spend a full day across Samburu's dryland habitats. Golden Pipit, Buff-crested Bustard, Somali Bee-eater, Wahlberg's Eagle, Kori Bustard and Taita Fiscal are among the named possibilities. The mammal list includes Reticulated Giraffe and Grevy's Zebra, while Caracal would be a chance encounter. Return to Samburu Simba Lodge.
Day 4
Morning & Afternoon Birding in Samburu
Use the morning for birding and game viewing, then pause during the hotter middle of the day. A later drive provides another opportunity for sunbirds, raptors, bustards and other dry-country species. Stay again at Samburu Simba Lodge.
Day 5
Samburu → Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early drive, leave Samburu for Lake Nakuru, with lunch taken en route or after arrival according to timing. The evening lakeshore session may include flamingos, pelicans, ducks and sandpipers, together with buffalo and rhino; lions are possible. Overnight is at Lake Nakuru Lodge.
Day 6
Lake Nakuru → Kakamega Forest
Travel from Lake Nakuru to Kakamega Forest, arriving later in the day. Birding can begin around the trails and lodge surroundings, where Great Blue Turaco, hornbills, greenbuls and flycatchers are among the possibilities. Forest monkeys may also be encountered. Stay at Rondo Retreat.
Day 7
Full Day in Kakamega Forest
A morning walk from Rondo Retreat searches for Kakamega specialties such as Dusky-crested Flycatcher, Turner's Eremomela, Oriole Finch and Grey-chested Babbler, as well as turacos and woodpeckers. After lunch and a midday rest, the programme can return to the forest. Overnight remains at Rondo Retreat.
Day 8
Kakamega → Nairobi / Eldoret Airport
Continue birding in Kakamega until about 10:00 before checking out. The tour then ends with either a road transfer back to Nairobi or an airport departure from Eldoret, depending on the agreed travel plan.
Locations & map
- Nairobi National Park - Kenya
- Castle Forest, Mount Kenya - Kenya
- Samburu National Reserve - Kenya
- Lake Nakuru National Park - Kenya
- Kakamega Forest - Kenya
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Road transfers, safari drives and forest walks The final day can conclude with a road return to Nairobi or a transfer for departure from Eldoret Airport, according to the agreed travel plan.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.