15 Days Kenya Coastal Birding Tour
A 15-day Kenya coastal birding route from Amboseli and Taita through Tsavo, Arabuko–Sokoke, Mida, Sabaki, the lower Tana forests and Shimba Hills.
About this tour
This 15-day birding and wildlife route links southern Kenya’s dry country with its endemic-rich coastal forests and wetlands. It travels from Amboseli through Taita Hills and Tsavo East, then continues to Arabuko–Sokoke, Mida Creek, Sabaki Estuary, the lower Tana forests and Shimba Hills.
The habitat range includes Kilimanjaro-facing savanna, isolated montane forest, arid bush, Brachystegia and Cynometra woodland, mangroves, tidal flats, riverine forest and coastal grassland. Taita endemics, Sokoke Scops Owl, Kilifi Weaver, coastal waders and lower-Tana primates are among the possibilities.
Birding combines vehicle-based park exploration with forest and wetland walks, supported by local guidance at specialist sites. Weather, tides, forest access and wildlife movement determine the exact pace. The final day travels from Shimba Hills to Mombasa airport; all targets remain unguaranteed.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Kenya.
Birds you can spot
Pitta angolensis
target
Oriolus chlorocephalus
target
Ploceus golandi
target
Halcyon senegaloides
target
Anthus sokokensis
target
Otus ireneae
target
Cursorius somalensis
target
Circaetus fasciolatus
target
Geokichla guttata
target
Acryllium vulturinum
target
Itinerary ▼
Leave Nairobi early for Amboseli, with a possible introductory stop at Lukenya Hills. Continue birding along the route, arrive for lunch and take an afternoon park drive for savanna birds and elephants.
Spend a full day in Amboseli, birding wetlands, woodland and the dry Lake Amboseli basin mainly from the vehicle. Use the permitted observation point and watch for Kilimanjaro views when cloud conditions allow.
Travel after breakfast to Ngangao Forest in the Taita Hills. Begin exploring this isolated Eastern Arc habitat for montane and coastal-affinity birds.
Continue in Taita forest for Taita Thrush, Taita Apalis, Taita White-eye and other highland birds, then drive to Tsavo East in the afternoon.
Spend a full day in Tsavo East, searching dry-country habitat for vultures, bustards, sandgrouse, larks, hornbills and other birds while also watching for mammals.
Bird slowly through Tsavo East toward Sala Gate, using the morning for species missed previously. Check out around midday and continue toward Arabuko–Sokoke Forest.
Bird Arabuko–Sokoke’s Brachystegia, Cynometra and Afzelia forest with patience for shy coastal specialists, greenbuls, honeyguides, bushshrikes and forest raptors.
Continue in Arabuko–Sokoke for Sokoke Pipit, East Coast Akalat, Kilifi Weaver and Amani Sunbird. Use local guidance in Cynometra thicket to search roost sites for Sokoke Scops Owl.
Visit Mida Creek for tidal waders, Crab Plover, sand plovers, egrets and terns, then continue in the afternoon to Arabuko Swamp for open-country and wetland birds.
Walk Sabaki Estuary’s sandbanks, mudflats, dunes and freshwater pools, then drive to seasonal Lake Jilore for waterbirds and surrounding bushland species.
Travel to the lower Tana River reserve, birding en route. Begin exploring the Wenje, Kipende and Kimbu riverine-forest landscape.
Spend the day in lower-Tana forest and delta habitat for coastal-forest birds and the endemic Tana River Red Colobus and Crested Mangabey.
Depart early for Shimba Hills, using suitable route stops if time permits. The long transfer leaves the birding sequence dependent on road and arrival conditions.
Spend a full day in Shimba Hills, birding near the vehicle and on permitted walks for Green-headed Oriole, African Pitta, Spotted Ground Thrush and other coastal species.
Drive slowly through Shimba Hills for any missed birds, then continue to Mombasa International Airport according to the flight schedule.
Locations & map
- Kenya Coastal - Kenya (Primary map point for this public tour page; exact route is confirmed with the partner.)
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request · Season: Available on request; best timing and current availability must be confirmed.
Price: Price on request
Transport & stays
- Tour vehicle / transfers as quoted Vehicle, pickup and transfer arrangements must be confirmed for the selected itinerary. | Meet: Nairobi or agreed point | Pickup: On request
Policies & FAQ
Are dates and prices fixed?
Unless a current departure is confirmed in writing, dates, group size and price are provided on request by ConQuest Adventures through BirdWatch.
Are target birds guaranteed?
No. The itinerary focuses on suitable habitats and target species, but sightings depend on season and field conditions.
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.