Kenya Big Game and Birds Exploration with Johnnie Uganda Safaris

12-day Kenya birding and wildlife itinerary with Johnnie Uganda Safaris, prepared for partner review.

  • Kenya Show on map
  • 12 days
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Public tour
  • Pace: Multi-day birding and game-viewing safari pace
  • Language: English
  • City: Nairobi
Tour image
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About this tour

This BirdWatch review draft is based on Johnnie Uganda Safaris' approved public tour material for Kenya's Big Game & Birds Exploration.

Tsavo West, Amboseli, Mt. Kenya, Samburu, Aberdares, Nakuru & Masai Mara National Parks.

The route is presented as a birding-first draft for partner review. Johnnie should confirm current dates, price, group size, inclusions, pickup logistics, target birds and image order before travellers book.

Customer inquiries are routed through BirdWatch.info.

Guides

Johnnie Kamugisha
Birding and safari guide
English
Itinerary
Day 1
Tsavo West
Nairobi
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Depart from Nairobi in the morning for the drive south-east to Tsavo West National Park, arriving at Kilaguni Lodge in time for a late lunch. This lodge is located next to a water hole that attracts a wide variety of animals.

You will head out for a late afternoon game drive before dinner.

Dinner and Overnight at Kilaguni Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 2
Game Drive in Tsavo West
Tsavo West National Park
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

An early morning game drive will allow you to explore one of Kenya's largest National Parks, where magnificent scenery and an abundance of wildlife combine to provide a spectacular safari setting.

Return to the lodge for breakfast, relax, and prepare for the afternoon game drive via Mzima Springs from where you will view schools of resident hippos and more game like Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk, Waterbucks, Buffaloes, Rhinos, and many more.

Birds to look out for include Vulturine Guineafowl, Blue-billed Teal, Spur-winged Goose, Red-billed Duck, Coqui Francolin, Common Quail, Namaqua Dove, Red-eyed Dove, Kori Bustard, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Common Cuckoo, Nubian Nightjar, Black Crake, Gray Crowned Crane, etc.

Dinner and Overnight at Kilaguni Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 3
Transfer to Amboseli NP
Amboseli National Park
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

After an early breakfast, head west to Amboseli, driving close to Africa's highest peak, Mt. Kilimanjaro, and getting to the lodge in time for lunch.

While at Amboseli Serena Lodge, guests are invited to participate in the lodge's reforestation program by planting a tree during their stay. Enjoy an afternoon game drive and enjoy views of Zebras, Cheetahs, Hyenas, African Buffalo, Giraffes, etc.

Dinner and then relax by a campfire before bed.

Dinner and Overnight at Amboseli Serena Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 4
Mt. Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

After breakfast, return to Nairobi for lunch at a convenient restaurant before continuing north to the slopes of Mt.Kenya. Dinner and Overnight at Naromoru River Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 5
Drive to Samburu National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Today we drive north, crossing the equator to Sambiru National Reserve, getting to the lodge in time for lunch.

Afternoon game drives and expect to see birds like Black-capped Social Weaver, Black-faced Sandgrouse, D'Arnaud's Barbet, Vulturine Guineafowl, White-bellied Bustard, and many more.

Dinner and Overnight at Samburu Rock Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 6
Game Drive In Samburu
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Early morning game drive in the reserve, which is an area of wild beauty consisting of desert scrub, open savannah, and small rugged hills.

This Park is known for rare animal species such as the Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy's Zebra, Long-necked Gerenuk Antelope, Somali Ostrich, and Beisa Oryx thought to be the animal behind the legend of the unicorn.

We will drive back to the lodge for lunch and some downtime before heading back for the late afternoon game drive.

Dinner and Overnight at Samburu Rock Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 7
To Aberdares
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Today we head back across the equator to the central highlands in time for lunch at the Outspan Hotel.

We will then continue with the drive to the lodge and later have a mini-game drive; If lucky you will spot some of the rare species that inhabit the park like the Black Rhino, Bongo, Giant Forest Hog, and the Black Leopard.

Dinner and Overnight at Treetops Lodge ( Full Board)

Day 8
Lake Nakuru
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

After Breakfast drive west to Lake Nakuru arriving at the Sarova Lion Hill Lodge in time for lunch. Lake Nakuru is an ornithologist's paradise being home to over 400 species of birds.

The park is about 180 Square Kilometres and comprises grassland vegetation, forest, and rocky cliffs supporting a variety of wildlife like Warthogs, Waterbucks, Buffaloes, Gazelles, Hippos, and occasional leopards.

Birds include Lesser Flamingos, Great Snipe, Bateleur, Pallid Harrier, Maccoa Duck, Gray Crowned Crane, White- Backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Abyssinian Thrush, Imperial Eagle, Gray- Crested HelmetShrike, European Roller, Sooty Falcon, Black-tailed Godwit, and many more.

Dinner and Overnight at Sarova Hill Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 9
Drive to Masai Mara.
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Today we head to Masai Mara with an en-route lunch along the way and enjoy the views of Lake Naivasha and Mount Longonot from afar.

We will arrive in the late evening, and with an en-route game drive to the lodge.

Dinner and Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 10
Full day Masaai Mara
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

Early morning game drive in the most popular National reserve in Kenya. The Masai Mara is the Kenya section of the Serengeti Plains and the traditional land of the Maasai tribe. This reserve is not only about wildlife but also about culture. You can engage with the local Maasai community, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries.

Wildlife is abundant, and you will have a good chance of seeing the 'Big Five: Lion and leopard. Elephant, Buffalo, and Rhinos. During July and August, the annual wildebeest migration takes place, and one can witness millions of these animals crossing the Mara River from Tanzania in search of greener pastures.

The park boasts over 450 species of birds, including the rare Rosy-throated Longclaw, Grey-crested Helmet-Shrike, and Kori Bustard. Other species that can be seen include Kingfishers, Herons, Storks, Vultures, Eagles, Kites, and many more.

Dinner and Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 11
Nature Walk and Hiking
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

If you want to explore the Masai Mara on foot, you can join nature walks and hiking tours that take you closer to the flora, fauna, and ecosystems of the region. You will be accompanied by guides who can point out interesting plants, insects, and birds.

You will also encounter some smaller or shy animals that you might have missed on a game drive, such as dikdiks, mongooses, servals, or even leopards. Nature walks and hiking are a great way of experiencing the Masai Mara at a slower pace and appreciating its beauty and diversity.

Dinner and Overnight at Mara Simba Lodge ( Full Board).

Day 12
Departure
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Birding, safari, wetland, woodland and park habitats depending on day route

After breakfast, return to Nairobi heading straight to the Airport so that you can connect back home.

Locations & map

  • Nairobi - Nairobi County Kenya (Access city for the Kenya route.)
  • Tsavo West National Park - Tsavo Kenya (Early route birding and game-viewing area.)
  • Amboseli National Park - Kajiado Kenya (Savannah and wetland birding below Kilimanjaro.)
  • Lake Nakuru National Park - Nakuru Kenya (Important lake and grassland birding site.)
  • Maasai Mara National Reserve - Narok Kenya (Savannah birding and wildlife section.)
Open in Maps

Included

  • Guided birding and safari itinerary - Source itinerary supplied by Johnnie Uganda Safaris; exact package inclusions to be confirmed.
  • Route planning and local guiding - Pickup, vehicle, accommodation, meals, park fees and permits require partner confirmation.
  • Flights, visas, insurance and personal expenses - Not confirmed as included in the source trip record.
  • Unconfirmed permits, park fees, accommodation and meals - Confirm current package scope with Johnnie after inquiry.

Transport & stays

  • Safari vehicle / arranged locally Vehicle, pickup point and transfers to be confirmed after inquiry through BirdWatch.info. | Meet: Nairobi; exact pickup point confirmed after inquiry through BirdWatch.info.

Policies & FAQ

Are dates and prices fixed?

Dates, availability, group size and current price are not published in the source record and should be confirmed by Johnnie after inquiry.

Are the listed target birds guaranteed?

No. The listed birds are targets from the source itinerary and BirdWatch review process. Seasonal likelihood should be confirmed by Johnnie.

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