KENYA BIRDING & SAFARI ADVENTURE

Welcome by Panorama Travel representative at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, followed by transfer to the hotel.

• Welcome dinner, brief & orientation session.

After breakfast, we journey into the remarkable Nairobi National Park — a truly unique wilderness set against the backdrop of Kenya’s bustling capital city. This diverse protected area encompasses highland forests, Acacia woodlands, rocky escarpments, open grasslands, and serene water bodies, creating ideal habitats for an exceptional array of birdlife and mammals.

Our targeted birding today includes sought-after species such as Shelley’s Francolin, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Spotted Thick-knee, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Singing Cisticola, Banded and Brown Warblers, African Yellow Warbler, Northern Pied Babbler, White-breasted White-eye, Long-tailed Fiscal, and White-winged Widowbird — among many others that make this park a premier birdwatching destination.

The park also offers one of the finest opportunities in Kenya to encounter the critically endangered Black Rhino, alongside impressive wildlife including lions, giraffes, buffalo, and diverse antelope species. With expert guidance, we enjoy an unforgettable blend of urban-edge wilderness and rich biodiversity.

Later in the day, we return to the Eco Camp for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we set off for the world-renowned Masai Mara National Reserve — celebrated as one of Africa’s most exceptional wildlife and birding sanctuaries. This iconic ecosystem of sweeping savannahs and acacia-dotted plains provides unparalleled opportunities to encounter an astounding diversity of species.

Upon arrival, we check in at the spectacular Mara Serena Safari Lodge, ideally positioned for breathtaking views over the Mara plains. In the late afternoon, we venture out on an exciting game drive in search of Africa’s legendary Big Five and the many extraordinary animals that call this reserve home.

With a bit of luck, this may also be the moment to witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles — the Great Wildebeest Migration — where massive herds and their predators engage in dramatic and unforgettable encounters.

We return to the lodge to enjoy dinner and a comfortable overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the African wilderness.

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary wildlife-rich landscapes of the Masai Mara with a full day dedicated to unforgettable safari experiences. Today’s adventures take us across the golden savannahs during both morning and afternoon game drives — maximizing opportunities to witness the reserve’s abundant fauna at their most active times.

We continue our search for the iconic Big Five, as well as cheetahs, hippos, crocodiles, giraffes, zebras, and an impressive variety of antelope species. The Masai Mara is also a premier birding paradise, home to more than 450 recorded bird species, including vibrant rollers, majestic raptors, and elegant cranes.

Throughout the day, our expert guides share rich insights about animal behavior, ecosystems, and the local Maasai culture, enhancing every moment in this globally treasured reserve. With each drive offering new sightings and experiences, no two moments in the Mara are ever the same.

All meals and overnight accommodation are enjoyed at the lodge — allowing you to relax in comfort and absorb the tranquil atmosphere of Africa’s wilderness at its best.

After breakfast, we depart for the world-renowned Lake Nakuru National Park — often celebrated as “the greatest birding spectacle on Earth.” Here, vast flocks of Lesser Flamingos gather along the soda lake’s shimmering shoreline, painting the landscape pink in breathtaking numbers that may reach into the millions. Graceful Greater Flamingos appear in smaller numbers, adding to the vibrant scene.

Beyond its iconic lakeshore, Lake Nakuru boasts rich Acacia woodlands and lush marshlands that support an impressive diversity of birdlife. Our day’s birding targets include remarkable species such as: Great White Pelican & Great Cormorant, African Spoonbill & African Fish-Eagle, Hildebrandt’s Francolin & Grey-headed Gull, Broad-billed Roller, White-browed Coucal & Green Wood-hoopoe, Grey Woodpecker & Rufous-necked Wryneck, Black Cuckoo-shrike, Northern Anteater-chat & Grey-backed Fiscal &Brown-crowned Tchagra & African Firefinch. In addition to thriving birdlife, Lake Nakuru is one of the best sanctuaries in East Africa to find the endangered White Rhino. Other notable wildlife includes Rothschild’s Giraffe, herds of buffalo, waterbuck, reedbuck, and possibly even elusive predators.

We arrive in time for lunch at the beautiful Lake Lodge, followed by an afternoon game drive to further explore the park’s rich ecosystems. Dinner and overnight spent at the lodge ensure a relaxing and scenic close to this unforgettable day of nature discovery.

After breakfast, we journey north into the dramatic landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, arriving at the biologically rich waters of Lake Baringo — a premier hotspot renowned for its exceptional bird diversity. The lake’s semi-arid surroundings, volcanic cliffs, and lush shoreline vegetation create ideal habitats for an impressive range of resident and migratory species.

Our birding focus today includes regional specialties such as:
Dark Chanting-Goshawk, Heuglin’s Courser, Northern White-faced Owl, Greyish Eagle-Owl, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Jackson’s and Hemprich’s Hornbills, Black-throated Barbet, Red-fronted Warbler, Brown-tailed Chat, Somali Tit, Beautiful Sunbird, Bristle-crowned Starling, Golden-backed Weaver, Little Weaver, Northern Masked-Weaver, and Northern Red Bishop.

Additional highlights may include the striking Lanner Falcon, Verreaux’s Eagle, Blue-naped Mousebird, Madagascar Bee-eater, Northern Crombec, Pygmy Batis, Cardinal Quelea, and Eastern Paradise-Whydah — a spectacular species in full breeding plumage.

We check in at to the 2 nights Lodge, perfectly set along the lakeshore to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities. Enjoy a serene evening surrounded by natural beauty, followed by dinner and overnight at the lodge.

Today is devoted to exploring the diverse ecosystems surrounding Lake Baringo, from the acacia scrublands and papyrus-lined coves to rocky escarpments that tower over the Rift Valley floor. With over 470 species recorded, every moment here offers exciting birding discoveries.

We continue to seek out the distinctive species that make Lake Baringo a must-visit destination for ornithologists and nature lovers alike. Early morning and late afternoon outings provide ideal conditions for photographing key targets, observing raptors in flight, and enjoying the colorful behaviors of weavers, sunbirds, and hornbills.

In between excursions, relax at the lodge and take in sweeping vistas of the lake — where hippos surface at dusk and waterbirds thrive in abundance.

All meals and overnight at 4* Lodge, ensuring comfort and relaxation after a rewarding day in the field.

This morning, we embark on an exciting boat excursion across Lake Naivasha, one of Kenya’s most celebrated birding destinations. Fringed by papyrus wetlands and acacia forests, this serene Rift Valley freshwater lake provides habitat for an outstanding diversity of birdlife.

Among the many highlights, we may encounter striking species such as:
African Fish Eagle, Arrow-marked Babbler, African Hoopoe, Black Heron, Cape Teal, Giant Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Golden-breasted Bunting, Grey Crowned Crane, Grey-backed Fiscal, Grey-crested Helmet-Shrike, Lesser Flamingo, Mottled Swift, Nyanza Swift, Pink-backed Pelican, and Red-chested Cuckoo.

Adding to the spectacle, a variety of Palearctic migrants stop here to rest and feed — including Ruff, Black-tailed Godwit, Common Greenshank, Common Sandpiper, and Little Stint — enriching the diversity during seasonal movements.

Gliding across open waters and along reedy shores offers superb opportunities for photography and close-up observation, while hippos may surface nearby, adding to the experience of wild Kenya at its finest.

Return to Lake Lodge for dinner and overnight stay — the perfect place to unwind and reflect on a rewarding day of nature exploration.

Today, we depart for the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife reserves and a true haven for bird enthusiasts. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Laikipia, this rich ecosystem supports over 300 recorded bird species, making it a key destination for diverse and rewarding sightings.

Here, we may encounter sought-after species such as:
Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Secretarybird, Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, Helmeted Guineafowl, Superb Starling, Lilac-breasted Roller, Malachite Kingfisher, Crowned Hornbill, Yellow Bishop, Black-headed Heron, Glossy Ibis, and African Sacred Ibis — among many others that thrive in the region’s grasslands, wetlands, and acacia woodlands.

Beyond exceptional birdlife, Ol Pejeta is home to iconic mammals including the Big Five and critically endangered rhinos, offering a spectacular blend of safari and birding encounters.

We arrive in time for lunch and check in at the distinguished
Sweetwaters Serena Camp — set within the conservancy and overlooking a lively waterhole. Enjoy dinner and overnight in comfort with nature right at your doorstep.

Today, we drive to the spectacular Samburu Game Reserve, a unique semi-desert habitat interspersed with rich woodlands along the Ewaso Nyiro River. This extraordinary ecosystem supports a wealth of wildlife and offers some of the most diverse and exciting birding opportunities in Kenya.

The reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, with an impressive variety of species including:
Palm-nut and Hooded Vultures, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Crested and Yellow-necked Francolins, Vulturine Guineafowl, Buff-crested and White-bellied Bustards, Black-faced and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrot, African Scops-Owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Somali Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Bearded Woodpecker, Pink-breasted Lark, African Bare-eyed Thrush, Rosy-patched Bush-shrike, Hunter’s and Black-bellied Sunbirds, Golden-breasted and Fischer’s Starlings, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-weaver, Cut-throat, and the stunning Somali Bunting.

Samburu’s mammal life is equally remarkable, featuring species rarely encountered elsewhere on our tour, such as: Olive Baboon, Black-faced Vervet Monkey, Dwarf Mongoose, Striped Hyena, Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Common Waterbuck, Gerenuk, and the majestic Beisa Oryx.

We arrive in time for lunch and check in at the reserve charming Reserve Lodge, perfectly positioned to immerse guests in the reserve’s wildlife and scenic beauty.

Begin your adventure at Samburu Game Reserve, a stunning semi-arid region along the Ewaso Nyiro River, renowned for its unique wildlife and extraordinary birdlife.

Bird enthusiasts can expect to see species such as Palm-nut and Hooded Vultures, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Crested and Yellow-necked Francolins, Vulturine Guineafowl, Buff-crested and White-bellied Bustards, Black-faced and Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Red-bellied Parrot, Somali Bee-eater, Rufous-crowned Roller, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Bearded Woodpecker, and the Somali Bunting.

The reserve also offers sightings of iconic mammals including Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Common Waterbuck, and Olive Baboons. Return to the lodge for a delicious dinner and overnight stay, soaking in the tranquility of the Samburu wilderness.

Spend a full day immersed in the wonders of Samburu Game Reserve, with morning and afternoon game drives that maximize wildlife and birding encounters. Early morning is perfect for spotting elusive species along the riverbanks and in the woodland fringes, while the afternoon allows for exploration of open savannahs and scenic landscapes.

Enjoy the remarkable bird diversity, including species like Martial Eagle, African Fish-Eagle, Palm-nut Vulture, Secretary Bird, Grey Crowned Crane, Lilac-breasted Roller, Golden-breasted Starling, Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver, and numerous other endemic and migratory species.

Samburu’s mammalian residents provide unforgettable safari moments: Reticulated Giraffe, Grevy’s Zebra, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Beisa Oryx, Striped Hyena, Olive Baboon, and Gerenuk. All meals are included, and you return to the reserve lodge for a comfortable overnight stay, reflecting on a day filled with extraordinary wildlife encounters.

After breakfast, depart for Naro Moru River Lodge, beautifully set amid highland forests, flowing brooks, and flower-filled grounds. This idyllic location offers a serene retreat and exceptional birding opportunities, perfect for both avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

The lodge and surrounding areas are home to a rich variety of avian species. Highlights may include African Black Duck, Narina Trogon, Sulphur-breasted Bush-shrike, Tropical Boubou, Chin-spot Batis, African Black-headed Oriole, Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Silvery-cheeked and Trumpeter Hornbills, and the striking Brown-hooded Kingfisher.

Spend the day enjoying leisurely birding walks, taking in the natural beauty of the highlands, and relaxing by the lodge’s picturesque streams and gardens. All meals are included, and you will overnight at the River Lodge, fully immersed in the tranquility of this stunning environment.

Transfer to Nosy be International Airport