Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi
Upon your arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, you will be warmly received and transferred to your hotel. The afternoon is at your leisure to relax. In the evening, you will receive a detailed briefing from your professional birding guide. Dinner and overnight are at your Nairobi hotel.
Day 2: Journey to Lake Nakuru National Park
After an early morning breakfast, you will depart Nairobi, travelling northwest to Lake Nakuru National Park. Famous for its stunning flocks of pink flamingos, the park is also a renowned rhino sanctuary. During your afternoon game drive, you will have the opportunity to spot waterbucks, buffalos, and the occasional leopard.
Day 3: Transfer > Kakamega Forest National Reserve
Following breakfast, you will depart Nakuru and journey further west towards the unique Kakamega Forest National Reserve. This pristine forest is the last remnant in Kenya of the ancient Guineo-Congolian rainforest. After checking in, the rest of your afternoon is at leisure to absorb the serene and tranquil atmosphere.
Day 4: Full Day Exploring Kakamega Forest
You will rise early to make the most of the day exploring the Kakamega Forest. After breakfast, you will embark on a guided walk through the forest in the company of knowledgeable forest rangers. This is a prime bird-watching location, where you may hear the calls of the golden-breasted starling and many other species. The entire day is dedicated to immersing yourself in this lush, green world.
Day 5: Northward > Mount Elgon National Park
After checking out, you will begin your journey northward to Mount Elgon National Park. Your route will take you through Eldoret town. Mount Elgon, Kenya's second-highest mountain, features breathtaking scenery of cliffs, caves, and waterfalls. The park provides a habitat for elephants, buffalos, and over 240 species of birds.
Day 6: Discovering Saiwa Swamp National Park
Today, you will visit the unique and compact Saiwa Swamp National Park, located north of Kitale. As the smallest park in Kenya, it was established specifically to protect the rare and elusive semi-aquatic Sitatunga antelope. The park features well-maintained trails and observation towers that allow for excellent viewing of these specialized antelopes, as well as De Brazza's monkeys and otters.
Day 7: Cultural Museums and Return > Nairobi
An opportunity to visit the Kabarnet Museum and the Kipsaraman Museum, which offer fascinating insights into the local culture and history. Upon arrival in Nairobi, you will check into your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Day 8: Leisure Day in Nairobi
This day is reserved for you to enjoy at your own pace in Nairobi. You may choose to relax at the hotel, explore the city's many attractions such as the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum, or do some souvenir shopping.
Day 9: Into the Highlands of Aberdare National Park
You will depart Nairobi early after breakfast, visiting Mwea National Reserve as you travel towards the Aberdare Highlands. Your destination is the famous Aberdare National Park, where you will check into a unique tree lodge such as Treetops. The lodge overlooks a waterhole and salt lick, providing unparalleled overnight game viewing.
Day 10: Exploration and Conclusion of the Safari
Your final day on safari is spent exploring the mist-shrouded forests and moorlands of the Aberdare range. After a morning of wildlife viewing and enjoying the crisp highland air, you will begin your journey back to Nairobi. You will be transferred directly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your departure flight.