11 nights / 12 days · Best for: dedicated birders chasing Rift Valley lake species and western forest endemics
This circuit runs from Nairobi through the Rift Valley lakes (Bogoria, Baringo), into the western highlands around Kitale and Mt Elgon, through Kakamega Forest's equatorial rainforest, along Lake Victoria, and finishes with two nights in the Maasai Mara. It's built for birders first — including a full day on foot at Saiwa Swamp, the only Kenyan park explored entirely without a vehicle — with general wildlife (including the Mara's Big Five) as a strong secondary draw on the final days.
Arrival at Nairobi Airport and transfer to your hotel in Nakuru. Dinner and overnight in Nakuru.
A full day bird walk around Lake Bogoria — known for its hot springs and geysers — searching for dry-country and alkaline-lake species. Continue to Baringo in the evening. Dinner and overnight at Baringo Hotel.
Depart Baringo for Saiwa Swamp National Park near Kitale — the only park in Kenya enjoyed exclusively on foot. Lunch in Kitale before an afternoon bird walk. Dinner and overnight in Kitale.
A day at Kongelai Escarpment, one of Kenya's least-visited birding spots, working through the main escarpment to the Kanyarkwat area and Suam. In the afternoon, a stop at a local nesting site for the rare Heuglin's Masked Weaver. Dinner and overnight in Kitale.
A full day on Mt Elgon searching for local specialty birds among some of the country's largest Podocarpus trees, with birding in the mountain's caves. Dinner and overnight in Kitale.
An early departure for Kakamega Forest — a living remnant of the equatorial rainforest that once stretched from Guinea to East Africa — for a full day of birding among rare, localized species. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega Hotel.
A second full day in Kakamega Forest, targeting species missed the day before. Dinner and overnight at Kakamega Hotel.
Early departure for Mumias in search of Rock Pratincole, in grasslands that are seasonally flooded and home to the non-breeding Blue Swallow. Continue to Kisumu for dinner and overnight.
Birding around Kisumu's freshwater edges and local farmland for wetland and marsh species, several with range extensions from Uganda. An afternoon boat ride covers more of the lake. Dinner and overnight in Kisumu.
To Ruma National Park — one of Kenya's least-visited parks, spanning riverine woodland, savannah, and escarpment, and the country's last sanctuary for the endangered Roan antelope. Dinner and overnight in Homa Bay.
Transfer to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve, with over 500 recorded bird species alongside the Big Five and the wildebeest migration. Lunch, dinner, and overnight at the lodge.
A relaxed morning viewing birdlife around the lodge before the drive back to Nairobi, with an evening transfer to the airport or a Nairobi hotel.
Visas are required (about £35 in advance or $50 on arrival in Kenya). Transport is by minibus or 4x4; accommodation is en-suite throughout. A moderate degree of fitness is needed.
Pricing is tailored to your dates and group size — contact us for a quote.
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