5 Days Kenya Birdwatching Safari in Maasai Mara and Lake Nakuru

Overland Distance: Approximately 270 kilometres
Transfer Time: 5–6 hours
Afternoon Birding Session: Approximately 2½–3 hours
Areas Visited: Nairobi, Rift Valley viewpoint, Narok and Maasai Mara

Our Kenya birdwatching safari begins with a drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley. During the journey, our guide may point out roadside raptors, storks and open-country birds whenever safe stopping opportunities arise. After reaching your midrange accommodation in Maasai Mara, you will enjoy lunch and prepare for an afternoon birding drive. Possible sightings include secretary birds, ground hornbills, bustards, vultures, eagles, rollers and savannah species.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch, Dinner

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Birding Coverage: Approximately 70–100 kilometres
Field Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Habitats Explored: Grasslands, woodland edges, riverine vegetation and seasonal wetlands

You will leave with breakfast boxes or a packed lunch for a full birding day across Maasai Mara. Our guide will explore multiple habitats while helping you identify birds by appearance, flight pattern, behaviour and calls. The day may produce crowned cranes, lapwings, storks, falcons, eagles, bee-eaters and numerous small grassland birds. Mammals such as lions, elephants and giraffes will also be observed during your Kenya birdwatching safari.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Field Route Length: Approximately 65–105 kilometres
Observation Period: Around 7–9 hours
Birding Locations: Mara River region, plains, drainage channels and acacia zones

Your second complete birding day provides time to revisit productive areas and search for species missed earlier. Our guide may explore the Mara River region for kingfishers, herons, storks and raptors before moving into open country for bustards and ground-dwelling birds. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in a designated area and continue recording sightings throughout the afternoon.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Jambo Mara Safari Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Transfer Range: Approximately 235–260 kilometres
Road Time: 5–6 hours
Conditional Afternoon Birding: Approximately 1½–2½ hours
Places Visited: Maasai Mara, Narok, Rift Valley, Nakuru and Lake Nakuru National Park

After breakfast, you will leave the Mara and continue towards Lake Nakuru. The route passes through areas where roadside raptors, weavers and agricultural birds may be seen. When your lodge is inside Lake Nakuru National Park and arrival time permits, your birdwatching safari will include an afternoon drive near the shoreline and woodland. Guests accommodated outside the park will begin the main Lake Nakuru birding session the following morning.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Ziwa Bush Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Birding Circuit Length: Approximately 35–60 kilometres
Observation Time: Approximately 4–6 hours
Onward Road Length: Approximately 160 kilometres
Travel Time to Nairobi: 3–3½ hours
Habitats Visited: Lake edge, woodland, grassland, cliffs and Nairobi

You will enter Lake Nakuru National Park early for an extended birdwatching drive. Depending on water levels and seasonal conditions, you may observe flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, storks, fish eagles and woodland birds. Your journey will also offer opportunities to see rhinos, buffaloes, Rothschild’s giraffes and baboons. After completing your checklist and enjoying the park scenery, you will return to Nairobi.