5 Days Kenya Birdwatching Trail Through Maasai Mara Lake Nakuru and Amboseli

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

Our Kenya birdwatching trail begins with a drive from Nairobi through the Great Rift Valley. Our guide may point out roadside raptors, storks and open-country birds whenever safe observation opportunities arise. After arriving at your midrange lodge, you will enjoy lunch and enter Maasai Mara for an afternoon birding drive. Possible sightings include secretary birds, ground hornbills, bustards, vultures, rollers and grassland species.

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 70–105 kilometres
Birding Time: Approximately 7–9 hours
Habitats Explored: Grasslands, riverine woodland, seasonal wetlands and predator territories

You will leave after breakfast with a packed lunch for a full day of birdwatching. Our guide will help you identify eagles, vultures, cranes, lapwings, storks, hornbills and smaller savannah birds. The Kenya birdwatching trail also provides opportunities to observe lions, elephants, cheetahs and giraffes while moving between birding areas. Lunch will be enjoyed at a designated site before the field experience continues.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Mara Concord Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Road Range: Approximately 235–260 kilometres
Travel Duration: 5–6 hours
Conditional Afternoon Birding: Approximately 1½–2 hours
Places Covered: Maasai Mara, Narok, Rift Valley highlands and Lake Nakuru

After breakfast, your birding journey continues towards Lake Nakuru. Roadside habitats may provide sightings of weavers, starlings, raptors and agricultural birds. When your lodge is inside the national park and you arrive early enough, your guide may include a short afternoon birding drive. Otherwise, you will settle into your midrange accommodation and prepare for the next morning.

Destination:

MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

Overnight:

Ziwa Bush Lodge

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Morning Birding Circuit: Approximately 35–55 kilometres
Observation Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Transfer Distance: Approximately 360–390 kilometres
Driving Period: 7–8 hours
Places Visited: Lake shoreline, woodland, Nairobi bypass, Emali and Amboseli

Your morning starts with birdwatching around Lake Nakuru’s shoreline, grasslands and forest sections. Depending on water conditions, you may see pelicans, flamingos, cormorants, fish eagles, storks, herons and woodland species. Rhinos, giraffes and buffaloes may also appear during the drive. Your Kenya birdwatching trail then continues south towards Amboseli, where you will arrive in the evening.

Destination:

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK

Overnight:

Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Birding Route Coverage: Approximately 40–65 kilometres
Field Time: Approximately 3–4 hours
Return Distance: Approximately 215–240 kilometres
Travel Estimate: 4–5 hours
Habitats Visited: Swamps, open plains, acacia areas, Kilimanjaro viewpoints and Nairobi

You will begin early in Amboseli when bird activity is strong. Our guide will search for herons, egrets, pelicans, crowned cranes, raptors, lapwings, storks and dry-country species around the swamps and open plains. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes and zebras may also be observed. After the final birding session and breakfast, you will travel back to Nairobi.