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Kenya boasts an astonishing avian diversity, with 1,135 bird species recorded on eBird, earning it the top spot in Africa and 11th place globally. Among its treasures are endemic species like the Aberdare Cisticola, Clarke’s Weaver, Hinde’s Pied Babbler, Heuglin’s White-eye, Taita Thrush, Tana River Cisticola, and Williams’s Lark.
Beyond birds, Kenya offers exceptional wildlife viewing, with the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—frequently spotted on safari. I fell in love with Africa after my trip to Uganda in January 2024. My family was blown away by the photos, so I decided to plan a VIP Safari Trip to Kenya with them. This isn’t a hardcore birding tour but rather a semi-birding safari adventure for us to enjoy together.
Summary of the itinerary as below:
• Day 1:Lake Naivasha – Hell’s Gate NP
• Day 2:Nairobi National Park
• Day 3:Amboseli National Park
• Day 4:Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
• Day 5:Tsavo East National Park
Since 2024, Kenya has become a visa-free destination, though you’ll need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) from their official site. My application was approved in just two hours—the system is simple and user-friendly.
There are too many flight options, and we choose the Saudia Airlines for their amazing price and offers. You don’t need a visa on transfer. If you want to stay longer, Saudia issues a free Stopover visa for you.
Quick reminder for travelers to Kenya:
•No plastic bag allows since 2017. Avoid them in your luggage.
•Take your Type G plugs or converter.
•Yellow Fever vaccination recommended.
•Malaria risk is not too high but take your medicine under the recommendation of your doctor.
Let’s start the journey…
Day 1
Flying with Saudia Airlines exceeded my expectations. The seats were comfortable, flights were on time (or even early), and the transfer at Jeddah’s clean, modern airport was a breeze. Before takeoff, we heard a prayer of Prophet Muhammad for travelers—a thoughtful touch.
Passport control in Kenya took nearly an hour. An accident on the Naivasha Highway forced us onto an alternative route, where thick fog reduced visibility to about 10 meters at times. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight for a boat tour on Lake Naivasha.
Lake Naivasha, a freshwater gem in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, is a haven for wildlife and birdlife. Its serene waters and vibrant ecosystem offer a front-row seat to nature’s wonders. For birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, it’s an unforgettable stop.
Our boat safari was a highlight! Within minutes, I spotted a major target: the Greater Painted Snipe—a thrilling lifer! Around Crescent Island, I logged over 50 species in two hours, including 14 lifers. My son had a blast feeding fish to pelicans, adding some family fun to the mix.
After a lunch break, we ventured to Hell’s Gate National Park. Its volcanic landscapes and acacia woodlands host a rich array of birds. You can explore on foot or by bike—an unusual and exciting safari twist! Nothing extraordinary bird-wise, but I still picked up 5 lifers.
Summary of the Day 1;
Total Counts..: 67
Total Lifer……: 21
Mammals…..: Masai giraffes, hippo, plains zebra, Kirk’s dik-dik, Warthog, Buffalo, Coke’s hartebeest, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, Impala, Defassa waterbuck, olive baboons.
Day 2
At 7 a.m., we set off for Nairobi National Park. Despite its proximity to the city, this park surprises with its diverse birdlife and classic Kenyan savanna scenery—an accessible gem for birdwatchers.
We spent nearly five hours exploring under cloudy skies. The park delivered: abundant mammals, countless birds, and 23 lifers for me!
Summary of the Day 2;
Total Counts..: 83
Total Lifer……: 23
Mammols and other animals : Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, Rhino, Masai Giraffe, Zebra, Buffalo, Coke’s hartebeest, Grant’s gazelle, Wildebeest
Day 3
We drove early to Amboseli National Park, arriving around noon. Before lunch, I birded near the lodge, quickly nabbing 5 lifers, including Crested Francolin, Fischer’s Lovebird, and Buffalo Weavers.
Famous for its elephants and breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro views, Amboseli is also a birding paradise. Its savanna grasslands and acacia woodlands teem with avian life. After a tasty lunch, we hunted for Secretarybirds and other targets. We found three Secretarybirds and, to my delight, every bird on my list—including the Saddle-billed Stork—adding 10 more lifers.
Summary of the Day 3;
Total Counts..: 77
Total Lifer……: 16
Mammols and other animals : Elephant, Giraffei Hippo, Buffalo, Zebra, Wildebeest,bohor reedbuck, crocodile, Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelle.
Day 4
Next up: Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The drive was rough—five hours, with four of them downright miserable due to terrible roads. We stayed at Salt Lick Lodge, where I spotted a Woolly-necked Stork from the window!
The Taita Hills, located in southeastern Kenya, are a relatively unexplored region that offers a unique and rewarding experience for birdwatchers. The hills’ diverse habitats, ranging from rainforests to montane forests, support a wide variety of avian species, many of which are endemic or rare.
After lunch, a game drive yielded 10 new birds, including Southern Ground Hornbill, White-bellied Bustard, and Red-and-Yellow Barbet, plus plenty of mammals.
Summary of the Day 4;
Total Counts..: 48
Total Lifer……: 13
Day 5
Our final day was a four-hour visit to Tsavo East National Park. Spanning 13,747 km², this park—established in 1948—pairs with Tsavo West to form a 22,000 km² wilderness. My top target was the Vulturine Guineafowl, but though it eluded me, I still found nearly every other bird on my list, gaining 14 lifers!
The drive back to Nairobi was long and somewhat treacherous.
Summary of the Day 5;
Total Counts..: 47
Total Lifer……: 16
Final Thoughts
Kenya is a fantastic birding destination. Even on this short, relaxed trip, I had an absolute blast! From stunning landscapes to incredible wildlife, it’s a journey I’ll never forget.