15 Days Kenya Coastal Birding Itinerary /

Book Safari

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Destination

  Arabuko Sokoke

Overview

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Prices Inclusive Of

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Park fees (For non-residents)
All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
A professional driver/guide
All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
All Taxes/VAT

Prices Exclusive Of

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Tips
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees

Tour Activities

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Tour activities will depend on the location we visit.

Tour Schedule

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Day 1: Nairobi to Amboseli National Park

The 15-day journey of the Kenyan coast will begin early from Nairobi and travel to Amboseli National Park. If time permits, we'll stop along the road. The first one will be in Lukenya Hills, about 30 kilometers from Nairobi, where we might see some of the mammals that migrate from Nairobi National Park and interesting bird species. In order to spot White-headed Mousebirds, Pygmy Batis, White-tailed Larks, Somali Short-toed Larks, Short-tailed Larks, Three-banded Coursers, Pale-chanting Goshawks, and Golden Pipits, we will make several birding stops along the birdy road to Amboseli National Park. Arrive at our resort for lunch, then drive to the park later that afternoon for an evening birding excursion. Amboseli National Park, one of the top birding sites in the world, is home to a variety of birds. Large herds of Savanna Elephants can be found in the park eating in the numerous wetlands that dot Amboseli.

Day 2: Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park, which is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak and the world's highest free-standing mountain, is the perfect place for a full day of birding. Mawenzi, Shira, and Kibo are the three volcanic cones found on Kilimanjaro. Mawenzi and Shira are extinct, but the tallest mountain, Kibo, is dormant and has the potential to erupt once again. The last significant eruption occurred 360,000 years ago, and the most recent activity was roughly 200 years ago. It has a maximum width of 40 kilometers. The base covers around 388,500 hectares of land. Early in the morning, before the top is obscured by clouds, is when Amboseli National Park offers the greatest views of Mount Kilimanjaro. One of Kenya's most well-known parks is Amboseli National Park. Amboseli, which means "salty dust" in Maasai, is one of the best locations in Africa to see enormous herds of elephants up close. Here, nature enthusiasts can explore five distinct habitats, including the drained lake bed of Lake Amboseli, wetlands with springs, savannahs, and woods. Top birding locations in Kenya include Amboseli National Park because of the diversity of birds there. Birdwatching in Amboseli will be restricted to the safari vehicle, but there is an observation point inside the park where getting out of the car is permitted and birds are always visible. Amboseli National Park also has a large number of elephant herds, with a population of more than 1500 individuals.

Day 3: Amboseli to Taita hills (4 hours drive)

Leave towards Taita Hills after breakfast (Ngangao Forest). Southern Kenya's dry bush is home to a green island known as the Taita Hills. The hills are a very fascinating region for birds because they are somewhat isolated. The central highlands, the coastal woods, and the northern Tanzanian mountains all contribute to the diversity of the birds. The Taita Hills, which are located in eastern Tanzania and southeast Kenya and have an area of 1,000 square kilometers, are the northernmost part of the Eastern Arc, which is a term used to describe the ancient, crystalline mountains covered in forest. This region is influenced by the Indian Ocean climatic pattern and thus includes expected local climates. In Africa, the highlands are renowned for their profusion of indigenous plant and animal species.

Day 4: Taita hills (Ngangao Forest)

Southern Kenya's dry bush is an island of green thanks to the Taita hill forests. Due to its full ecological isolation and several million years of constant, moist climate, this little rocky outcrop is home to a treasure mine of rare biodiversity. Three bird species—the Taita Thrush, Taita Apalis, and Taita White Eye—as well as a number of other plants, reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates are unique to the Taita Hills.

Other Taita forest birds;

Lemon Dove, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Taita Falcon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Orange Ground Thrush, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Evergreen Forest Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Placid Greenbul, Moustached- Green Tinkerbird. Later in the afternoon drive to Tsavo East National Park.

Day 5: Tsavo East National Park

The Tsavo East National park, which is situated in the Taru semi-desert and is not too far from the bustling coastline area, is made up of marshy vegetation, rocky vegetation, and is mostly dominated by the dry open savannah vegetation, all of which are ideal habitats for various bird species. Because of the incredible topography of Tsavo East National Park, the birds have been dispersed such that, no matter where one is in the park, they can be seen in great numbers.

In addition to the magnificent golden-breasted, golden pipit and the Vulturine Guinea fowl, the Tsavo East National Park is also the southernmost stronghold for the Somali ostrich. Other bird species found there include the Somalia bee-eater, Taita falcon, Slender-tailed nightjar, Rufous chatter, Red-bellied parrot, Northern brownbul, Pamngani long claw, Martial eagle, Lesser ketrel Acrocephalus, Griselda's, Camerodius albus, Anhinga, and other extremely uncommon bird species are found in Tsavo East National Park, along with other migratory bird species. These birds arrive during the breeding season in the months of March through May. Acrocephalus, Griselda's, Camerodius albus, Anhinga, and other extremely rare bird species can be found in Tsavo East National Park. Migratory bird species can also be found there. These birds arrive during the breeding season in the months of March and May as well as November. Coastal birds also visit the park during this time of year, making Tsavo East National Park an excellent place to go bird watching. The park attracts lots of tourists who come to take part in the park's bird watching safaris because other migratory birds from Europe arrive around the same time.

Mammal highlights in the vast Tsavo East National Park may include the maneless Lion, Cheetah, Common Zebra, the odd-looking Gerenuk, Grant’s Gazelle, tiny Kirk’s Dik Dik, and African Cape Buffalo, the specialized Lesser Kudu, massive East African Eland, Waterbuck, Impala, Warthog, and Giraffe. The Tsavo East complex is home to the largest population of African  Red elephants in Kenya and a population of the critically endangered Hirola.

Day 6: Tsavo East National Park – Arabuko Sokoke

After having breakfast, we will travel through Sala Gate to Arabuko Sokoke Forest. The road contains various fascinating bird species, so we will bird gently before leaving the park at around noon. The Red-winged Lark and Friedmann's Lark are significant bird species in Tsavo East (if it's moist enough). Golden Pipit, Red-naped Bushshrike, Vulturine Guineafowl, Quail Plover, Somali Ostrich, Ashy Cisticola, Shelly's Starling, Golden-breasted Starling, Tsavo Sunbird, Scaly Chatterer, Bare-eyed Thrush, Bronze-winged Courser, and Gambaga Flycatcher are some of the Somali bird species.

Day 7: Arabuko Sokoke Forest

On this day, we'll eat a leisurely breakfast before heading to the forest to go bird watching.

Afzelia lowland forest, deep Cynometra forest, and Brachystegia woodland make up the 420 square kilometer Arabuko Sokoke Reserve's coastal forest, which is home to some of East Africa's best birding. Finding the more reserved forest inhabitants can be challenging when birding, and patience is needed. Intriguing Little Yellow Flycatcher, Black-headed Apalis, Eastern Nicator, Bearded Scrub Robin, Red-tailed Rufous Thrush, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Pale and Forest Batis, Retz's and Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrikes, and the stunning Four-colored Bushshrike are some of the bird species to watch out for.
Many bird species like the perches of dry trees, thus it is well worth looking for raptors such the Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Green Tinkerbird, and White-eared and Green Barbet. Bohm's Spinetail and Ethiopian Swallow flocks can often be seen flying overhead, and another species to keep an eye out for is the rare Forbe's-Swift. Watson's The Fischer's Turaco, Mangrove Kingfisher, stunning Red-throated Twinspot, and elusive and skulking Scaly Babblers, which are always seen in tiny groups and feed by hopping across the ground, may all be seen along the border of the forest.

Day 8: Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Spend your mornings in the forest searching for elusive birds like the Sokoke Pipit, a nearly endemic species that creeps across the forest floor and is difficult to spot among the leaf litter. Other bird species include the unique and little-known Kilifi Weaver, which is completely isolated to the East Coast of Kenya Forest, and the exceedingly localized Amani Sunbird. The exquisite East Coast Akalat is a shy undergrowth lurcher. Drive to Cynometra forest and the thickets in the afternoon with the assistance of a local guide to look for the little Sokoke Scops Owl in its roosting trees. Among the mammals we expect to see in the Arabuko Sokoke forest are the Blue Monkey, the little Blue Duiker, the Golden-rumped Elephant-Shrew, Caracal, and African Civet. On our journey back in the evening, we might encounter the African Wood Owl grazing on the road.

Day 9: Mida Creek/Arabuko Swamp

Wide, healthy beds of seagrass and coral line Mida Creek; these habitats are home to numerous fish species and feeding sea turtles, while smaller streams and inlets in the mangroves offer a haven for crabs and wildlife. Because to the massive assembly of waders, Mida Creek is a must-visit if you are taking the Kenya Coastal Birding trip. Several migrating birds halt in Mida, which is also an important protected area for their survival. As a result, it ranks among the most significant and stunning natural landmarks on the Kenyan coast. On Mida Creek, approximately 6,000 waders have been counted, including seven species that are vulnerable on a regional level. Mangroves near the creek's bank serve as crucial roosting areas for birds. Internationally significant populations of Crab-plovers, Lesser and Greater Sandplovers can be found near Mida Creek. Lesser Crested, Roseate Terns, and Dimorphic Egrets all frequently feed along the creek. Sanderling, Curlew Sandpiper, Little Stint, Whimbrel, Grey Plover, and Larger and Lesser Sandplovers are frequent migrating shorebirds in this area.Drive to the marsh in the afternoon to look for the Northern Carmine Bee-eater, Hooded Vulture, Malindi Pipit, and Golden Pipit.

Day 10: Sabaki River Estuary/Lake Jilore

We will travel to the Sabaki Estuary River Mouth this morning, a great location for bird watching, where we will search for a variety of waders, including Sooty, Lesser Black-backed, and Grey-headed Gulls, Greater Crested, Lesser Crested, Sandwich, Roseate, and Saunders' Terns, Eurasian Curlew, Whimbrel, Terek Sandpiper, and Ruddy Turnstone. Golden Palm Weaver, Zanzibar Red, and sporadically Fire-fronted Bishops may stand out in the surrounding reedbeds like blooms, while the adjoining grazed grasslands are home to the range-restricted Malindi Pipit. Additional species, such as the little-known Violet-breasted Sunbird, Eastern Black-headed Batis, and Scaly Babbler, sometimes appear in the neighboring Sabaki forests and scrub. Drive to Lake Jilore in the afternoon for a spectacular birding location. Lake Jilore is a seasonal freshwater pool located north of the Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Its surroundings include open woods and wilderness that are home to a variety of intriguing species. Birding will be done on foot.

Day 11: Arabuko Sokoke – Tana River Primate Research

Drive to Tana River Primate Research in the morning as we enjoy birds along the way.
Wenje, Kipende, and Kimbu are lowland evergreen forests that are part of the Tana River Primate Reserve. The vestiges of a large tropical forest that stretched from Africa's east coast can be found near the lower Tana River.

Day 12: Tana River Primate Research

The Tana Forest and the Kakamega forest in Kenya share a comparable level of biodiversity and endemism, making both places crucial sites for the conservation of the endemic and rare species that call these places home. The Northern boundary of the Eastern Arc Mountains and Coastal Forests biodiversity hotspot is provided by the Lower Tana Forest and the Tana delta, which together form a distinctive ecosystem.

Tana Forests are home to at least two of the 30 Kenyan bird species found in the East African Coast biome, as well as two to three of the species found in the East African Coastal Forests Endemic Bird Region. Tana River Red Colobus, a specialized feeder with a stomach that can only digest leaves, and Tana River Crested Mangabey, a ground feeder, are indigenous to the forest areas that line the lower Tana River's floodplain.

Day 13: Tana – Shimba hills

Early departure for Shimba Hills Reserve; if time permits, we'll make a few stops along the road. Tana Woods are riparian woodlands along the lower Tana River's meandering path, around 240 kilometers north of Mombasa and 350 kilometers east of Nairobi. With a special weather pattern, the Tana River Primate is the ideal environment for around 200 different species of birds.

Day 14: Shimba Hills

Spend the entire day birdwatching in the park; in Shimba Hills Reserve, you are permitted to walk, but only if you stay close to your car.

On the coast of Kenya, Shimba Hills National Reserve is a favorite birding location. Shimba Hills is home to a number of coastal endemic birds that are unique to the region, including the Green-headed Oriole, African Pitta, Mangrove Kingfisher, Forbes-Swift, Watson's and Spotted Ground Thrush. Localized bird species found in the grasslands include Zanzibar Red Bishop, Croaking Cisticola, and Red-necked Spurfowl. Relevant bird species include the Fishers Turaco, the Sokoke Pipit, the East-coast Akalat, and the Southern Banded Snake Eagle. The migrating birds arrive between the months of October and April and add to the already diverse range of species. Be advised that the wettest months are November and April in terms of the climate.

Day 15: Shimba hills to Mombasa

On this day, as we make our way to Mombasa International Airport for your flight home, we'll take it leisurely through the reserve in quest of the species we missed.

Wildlife Viewing

In Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East National Park, and Shimba Hills Reserve, there will be excellent opportunities for spotting mammals on the 15 Days Kenya Coastal Birding tour. Mount Kilimanjaro, which is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) tall and is the tallest free-standing peak in both Africa and the world, can be seen clearly and magnificently from Amboseli National Park.

Accommodation

We will stay in good to exceptional lodges for the duration of the 15-day Kenya Coastal trip, and every one of them will have a private bathroom and continuous hot water. Most places have constant access to power. Numerous lodges have solar and generator electricity, which they will occasionally shut off throughout the night, but they also have backup lighting systems. The lodges, camps, or hotels we choose will depend on their suitability at the time of booking; however, the months of June, July, and August are notoriously busy because of the famed Wildebeest migration between the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and Serengeti National Park.

Meals

Over the 15 days of Kenya's coastline birding tour, meals are frequently abundant. Depending on where you are, breakfast options include tea, coffee, juice, fruits, pancakes, your preferred egg, and other items. Depending on the schedule for the day, lunch is either eaten at a hotel or somewhere in the bush. Evening meals consist of a complete dinner served at the lodging. There are always vegetarian and other diet options.

Weather

Although it can occasionally be cool, especially at altitude and in the early mornings, most days will be warm to hot in the birding locations. It's likely that you'll encounter "dry heat," but rain is still a possibility. The majority of the birding hotspots chosen for this 15-day coastal birding tour in Kenya are close to the water, so given the time of year we are traveling, they should be home to a variety of wildlife. The climate lies in a transitional zone between the semi-arid hinterland and the humid coastal biome.

Birding

With the exception of Amboseli and Tsavo East National Parks, the majority of the 15-day Kenya Coastal Birdwatching Tour will be covered on foot, however there are a few places that have been specifically allocated for walking. The coast has consistently hot and humid weather, although early in the morning and late in the day are good times to go birding.

Photographing birds

You will adore this vacation if you are a photographer! Kenya is the place in Africa where birds are the friendliest, and where seeing mammals is the easiest. There are plenty of opportunities for the casual photographer to lose themselves in and enjoy capturing birds, animals, and other subjects of nature because we are visiting numerous birding sites where birds are common and approachable. Early morning beginnings are necessary, and in certain places, long drives will be encountered.

Clothing

Clothing suggestions for the 15 Days in Kenya Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing that can be readily rinsed off and quickly dries is best for field trips to see coastal birds. You can avoid sunburn, stinging plants, and insects by wearing long sleeves and long pants. In some cases, shorts are appropriate; in general, long pants with detachable legs are quite practical and well-liked. During chilly mornings and evenings, a sweater or fleece jacket is helpful. You might think about packing rain gear, such as a small umbrella. As we'll be on our feet for a significant portion of the day, sturdy-soled footwear, such as hiking boots, is a need. The entire ensemble is casual.

Regular laundry service will be provided throughout the tour at an additional fee, which should assist you in choosing what to carry. You won't need to bring as much clothing if you use a laundry service.

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