This program is best suited for those who have an ornithological appetite. The itinerary will take you the places that are rich in avian species of all kinds from the wading birds of Lakes Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru and Victoria, the bush birds of Lake Baringo and Lake Nakuru, to the forest birds of Kakamega forest. Each destination has a distinctive bird population with several endemic species.
Day 1: Depart after breakfast and head North West to Lake Baringo. On the way we make numerous stops to admire the Great Rift Valley and its varied landscapes. We arrive at Lake Baringo Country club in time for lunch. Afternoon boat ride on Lake Baringo to see the abundant birdlife as well as crocodiles and hippopotamuses.
Lake Baringo is one of the two fresh water lakes of the Gregorian Rift valley. Situated in the semi arid part of the country, this vast fresh water lake exudes the impression of calm and serenity surrounded by high mountains from afar. This serenity is sometimes broken by the bellowing of the hippos and chirping of the birds. With over four hundred species of birdlife, this lake is truly birds’ paradise for those with an ornithological appetite. This lake has several islands which are inhabited by the Njemps herdsmen cum fishermen. The Njemps are one of the three Maa speakers others being the Samburu and Maasai.
Dinner and overnight at Camp on the shores of the lake.
Day 2: Optional visit to Njemps village for cultural insights of these Maa speakers who eke their livelihood from fishing a departure from other Nilo-Hamites who are pastoralists. Later we depart with picnic lunch for a full day visit to Lake Bogoria National Reserve. Lake Bogoria is a shallow alkaline lake on the floor of the rift valley and is a natural abode of thousands of flamingoes. With its steaming hot springs and geysers and a variety of bird and animal species, Lake Bogoria National Reserve is a truly one of the most beautiful reserves to explore on foot. It is this park that one has the chance to see the rare Greater Kudu. On arrival we either walk or drive along the lake shores stopping to admire flamingoes, geysers and hot springs. Optional visit to the local Tugen village to get insights in the culture of this Nilotic ethnic group.
Dinner and overnight at Camp at the shores of the lake.
Day 3: Depart early after breakfast and head to Kakamega National Reserve. We pass through the scenic route on the edge of the Kerio Valley making several stops at vantage points to enjoy the magnificent views. We stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Eldoret town and later proceed to Kakamega. Kakamega National Reserve is the only true be found equatorial forest in Kenya. It forms part of the rain forest that once covered the African Continent from east to west. It is one of the unique sites reputed for its ornithological richness. This park is home to a variety of animal species including several species of primates and many indigenous plant species. The flora and fauna found here are unique to this reserve and are not found any where else in Kenya. On arrival we check in at Rondo Retreat for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Full day walk in the Kakamega Forest Reserve accompanied by our local guide we explore the depths of the rich rain forest and learn more about the ecology of this eco-system. Here we have high chances of seeing a large variety of bird species endemic to this region as well a diverse plant life. There is also a big chance to see various species of monkeys and butterflies.
Dinner and overnight at Rondo Retreat Centre
Day 5: Depart early for Kisumu City on the shores of Lake Victoria, the second largest lake in the World. On arrival we do a boat ride on Lake Victoria to see some of the wading birds hippos and interact with the local fishermen in their day to day activities. In the afternoon optional visit to Kisumu museum. Dinner and overnight at Milimani Resort.
Day 6: Depart early after breakfast and head for Lake Nakuru National Park. We make a brief stop at the agriculturally rich Kericho town for tour of the tea farms. We later head for Lake Nakuru National Park. This lake is famous for the Flamingoes and a host of other birds that inhabit the lake and the wooded shoreline. Game drive enroute to the camp with high chances of seeing zebra, buffalo, gazelle, impala, water buck, hyena, leopard among others. This park is a Rhino sanctuary and both the black and white Rhino are present here. Dinner and over night at Campsite in the park.
Day 7: Early morning game drive and return to the campsite for breakfast. After breakfast depart for Nairobi. Lunch at a restaurant in Nairobi and later drop off to JKIA for flight back home.