Kenya - Birding the Rift Valley

This is a very exciting and also very comfortable holiday, featuring unforgettable wildlife and excellent supporting services. With an experienced Guide from the UK supported by top quality local guides, a carefully researched and planned itinerary, substantial, comfortable vehicles where everyone has a window seat, and excellent hotels and food throughout, we think this is the ideal Kenyan safari adventure both for birders and those with a general interest in African wildlife.

Kenya has the second highest bird list for any African country with over 1000 species (around one tenth of the world’s birds) and you stand every chance of seeing well over 300 on this exciting holiday (in 2019 we topped 360!). Our focus is primarily on birding, with a secondary focus on big game, spending our time in the Rift Valley, and visiting key sites including Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivaisha, Lake Baringo and the famous Nairobi National Park. Big game are almost incidental, and we should see many key mammals including Giraffe (both Maasai and Rothschild's), Zebra, Hippo, Nile Crocodile, Warthog, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino and perhaps Black Rhino. This holiday does not by any means cover all the wildlife of Kenya, but offers a big selection in a relatively short visit, and is designed to give a memorable experience full of wildlife and wild places in a wonderful country. Habitats and birds change quickly over short distances, and with the help of extremely knowledgeable local guides, you will see a great deal in dramatic landscapes. The opportunity to extend your stay and visit the incredible Masai Mara at the end of the tour is well worth considering, this is a wonderful experience where you might see Lion, Leopard, Cheetah, Elephant and much more, including a good number of additional birds, perhaps taking your total tour list to around 400. See 'Itinerary' for full details.

A unique aspect of wildlife watching in Kenya is our proximity to most animals and birds. Many are remarkably approachable and due to the open nature of most habitats, you can expect to see them at very close quarters. At night the thought that you are tucked up safe in your room during the small hours while Giraffe, Hippo and Zebra roam the grounds outside is a great experience! In general, photographic opportunities are superb, with the exciting advantage of often enjoying exceptional light, and you will often face the difficult choice of 'binoculars or camera'! This is an easy-paced holiday with very little walking, in a magical place which casts a spell over many visitors.

Kevin Shaw says ...

'I visited Kenya in February 2018, partly to renew my acquaintance with the wonderful wildlife, but also to work out the detail for this holiday, visiting most of the places and hotels in person. Birding with Washington was really enjoyable, and without trying too hard we racked up a list of well over 200 birds in just four days, and I also saw around 30 species of mammal and reptile including Rock Hyrax, a personal favourite! I was particularly impressed with the constant flow of birds; it was easy to find new species virtually everywhere we went, though many specialities certainly needed local knowledge. The hotels, food and service were all very good, and I was pleased that new tarmac roads had been built in key places since my last visit over a decade earlier. Kenya is more than ready for birding visitors, and with our experienced Leader supported by the superb service of Washington and his team, I'm sure Heatherlea clients will love this holiday.' 

Enjoy your complimentary pre-flight overnight hotel before your holiday begins. Full details from our office! Read more about our Pre-flight Service here!

DAY 1  Sun 1 Feb 2026:    LONDON - NAIROBI
After relaxing in our complimentary VIP Airport Lounge, we fly from London to Nairobi, arriving the following morning.

DAY 2   Mon 2 Feb:      NAIROBI
Early morning arrival in Nairobi, and we are met by our local guide and transfer directly to the nearby Nairobi National Park, where we take a boxed breakfast at the gate. This small but excellent National Park, Kenya’s oldest, is just 7 kilometres from Nairobi city centre, and extends right into the city itself. Among many possibilities we may see Ostrich, Secretary Bird, African Water Rail, Spotted Thick-knee, Black-winged Plover, African Finfoot, Pangani Longclaw, Jackson’s Widowbird, Kori Bustard, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Saddle-billed Stork, African Yellow White-eye, Common Nightingale, Ruppell’s Robin-chat, Northern Pied Babbler, White-tailed Lark, Rufous-naped Lark, Somali Short-toed Lark, Red-throated Tit, Speke’s Weaver, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Martial Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, African Quail-finch, Zebra Waxbill, Harlequin Quail, Lappet-faced Vulture, Violet Wood-hoopoe, Nairobi Pipit, Grassland Pipit, Siffling Cisticola, Croaking Cisticola and Desert Cisticola. A list of between 70 and 100 species is very possible by lunchtime! The park also hosts good numbers of big game, and we should see many Common Zebra, Cape Buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, Warthog, and several species of antelope including Impala, Waterbuck, Hartebeest and Wildebeest. Lions and Black Rhino are present here, albeit in small numbers. Watching Giraffe and Ostrich with tower blocks in the distance behind is a wonderful if slightly surreal experience, and the wealth of birding and big game make this an important place to visit.

After our picnic lunch taken inside the Park, we drive to our hotel (close at hand), and relax for the remainder of the afternoon after a long day. Dinner and birdlist are our priorities in the evening! Overnight Boma Hotel.
 

DAY 3   Tues 3 Feb:     NAIROBI & GATAMAIYU FOREST TO NAIVASHA
We drive away from Kenya's busy capital, stopping en-route at a good birding site, Manguo Swamp. This roadside location is at elevation, so already the birdlife is changing, and new species will be found almost immediately. The wetlands hold herons, ducks and waders, there may be pipits and wagtails at the edges, and in the surrounding bushes sunbirds, weavers, greenbuls and many more will keep our birdlist moving. A little further along the road, we divert through tea plantations (Kenya Tea is highly recommended!), driving to our primary birding destination of the day, Gatamaiyu Forest. This is a pristine highland wet forest that forms the eastern edge of the great 'Aberdare Ranges' Forest. An idyllic birding location, which we will probably have to ourselves, we can wander around birding as we go. A huge variety of birds inhabit the mature trees and bushes, and with sunbirds visiting the blooms and raptors, shrikes and many more passing through or overhead, this is a wonderful birding place! Possible species include Hartlaub’s Turaco, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abbott's Starling, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Brown-chested Alethe, African Hill Babbler, Hunter’s Cisticola, Green-headed Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-browed Crombec, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, African Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard and Olive Ibis. Monkeys and squirrels may also be seen. We spend the late morning birding here in the forest, and have a picnic lunch followed by more birding before we head to Lake Naivasha. Travelling 100km (2hrs).

At Naivasha we stay in a very good quality hotel, with private views in the direction of the Lake. Giraffe, Zebra, Hippo and antelope including Waterbuck, Thompson's Gazelle and perhaps Cape Buffalo are often visible from your room. We make the most of this idyllic location by staying at Lake Naivasha Sopa Lodge for three nights.

DAY 4   Wed 4 Feb:       LAKE NAIVASHA
Local birding today, as we seek more savannah and bushland birds. Lake Navasha is a wonderful freshwater lake alive with birds and Hippos. The wetland and scrub woodland surrounding the lake is excellent for passerines and we also visit the lake edge where many shorebirds can be seen. We take one and possibly two boat rides to see many waterbirds we will have not seen elsewhere. Expected species include Mosque Swallow, Lyne’s Cisticola, Chestnut Sparrow, Abyssinian Wheatear, Nyanza Swift, Mottled Swift, White-fronted Bee-eater, Mocking Cliff Chat, Bearded Woodpecker, Plain-backed Pipit, Giant Kingfisher, Grey-backed Fiscal, Grey-crested Helmet-Shrike, Brimstone Canary, Cape Teal, Pied Avocet, Black Heron, Goliath Heron, Lesser Flamingo, Maccoa Duck, Great White Pelican, Common Greenshank, Ruff, Green Sandpiper, Black-tailed Godwit, Hilderbrandt’s Francolin, Arrow-marked Babbler, Black-lored Babbler, African Fish Eagle, Verreaux’s Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Osprey, Hybrid Lovebird, Red-throated Wryneck, Golden-breasted Bunting, Buff-bellied Warbler, Grey Crowned Crane, Black Cuckoo and African Hoopoe. Mammals including Cape Buffalo, Maasai Giraffe, Common Zebra, Nile Hippo and White-bearded Wildebeest are common here.

We find time one day to visit Elsamere Conservation Centre and Lodge for lunch and birding. This beautiful private place is the former home of Joy and George Adamson, famous for their work in Kenya with lions, and authors of the popular 'Born Free' books and films. Now converted to a hotel and conservation centre, Elsamere is set beautifully against the Lake in private grounds, with top quality birding in the grounds, and excellent accommodation and food in a setting which immediately conjures a convincing picture of 'old Africa'. On arrival we may be greeted by beautiful Black -and-white Colobus Monkeys, and in the evening, Maasai Giraffe, Hippo and Zebra often wander into the grounds to graze.

DAY 5     Thurs 5 Feb:       KINANGOP GRASSLANDS and ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK
We leave early for a day trip visit to this highland region, where much of the day will be spent in Aberdare National Park. This Park runs the expanse of a majestic mountain range on the eastern edge of the Rift Valley. and has a great stretch of alpine moorland vegetation, mainly above 3000m. This great landscape has led to the park’s nickname, “The Majestic Moorland”. There is a thick tropical forest, with deep ravines and dissecting riverine gorges. At certain areas, these rivers form majestic waterfalls, a wonderful sight. Home to many of Kenya’s endemic birds, this area promises to be very rewarding. Expected species include Aberdare Cisticola (endemic), Mountain Yellow Warbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Brown Woodland Warbler, Abbott's Starling, Scarlet-tufted Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Moorland Chat, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Red-fronted Parrot, Yellow-crowned Canary, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, African Olive Pigeon, Jackson’s Francolin, Mountain Buzzard and Olive Ibis. Many other animals occupy this beautiful place and mammals including African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, Mountain Bongo, and Giant Forest Hog can be found.

Later in the afternoon, we drive through the Kinangop plateau to find more special birds among the grasslands and wetlands. Expected species here include Black-winged Plover, Red-throated Wryneck, Common Quail, Hunter’s Cisticola, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Long-tailed Widowbird, Jackson’s Widowbird, Angola Swallow, Montane Nightjar, Sharpe’s Longclaw (endemic), Mountain Buzzard, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Red-throated Pipit, Black-tailed Godwit, African Snipe and Lesser Jacana.

DAY 6      Fri 6 Feb:       LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
After a final walk around the grounds and breakfast, we head north to Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru is one of Africa’s famous Rift Valley soda lakes, at times holding up to a million Greater Flamingo, a sight which has been described as "the most fabulous bird spectacle in the world". In modern times there are fewer flamingos here than previously due to rising water levels, though we should still see them in reasonable numbers. The Lake has many attractions, not least White Rhino, Cape Buffalo, and other mammals including herds of grazing Common Zebra and endangered Rothschild’s Giraffe. Hippos, Reedbuck, Waterbuck, Black Rhino, Rothschild's Giraffe, Lion, Leopard, Spotted Hyena and Bushbuck are present too. Between the lake and the cliffs in the west, large pythons inhabit the dense woodland, and can sometimes be seen crossing the roads or dangling from trees.

Despite its flamingo-focused reputation, there are many other avian attractions including pelicans, ducks, ibises, storks and a good range of waders on the shore. The area is full of large raptors, including dozens of Tawny and Steppe Eagles, and more than 400 bird species have been seen. The lake is surrounded by woodland, which holds many birds and animals not seen elsewhere on our trip. It is particularly good for bee-eaters and rollers, with new species of each likely. Other birds include Woolly-necked Stork, Arrow-marked Babbler, Little Rock-Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat, White-browed Robin-Chat, Reed Cormorant, Pink-backed Pelican, Pied Avocet, Kittlitz's Plover, Blacksmith Plover, Coqui Francolin, Hildebrandt's Francolin, Black Cuckoo, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, African Cuckoo, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Cape Teal, Brimstone Canary, Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Teal, Dusky and Montane Nightjar. Palearctic water migrants are abundant, including Kittlitz's Plover, Little Stint, Common Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Greenshank and Wood Sandpiper. We make a couple of drives in this wonderful place, one to see White Rhino, another to a beautiful and breathtaking viewpoint, where we might find strange Rock Hyrax and Olive Baboon, while enjoying fascinating birding virtually non-stop. One night at Nakuru- Sopa Lodge

DAY 7    Sat 7 Feb:   LAKE NAKURU - LAKE BARINGO
After breakfast we drive north, crossing the Equator to reach a special place, Lake Baringo, birding on the way and arriving for lunch. Baringo is a beautiful freshwater lake in the northern Rift Valley region, in the middle of beautiful scrubland, and supporting a great ecosystem. This area hosts some of the most unique birds of Kenya. The owls here are very special, and this is one of the few places in Kenya where you can find up to six owl species within a five km square. The area also hosts some great dryland nightjar species and we shall keep an eye open for these, with our main target being Slender-tailed Nightjar. We shall bird several hotspots here on foot, using our vehicle to move from one to the next. We also scan local bushes, lakeshores and cliffs for new birds.

During our stay, we search for specialities including both Spotted and Greyish Eagle-Owl, Northern White-faced Scops Owl, Shikra, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Verreaux’s Eagle, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Donaldson-Smith’s Nightjar, Heuglin’s Courser, Blue-capped Cordon-bleu, D’Arnaud’s Barbet, Black-throated Barbet, Brubru, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Somali Fiscal, Three-streaked Tchagra, Spotted Thick-knee, Senegal Thick-knee, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Nubian Woodpecker, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Little Weaver, Jackson’s Golden-backed Weaver, Northern Masked Weaver, White-billed Buffalo-Weaver, White-bellied Canary, Beautiful Sunbird, Black-headed Plover, Jackson’s Hornbill, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Northern Red Bishop, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Somali Sparrow and Bristle-crowned Starling, among many others. We relax at the Lodge until late-afternoon, and then resume birding around the local area, targeting nightjars and owls using the expert knowledge of our local guides. Two nights at Baringo Soi Lodge for two nights.

DAY 8     Sun 8 Feb:   LAKE BARINGO
We take a boat ride at daybreak, with the possibility of many iconic African birds including African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron and Giant Kingfisher. After breakfast we enjoy birding around the woodlands and lake until lunch, returning to hotel for lunch and the chance to relax, followed by another walk for owls and nightjars, perhaps to find species missed the previous day. 

DAY 9     Mon 9 Feb: TO NAIROBI VIA LAKE ELMENTEITA
Those choosing to join our Masai Mara Extension will say their goodbyes to the group after breakfast and depart for their continuing adventure!

The rest of the group return south along the Rift Valley a distance of around 160kms (about three hours direct travel) to Nairobi with birding on the way and lunch at Lake Elmenteita, where we should add more to our burgeoning birdlist. We arrive back to the comfortable Boma Hotel for one more night. 

DAY 10    Tues 10 Feb:  NAIROBI - LONDON
We take breakfast at our hotel, and then an airport transfer for the flight home.
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MASAI MARA OPTIONAL 4 NIGHT EXTENSION 

Price: £1995pp single supplement £245

Add this wonderful experience to your holiday! The world famous Masai Mara conservation area holds iconic larger predators Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, herds of herbivores including impressive numbers of Common Zebra and Giraffe, and African Elephant in good numbers.

It makes good sense to add this extension given you are already in Kenya, and most of your travel costs are already invested. 

DAY 9:  Mon 9 Feb TO MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE

We enjoy an early breakfast at our hotel, and then depart for the Masai Mara. Travel today will be around 240 km, and the transfer takes around 5.5 hrs, and though travel is much improved in recent years, the road is still unmade in long sections. We will make regular comfort stops for washrooms and wildlife sightings and there will be a stop-over at the Great Rift Valley View Point, where our guide will take a few minutes to help you learn about this spectacle.  We arrive at the Masai Mara Sentrim Lodge in time for lunch, which will be our base for the next three nights.  After a lour long drive we spend a few hours relaxing around the camp before enjoying an afternoon game drive until sunset; as we seek big game, antelopes and much more.

DAY 10 AND 11:  Tues 10 Feb & Wed 11 Feb MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
Famously described as the top reserve in Kenya, the Masai Mara is simply breath taking. The open plains roll in all directions, and the abundance of wildlife is unparalleled. This area has much to offer, including African Lion, Leopard and Cheetah, and these top predators will be among our main targets. We may be lucky enough to see Lions mating, Cheetahs make a kill, and/or Leopard with prey lofted into a tree!

We should see African Elephant in good numbers, herds of grazing herbivores include Wildebeest, Cape Buffalo, Impala, Topi, Eland, Thompson's Gazelle and impressive numbers of Common Zebra and Masai Giraffe, there are Black-backed Jackal and Hyena on the plains, Hippo and Nile Crocodile in the river pools, and Black Rhino are present in small numbers. More than 450 bird species have been recorded, with almost 60 raptors including vultures, eagles, snake-eagles, harriers, accipiters and Augur Buzzard. Marabou Stork, Secretary Bird, Southern Ground Hornbill, Grey Crowned Crane, Ostrich, and many passerines including rollers, barbets, shrikes, sunbirds, hirundines, starlings, larks, finches and weavers, add up to a wealth of birdlife.

Game drives will likely be packed with excitement as we take transects across the vast savannah, keeping in close contact with the ground network of driver/guides who report outstanding sightings minute-by-minute.

One day we have a long time in the field and take a packed lunch to the Mara River, where Hippo and Nile Crocodile can be expected, another day we take a leisurely lunch break at the hotel between early and late-afternoon game drives.

DAY 12: Thurs 12 Feb MASAI MARA TO NAIROBI
Today we enjoy a farewell early morning game drive before breakfast, then departing for Nairobi. We make stops for wildlife, washrooms and lunch, arriving back at our comfortable Nairobi hotel in late afternoon, where we have dinner and stay overnight once more.   Overnight Boma Hotel.

DAY 13: Fri 13 Feb NAIROBI - LONDON
We take breakfast at our hotel, and then an airport transfer for our flight home to the UK.

What's included in your holiday price:

• return scheduled flight from London – Nairobi, airport taxes, baggage up to 20kg, hand luggage to 5kg, in-flight meal, airport transfers.
• ground transportation, accommodation and meals including breakfast and lunch, evening meal and water during the day.
• services of your Heatherlea leader and professional local guide,
• boat rides, park entrance fees and walk fees.
• The Heatherlea Pre-Flight Service offers everything you need at the airport, including hotels, car parking, airport lounges, regional flights and upgrades. Let Heatherlea take the strain! Pre-flight airport hotel and lounge included subject to terms and conditions. Read More...

Free Field Guide! - 'The Birds of East Africa' by Terry Stevenson is included in your holiday price. One copy per room booked.

What's not included in your holiday price:

• travel to and from the airport before and after the holiday, baggage above 20kg, incidental tips, drinks with meals, expenses of a personal nature and personal insurance.

More Information

Accommodation is in excellent and friendy hotels and lodges, often located in areas with expansive views. Rooms are comfortable, clean and attractive with en-suite bathrooms. The hotel in Nairobi has been selected for its easy access to both the Airport and Nairobi National Park, other hotels have been chosen for their location, accommodation and food, which are universally very good, and often exceptional.

Food is usually plentiful. Breakfasts offer a good choice, with tea, coffee, juice, fruits, pancakes, eggs of your choice and other things depending on location. Lunches are taken at hotels or somewhere in the bush depending on the day’s plan. Evening meals are at the accommodation with a full dinner. Vegetarian and other diets are always available.

Walking is easy throughout, but restricted in the national parks and game reserves.  This is no hindrance, as we will be safe and able to get up very close to many animals and birds. It is also important for safety reasons to stay close to if not inside the vehicle – remember we are not top of the food chain here!

Travel is by comfortable Landcruiser-type vehicles, with open-top roofs. These are the best vehicles for this environment, smaller minivans are no more than adequate, and though you will see many of these, the larger vehicles are much better in our opinion. All clients have a window seat, max six clients per nine-seater vehicle. Tarmac roads make travelling much easier these days, though there are some 'marram' roads, which are both rough and dusty. Sometimes the wildlife we want to see is at the end of a dusty road! Roads around National Parks are likewise unmade, though we travel slowly here to maximise our chances of birding and game.

Weather will be warm to hot most days although it can sometimes be cool, especially at altitude and in the early mornings. You will probably experience 'dry heat', though rain is certainly possible. Most sites selected for this holiday are close to water and so should hold plenty of wildlife at the time of year we are visiting.

Insects There are few biting insects at this time of year, but precautions are advised. Before travelling consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on arrival take adequate precautions against mosquito bites although you may not encounter mosquitos.

Clothing We recommend a mixture of light and warm clothing as temperatures will vary from place to place. Gloves and hat are advised especially when at altitude. Please bring waterproof clothing, it hopefully won't be needed but rain is possible at any time, even in the dry season.

YOUR LEADERS

Washington Wachira
Washington has a taste for everything in nature, from the small to the big and everything in between. He is an experienced Safari Guide and was awarded the African Sustainable Tourism Fellowship Award in 2016. Washington is a member of the Kakamega Rainforest Tour Guides Association, and has led many birding trips and expeditions across the whole of East Africa. He is a passionate author, and has taken part in many bird related research and conservation projects.  He is also an experienced nature photographer and his photos have been featured in many international books and magazines.

Wilson Tiren
Wilson was born in Kenya, and is one of the leading authorities on bird identification and distribution in the Baringo region. Wilson enjoys birding just as he enjoys leading birding tours, and brings vast experience in bird spotting and identification. He has taken part in expeditions to many other parts of Kenya, and his interests span to other aspects of flora and fauna. Wilson is a passionate nature photographer and his passion and jovial mood in the field has made him a clients’ favourite.

      

Washington and Wilson