Plan your next birdwatching trip
using a local professional Birdingpal guide...
If you like guided tours, a professional Birdingpal guide can customize your tour, and you will see the birds you want.
You will enjoy the safety of travelling with a knowledgeable local, who knows where and how to get to the right habitat for all the wildlife.
You select the date for a trip to suit you, and you will not be just an other tourist: Your guide is also your travel companion, who will make sure you also experience the native people, scenery, culture, history and food, first hand.
You will enjoy the advantage of all the attention you get in a small group, for the same price or perhaps even less, than you will pay if you travel with the large tour groups from other countries.
Boosting the local economy by hiring a local guide through Birdingpaltours also promotes the importance of protecting birds and
their habitat in many countries around the world.
Remember, the next time you travel you do not have to miss the birdwatching, if your partner or travel companions are non birders; a local guide is flexible, and will easily accommodate other needs too.
Birdwatching in Kenya
Kenya has varied habitat with different vegetation that suit different types of birds numbering over 1000 species (11% in the whole world). From tropical rainforest, coastal forest, montane forest, the scrubs and grasslands to semi arid areas. It is
vital to note that Kenya is ranked second after Zaire as far as habitat diversity is concerned though four times bigger. With
the Rift Valley running through the country, there are numerous lakes both fresh and saline, these provide apt environment for bird foraging and breeding. Lake Nakuru, Elementaita and Bogoria are renowned for Greater and Lesser Flamingo; of course Lake Nakuru has the greatest number of Flamingos in the world present throughout the year. Significant number of waders like Herons, Egrets, Plovers, Storks etc. are common in Lake Baringo and Naivasha. The enchanting African Fish-Eagle feeding in Lake Baringo is of interest to photographers worldwide.
The grassy highlands plateau provide an haven for the endangered species like the Sharpe’s Longclaw just as it is for the
Papyrus Gonolek in Lake Victoria’s papyruses. Of ornithological interest is the fact that the habitat changes greatly within short distance thus presenting different species in a short duration. The presence of game in numerous parks and wild tend to
woo different bird species, for instance predators like Eagles and Vultures, scavengers and others which are commensally dependent on the game. Kenya also lies on bird migration route which happens between October and April for birds from the Northern hemisphere and others from the Southern hemisphere between April and October. Though migrants form 10% of Kenya’s
birds, it is vital for research, counting and ringing which is done at Ngulia in Tsavo area.
Birding popularity in Kenya has created birding tradition amongst the population all over the country, which gives visiting birders a better chance in locating endemic species in various areas, as no matter where, there is a helping hand from a Birdingpal.
3 day birdwatching tour to Kenya Weekend Special).
Itinerary
Day 1.
Driving from Nairobi to Lake Baringo, spending a night at a banda at Roberts campsite. We will drivee past magnificent Rift Valley view points, from the highlands to the lowlands of Baringo a famous birding hot spot.
Dinner and night at Roberts campsite. Day 2.
Early morning three hour boat ride to the mouth of Molod river feeding Lake Baringo. The marsh is home to various waders including the Saddle-billed Stork, herons, egrets, cormorants, swamp-hens, sandpipers. We will try to find African Fish-eagle feeding.
After breakfast, we embark for nocturnal birds till midday then lunch. We proceed for general birding in the west bay area for boubous, babblers, gonolek, lapwings, warblers and many other species.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and night at Roberts campsite.
Day 3.
Early Morning drive to the nearby basalt cliff,looking for Brown-tailed Rock-chat, Cliff Chat, Hemprich's Hornbill, Grey Hornbill, Jackson's Hornbill, Mottled Swift, African Rock-martin, Lanner Falcon, Common Kestrel, Jacobin Cuckoo, Fan-tailed
Raven and many more.
After breakfast we proceed to Kinangop plains in the vicinity of Lake Naivasha. If time allows we can bird Lake Naivasha before going to Nairobi enroute Limuru ponds.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
3 Days tour price is: 1 pax 790 Euros. 2 pax 500 Euros per person double room.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Included: All meals and accomedations as stated, ground transport, park fees and guiding fee. Excluded: Air fares, medical covers/insurance(vital) and drinks including drinking water.
6 day birdwatching tour to Kenya.
Expect up to 275 species of birds and numerous game for this trip.
Itinerary
Day 1.
Drive to Nakuru (Stem hotel) stopping by Limuru ponds briefly for waders like Whiskered Tern, Common Coots, ducks, teals, also herons and sandpipers.
Dinner and overnight at Stem hotel. Day 2.
After breakfast, game drive in Lake Nakuru Park, lunch at Lake Nakuru lodge (in the park). Brief bird watching in the compound after lunch and more game drive outwards as we depart for Naiberi campsite (kaptagat, Eldoret). This will present Little Rock Thrush, Red-capped Lark, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Lesser and Greater Flamingo, Broad-billed Roller.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Naiberi campsite.
Day 3.
Early morning walk around the compound, for greenbuls, warblers, sunbirds, Bush and Tree Pipit and more. After breakfast pass by Marula Swamp, Chebonet Dam, Kerio view point for Common Moorhen, Lesser Jacana, ducks etc. and finally Kerio Valley for Boran Cisticola.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Roberts camp, Lake Baringo.
Day 4.
Early morning 2-hour boat ride for shoreline birding and the islands for Senegal Thicknee plus Africa Fish Eagle feeding photography (if necessary), Saddle-billed Stork, Whistling Duck and more. After breakfast take a special walk for nocturnals. After lunch, rest/pool for 2 hours, afterwards an evening drive to West Bay for Black-headed Lapwing, Black-headed Gonolek, Lichtenstein Sandgrouse(rare) plus others. This can present up to 100 birds a day including nocturnal; owls, coursers,
nightjars, Purple Gallinule, various ducks and the Saddle-billed Stork.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Roberts camp, Lake Baringo.
Day 5.
Early morning walk along the cliffs for raptors, hornbills and chats. After breakfast depart to Lake Naivasha, stopping on the way for other specialties. Upon arrival in Naivasha depart to Kinangop plains for the endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw and perhaps Malachite Sunbird.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Naivasha.
Day 6.
Early morning walk in Naivasha (the compound and the lake shore). After breakfast depart for Kitengela past Nairobi, but
stopping at Rift Valley view point on the way. This is mainly for bustards in Kitengela plains, larks, sandgrouses and raptors are also present. Check in at Ngong Hills Hotel and depart for Carnivore's game meat bites and cultural dances.
Carnivore Restaurant meal charge not inclusive.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Nairobi hotel.
6 Days tour price is: 2 pax 580 Euros per person double room. 4 pax 390 Euros per person double room. 90 Euros single supplement.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Included: All meals and accomedations as stated, ground transport, park fees and guiding fee. Excluded: Air fares, medical covers/insurance(vital) and drinks including drinking water.
10 day birdwatching tour to Kenya.
Expect up to 450 species of birds and numerous game for this trip including the big five.
Itinerary
Day 1.
Arrive at Nairobi, night at Ngong Hills hotel. If arrival is early we may do day-trip birding to hotspots nearby.
Day 2.
Drive to Maasai Mara, check in at Keekorok Lodge, evening game drive for birds such as various species of larks, eagles, vultures, waders and numerous game seen at close quarters.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Keekorok Lodge.
Day 3.
Early morning all-day game drive in Maasai Mara Reserve.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Keekorok lodge.
Day 4.
Early morning game drives out of Mara towards Lake Victoria.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Kisumu Town.
Day 5.
Morning boat ride along Hippo Point Road. This will elicit the Northern Brown-throated Weavers, Red-chested Weavers, Eastern
Grey Plantain-eater, Water Dikkop, Carruthers Cisticola, African Skimmer and with luck Papyrus Gonolek. After lunch depart to Kakamega forest.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Rondo retreat.
Day 6.
Morning birding in the forest for greenbuls, alethes, turacos, forest weavers, Stulhman’s Starlings, warblers, widow birds. Beautiful butterflies and plants are plenty, various monkeys too.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Rondo retreat.
Day 7.
Morning birding and after-breakfast departure to Lake Baringo stopping various places along the road.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Roberts campsite.
Day 8.
3 hours motning boat ride, breakfast and nocturnals birding including Three-banded Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Spotted Stone Curlew. Grayish Eagle-owl, White-faced Scops-owl, Pearl-spotted Owlet, African Scops-owl and Giant Eagle-owl. After lunch we continue tothe West Bay area looking for Lichtenstein Sandgrouse, Black-headed Lapwing and Gonolek.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Roberts campsite.
Day 9.
Morning birding at the cliffs looking for Brown-tailed Chat, Cliff Chat and then departure to Naivasha past Lake Bogoria for flamingoes and the geysers.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Overnight at Crayfish camp.
Day 10.
Early morning compound and shore birding. After breakfast drive to Crater Lake looking for Southern Ground Hornbill and passing by Kinangop plains looking for Sharpe's Longclaw, Malachite Sunbird, White-winged and Long-tailed Widowbird. Evening arrival at Nairobi for outbound flight.
Breakfast and Lunch.
10 Days tour price is: 2 pax 1950 Euros per person double room. 4 pax 1430 Euros per person double room.
295 Euros single supplement.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Included: All meals and accomedations as stated, ground transport, park fees and guiding fee. Excluded: Air fares, medical covers/insurance(vital) and drinks including drinking water.
Day 2 - Nairobi-Naivasha.
After breakfast we depart for Naivasha arriving in time for lunch. We will have a stop over at the Limuru ponds (if wet). The pond may elicit Intermediate Egret, Maccoa Duck, White-faced Tree Duck, Fulvous Duck, Black Crake and Whiskered Tern. Afternoon birding in the tall acacia woodland on the beautiful hotel grounds. Expected on the sorroundings include Gabar Goshawk, Diederic and Black Cuckoos, Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, White-fronted Bee-eater, Lesser and Wahlberg's Honeyguide, Black-lored Babbler,
Amethyst Sunbird, Grey-headed Bush-shrike, Spectacled Weaver, Pink-backed Pelican, Goliath and Purple Herons, Southern Pochard, African Marsh-harrier, Purple Swamphen, Lesser Moorhen, Three-banded Plover and Lesser Swamp-warbler.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Lake Naivasha resort.
Day 3 - Naivasha-Kinangop.
After breakfast depart Naivasha with picnic lunch for Kinangop plateu area to locate the endangered Sharpe’s Longclaw. Other species found here include Northern Anteater Chat and sometimes Malachite Sunbird and Rofous-napped Lark. Later Proceed up to Aberdare National Park’s Mutombia gate [3400m ASL] for the highland species. The road to the gate will provide us with,
Malachite Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, both Eastern and Northern Double-coloured Sunbird, Jackson Francolin, Mountain Buzzard and Aberdare Cisticola.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Lake Naivasha Resort.
Day 4 - Naivasha- Lake Nakuru-Lake Baringo.
Breakfast at 6 am. Depart for Lake Nakuru National Park. Lake Nakuru has been described as the pink lake due to the high population of Lesser Flamingo making the lake appear pink from far. Greater Flamingos, White-winged Black Tern, Hildebrandt’s Francolin, Steppe Eagle, Grey-crowned Crane, Little Rock Thrush, Cliff Chat, Cinnamon-breasted Rock Bunting. Apart from the birds, Zebras, Warthogs, Grant and Thomson’s Gazelles, Buffalos, White Rhino, Rothschild Giraffe are common place. Though rare, Lions and Leopards can be seen on a good day. Lunch should be taken in Lake Nakuru lodge and afterwards more game drive for a better part of the after noon.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Roberts campsite.
Day 5 - Lake Baringo.
Morning boat ride along the shores for chances to see various herons: Squacco, Green-backed and Purple Heron, Hammerkop, African Jacana as well as Hippos and Crocs. African Fish Eagle feeding will be interesting. Afterwards come back for break fast and
later take a shorter walk, birds here will include: Heuglin’s Courser, Slender-tailed Nightjar, Greyish Eagle-owl, White-faced Scops Owl, Verreaux's Eagle-owl, Lichtenstein Sand Grouse, White-bellied Canary, Cliff Chat, Brown-tailed Rock Chat, Somali Golden-breasted Bunting, Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove, Common Kestrel, Giant Eagle-owl, Hemprich’s Hornbill, Jackson’s Hornbill, Little Bee-eater, White-throated Bee-eater, Madagascar Buffalo Weaver, Bristle-crowned Starling, Lanner Falcon, Pigmy Falcon, Gabar Goshawk, Shikra Falcon, Isabeline Wheatear, Pied Wheatear, Dark Chanting Goshhawk, Cardinal, Grey and Nubian Woodpeckers, Red-billed Oxpecker, Red and Yellow Barbet, D’arnauds Barbet, Rofous-crowned and Lilac-breasted Rollers. Later return at the
camp for lunch and perhaps plunge into the pool (it is warm here).
In the late After noon, we embark on a drive to the cliffs (escarpment) and westbay area for evening birding.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Roberts camp.
Day 6 - Lake Baringo and Kakamega Forest.
Depart for Kakamega Forest after breakfast, birding on the way.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Rondo Retreat.
Day 7 - Kakamega Forest.
Birding after breakfast if weather permits. Lunch break at Rondo and afterwards a short rest followed by birding till evening. Equatorial Akalat, African Broadbill, Chubb’s Cisticola, White-headed Saw-wing, Blue headed Bee-eater, Square-tailed Drongo, Common Wattle-eye, Luhder’s Bush-shrike, Bocage’s Bush-shrike, Stuhlman’s Starling and Double-toothed Barbet.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Rondo Retreat Resort
Day 8 - Kakamega-Kisumu.
After breakfast, take the Rondo retreat nature trail. Some of the Species to be located here may include, Ludherers Bush Shrike, White-chinned Prinia, Spotted Flufftail and on a lucky day the Forest Cobra.
After lunch Depart for Lake Victoria (Kisumu).
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Royal Hotel.
Day 9 - Kisumu-Nakuru.
At 8.00 am we will take a 3 hour boat ride from Hippo Point, along the shores looking for a chance to see Papyrus Gonolek, African Skimmer, Caruthers’s Cisticola. In the papyrus area we look for Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Red-chested Sunbird, Black-headed Gonolek, African Palm Swift. Later depart for Nakuru.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Kunste Hotel.
Day 10 - Nakuru-Castle Forest and the foot of Mount Kenya (Embu).
Depart Nakuru early in the morning. We will have a stop over at Thomson Falls looking for Mountain Oriole, Hunters Cisticola and Slender-billed Starling. Later Depart for Embu arriving at Castle Forest Lodge in the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Castle Lodge.
Day 11 - Castle Forest Lodge..
After break fast we explore the foot of Mount Kenya forest looking for Abbot's Starling, Brown Woodland Warbler, Tulberg's Barbet, Bar-tailed Trogon, White-starred Robin, Ayre's Hawk-Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Mountain Buzzard, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Bronze-naped Pigeon, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Bar-tailed Trogon, Fine-banded
Woodpecker, Mountain Wagtail, Mountain Greenbul, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Black-throated Apalis, Black-headed Apalis, African Hill Babbler, Hunter's Cisticola, Purple-throated Cuckoo-shrike, Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Montane Oriole, Kenrick's Starling, Waller's Starling, Olive Sunbird, Brown-capped Weaver, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, Thick-billed Seed-eater and Grey-headed Negro-finch.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Castle Forest Lodge
Day 12 - Castle Lodge - Nairobi and Athi.
Early in the morning drive to Athi River (Nairobi), perhaps try game meat for lunch at carnivore restaurant in Nairobi and continuing on to the Kitengela Resort. After lunch drive down the Mombasa road to the bridge and walk into the scrub bushes looking for Social Weavers, Vultures and Pangani Longclaw.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Kitengela Resort..
Day 13 - Kitengela Resort - Tsavo.
Drive to Tsavo East NP check in at Voi Safari Lodge. We will bird around the lodge and the outskirts looking for Golden-breasted Starling, White-headed Mousebird, Scaly Chatterer, Rufous Bush Chat, Spotted Eagle-owl, Klaas's Cuckoo, Pink-breasted Lark, Tiny Cisticola, Long-billed Crombec, Long-tailed Fiscal, Walberg’s Eagle and Fisher’s Starling.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Voi Safari Lodge.
Day 14 - Tsavo.
Full day birding and game viewing at Tsavo National Park.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Voi Safari Lodge.
Day 15 - Tsavo-Watamu.
Depart Tsavo for Watamu passing through Mombasa City and arriving in Watamu in the evening.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Turtle Bay.
Day 16 - Arabuko Sokoke.
Birdwatching in the Arabuko Sokoke Forest looking for Sokoke Scops-owl, Narina Trogon, Amani Sunbird, Sokoke Pipit, Plain-backed Sunbird, Red-tailed Ant Thrush, Yellowbill, Lizard Buzzard, Silvery-cheeked Ground Hornbill. Other interests are the Elephant Shrew (Four-toed and Golden-rumped) and Yellow Baboons. Evening birdwatching Mida creek for Crab Plovers, Mangrove Kingfisher and other waders.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner overnight at Turtle Bay.
Day 17 - Sabaki Delta, and Mida Creek.
Drive to Malindi to bird around the Sabaki Delta looking for shore birds. Also a chance for Zanzibar Sombre Greenbul and Ethiopian Swallow. Later in the afternoon transfer to Moi airport Mombasa for your outbound flight.
Breakfast and Lunch
17 Days tour price is: 2 pax 3350 Euros per person double room. 4 pax 2685 Euros per person double room. 595 Euros single supplement.
Due to currency fluctuations and fuel cost we reserve the right to adjust any pricing prior to departure.
Included: All meals and accomedations as stated, ground transport, park fees and guiding fee. Excluded: Air fares, medical covers/insurance(vital) and drinks including drinking water. Notes:
The above birding itineraries are based on what are essentially popular routes for birders. It can be shortened or extended.
Birding season: For Breeding Birds in May-June. Also Trips in autumn and winter are possible.
All the date of itineraries include arrival and departure dates.
All trips are available year round, but prices may be adjusted around special holidays.
Minimum lead time six (6)weeks. To check availability for tours on short notice, fill out “Request for Quote” form with desirable dates. Fitness:
The trip suits all physically fit people. Walking is very necessary with some minimal climbing if any. However, preventive drugs and vaccinations will be necessary because malaria and other fevers are common in some places. Equipment:
Binoculars/scopes, good walking shoes/boots/sandals, rain gear (boots, umbrellas (this can be bought locally) and light clothing is important.
Should you only need a guide for a day please send a message to Moses.
Moses Kandie, your local Birdingpal guide
Born in 1979 in Lake Baringo a popular birding destination, I grew up watching tourists comb the bushes in my neighborhood in search of birds, whose names I did not know by then. In my primary school days, I started moving closer to the birders as I
could say one or two things in English. It was through this interaction, that I came to understand, how important birds were to the curious visitors and more so nocturnals seemed challenging to them and warranted local assistance, and that is why I became
a birdwatching guide.
I started getting little income from my search for rare birds, field guides and binoculars soon followed. While in secondary school my knowledge on birds soared, as I had access to books and with association of a British nestling photographer, who exposed me closely to the birds for nearly a decade.
I proceeded to university for a degree in Education Technology and did graduate in the year 2005. Lack of employment kept me guiding at Lake Baringo to date. From links with friends abroad I have organize birding trips for as long as 22 days in all of the most popular birding destinations and my trips have turned out to be successful.
My objective is to offer spectacular birding trip, that does include the game, culture and history at a pocket friendly rate.
Testimonials.
Moses Kandie has an excellent knowledge of birds and habitats of where to find a wide variety of birds in Kenya. Moses birds by his ears as well as by sight! His repetoire of bird sounds is amazing and accurate ... we found so many great birds because
Moses heard them first among the many other bird sounds that one hears in the habitats of Kenya.
Moses is very patient, thorough and determined to find and identity birds observed. He does not mind checking the bird books, asking for field marks identified, etc., before calling the name of a particular bird. He is very open to debate and very easy
to communicate with throughout the long days of birding. We started early in the am, took breaks at mid day or while travelling to other sites. And even during those times we stopped many times to confirm sightings along the road, etc. Moses loves sharing his birding expertise and his beautiful country ... a really great guy!
Moses went to some extreme measures to find such rarities in very confined habitats such as the Sharpe's Longclaw, a globally threatened bird ... Senrgal Thick-knee, Kori Bustard, Malechite Kingfisher, and, owls such as African Scops, White-faced Scops, Verreaux's and Spotted Eagle Owls, and Slender-tailed Nightjar ... amazing craker birds!
Some habitat sites we visited included Lake's Nakuru, Naivaisha and Boringo ... Moses's home area which he knew very well, Naiberi River Camp (7742 feet/2360meters) for some higher elevation birds such as Bush Pipit, Yellow-Rumped Tinkerbird, Long-crested Eagle, etc. We covered reedbeds, shorelines, escarpments, grasslands, streams, forests, islands, lakes, etc. In total we recorded 277 birds during the 6 days birding in Kenya.
Thanks for a great birding experience, Moses!
Greatly appreciated Birdingpal Gordon Saunders, Qatar. saunderstern(AT)gmail.com
I visited Lake Baringo last year, and Moses came out for 3 days with me as a guide. He showed an excellent knowledge of local species, calls as well as location of some of the specialties of the area and he is a very nice person to boot.
Our company is planning to run trips to Africa and for Baringo, we plan to use Mr Kandie - which I suppose sums up how much I enjoyed my time with him as my guide.
Any questions, please feel free to email me.
Vandit Kalia, Photo Safari India. vkalia(AT)photosafariindia.com
Moses is a sympatic and responsible birding guide that I first met in his home village Kampi ya Samaki by Lake Baringo in 2004. He's especially familiar with the birds of the Rift Valley but has also travelled over much of the rest of Kenya. We've made one professional tour together and there are more to come. I can thus recommend Moses as your birding guide!
Samuel Hansson, Heliangelus Nature Tours, Sweden. heliangelus(AT)telia.com
Some facts about Kenya.
Kenya is a peaceful country with diverse cultures, religions and habitat. Being in the equator it is warm, however at high altitudes it can be cold. Ornithologically Kenya is popular boasting over a thousand species of birds birds year round with numerous game in the parks making the country a safari paradise in Africa.