8-DAYS TOUR TO THE LAKES OF KENYA FOR PHOTOGRAPHY & BIRDING
(Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Elmentaita, Lake Naivasha)
Highlights: When someone talks about visiting Kenya, the focus is so often on the big five game which include the lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and buffalo. However, Kenya is also a famous bird paradise, meaning that there are hundreds of migratory bird species which fly hundreds and even thousands of kilometers across continents in search of food and the perfect grounds to breed and raise their young. This itinerary treats you to some of the best bird watching destinations which mostly include lake regions such as Baringo, Bogoria, Nakuru, Elementaita and Naivasha. The itinerary is customizable and flexible to include an extension to any other parks based on your interests. You will be accompanied by an experienced birder throughout this trip and will travel in a customized 4×4 safari land cruiser with a pop up roof for the best experience.
Day 1: Drive from Nairobi to Lake Baringo
Our team meets you on arrival at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and after a short introduction and briefing about the tour you are driven to Lake Baringo. This is a 5hr scenic drive of around 250km from Nairobi. You will reach the lodge for check in and lunch then immediately proceed for a birding and photography tour of the lake. The lake shore is rich in many birds and frogs that make the park lively. Birds such as the Starlings, white bellied go-away bird, horn bill and hammerkop are easy to spot. A relaxing boat ride in the lake gives you an opportunity to spot the rarer species such as the flycatcher, bush shrike, wood hoopoe and kingfishers. The boat ride is also a great opportunity to see the hippos. After a successful birding tour, you return to the lodge for rest and dinner. Soi Safari Lodge https://www.soisafarilodge-lkbaringo.com/
Day 2: Explore Lake Baringo & Visit a Pokot Village for Cultural Experience
After breakfast, you will proceed for a tour of the local tribal villages where you will meet the Pokot people. The Pokot have the most unique culture in Kenya because they have managed to maintain their traditions without dilution by modern civilization. You will have a chance to taste the local food, speak to the women, attend a traditional dance, visit a Manyatta and enjoy the culture. Return to the lodge for lunch then spend the rest of the day enjoying another bird walk within the vicinity of the park. The day ends and you are transferred back to lodge for rest and dinner. Soi Safari Lodge https://www.soisafarilodge-lkbaringo.com/
Day 3: Drive to Lake Bogoria
After breakfast you will check out of the lodge and drive to the nearby Lake Bogoria arriving for check in and lunch at the lodge. This is one of the least visited lakes in the Rift Valley. With its alkaline waters, it has become a better destination for seeing flamingos as compared to Lake Nakuru. The lakeshore is also good for seeing and photographing greater kudu. Other attractions in this park include the rugged rocks which emit furious hot springs. Popular species on this tour include African fish eagle, yellow billed hornbill and greater/lesser flamingo, among others. After the bird walk you are escorted to your lodge for dinner and rest. Lake Bogoria Spa Resort https://www.lakebogoria-hotel.com/lakebogoriasparesort/home
Day 4: Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
After breakfast you will depart from Bogoria and drive to Lake Nakuru National Park which is another famous bird watching sanctuary. On arrival, have lunch before departing for afternoon exploration of the park. This is the best park for spotting the endangered white and black rhinos. It is not a large park but it is very scenic because of its acacia forest which supports many bird species. There are many picnic spots, lookouts and hideouts which are a great place to view the lake from afar. A number of exotic birds can be seen here such as the little grebe, pelican, francolin as well as the greater and lesser flamingo, among others. Flamingo Hill Camp https://www.flamingohillcamp.com/
Day 5: Explore Lake Nakuru National Park on a Birding Tour
Early morning pre breakfast game drive is recommended for an opportunity to spot a wide variety of birds as well as take some beautiful pictures of the lake and its environs. You may opt to return to the camp for lunch or alternatively carry packed picnic lunch with you to eat as you continue to look for the birds. A boat ride can also be arranged on request and at an extra cost, and this is a whole different experience because the boat can access areas that the vehicle cannot reach. The boat is equipped with special swivel seats that can rotate and can also hold your long range camera on a tripod stand. As the sun sets you are transferred back to the camp for dinner and rest. Flamingo Hill Camp https://www.flamingohillcamp.com/
Day 6: Drive to Lake Elmenteita
After breakfast, check out of the camp and proceed to another Great Rift Valley Lake; Elmenteita. This is a little-known about lake which is often overlooked as people rush from Lake Nakuru to Lake Naivasha. The park is very scenic with spectacular views from the parking lane. Flamingos are also in plenty here as they recently migrated from Lake Nakuru. Other birds include pelican, African spoonbill, black necked grebe, yellow billed stork and pied avocet among others which can be seen during your leisure walk along the shores of the lake. https://www.serenahotels.com/serenaelmenteita/en/default.html
Day 7: Drive to Lake Naivasha
After breakfast, check out of camp and drive to Lake Naivasha which is another popular bird watchers paradise. This is a popular destination to see ducks, guineafowl, kingfisher, common quail, grebes and flamingos. Cormorants, storks and pelicans are also common here. Some of these birds are spotted during your scenic boat ride while others are spotted around the vicinity of your lodge. The hippos are also very many on the lake and it is advisable not to get too close to avoid provoking them. After a successful day, you return to the lodge for rest and dinner. Lake Naivasha Country Club https://sunafricahotels.com/st_hotel/lake-naivasha-country-club/
Day 8: Explore Hells Gate then Return to Nairobi
After early breakfast, you will check out of the lodge with picnic lunch and drive to the nearby Hells Gate Park. Being one of the small parks of Kenya, it still offers a lot such as cycling safaris, guided walking tours, hiking and rock climbing. The main highlight of the park is its beautiful rocky outcrops which are occasionally painted white by the droppings of the Ruppels vulture. The park is very scenic and good for bird watching and photography with over 300 recorded bird species which include migratory birds, land birds and water birds. After the tour, you drive back to Nairobi arriving in the evening for transfer to your most preferred hotel in the city or to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to connect with your outbound flight.
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What is included?
– Park conservation fees in all mentioned national parks and game reserves
– Transport and game drives in a private 4×4 safari land cruiser with pop up rooftop
– Full board accommodation in stated lodges and camps
– Boat ride in Lake Naivasha to watch hippos
– Clean drinking water during the safari
– Professionally trained English speaking tour guide & experienced birder
– Government taxes
What is NOT included?
– Any optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary e.g. cultural visit to a Masai village, hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara
– Alcoholic / non-alcoholic beverages, laundry, visa, email, etc.
– Local or international flights
– Tips
– Vaccinations and visa etc.