12 Days Magical Kenya Safari

This is real finest dream photography that excites Nature photographers in this undiscovered secret of wonders, photograph wildlife, fascinating and colorful birds that live and breathe in sacred sites Capture the spirit of East Africa, Spark the imagination, reward the sense stimulate the intellect and enliven the spirit in this safari capital of the world, a vast mosaic of lion-gold savannah Rolling grassland. This Package involves the discovering the beauty of Kenya. Get an opportunity to witness what is considered as one of the most exciting safari combined with spectacular landscape providing the setting for Africa best classic wildlife safari experience, Photographs of African bush-cloaked hills with commanding views of Africa’s most wildlife arenas, the scene of annual migration of over one million wildebeest. This is the best place for the perfect photographs.

Highlight birds
The highlights of the birds includes; Schalow’s Turaco, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Narina Trogon, Bar-tailed Trogon, Abyssinian Crimsonwing, African Hill Babbler, Great White Pelican, Lesser Flamingo, Greater Flamingo, Northern White-faced Scops-Owl, Greyish Eagle-Owl, Spotted Thick-Knee, Eastern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Northern Red-billed Hornbill, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Rufous-bellied Heron, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Square-tailed Nightjar, Dusky Nightjar, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Red-necked Spurfowl, Red-winged Francolin, White-headed Woodhoopoe, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, Rufous-chested Swallow, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Ruppell’s Vulture, Secretarybird, Short-toed Snake-Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Grey Kestrel, Temminck’s Courser, Heuglin’s Courser, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Green-capped Eremomela, Black Coucal, African Quailfinch, Kori Bustard, Bush Pipit, White-tailed Lark, Flappet Lark, Singing Bush Lark, Athi Short-toed Lark, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Heuglin’s Masked Weaver, Grey-capped Social Weaver, Karamoja Apalis, Black-throated Apalis, Hunter’s Cisticola, Long-tailed Cisticola, Pale Wren-Warbler, Brown Woodland Warbler, Usambiro Barbet, Spot-flanked Barbet, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Familiar Chat, Sooty Chat, Abyssinian Wheatear, Wattled Plover, Woolly-necked Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, Magpie Shrike, Golden-winged Sunbird
Highlight mammals
Leopard, Cheetah, African Lion, Cape Buffalo, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Reticulated Giraffe, Savannah Elephant, White Rhino, Black Rhino, Nile Crocodile, Nile Hippo, Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Greater Kudu
Habitats covered
Savannah, Wetlands, Semi-arid Scrubland, Highland Forest

DAY 1:ARRIVAL AT JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN NAIROBI
Arrive at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport meet with African Bird Safaris Guide and Transfer to the hotel to check-in and have lunch before proceeding to Giraffe Center on your Kenya Birds Photography Safari in Nairobi the tourism capital of Kenya.
Observing Giraffes from Wooden Platform
After Lunch drive to Nairobi National Park where Giraffe Center is located just at the eastern gate. This activity is great full of fun and very interactive with People. It’s an amazing to see these animals up so close. This center, which protects the highly endangered Rothschild’s giraffes which are about 300 giraffes, combined serous conservation with enjoyable activities you can observe, hand-feed or even kiss one of the giraffes from a wooden structure, which is quite an experience, you may also spot warthogs snuffling about in the mud, and there is an interesting forest walk through adjacent Gogo River Bird Sanctuary. This Giraffes Center was Established in1983 by the Kenyan grandson of Scottish Earl and his wife Betty begun African Fund for Endangered Wildlife in Nairobi National Park, and after drive directly to the Hotel for overnight.

DAY 2:TRANSFER TO SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
After early morning breakfast at the Hotel transfer to Samburu National Reserve one of the most beautiful wildlife arena with special species, this drive is spectacular, here you will have a stopover to some of the rich birding spot

Day 3:FULL DAY BIRDING COMBINED WITH GAME DRIVE IN SAMBURU NATIONAL RESERVE
After early morning breakfast drive to reserve for the best and exciting dry country-restricted birds. The Samburu National Reserve was one of the two areas in which conservationists George and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness, made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. The Elephant Watch Camp lies within the park.
There is a wide variety of animal and bird life seen at Samburu National Reserve. Several large game species common to Kenya’s northern plains can be found in abundance here, including the following dry-country fauna: gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, oryx and reticulated giraffe. All three big cats, the lion, cheetah and African leopard can also be found here, as well as the elephant, Cape buffalo and hippopotamus. Other mammals frequently seen in the park include olive baboon, warthogs, Grant’s gazelle, Kirk’s dik-dik, impala, and waterbuck, black rhinoceros

There are over 350 species of bird and you will be able to see grey-headed kingfisher, sunbirds, bee-eaters, Marabou stork, tawny eagle, Verreaux’s eagle, bateleur, vulturine guineafowl, yellow-necked spurfowl, lilac-breasted roller, secretary bird, superb starling, northern red-billed hornbill, yellow-billed hornbill, and various vultures including the palm-nut vulture. You will have fantastic shots of the reserve’s attractions. Drive to Ewaso Ng’iro River here you will see and photograph Nile crocodile basks. The Samburu National Reserve is also the home of Kamunyak, a lioness famous for adopting oryx calves and thereafter drive to the lodge for overnight.

DAY 4:FULL DAY BIRDING COMBINED WITH GAME DRIVE IN BUFFALO SPRINGS NATIONAL RESERVES
After early morning breakfast drive to Buffalo Springs National Reserve which is south of the Samburu National Reserve, it lies on the other side of the Ewaso Ngiro river. It is named after an oasis of clear water at its western. Enjoy the gently rolling lowland plain of old lava flows and volcanic soils of olivine basalt. The main feature is the Champagne Ride in the southeast, an ancient lava-terrace. The climate is hot, dry and semi-arid.
There is a narrow band of riverine forest along the Ewaso Ngiro which includes Tana River Poplar, Doum Palm and magnificent specimens of Acacia elatior. Birding is excellent here in acacia tortilis woodland and large stretches of bushland dominated by Commiphora. In some areas lava rock is exposed, with scattered grass and shrubs which attracts so many birds. Other parts have alkaline grasslands with occasional springs and swamps rich in water and wetland associated birds. Desert Rose (Adenium obesum) is found in the scrub, with bright pink blooms. The Salvadora persica (tooth-brush tree) shrub provides food to elephants, and its twigs are used as toothbrushes by the nomadic Samburu people
Wildlife expected to be seen here include Grant’s zebra and the endangered Grevy’s Zebra, reticulated giraffe, the African bush elephant, oryx, gerenuk, African buffalo, lion, leopard, cheetah and hyena. Over 365 species of bird have been recorded in the reserve which includes, Somali ostrich, Somali bee eater, buff-creasted bustard, kori bustard, martial eagle, long-crested eagle, tawny eagle, European bee eater. The river is home to hippopotamuses and crocodiles. Somali ostriches are widespread within the national reserve. It is larger than the Masai ostrich’s and is distinctive for their indigo legs and neck.

You then head north, crossing the Equator to Samburu. This spectacular reserve hosts some very unique wildlife such as the Beisa Oryx, Gerenuk, Grevy’s Zebra and Reticulated Giraffe; most of which are not easy to find south of the Equator. Game drives here will yield many spectacular birds and you will explore the varied habitats within the area. Spend most of your time here birding and photographing these exciting birds. After birding drive back to the Lodge for overnight.

DAY 5:TRANSFER TO MT. KENYA NATIONAL PARK
After early morning breakfast continue on your Kenya Birds Photography Safari and head to the amazing Mt. Kenya. Where you will spend the time at a scenic lodge inside the forest. You will watch shy animals emerge from the forest to come drink and feed at the waterhole in front of the lodge.
Here you will also enjoy a bird walk around the highland forest. There will be many forest birds to watch and photograph here.

DAY 6:FULL DAY BIRDING IN MT KENTA NATIONAL PARK
After early morning breakfast proceed to the filed, Mt Kenya In April 1978 was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Combined, the national park and forest reserve became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Mount Kenya National Park is home to some Kenya’s most cherished birds such as the Violet-backed Starling, Green Pigeon & Meyer’s Parrot. Expect to be blown away by doing some altitude birding and being immersed in one of Africa’s most unique environments with a wide array of unique species to be encountered. The park has six of the eight Kenya Mountains Endemic Bird Area and 54 of the 70 Afro-tropical Highlands biome species that occur in Kenya. Mountain Kenya area has records of globally and regionally threatened species, some with no recent records. This is truly a serene point to experience the park. Bird watching. The fact that the park has a variety of birds, it makes it the perfect birders’ paradise. Return to the lodge for overnight.

DAY 7:TRANSFER TO LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK & Birding EN-ROUTE
After early morning breakfast transfer to the beautiful Lake Nakuru National Park. The park is known for the mighty Lake Nakuru, a soda lake at the heart of the great ecosystem, with stopover en-route for Lunch at the selected Tourist Hotel/Restaurant arriving in the evening to check in at the lodge for overnight.

DAY 8:FULL DAY BIRDING IN LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK
After early morning breakfast proceed to Lake Nakuru one of the Rift Valley soda lakes at an elevation of 1,754 m (5,755 ft) above sea level. It lies to the south of Nakuru, in the rift valley of Kenya and is protected by Lake Nakuru National Park. You will be excited by the lake’s abundance beauty of algae that attract a vast quantity of flamingos that famously lined the shore. Other birds also flourish in the area, as do warthogs, baboons and other large mammals. Eastern black rhinos and southern white rhinos are also available. Photograph is excellent in Lake Nakuru National Park. The lake’s level dropped dramatically in the early 1990s but has since largely recovered. In 2013, the lake received an alarming increase in the water levels that led to the migration of flamingos to Lake Bogoria in search for food supply. Nakuru means “Dust or Dusty Place” in the Maasai language. Lake Nakuru National Park is close to Nakuru town, was established in 1961. It started off small, only encompassing the famous lake and the surrounding mountainous vicinity, but has since been extended to include a large part of the savannahs. Birding is exceptional here in Lake Nakuru protected under the Ramsar Convention on wetlands, you will enjoy a lot of wetland/water associated birds.

DAY 9:TRANSFER TO MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After early morning breakfast transfer to Maasai Mara National Reserve the Renowned for the annual wildebeest migration, which is often regarded as the 8th Wonder of the World, Masai Mara National Reserve is the crown of this Kenya Birds Photography Safari, sto true haven for birdlife it is the second with the highest number of species in Africa. This reserve features a number of habitats conducive stop over at the selected Hotel/Restaurant en-route to Maasai Mara national reserve. The drive here is scenic with plenty to capture your eyes, you will also see several colorful birds before reaching at the lodge.
You will spend the next day’s learning about this magical destination with our safari guide. Enjoy interesting game drives as you track the Big 5 (African Buffalo, African Elephant, African Lion, Leopard, and Black Rhino), the Big Cats- Lion, Cheetah and Leopard and much more.

DAY 10:FULL DAY BIRDING IN MASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE
After early morning breakfast proceed to Masai Mara national reserve with your packed lunch for the full day of exciting birding in this true haven for birdlife it is the second with the highest number of species in Africa. this reserve features a number of habitats conducive for great bird watching for example the richly forested areas, swamp and others surrounding the two permanent the Mara and Talek flowing through the reserve which is a popular habitat for hundreds of birds. Masai Maras’ endemic species include the Tara River cisticola, the Aberdare cisticola, Hinde’s pied-babbler, William’s lark, Sharpe’s pipit, and many others.
There are Approximately 450 species of birds in Maasai Mara but it’s well-known for the rosy-throated long claw and magpie shrike and other Popular Species like Rosy-breasted Long claw, Secretary bird, Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Schalow’s, Turaco, Grey-crested Helmet shrike, Red-necked Spur fowl, Red-winged Francolin, White-headed Vulture, Temminck’s Courser, Bare-faced Go-away-bird, -chested Swallow, and Southern Ground Hornbill etc.

Combined with excellent game drive takes you into several of maras sites in search for wildlife. The most amazing location at mara brings opportunities for best of the photographic sessions one of the prime souvenirs (photos) to take back home with you after the safaris. The drive is conducted in a 4×4 vehicle which is highly adaptive the nature of terrain that Masai mara holds. While on the game drive, you will site members of the big 5 ie lions, buffaloes, elephants, rhinos, leopards, other wildlife include wildebeests, giraffes, cheetahs, warthogs , Topi, Impala, Dik dik, zebras, kudus, hartebeests, gazelles hippos and many more.
You will definitely watch and take excellent photos of the setting sun With horizons that seem to stretch out forever across the savannahs and plains of East Africa, Masai Mara is a place where beautiful sunsets are almost a given. Shades of yellow turn orange and red as the sun makes its way behind the silhouettes of acacia trees and wildlife. Masai Mara comprised of the dramatic Great Rift Valley, savannah, rivers and mountain highlands. The land’s diversity contributes to the show, making each sunset moment unique.

DAY 11:VISIT TO MASAI COMMUNITY
After early morning breakfast visit to Maasai people traditionally nomadic pastoralist, get welcomed by the Maasai music comprises of rhythms rendered by a chorus of vocalists singing harmonies, all the while the olaranyani (song leader) sings the melody. The olaranyani is usually the person who can best sing that song. The olaranyani starts singing the namba of a song and the group responds with one unanimous call in acknowledgment. Women recite lullabies, hum songs and sing music that praises their sons. One elision to the vocal creation of Maasai music is the function of the horn of the Greater Kudu to summon morans and the singing and dancing around the manyattas involve flirting. Young men will line and chant and the women stand in front of them and sing in counterpoint to them this is very interesting music incorporating traditional Maasai rhythms, chants and beats.
Maasai, historically a nomadic people, have traditionally relied on readily available materials and indigenous technology to construct their unusual and interesting housing. The traditional Maasai house was designed for people on the move and thus their houses were very impermanent in nature. The Inkajijik (houses) are either circular or loaf-shaped, and are made by women. Their villages are enveloped in a circular Enkang (fence) built by the men and this protects their cattle at night from wild animals. Traditional Maasai people’s lifestyle concentrates on their cattle which make up the primary source of food. Amongst the Maasai and several other African ethnic groups, the measure of a man’s wealth is in terms of children and cattle. So the more the better.
Get to learn about culture and life style Visit the black smith. Here a man who has plenty cattle but not many children is considered to be poor and vice versa. A Maasai myth says that God afforded them all the cattle on earth, resulting in the belief that rustling from other tribes is a matter of claiming what is rightfully theirs, a practice that has now become much less common. After the visit to the Maasai drive back to the lodge as you relax at your private patio.
AFTERNOON BIRDING AROUND THE LODGE
After Lunch relax as you prepare to do birding within the environ of the lodge, as this is very exciting when you get very close to the birds get amazed by the songs and calls of the resident birds as they display their colorful feathers
Day 12: Departure