Kenya: Coast to Kilimanjaro (adventure)

Kenya: Coast to Kilimanjaro

Bird-watching safari in East Africa

From the sweltering coastline of Kenya we take you through the wilderness of Tsavo East National Park, the rough hills of Tsavo West to the plains of Amboseli, with its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which lies just across the border in Tanzania. On this tour, we’ll be camping on some pretty remote camp grounds, but don’t worry: your tents will be set up and there’s even a cook!

Once you’ve touched the ground in Nairobi and had a night to gather your energy, we’ll fly to Malindi, from where you’ll be ferried to the beautiful coastal resort of Watamu. From our base camp on the mangrove forests of Mida Creek , we’ll explore one of the last stretches of coastal forest in East Africa: the Arabuko Sokoko National Reserve, famed among bird-watching afficionados for among others the Malindi and African Pipit, as well as the African Wood-Owl. It is also one of the few places left to find the ephemeral Sokoke Scops-Owl. We’ll visit the Gedi Ruins, the remains of one of the old Swahili settlements that used to dot the coast from northern Kenya to Mozambique — now overrun with forest and a paradise for birds, and a social project supporting the local community.

From Watamu we’ll hop from hotspot to hotspot along the Galana River to Tsavo East National Park, a wilderness untouched by mass tourism. Bring light (but long) clothes: Tsavo can get hot during the dry seasons! From Tsavo East, we’ll head to the sister park of Tsavo West. We’ll be camping at Nyika Birding Sanctuary: you’ll be bird-watching right from your tent. More hilly and rocky than its eastern counterpart, Tsavo West stretches into savannah further west.

Having explored the two Tsavo’s, we continue westward to the savannah and lake of Amboseli, with its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, which lies just across the border in Tanzania (ask us about the tale of colonial arrogance involving Queen Victoria and her Kaiser-nephew). We’ll be driving and walking around the park, exploring its many bird-watching hotspots. From Amboseli we’ll drive back to Nairobi, where we’ll do an afternoon walk at Ooloolua Forest trail or at Karura Forest National Reserve, taking a peek at the forests of Central Kenya. We’ll close our trip with a day drive through Nairobi National Park, the only national park in the world bordering a capital city. The forests of Central Kenya make way here for the savannah of the south, with wide-open panorama’s, little rivers and plenty of places to get out of the car and identify the rich bird-life, from bee-eaters, honeybirds, weavers and snipes to raptors such as kites, buzzards, or the Tawny Eagle.

Included

Excluded

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Nairobi

We'll collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation. There, we'll gather together in the evening to introduce ourselves and go over the particulars of the trip.
Day 2: Nairobi to Watamu

We'll take a morning flight from Nairobi to Malindi (approx. 1 hour flight), from where we'll head to the coastal resort of Watamu (approx. 0,5 hour drive) to set up camp for the next few days. In the afternoon we'll take a drive Arabuko Sokoke National Reserve, including Elephant Swamp hotspot. We'll have a sundowner around Mida Creek.
Day 3: Watamu

We will head back to Arabuko Sokoke Forest, searching for the Sokoke Scops-Owl. Just note that they hide well and some bush-whacking may be required. After lunch we'll head over to Gedi Ruins, a community project at the overgrown ruins of a deserted Swahili town. We'll explore the history of the town, and of course do plenty of bird-watching.
Day 4: Watamu to Tsavo East

We'll follow the meandering Galana River, with its many bird-watching opportunities, to Tsavo East National Park. It's an approximately 4-hour drive, depending on how many times we stop for some spotting! Depending on our precise time of arrival at the accommodation, we'll do an afternoon drive through the park, or have a walk around the camp at dusk, when the heat has dissipated a bit.
Day 5: Tsavo East

In the morning, we'll organise a walk through the park. After lunch, when Tsavo is at its hottest, we'll take a game drive. Bird-watching at its most comfortable!
Day 6: Tsavo East to Nyika Bird Sanctuary

We'll take an early morning drive & walk before we say goodbye to Tsavo East. From here we'll head to Nyika Bird Sanctuary, nestled between Tsavo East and West. This will be our basecamp for the next few days of exploring. And you'll be watching birds flutter by right from your tent!
Day 7: Tsavo West

From Nyika Bird Sanctuary we drive directly into Tsavo West National Park. We'll drive into the hilly sections of the park, having lunch at Ngulia Lodge, which is a particularly rich hotspot, with no less than 408 observed species. We'll spend the afternoon bird-watching around the lodge.
Day 8: Tsavo West

Today, we'll cross the volcanic rock towards Mzima Springs, where we'll walk around the springs and river, bird-watching as we go -- accompanied by a park ranger. You're also highly likely to spot a large family of hippos and the occassional croc in the river! We'll have lunch at Kilaguni Lodge. In the afternoon, we continue to one of the many hotspots in the western part of the park, such as Finch Hatton's. Those preferring a cool-down at the lodge's pool and a quiet afternoon bird-watching (not to mention elephants, giraffes, buffalo, etc.) from the lodge's shaded restaurant, are welcome to do so! We'll pick you up on the way back (note: drinks at the lodge and the pool fee of approx. 10USD are not included).
Day 9: Tsavo West to Amboseli

From Tsavo West we wind our way to Amboseli National Park (aprrox. 5 hours drive), where we'll be staying at the Kili Springs Camp. Amboseli boasts some very rich hotspots for bird-watching. After this longer drive, we'll stay around the accommodation and enjoy the views and of course the birds.
Day 10: Amboseli

In the morning we'll do a mild walk at one of the many birding hotspots in the park. After lunch, when the sun shines brightest, we'll retreat into the comfort of our vehicles and explore more of the park.
Day 11: Amboseli to Nairobi

After a sunrise walk or drive, we'll head back to Nairobi, which we'll reach by lunch. After lunch, we'll take you into the bustling heart of the city for a tour guided by former street children. Don't occassionally forget to look up, because the highrises of Nairobi are home to kites and marabous!
Day 12: Nairobi National Park

We'll wake up early and head into Nairobi National Park as soon as it opens. We'll drive around the park, getting out at various hotspots to explore the many species that call the park home. Lunch will consist of a picknick at one of the picknick spots. In the evening, we'll say goodbye -- or rather: see you soon!
Day 13: departure from Nairobi

Depending on your time of departure, you can have breakfast still at the accommodation. We'll make sure our driver gets you to Nairobi Airport on time!
Optional extension: connect to Forests and Lakes tour

Those wishing to join the Forests and Lakes tour that follows this tour, can do so. We'll provide a turnover package of two days in Nairobi. Depending on the wishes of the participants, we can organise outings to Ooloolua, Karura Forest, Ngong Hills for bird-watching walks. Alternatively, we can organise a city tour with a local social project.

TBD

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If you are a resident or citizen of the East African Community, please let us know. You may be eligible for a discounted rate.

Add 'Kenya: Forests and Lakes' tour

Can't get enough? Add two more weeks exploring western Kenya, including the Masai Mara and Kakamega Forest.

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