5-Day Kenya Birding Safari (Lake Nakuru & Maasai Mara)

Detail	Information
Brief Overview	A compact birding safari targeting Kenya’s Rift Valley soda lake and savannah specialties. Perfect for birders with limited time wanting quality species in two of Kenya’s premier birding destinations. Lake Nakuru has over 450 species, Maasai Mara over 470.

DAY-BY-DAY BREAKDOWN

Day 1: Arrival Nairobi & Lake Nakuru

• Morning: Arrival Jomo Kenyatta Airport, meet birding guide.
• Late Morning: Drive to Lake Nakuru NP (3 hours).
• Afternoon (4:00 PM): Afternoon birding at lake shore:
  • Target water birds:
    • Lesser Flamingo (numbers vary)
    • Great White Pelican
    • Yellow-billed Stork
    • African Spoonbill
    • Pied Avocet
    • Black-winged Stilt
    • African Fish Eagle
• Evening: Check into lodge, dinner, bird list review.
• Meals: Lunch en route, Dinner
• Accommodation: Lake Nakuru lodge

Day 2: Lake Nakuru Birding & Transfer to Mara

• Early Morning (6:30 AM): Birding in acacia woodland:
  • Target woodland species:
    • Hildebrandt’s Starling
    • Superb Starling
    • Bare-eyed Thrush
    • Arrow-marked Babbler
    • White-browed Robin-Chat
    • African Paradise Flycatcher
• Late Morning: Breakfast, check out.
• Mid-day: Drive to Maasai Mara (5 hours), birding en route.
• Afternoon (4:30 PM): Arrive Mara, settle in.
• Evening: Dinner.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route, Dinner
• Accommodation: Maasai Mara lodge/camp

Day 3: Full Day Birding in Maasai Mara

• Early Morning (6:30 AM): Grassland birding:
  • Target open country species:
    • Secretary Bird
    • Kori Bustard
    • Crowned Crane
    • Ostriches (Common and possibly Somali)
    • Black-bellied Bustard
    • Temminck’s Courser
    • Yellow-throated Sandgrouse
• Mid-day: Rest.
• Afternoon (3:30 PM): Riverine forest birding:
  • Target forest species:
    • Ross’s Turaco
    • Grey-headed Kingfisher
    • Giant Kingfisher
    • African Paradise Flycatcher
    • Red-chested Cuckoo
• Evening: Bird list update.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Same Mara camp

Day 4: Full Day Birding – Raptor Focus

• Early Morning (6:30 AM): Raptor watch:
  • Target birds of prey:
    • Martial Eagle
    • Bateleur
    • Lappet-faced Vulture
    • White-backed Vulture
    • African Hawk-Eagle
    • Augur Buzzard
    • Tawny Eagle
    • Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
• Mid-day: Rest.
• Afternoon (3:30 PM): Musiara Marsh birding:
  • Target wetland species:
    • African Jacana
    • Hamerkop
    • Saddle-billed Stork
    • Goliath Heron
    • Purple Heron
    • Squacco Heron
• Evening: Bird list update.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Same Mara camp

Day 5: Morning Birding & Departure

• Early Morning (6:30 AM): Final birding session (3 hours).
• Late Morning: Breakfast, check out.
• Mid-day: Drive back to Nairobi (5 hours).
• Afternoon: Arrive Nairobi, transfer to airport for departure.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch en route
• Accommodation: None (departure)

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

Inclusions	Exclusions
Airport transfers	International airfare
Private 4×4 safari vehicle	Kenya E-visa ($50)
Professional birding guide	Travel insurance
Accommodation (4 nights full-board)	Personal expenses
Park entry fees (Lake Nakuru, Maasai Mara)	Alcoholic drinks
Bottled water throughout	Tips for guides, lodge staff
Bird checklist	Laundry services
All applicable government taxes	Optional activities

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Season	Months	Birding Conditions
Peak Birding	November – April	Migrants present, breeding plumage
Good	June – October	Resident species, excellent raptor viewing
Fair	May	Long rains begin, some roads muddy

WHAT TO PACK

Category	Essential Items
Birding Gear	Binoculars (8×42), field guide, camera with 400mm lens, notebook
Clothing	Neutral colors, long pants, long sleeves, fleece (mornings cold), wide-brimmed hat
General	DEET repellent, sunscreen, personal medications, reusable water bottle

RECOMMENDED LODGES & CAMPS

Category	Lake Nakuru	Maasai Mara
Mid-Range	Lake Nakuru Lodge, Sarova Lion Hill	Mara Sopa Lodge, Fig Tree Camp
Luxury	The Cliff	Angama Mara, &Beyond Bateleur Camp

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are flamingos guaranteed at Lake Nakuru?
A: Flamingo numbers fluctuate with water levels. When water levels are high, flamingos may move to other lakes. However, Nakuru still offers excellent waterbird viewing (pelicans, storks).

Q: Best raptor viewing in Maasai Mara?
A: The Mara has one of Africa’s highest raptor densities. August-October is excellent when migration concentrates prey.

Q: What’s the species potential in 5 days?
A: 150-200 species possible with good conditions and expert guide.

Q: Can I combine with other parks?
A: Yes, extend to include Amboseli or Naivasha for additional habitats.