This Lake Magadi birding safari starts in Kenya’s hottest soda lake, home of the chestnut-banded plover, then heads north through the Rift Valley to Samburu.
This Lake Magadi birding safari is built around plovers and other shorebirds. Lake Magadi, south of Nairobi, is one of the best places in East Africa for the chestnut-banded plover, and its shallow soda flats attract flamingos and waders.
From there the route turns north to the Rift Valley lakes, Lake Baringo, the dry country of Samburu and the forests of Mount Kenya.
Why choose this Lake Magadi birding safari?
- Lake Magadi: chestnut-banded plover, flamingos and migrant sandpipers.
- Naivasha and Nakuru: fish eagles, pelicans and flamingos.
- Lake Baringo: white-faced scops owl and Jackson’s hornbill.
- Samburu: vulturine guineafowl, golden pipit and bee-eaters.
- Mount Kenya: green ibis, Abbott’s starling and red-fronted parrot.
Where you stay
A Nairobi hotel for two nights, then Lake Naivasha Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge, Lake Baringo Club, Samburu Lodge and Naro Moru River Lodge, or similar.
Best time for a Lake Magadi birding safari
September to April is best for migrant waders at Magadi. Magadi is very hot at midday, so we visit early and carry plenty of water. Samburu is good all year.
See our Lake Bogoria guide for another great soda lake, try the 5 day Kenya birding safari, or browse all birding safaris. Nature Kenya has more on Kenya’s wetlands.
How much does the Lake Magadi birding safari cost?
Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.
WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or send the enquiry form on this page, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.
Highlights
- Chestnut-banded plovers on the flats of Lake Magadi
- Flamingos at Magadi and Lake Nakuru
- Owls and hornbills at Lake Baringo
- Vulturine guineafowl and golden pipit in Samburu
- Montane forest birds on Mount Kenya
