How many birds can I see on this Rift Valley birding safari?

Most guests record between 250 and 350 species in nine days, depending on the season and how much time you spend birding.

Is this trip only for expert birders?

No. It suits beginners and experienced birders. Your guide helps you find and identify birds, and the game drives keep non-birders happy too.

Is a boat ride on Lake Naivasha included?

A boat ride is optional and can be added. It is one of the best ways to see fish eagles and water birds up close.

When is the best time for birding in the Rift Valley?

October to April brings migrant birds and breeding plumage. June to September is drier, with easier travel and excellent game viewing.

Will I see the Big Five?

Lions, buffaloes and elephants are common in the Mara, and rhinos live at Lake Nakuru. Leopards are seen often but never guaranteed.

Can the itinerary be changed?

Yes. We can add nights, swap lodges or include extra stops such as Lake Bogoria or Lake Baringo.

Rift Valley Birding Safari: 9 Wonderful Days in Kenya

This Rift Valley birding safari links four lakes, a dramatic gorge and the Masai Mara, so every day brings new habitats and new birds.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

This Rift Valley birding safari is a nine-day journey from Nairobi through the lakes of the Great Rift Valley to the Masai Mara. It suits keen birders and nature lovers who also want classic game drives.

The route moves from the gardens of Nairobi to soda and freshwater lakes, the cliffs of Hell’s Gate and the open grassland of the Mara. Each stop adds very different species to your list.

Why choose this Rift Valley birding safari?

Sunbirds from day one: Variable, Bronze and Collared Sunbirds in Nairobi’s gardens.
Soda and freshwater lakes: avocets, godwits and flamingos at Elementaita, fish eagles and ospreys at Naivasha.
Raptors at Hell’s Gate: cliffs where vultures and eagles ride the thermals.
Lake Nakuru: water birds plus rhinos and a fair chance of leopard.
Masai Mara: more than 450 recorded bird species and the Big Five.

Where you stay

We use well-placed lodges with good gardens for early-morning birding: Nairobi Safari Club, Lake Elementaita Lodge, Lake Naivasha Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge and Mara Sopa Lodge, or similar.

Pace and style

Mornings start early, when birds are most active. Midday is for rest, and afternoons bring a second walk or drive. Your private 4×4 has a pop-up roof, and your guide carries a field guide and a scope.

Best time for a Rift Valley birding safari

Birding is rewarding all year. From October to April, migrants from Europe and Asia join the residents, and many birds are in breeding colours during the rains. June to September is drier, with easy roads and great game viewing in the Mara.

Short on time? Try our 5 day Kenya birding safari or the Kenya bird photography safari. Read our Lake Nakuru guide and browse all birding safaris. For bird lists and conservation news, visit Nature Kenya.

How much does the Rift Valley 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

Sunbirds and the bird gallery at Nairobi National Museum
Avocets, godwits and flamingos at Lake Elementaita
Fish eagles, ospreys and crakes on Lake Naivasha
Raptors on the cliffs of Hell's Gate National Park
Birding and big game drives in the Masai Mara

Day 1 :

Arrival in Nairobi and the National Museum

Pick-up at Jomo Kenyatta Airport and transfer to Nairobi Safari Club. In the afternoon, visit the bird gallery at the National Museum and walk through the botanic garden, where sunbirds, weavers and palm swifts are common.

Day 2 :

Nairobi to Lake Elementaita

Drive into the Rift Valley to Lake Elementaita Lodge. Late-morning and afternoon walks along the shore bring avocets, black-tailed godwits, glossy ibises and flamingos.

Day 3 :

Lake Elementaita to Lake Naivasha

A short drive to Lake Naivasha, with a bird walk on arrival. In the afternoon visit Elsamere and scan the lake edge for herons, fish eagles, ospreys and black crakes. Overnight at Lake Naivasha Lodge.

Day 4 :

Hell's Gate National Park

Morning walk along the Naivasha shoreline, then an afternoon in Hell's Gate. Look for raptors on the cliffs, plus wheatears and batises in the scrub. Return to Lake Naivasha Lodge.

Day 5 :

Lake Naivasha to Lake Nakuru

Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park and check in at Lake Nakuru Lodge. Afternoon game and bird drive along the shore, with flamingos, pelicans and rhinos.

Day 6 :

Full day in Lake Nakuru National Park

A full day of birding in the acacia woodland and around the lake, with a late game drive for a chance of leopard. Overnight at Lake Nakuru Lodge.

Day 7 :

Lake Nakuru to the Masai Mara

Cross the Rift Valley to the Masai Mara and check in at Mara Sopa Lodge. Afternoon game drive and birding in the warm evening light.

Day 8 :

Full day in the Masai Mara

An early start for birds and big cats, with a picnic lunch on the plains. Look for bustards, secretary birds, raptors and colourful rollers.

Day 9 :

Masai Mara to Nairobi

Drive back to Nairobi with a lunch stop, then a day room before your evening flight. An optional farewell dinner can be arranged.