9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa

Package Overview

Kenya stands as one of Africa’s premier bird watching destinations. With over 1,100 recorded species, the country offers exceptional diversity for ornithology enthusiasts. This 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa takes you through Kenya’s most spectacular birding hotspots.

Why Choose a Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa?

Mombasa serves as the perfect gateway to begin your birding adventure. The coastal city offers immediate access to unique ecosystems. A safari starting from Mombasa allows you to experience both coastal and inland habitats. The 9 days bird watching safari provides ample time to spot numerous species.

9 Days Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa: Price and Value

The cost of a 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa varies by season and group size. Prices typically range from $2,200 to $3,500 per person. This includes accommodations, transportation, park fees, and expert guides. The 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa price offers excellent value considering the comprehensive experience.

What’s Included in the Price:

  • Professional bird guide with spotting scope
  • Custom-designed safari vehicle
  • All park and conservation fees
  • Full-board accommodation
  • Bottled water during game drives
  • Airport transfers

Low-season travel can reduce your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa cost. Group bookings often receive discounts. The safari offers exceptional value for serious birders and wildlife photographers alike.

Detailed 9 Days Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Mombasa and Bamburi Nature Trail

Your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa begins with arrival at Moi International Airport. A guide meets you for transfer to your beachfront hotel. The afternoon features birding at Bamburi Nature Trail. This rehabilitated quarry now hosts numerous bird species. Watch for African Fish Eagles, Malachite Kingfishers, and Black-headed Weavers. The day ends with a safari briefing and dinner overlooking the Indian Ocean.

Day 2: Arabuko Sokoke Forest

After breakfast, your bird watching safari starting from Mombasa continues north to Arabuko Sokoke Forest. This coastal forest ranks among the most important bird habitats in Africa. The forest hosts several endemic and rare species. Target birds include the Sokoke Scops Owl, East Coast Akalat, and Amani Sunbird. The forest’s three distinct habitats support different bird communities. Your expert guide helps locate the elusive Sokoke Pipit. Lunch comes as a picnic in the forest. The afternoon brings more forest birding before overnight at a nearby lodge.

Day 3: Sabaki River Estuary and Mida Creek

Day three of your 9 days bird watching safari takes you to the Sabaki River Estuary. This important wetland attracts numerous migratory species. Look for Lesser Flamingos, Crab Plovers, and Sooty Gulls. The estuary serves as a vital feeding ground for thousands of birds. After lunch, visit Mida Creek, part of the Watamu Marine Reserve. This tidal inlet supports mangrove forests rich in birdlife. Expect to see Dimorphic Egrets, African Open-bill Storks, and various kingfishers. The boardwalk provides excellent viewing opportunities. Return to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4: Travel to Tsavo East National Park

The fourth day of your safari starting from Mombasa involves travel to Tsavo East National Park. The journey passes through changing landscapes and habitats. Tsavo East offers spectacular savanna birding opportunities. The park hosts over 500 bird species amid dramatic scenery. Red-bearded Bee-eaters, Golden-breasted Starlings, and Vulturine Guineafowl frequent the area. Afternoon game and bird watching drive explores the park’s riverine forests. The Galana River attracts numerous waterbirds and raptors. Dinner and overnight at a comfortable safari lodge in the park. You can also view our 3-day Tsavo east Safari.

Day 5: Full Day in Tsavo East

Dedicate day five of your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa to extensive birding in Tsavo East. Early morning offers prime bird watching conditions. The park’s diverse habitats support remarkable bird diversity. Look for Secretary Birds stalking the grasslands. Von der Decken’s Hornbills feed in the acacia trees. The endemic Tsavo Sunbird represents a special find. Drive to Aruba Dam, which attracts numerous waterbirds. Your picnic lunch comes with a view of wildlife at the waterhole. The afternoon brings more exploration of different park sections. Dinner and overnight remain at your Tsavo East accommodation.

Day 6: Taita Hills and Sanctuary

On day six, your 9 days bird watching safari continues to the Taita Hills. These isolated mountains host several critically endangered endemic birds. The fragmented cloud forests require careful exploration. Target species include the Taita Thrush, Taita Apalis, and Taita White-eye. These birds exist nowhere else on Earth. After forest birding, visit Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary. The sanctuary offers different habitats and bird species. Hartlaub’s Turacos add splashes of color to the forest canopy. Overnight at a lodge with spectacular views of the hills and plains below.

Day 7: Travel to Amboseli National Park

The seventh day involves travel to Amboseli National Park. This journey passes through varied landscapes rich in birdlife. Amboseli offers birding with the backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro. The park’s wetlands attract numerous waterbirds despite the arid surroundings. Look for Grey Crowned Cranes in the marshes. Superb Starlings display their colorful plumage near camp. The safari includes afternoon birding around the lodges and swamps. Desert species mix with waterbirds in this unique ecosystem. Dinner and overnight at a lodge with views of Kilimanjaro.

Day 8: Full Day in Amboseli

Your penultimate day focuses entirely on Amboseli’s bird diversity. Early morning finds you exploring the park’s varied habitats. The mix of dry plains and permanent swamps creates remarkable biodiversity. Target species include the Taveta Golden Weaver and Pangani Longclaw. Raptors soar above the savanna hunting grounds. The marshes host flamingos, herons, and numerous duck species. Picnic lunch comes with views of elephants against Kilimanjaro. The afternoon brings more bird watching and wildlife photography. The day ends with a special farewell dinner under the stars.

Day 9: Return to Mombasa

The final day of your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa begins with dawn birding. Early hours often reveal species missed on previous days. After breakfast, begin the journey back to Mombasa. The drive offers last chances for birding at selected stops. Arrive in Mombasa by late afternoon for hotel drop-off or airport transfer. Your safari concludes with approximately 300-400 bird species recorded.

9 Days Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa: Activities

This comprehensive bird watching safari starting from Mombasa includes various activities beyond pure birding. These additional experiences enhance your wildlife adventure. For more Wild experience you may be interested in our our 3 Days Masai Mara from Nairobi Safari.

Guided Nature Walks

Expert naturalists lead walks through diverse habitats. These offer close encounters with smaller bird species. Walking provides better access to forest interiors. Guides point out bird calls, nests, and behavior patterns. Nature walks reveal ecological connections between birds and habitats. The 9 days bird watching safari includes walks in multiple ecosystems.

Photographic Opportunities

The safari features prime photographic settings. Morning and evening light creates perfect conditions. Your guide knows the best positions for bird photography. The vehicle design allows stable camera support. Different habitats provide varied photographic backgrounds. The 9 days duration allows for revisiting productive locations. Interested in best scenes of flamingo have a look at 1 Day Lake Nakuru Safari.

Cultural Interactions

The bird watching safari starting from Mombasa includes select cultural elements. Visit a Taita community conservation project. Learn how local people protect important bird habitats. Traditional ecological knowledge enhances bird finding. Some communities benefit directly from bird tourism. These interactions add depth to your wildlife experience.

Conservation Education

Throughout your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa, guides explain conservation challenges. Learn about threats facing Kenya’s bird populations. Understand how tourism supports protection efforts. Visit community-led conservation initiatives. Your safari directly contributes to habitat preservation.

Best Seasons for Your Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa

Kenya offers year-round bird watching opportunities. However, certain seasons maximize the 9 days bird watching safari experience.

Migration Periods (October-November and March-April)

These months bring numerous Palearctic migrants. Coastal wetlands fill with wading birds from Europe and Asia. Forests host migrant warblers and flycatchers. The resident species remain present year-round. Migration periods can add 100+ species to your list. The 9 days bird watching safari allows tracking of migration patterns.

Breeding Season (April-June)

Many birds display breeding plumage during these months. Males perform elaborate courtship displays. Nesting behavior becomes more visible. Guides can locate active nest sites. Photography opportunities improve with colorful breeding plumage. The 9 days duration allows observation of breeding behaviors.

Dry Season (January-February and July-September)

Birds concentrate around water sources during dry months. This increases spotting probability for elusive species. Visibility improves with reduced foliage. Road conditions remain excellent for accessing remote areas. The safari experience generally offers more comfort. Game viewing complements the bird watching experience.

What to Pack for Your 9 Days Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa

Proper equipment enhances your bird watching safari starting from Mombasa. Essential items include:

  • Quality binoculars (8×42 recommended)
  • Bird field guide to East Africa
  • Camera with zoom lens
  • Notebook for recording sightings
  • Light, neutral-colored clothing
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Light rain jacket
  • Reusable water bottle

The 9 days duration requires careful packing. Laundry services exist at most lodges. Your safari operator provides detailed packing recommendations.

Conservation Impact of Your 9 Days Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa

Bird watching tourism directly supports conservation. Your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa contributes to:

  • Protected area management through park fees
  • Employment for local guides and staff
  • Community incentives for habitat protection
  • Research funding for endangered species
  • Alternative livelihoods reducing pressure on forests
  • Education and awareness programs

The bird watching safari promotes sustainable wildlife tourism. Kenya’s bird diversity depends on continued habitat protection. Tourism provides economic justification for conservation. Your visit contributes directly to these efforts. You may also be interested in Safaris starting from Diani.

9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa Experience

The 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa offers an unparalleled ornithological adventure. From coastal forests to savanna plains, you’ll encounter remarkable bird diversity. Expert guides maximize your species count. Comfortable accommodations ensure relaxation between birding sessions. The carefully planned itinerary accesses key habitats efficiently. Transportation in specialized vehicles enhances viewing opportunities.

Whether you’re a serious lister or casual enthusiast, this safari starting from Mombasa delivers exceptional bird watching. The 9 days duration provides adequate time without rushing between locations. Each ecosystem reveals different species and ecological stories. The combination of coastal, forest, and savanna habitats maximizes your bird list.

Book your 9 days bird watching safari starting from Mombasa today and discover Kenya’s incredible avian diversity. Professional operators ensure a seamless experience from arrival to departure. Your bird watching adventure awaits in this remarkable corner of East Africa. View our similar safari

Price Includes

 

  • Park entrance fees for Tsavo East National Park
  • Professional English-speaking safari guide/driver
  • All game drives as per itinerary
  • Accommodation for 1 night on full board basis (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Bottled water during safari
  • All government taxes and levies
Price Excludes
  • Personal travel insurance
  • Tips and gratuities for driver/guide (recommended)
  • Alcoholic and soft drinks
  • Personal items and souvenirs
  • Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • International flights

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