Package Overview
Kenya stands as a premier destination for bird watching safaris, offering an unparalleled experience for ornithology enthusiasts and nature lovers. This meticulously crafted 9-day bird watching safari starting from Mombasa promises an extraordinary journey through some of Kenya’s most diverse and breathtaking ecosystems, showcasing the country’s incredible avian diversity.
Overview of the Kenya Birds Watching Safari
A bird watching safari in Kenya is more than just a vacation – it’s an immersive experience that takes you through multiple habitats, from coastal landscapes to inland savannas, providing opportunities to observe hundreds of unique bird species in their natural environments. This 9-day bird watching safari starting from Mombasa is designed to maximize your bird-viewing potential while offering an unforgettable exploration of Kenya’s natural wonders.
Detailed 9-Day Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa Itinerary
Day 1: Mombasa and Coastal Birding
Your Kenya birds watching safari begins in Mombasa, a vibrant coastal city with rich biodiversity. The day focuses on coastal habitats, exploring:
- Mombasa Marine National Park
- Local wetlands and mangrove ecosystems
- Coastal forest reserves
Key bird species to expect:
- Coastal waterbirds
- Mangrove kingfishers
- Greater flamingos
- Crab plovers
Day 2-3: Tsavo East National Park
Tsavo East offers expansive landscapes and unique bird populations:
- Early morning and late afternoon game drives
- Focused bird watching in diverse habitats
- Observation of raptors and ground-dwelling birds
Highlight species:
- Secretary birds
- Martial eagles
- Somali ostrich
- Various hornbill species
Day 4-5: Taita Hills and Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary
The Taita Hills provide a unique mountain ecosystem with endemic species:
- High-altitude bird watching
- Forest and mountain habitat exploration
- Endemic species tracking
Endemic and rare birds:
- Taita white-eye
- Taita thrush
- Taita apalis
- Sokoke pipit
Day 6-7: Amboseli National Park
Amboseli offers spectacular bird watching with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop:
- Wetland and savanna bird watching
- Large bird concentrations around water sources
- Opportunities for photography
Notable bird species:
- Crowned cranes
- Pelicans
- Various raptor species
- Migratory waterbirds
Day 8-9: Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Return to Mombasa
The final leg of the safari focuses on one of Kenya’s most important forest reserves:
- Dense forest bird watching
- Endemic and rare species observation
- Coastal forest ecosystem exploration
Unique species:
- Clarke’s weaver
- Sokoke scops owl
- East Coast akalat
- Various sunbird species
What the 9-Day Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa Includes
Your comprehensive bird watching safari package includes:
- Professional ornithologist guide
- All park entrance fees
- Transportation in a specialized safari vehicle
- Accommodation in lodges and camps
- Full-board meals
- Water and non-alcoholic beverages
- Bird identification guides
- Telescope and binocular support
- Comprehensive bird checklist
What the 9-Day Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa Excludes
To ensure transparency, the following are not included in the safari package:
- International and local flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal medical expenses
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities and tips
- Personal equipment and gear
- Optional activities outside the planned itinerary
9-Day Bird Watching Safari Starting from Mombasa Cost
The cost of this specialized bird watching safari varies depending on:
- Season of travel
- Group size
- Accommodation preferences
- Specific customization requirements
Typical price range:
- Budget option: $2,500 – $3,500 per person
- Mid-range option: $3,500 – $5,000 per person
- Luxury option: $5,000 – $7,500 per person
Prices include most expenses but exclude international travel and personal expenses.
Preparation and Recommendations
Essential Gear
- High-quality binoculars
- Field guide to Kenya’s birds
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing
- Sun protection
- Insect repellent
- Camera with zoom lens
Best Time to Visit
- June to October: Dry season, optimal for bird watching
- November to April: Migratory bird season
- Peak bird diversity and activity
Conservation and Responsible Tourism
Our bird watching safari emphasizes:
- Minimal environmental impact
- Support for local conservation efforts
- Respect for wildlife and habitats
- Educational opportunities about bird conservation
- Transport from Pick up point to National Park by a safari van
- All Game drives
- Park entry fees
- Accommodation and meals
- Mineral water while on game drives
- Soft & alcoholic drinks
- Masai village tour costs
- Things of personal nature
- Tips and other gratitude