5 Day Bird Watching Safari
Tsavo East & Tsavo West National Parks
Key Birds to Look Out For
- Vulturine Guinea-fowl
- Somali Bee-eater
- Yellow-billed & Von der Decken’s Hornbill
- Martial Eagle
- Kori & Hartlaub’s Bustards
- Blue-naped Mousebird
- Narina Trogon
- African Paradise Flycatcher
- Purple Roller
- Crested Francolin
- Taita Falcon (rare but possible)
Safari Itinerary
Day 1
Mombasa / Nairobi → Tsavo East National Park
Highlights
Enter the park through Bachuma Gate or Voi Gate
Afternoon birding safari along the Taru Desert & Aruba Dam
Key Species: Golden-breasted Starling, Somali Bee-eater, Red-winged Lark, Ostrich, White-headed Buffalo-Weaver, Taita Fiscal
Activities
Arrive in Tsavo East and start your birding drive across the park’s vast red-soil plains. Head toward Aruba Dam, a magnet for waterbirds such as herons, storks, African Spoonbill, Egyptian Geese, and African Fish Eagle.
Settle into your lodge and continue birding in the evening as the savannah comes alive.
Day 2
Full-Day Birding in Tsavo East
Highlights
Extensive birding along the Galana River
Mudanda Rock birding walk (lookout for raptors)
Key Species: Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Vulturine Guinea-fowl, Lilac-breasted Roller, Secretary Bird, Crested Bustard, D’Arnaud’s Barbet
Activities
Start early with a full birding day exploring various habitats. Visit Mudanda Rock, where you may spot raptors circling in the thermals and waterbirds gathering at the base.
Continue toward Lugard Falls for sightings of kingfishers, hornbills, and bee-eaters along the riverbanks.
Return to your lodge for dinner under the beautiful Tsavo night sky.
Day 3
Tsavo East → Tsavo West
Highlights
Scenic transfer with birding en route
Birdlife changes as vegetation shifts from semi-arid to volcanic landscapes
Key Species: Taita White-eye (endemic highland species around Taita area), White-bellied Go-away-bird, Eastern Paradise-Whydah
Activities
Depart Tsavo East after breakfast and drive to Tsavo West National Park. The landscape transforms into rolling hills, lava flows, and lush springs — offering new birding opportunities.
Check in to your lodge and enjoy an evening birdwatching drive, especially around bushy areas where nightjars become active.
Day 4
Full-Day Birding in Tsavo West
Highlights
Mzima Springs birding walk
Chaimu Lava Fields & Shetani Lava birding
Key Species: Fischer’s Starling, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Abyssinian White-eye, Three-banded Courser, African Hawk Eagle, Narina Trogon (riverine zones)
Activities
Start with a morning visit to Mzima Springs, home to waterbirds, hornbills, and forest-edge species.
Continue to the Chaimu Lava Fields for unique sightings including wheatears, bustards, and coursers.
Spend the afternoon around the savannah and acacia woodlands, ideal for raptors and ground birds.
Return to your lodge for a relaxed evening.
Day 5
Tsavo West → Mombasa / Nairobi
Highlights
Sunrise birding drive
Last sightings of raptors, starlings, bustards, and hornbills
Optional drop off at your hotel or airport
Activities
Enjoy a final early morning birding session before departing the park.
You will then exit Tsavo West and head back to Nairobi or Mombasa with beautiful memories and an impressive birding checklist.
Safari Price Includes
- Transportation in an open-top 4x4 safari vehicle, great for photography and bird viewing.
- Professional birding guide
- Accommodation
- Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during your stay.
- Game Drives: Daily game drives with an experienced guide.
- Park entrance fees
- Safari Introduction: Insights into wildlife and the ecosystem from your guide.
- Bottled Water: Complimentary bottled water during the safari.
Safari Price Excludes
- International Flights: Flights to and from Nairobi.
- Visa Fees: Any visa requirements for entry into Kenya.
- Travel Insurance: Personal travel insurance for medical emergencies.
- Optional Activities: Visits to Maasai villages and hot air balloon rides (available at an extra cost).
- Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, tips for guides, and any additional personal expenses.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Drinks outside of those provided (water and meals).
Enquire Safari
