Kenya Wildlife & Bird-Watching Safari - 14 Days

Highlights

• Visit a sanctuary to see how orphaned elephants are cared for 
• See exotic avian species, from secretary birds to the African crowned eagle
• Embark on safaris and glimpse Big Five animals, like Tsavo's red elephants
• Discover Swahili cuisine and Mombasa's landmarks on a guided tour
• Unwind with a three-night stay on Kenya's only private island 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Nairobi, National Museum Tour, Birds of Kenya Exhibit

Welcome to Kenya! Bold, beautiful, diverse, profound—there aren't enough adjectives in the dictionary to do this country justice. Though there's no shortage of rich culture and fascinating history here, Kenya is most famous as one of the world's finest safari destinations. Its parks and reserves are home to hundreds of exotic mammal species, including the legendary Big Five (lions, leopards, buffalo, elephants, and rhinos), plus over 1,100 species of birds. In short, you've picked the right place to see some wildlife. 

And you won't have to wait long to glimpse it. A driver will meet you at the airport in the capital, Nairobi, and transfer you to your hotel. During the drive, you'll pass alongside the boundaries of Nairobi National Park, a 47-square-mile (117 sq km) protected area within the city limits. Don't be surprised if, on the other side of the fence, you spot zebras, antelope, and even giraffes hanging out by the roadside. 

Upon arrival at the hotel, you'll drop off your things, meet a guide, and enjoy some culture at Nairobi National Museum. One of the country's most prominent institutions, it features fascinating exhibits on Kenya's ethnic groups, including traditional artifacts, clothing, and crafts. It's a two-hour tour during which you'll view ethnographic exhibits and displays on mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. Highlights include a human evolution gallery and a "Birds of Kenya" exhibit featuring taxidermy specimens, dioramas, and interactive displays.

Day 2: Morning Safari, Elephant Orphanage Visit, Giraffe Sanctuary

Leave your hotel after breakfast for your first safari adventure in Kenya. It starts with a quick ride just outside the city to Nairobi National Park for a morning game drive. Despite its proximity to Kenya's capital, this protected area is home to a spectacular variety of wildlife. Over 400 species of birds have been recorded here, including storks, cranes, fish eagles, secretary birds, and more. There's also an excellent possibility of spotting four of the famous Big Five safari animals.

Afterward, you'll visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage. Here, you'll see young elephants rescued and cared for until they're ready to be released back into the wild. On top of viewing the elephants and witnessing their daily milk feed and mud bath, there's the option to sponsor an orphan. If you do, you can return later in the day to help feed and tuck your newly adopted elephant into bed.

Capping the day is a trip to the Giraffe Centre. Operated by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife (AFEW), this sanctuary exists to conserve Rothschild's giraffes by breeding and releasing them into the wild. At the time of AFEW's foundation in 1979, a mere 130 wild Rothschild's giraffes survived in Kenya, but today, thanks to this organization, that number stands at around 300. You can snap photos of the current residents from a raised viewing platform and even help with their feeding. You can also visit the on-site bird sanctuary and nearby nature trail.

Day 3: Transfer to Amboseli National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

And you're off! Say goodbye to Nairobi as you meet your driver this morning for the three-hour drive south toward the border with Tanzania. Your destination is Amboseli National Park, which encompasses the foothills of mighty Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (19,340 ft/ 5,895 m). Besides views of Kilimanjaro's snowcapped table, this 151-square-mile (392 sq km) park features abundant wildlife. Amboseli is famous mainly for its large herds of elephants. The park's open plains make it easy to spot these giant creatures as they move across the savanna.

Upon arrival, you'll check into the luxury Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, which also looks out to Kilimanjaro. After settling in, enjoy a late lunch and then embark on an afternoon safari, where you'll likely spot at least a few of Africa's famous Big Five and the odd baboon or two by the roadside. 

Day 4: Game Drives in Amboseli & Cultural Activities

You've got a full day of safari fun in store as you set off at dawn in an open-topped 4WD vehicle for a sunrise game drive. Traverse wetland landscapes with dried lake beds and sulfur springs, where you'll find large herds of elephants and other wildlife roaming the open plains. In between viewing the park's mammals, keep your eyes peeled for the diverse birdlife on show. Marabou storks, kingfishers, African fish eagles, Lanner falcons, and the endemic golden weaver are just a few of the 400 avian species that thrive in Amboseli's diverse ecosystems.

You can also visit a nearby Maasai community for a cultural exchange. Don't be surprised if Maasai warriors invite you to join in a ceremonial jumping dance. Return to the lodge for lunch, then leave on an afternoon game drive. As you explore the savanna, you'll see plenty of animals up close, including leopards, cheetahs, mongooses, and even wild dogs. A little while after sunset, you'll return to the lodge. 

Day 5: Transfer to Tsavo West National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

Rise and shine for another gorgeous day on the African plains. The morning kicks off with breakfast, followed by a pickup from your driver. Then, head south for two hours to Tsavo West National Park. One of the most evocative destinations in the country, this massive protected area (it spans 3,500 sq miles/ 9,065 sq km) is known for its almost mythical landscapes and creatures. These include ancient lava flows, natural springs, peculiar rock formations, and vast open plains where elephants tinged red with volcanic soil roam free.

After checking into the luxurious Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, nestled within the volcanic landscape of the Chyulu Hills, you'll set out on an afternoon game drive. Discover acacia woodlands and freshwater springs, where you'll spot wildlife ranging from lions and leopards to elephants, giraffes, hippos, and more. Your driver will also take you to panoramic lookout points to admire the park scenery and large animal herds below. 

Day 6: Tsavo West Morning Game Drive & Safari Activities

On this morning's game drive, you'll discover the park's ancient lava flows, natural springs, and peculiar rock formations as your driver takes you to key panoramic lookout points. Spot the large animal herds below amid the rolling grasslands and rocky ridges. There's plenty to see above ground, too, with diverse bird species like the threatened corncrake and Basra reed warbler, as well as colorful vulturine guineafowl and iridescent Tsavo sunbirds. Keep an eye out for the Verreaux's eagle-owl, which hunts the park's dry savannas, and the many flocks of flamingoes that frequent the riverbanks and swamps.

In between game drives, cool off in the lodge's swimming pool or relax with a sundowner on your balcony. In the afternoon, book a nature safari around the acacia woodlands, where you'll spot wildlife ranging from mighty hippos to the skittish lesser kudu. 

Day 7: Transfer to Taita Wildlife Conservancy, Afternoon Activities

It's a quick one-hour drive from Tsavo West to the Taita Wildlife Conservancy. This 42-square-mile (110 sq km) protected area is nestled in the lush Taita Hills amid riverine forest and savanna grassland and features expansive views out to iconic Mount Kilimanjaro. Upon arrival, you'll check into the Salt Lick, a luxury safari lodge on the vast Tsavo plains. Its name derives from the on-site watering hole and salt lick, which draws exotic wildlife, like elephants and zebras, right to the lodge. You can view these majestic creatures from the terrace of your elevated bungalow.

Upon arrival, take a break for a leisurely lunch, then get right back into the swing of things with a safari activity like a game drive, guided walk, or birding excursion. Exotic avian species you can glimpse on such tours include thrushes, sunbirds, the Taita falcon, and the African crowned eagle. Dinner will be served back at the lodge. 

Day 8: Taita Game Drives & Safari Activities

Today is free for you to craft your own itinerary of game drives, bush walks, or bird-watching excursions. Morning and evening are the best times to head out by 4WD to catch the animals at their most active, while a night safari offers prime predator-spotting conditions.

Opt for a bush walk to get closer to nature as you follow in the footsteps of your experienced guide and glimpse smaller species, learn about the native flora, and watch for some of the over 390 bird species. This region is home to many endangered avians found only in its unique patches of montane forest—including the Taita apalis, a tiny Kenyan songbird considered one of the rarest birds on Earth.

Day 9: Transfer to Tsavo East National Park, Afternoon Game Drive

Leave early on a two-hour transfer north across the Tsavo plains to Tsavo East National Park. Bordering the country of Tanzania, this massive park (it covers 5,308 sq mi/ 13,747 sq km) is part of the even larger Tsavo Conservation Area, which also includes the protected areas Tsavo East and Chyulu Hills National Park. Tsavo East is known for its raw and untamed wilderness of diverse habitats ranging from open plains and semi-arid savannas to scrublands and acacia woodlands.

This area supports a great variety of wildlife, which you'll see after checking into the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in a superb location on the banks of Aruba Dam. Tsavo East is famous for its large elephant herds (some of the largest in Africa), so expect to see these magnificent animals roaming the vast plains and congregating around watering holes on this afternoon's game drive.

Day 10: Tsavo East Game Drives & Safari Activities

It's your last day on safari, so make the most of it with a full itinerary of game drives and excursions. Besides the famous Tsavo elephants, big cats—like lions, leopards, and cheetahs—are abundant here, as are giraffes, antelope, and lesser kudu. Some of the more unusual species found in the park include the African wild dog, the Grévy's zebra, and the rare and critically endangered hirola antelope.

Tsavo East is also home to over 500 species of birds. On today's game drives, you'll maximize your chances of spotting the most exotic specimens, which include raptors, waterfowl, hornbills, ostriches, and others. As you travel around water sources, be sure to also keep an eye out for hippos and crocodiles. 

Day 11: Transfer to Diani via Mombasa, Luxury Stay on Chale Island

The final leg of this grand Kenya adventure will take you from the Savanna to the coast. Leave in the morning on a three-hour transfer to the port city of Mombasa. Then, continue just over an hour south to Diani, a slice of paradise where the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean lap gently at powdery white-sand beaches.

Upon arrival, you'll hop in a boat for a quick ride out to Chale Island. Kenya's only private island is home to this single 5-star resort, where you'll spend your last few nights in the country. You'll arrive in time for lunch and can spend the rest of your day poolside, at the beach, or indulging in treatments at the on-site spa.

Days 12-13: Free Time on Chale Island

Spend the next two days relaxing and enjoying the hotel amenities as you see fit. While away the hours on the private beach fringed by crystalline waters, or enjoy a cocktail in a lounger by one of the resort's three swimming pools. There are also plenty of beach activities and tours on offer.

If you like, you can hop between nearby islets and marine parks on snorkeling and scuba tours. Kitesurfing is another fun and popular activity, as is a sunset horseback ride on the beach. To meet locals, visit nearby villages to participate in community-led programs. For souvenir shopping, visit a local art gallery in Diani to pick up some local African art of singular beauty.

Day 14: Transfer to Mombasa, Guided Food & City Tour, Depart

Don't let a little thing like departing get in the way of your fun. There's still time for one last adventure as you leave early on a morning food tour. After transferring back to Mombasa, your expert local guide will take you to culinary and historical landmarks like the city fish market and Fort Jesus, a Spanish coastal fortress dating to the late 16th century. After an appetizer of fresh seafood at the market, you'll head over to a Swahili restaurant for a traditional lunch—locally recommended, of course.

Then, at the end of the afternoon, the journey reaches its terminus. Your driver will take you to the airstrip in Mombasa for the flight to Nairobi, where you'll meet your connecting flight home. Kwaheri!

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