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On the whole this was an excellent trip and we both had a great time... we saw some amazing sights and would recommend a Naturetrek trip to anyone.
J.A. Cheshire
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Birds of Kenya's Masai Mara
Tour Code: KEN01A 10-day birdwatching holiday, staying in a luxury camp in the Masai Mara and at Lake Naivasha.
10 days
from
£3,095 (Inc flights)
£3,095 (Inc flights)
Land only price
from
£2,595
£2,595
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Kenya is one of the world’s great ornithological hotspots and home to over 1,000 species of birds. This birdwatching safari explores two of its riches areas, Lake Naivasha, which sits within the spectacular Rift Valley, and the open grassy plains of the Masai Mara. We start at Elsamere on the shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy and George Adamson, but now home to Golden-winged Sunbirds, Superb Starlings and African Fish Eagles. We then move to the world-famous Masai Mara where we stay for 5 nights at the luxury Ilkeliani Camp. Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard, Crowned Crane, Carmine Bee-eater and Rosy-breasted Longclaw are all likely, plus a wealth of mammals including Elephant, Masai Giraffe, Thompson’s Gazelle, Cheetah and Lion.
- Visit the world famous Masai Mara
- Exceptional birdlife of Lake Naivasha
- Spectacular Rift Valley scenery
- 2 nights at Elsamere, former home of Joy and George Adamson, authors of ‘Born Free’
- 5 nights at the luxury Ilkeliani Camp
- Abundant birdlife
- Numerous African mammals including Elephant and Masai Giraffe
- Lion, Cheetah & Leopard all possible
- Expertly guided by a local Kenyan ornithologist
Grading
A traditional African safari, and therefore suitable for anyone of any age, without any great necessity for extreme fitness.About the region
Kenya is one of the world’s great ornithological hotspots and home to over 1,000 species of birds. Two of its richest areas are Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara.
Our tour starts at Elsamere on the shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy and George Adamson, but now home to Golden-winged Sunbirds, Superb Starlings and African Fish Eagles. The habitat is striking with its yellow-barked Acacia trees and Candelabra Euphorbias. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here. We then move on to the Masai Mara, arguably the finest of Kenya’s reserves, for a 5 night stay. The Masai Mara teems with wildlife and holds some of the highest concentrations of animals in the world.
The tour ‘in a nutshell’
A 10-day bird watching holiday, staying in a luxury camp in the Masai Mara and at Lake Naivasha.
What birds might I see?
During our stay on the shores of Lake Naivasha we’ll look out for such species as White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Spectacled Weaver, Common Waxbill and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, as well as waterbirds including White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Long-tailed Cormorant and African Darter.
The Masai Mara has an abundant bird life, including huge Ground Hornbills and elegant Secretary Birds which stride along the grasslands along with Kori Bustards, Grey Crowned Cranes and smaller species such as Temminck’s Courser, wattled Lapwing, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Yellow-shouldered Widowbird and Capped Wheatear.
Lone bushes or dead trees provide lookout perches for a variety of bee-eaters and rollers, including the beautiful Carmine Bee-eater, while above them soar Martial Eagles and Lappet-faced, African White-backed, Hooded and Ruppell’s Vultures.
Anything else?
Black and White Colobus Monkeys are common at Lake Naivasha, as well as Hippos.
The Masai Mara is home to a superb suite of mammal species. These include Elephant, Masai Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Lion and many more.
Stunning Rift Valley scenery.
Optional excursions include a boat trip on Lake Naivasha, or balloon ride over the Masai Mara.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
In Flight to Nairobi
Day 2/3
Lake Naivasha
Day 4
Masai Mara
Day 5/8
Masai Mara
Day 9
Mara to Nairobi (In Flight)
Day 10
London
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation: In Nairobi we use a comfortable tourist hotel. For the 2 nights at Lake Naivasha we stay at Elsamere, the former home of Joy and George Adamson. Ilkeliani Camp is a small permanent bush camp on the edge of the Masai Mara Game Reserve. Additional information can be found in the detailed tour itinerary.
- Food: Meals, except for dinner on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 9, are all included.
Reviews
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We did enjoy the trip and the company we were in, and the camp and lodge staff were excellent. We will probably use Naturetrek again!
S.B. Suffolk -
A fabulous trip which we both much enjoyed. Both Zac and John really knew their stuff and were really good guides. Mara was a mind-blowing experience.
P.C. Buckinghamshire -
The holiday was even better than I thought, with so much knowledge on a wide range of subjects from Zac and Peter, including plants, flowers, insects, animals and birds. Well done to Naturetrek for having the right guides!
K.F. Derbyshire -
Wonderful hosts. not forgetting the very helpful, polite and friendly staff. Would recommend this tour to anyone.
H.B. Norfolk -
I very much enjoyed my trip to Kenya. Birdwatching was first rate and the game viewing an added bonus. We saw lions, cheetah, and leopards. The staff took good care of us and were vigilant in ensuring our safety...Thanks to all concerned.
C.L. Dorset -
The two guides and two drivers were excellent allowing us the best views possible of the wildlife. Elsamere was lovely and very interesting, I’m glad we had two nights there as one would definitely not have been enough. Excellent cuisine!
H.M. Scotland -
The two drivers were excellent and were particularly good on the game drives. They seemed to know instinctively the best positions to take to anticipate leopards and cheetahs! The guides John and Douglas were first class. John was particularly good on calls and Douglas was like a walking encyclopaedia of Kenya.
T.M. Scotland -
A fabulous and unforgettable trip; guides, drivers and staff all made it a memorable experience.
G.H. Yorkshire -
Our drivers and guides planned our days to perfection.
A.M. Hampshire -
What an experience. Elsamere overlooked Lake Naivasha and at night we had zebras and hippos wandering round the lawn outside our bungalow. The food was amazing with homemade meals and cakes at teatime to die for.
J. & C.P. London -
Not only was the birding wonderful, but we were also very fortunate to see so many mammals. My first sighting of a hippo in the water will stay with me for a very long time - as will the lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinoceros, African elephants etc. oh - and the birds, of course.
J.H. Lancashire -
John, the birdwatching guide was a star. Excellent knowledge of local birds both in finding and identifying them. The bird (and animal) life was amazing.
P.C. London
Dates & Prices
2021
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 5th Nov - Sun 14th Nov
SPACES
£3,095
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,595
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
2022
Departures
Availability
Cost
Fri 4th Nov - Sun 13th Nov
SPACES
£3,195
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£2,695
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£595
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
