The Reptiles & Amphibians of Kenya

Tour Code: KEN07

A 16-day holiday through Kenya's varied landscapes – including the slopes of Mount Kenya – in search of some of Africa's most exciting herpetology.

16 days from
£6,795 (Inc flights)
Land only price from
£5,995
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Highlights

Summary

Summary

Kenya is a magical country and this sensational 16-day holiday, crafted by in-country experts, provides the opportunity to explore the range of habitats which endow the country with an incredible total of 147 species of snakes, as well as countless other reptiles and amphibians. We'll travel from the rainforests of western Kenya to the slopes of Mount Kenya, to the plains of Tsavo and end our tour on the white beaches of the Indian Ocean coast!

In Kenya you’ll be hosted by partners who operate an organisation dedicated to snake conservation, research and education. Kenya is home to a number of endemic species, some of which are highly threatened species. The organisation's mission is to carry out vital research into the status of range-restricted vipers from the Atheris, Bitis and Montatheris genera. Their work is currently focused on the very rare Kenya Horned Viper (Bitis worthingtoni) and Mount Kenya Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi), both in need of assessment as well as urgent conservation measures. This tour supports the organisation's conservation efforts and is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays. For detailed information on the holiday, please download the tour itinerary.

  • Iconic species such as the Green Bush Viper, Gaboon Viper, Rhinoceros Viper, Puff Adder, Southern and Central African Rock Pythons, Black Mamba, Eastern Green Mamba and Boomslang
  • Little-known but excellent endemic species including Kenya Montane Viper, Mount Kenya Side-striped Chameleon, Alpine-meadow Skink and Mount Kenya Alpine-meadow Lizard
  • Mammals likely include African Bush Elephant, Gerenuk and zebra. Our night drives should produce Genet, African Civet and, if we have luck on our side, an Aardvark or Aardwolf
  • Excursion to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest to look for Golden-rumped Sengi, Sokoke Scops-owl and Caracal

Grading

On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch, we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.

We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.

In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.

This is a traditional lodge-based wildlife tour. Whilst some of the lodges are appointed simply, each is comfortable and has private en suite facilities. Depending on availability, some accommodation in Tsavo may be in luxury en suite serviced tents. A certain level of fitness is required for the tour, as the terrain may be rough, steep, or slippery in parts. Some time is spent above 3000m ASL.

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Nairobi
Day 2/4
Kakamega Forest
Day 5
Nakuru
Day 6/8
Mount Kenya
Day 9/11
Tsavo Ecosystem
Day 12/14
Kenyan Coast
Day 15/16
Fly Malindi to Nairobi and inbound flights
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Dates & Prices

Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost
Sat 18th Jan – Sun 2nd Feb 3 £6,795
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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.
£5,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£495
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Dickson Kalu Katana
Dickson Katalu

Tour Leader: Dickson Kalu Katana

Dickson was born on a little island in front of the Kenyan coast where he grew up with pythons, speckled green snakes and monitor lizards at his doorstep. He is a professional snake handler with over 10 years experience and learnt his trade from his father who worked for a reptile park. From a young age onwards, Dickson joined his father to the snake park and learned all about Kenya’s incredible reptile world. He, later on, worked with snakes in captivity and rescued many snakes from houses. He went on many explorations with the legendary East African herpetologist Stephen Spawls and has seen more of Kenya’s wilderness than almost anyone. Dickson was excited to join Mirthe to set up a reptile conservation and research organisation in 2022. As Dickson has seen with his own eyes how snake numbers are decreasing, he is dedicated to protect them in their natural habitat. He is the organisation's researcher and snake handler on tours and he visits local schools to implement the snake education program. He is an incredible climber and spots snakes from unbelievable distances away.

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Why Naturetrek?

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!