Kenya Coast & Eastern Endemics Birding Tour

Stretching inland from the sea into Arabuko Sokoke Forest is one of Watamu’s true hidden treasures: Mida Creek, which we will be exploring for the day. It is an extensive intertidal inlet surrounded by mangroves situated between Malindi and Kilifi. This area holds significance for passage and wintering waders and serves as a habitat for several interesting herons and raptors. It stands as one of the most productive mangrove ecosystems globally. This distinction has earned Mida Creek recognition as an International Bird Area for its exceptional ecological value. Paired with the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, it collectively forms a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. We will spend a morning here, looking for target species.

In the afternoon, we will be visiting the Sabaki River. The river mouth boasts a diverse array of bird species, including rare finds and impressive gatherings of gulls and terns. These birds forage in the sea before returning to roost on the Sandbanks. Sabaki is the final stretch of the Athi-Galana-Sabaki, one of Kenya’s longest rivers, draining into the Indian Ocean. The estuary features dunes, beaches, and both seasonal and permanent wetlands on either side. Mangrove forests thrive along parts of the riverbank. Birdwatching here is primarily done on foot and is notably the best location in Kenya to sees the threatened Madagascar Pratincole and the Broad-billed Sandpiper. Additionally, Lesser Flamingos visit when river waters recede. Sabaki hosts a significant bird species count and offers a serene and picturesque setting and will be a lovely way to end this incredible birding adventure.

Where you will be staying: Hemingways Watamu

Our upcoming destination is the renowned Tsavo East National Park, Kenya’s largest, celebrated for its splendid wildlife and the distinct reddish semi-desert terrain, famously associated with its historic man-eating lions. Upon arrival, a satisfying lunch awaits before we embark on an exploration deep into the park.

Our focus will be traversing this captivating landscape, dedicated to discovering as many bird species as possible amidst this picturesque setting. Species highlights: Two-banded Courser, Somali Courser, Somali Sparrow, Red-winged Lark, Chestnut-headed Sparrow Lark, Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark, Spotted Thick-knee, Golden-breasted Starling, Shelley’s Starling, Fischer’s Starling, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Somali Ostrich, Eastern Paradise Whydah, Golden Pipit, Rosy patched Bushshrike, Three-streaked Tchagra, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, White-headed Buffalo Weaver, Golden Palm Weaver, Kori Bustard, Buff-crested Bustard, Tsavo Sunbird, and Grey-headed Kingfisher to name a few.

Where you will be staying: Voi Wildlife Lodge

The terrain of Taita Hills comprises diverse landscapes, featuring lush forests, rocky outcrops, and verdant slopes, and is an area renowned for its endemic bird species and abundant birdlife unique to the hills. Among the notable species we’ll be looking for are the Taita White-eye, Taita Thrush, and Taita Apalis, which will be our main targets over the next couple of days. On Day 5, we’ll return to the beautiful sunny coast, where this tour will be coming to an end.

Where you will be staying: Salt Lick Safari Lodge