Kenya: Birds & More – 7 Days

Overview

On this carefully crafted 7-day 6-night journey, celebrate both spectacular birdlife and unforgettable big-game.

Designed for keen birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike, this safari blends world-class birdwatching with dramatic landscapes, from the pink shores of Lake Nakuru to the snow-capped backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro and the arid beauty of Samburu.

With expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of time for photography and relaxed observation, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of specialist birding and classic African safari magic. This lets you immerse yourself in Kenya’s avian wonders while encountering elephants, rhinos, rare giraffes, and more.

The itinerary begins on a Sunday with your international arrival into Nairobi, Kenya, and concludes on a Saturday with your departure from Nairobi — perfectly aligned with typical long-haul flight schedules.

Dates

Departure Years	Departures 2027, Departures 2028
Departure Dates	Jan 2-Jan 8, Jan 3-Jan 9, Jan 30-Feb 5, Jan 31-Feb 6, Feb 27-Mar 4, Feb 28-Mar 6, Mar 26-Apr 1, Mar 28-Apr 3, Apr 23-Apr 29, Apr 25-May 1, May 21-May 27, May 30-Jun 12, May 30-Jun 29, Jun 18-Jun 24, Jun 20-Jun 26, Jul 16-Jul 22, Jul 18- Jul 24, Aug 13-Aug 19, Aug 15-Aug 21, Sep 10-Sep 16, Sep 12- Sep 18, Oct 8-Oct 14, Oct 10-Oct 16, Nov 5-Nov 11, Nov 7-Nov 13, Dec 3-Dec 9, Dec 5-Dec 11

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya’s Capital City
	Upon arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, a warm welcome awaits you. Your dedicated Kalama Safaris representative will greet you personally at the airport, assist with immigration and customs formalities, and provide a smooth private transfer to the elegant Hemingways Nairobi or Nairobi Serena Hotel. You will spend one night at this iconic hotel, located in the heart of Nairobi. This first evening is yours to relax and recover from your international journey. Settle into your luxurious room, unwind by the pool, or enjoy a welcome drink while absorbing the vibrant energy of Kenya’s capital as you prepare for the exciting safari ahead.
Days 2-3	Fly to Samburu National Reserve
	After an early breakfast, you will fly north to Samburu National Reserve. This arid wonderland is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) as well as cheetahs. It is especially famous for its Samburu Special Five: the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich, and the long-necked gerenuk. Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya stands out as one of the most rewarding places for birdwatching in East Africa. The combination of dry acacia savannah, rocky hills, and the life-giving Ewaso Ng’iro River creates a rich variety of habitats that support hundreds of bird species. Here are some standout species you’re likely to see: Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Golden-breasted Starling, hornbills (including Jackson’s and Von der Decken’s), Somali Bee-eater, bustards, colorful rollers, and raptors such as the powerful Martial Eagle, Bateleur, and various chanting-goshawks. Birding is good throughout the year, but the period from November to April often brings migrants and brighter breeding plumage You will spend two nights at either Soroi Larsens Camp or Elephant Bedroom Camp, both excellent luxury tented camps perfectly positioned for immersive wildlife experiences. Over the two days, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives along the river, where the dramatic red-earth landscapes and unique wildlife make Samburu one of Kenya’s most special reserves.
Day 4	Drive to Lake Nakuru National Park
	Today, drive to Lake Nakuru National Park for a one-night stay at Sarova Lion Hill Lodge or The Cliff (a luxurious tented camp perched dramatically on a 100-metre-high rock face, offering you stunning 180-degree panoramic views of the lake and sunrises). Lake Nakuru National Park is a compact, bird-rich gem in Kenya’s Rift Valley, just 2–3 hours from Nairobi. Centered on the shimmering alkaline lake and surrounded by acacia woodlands and grasslands, it offers excellent game viewing and one of Africa’s most spectacular bird experiences. Highlights include Rothschild’s giraffes (one of the best places to see this rare, endangered subspecies with their distinctive white “stockings” on the lower legs), Rhinos (populations of both black and white rhinos in this protected sanctuary), and waterbirds (African fish eagles, great white pelicans, storks, and herons. Over 450 bird species have been recorded.
Days 5-6	Fly to Nairobi then Drive to Amboseli National Park
	Today, you will take an early flight to Nairobi then drive to Amboseli National Park West and stay for two nights at the Amboseli Serena Lodge. Amboseli National Park is a classic Kenyan safari destination renowned for its magnificent elephants and iconic views of snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro rising behind the plains. The park’s open savannah, acacia woodlands, and extensive swamps support a rich array of wildlife. Large breeding herds of elephants are the undisputed stars here — many with impressive tusks — often seen feeding in the lush wetlands or moving across the dusty plains. You’ll also encounter prides of lions, cheetahs on the hunt, spotted hyenas, large buffalo herds, Maasai giraffes, and plains zebras. Hippos wallow in the swamps, while smaller antelopes like impala and Grant’s gazelle grace the grasslands, creating wonderful opportunities for relaxed game drives and photography against Africa’s tallest mountain backdrop. Birdlife in Amboseli is equally rewarding, thanks to the permanent swamps and seasonal wetlands. Greater and Lesser Flamingos often gather in colorful numbers, while waterbirds such as African spoonbills, yellow-billed storks, pelicans, and various herons thrive around the water edges. Raptors including the majestic martial eagle, African fish eagle, and vultures patrol the skies, and you’re likely to spot colorful species like Lilac-breasted Rollers, bee-eaters, and the striking Superb Starlings. The combination of big game and abundant birds makes Amboseli the best location to end your journey.
Day 7	Drive from Amboseli National Park to Nairobi
	After a final early morning game drive (weather and flight schedule permitting), you will be transferred to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. You will arrive in Nairobi and be transferred to your day room at either the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi or the Hilton Garden Inn Nairobi (both located near the airport). These comfortable day rooms provide a relaxing space to freshen up, rest, and use the hotel facilities. You will enjoy both lunch and dinner before being transferred in the evening to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for your international flight home.

Cost

NOTE: The number of tour days does not include your international travel days to and from Africa.

Per Traveler
2027
Jan – Apr	$9,875
May – June, Oct – Nov	$11,275
Jul – Sep	$13,375
2028
Jan – Apr	$11,109
May – June, Oct – Nov	$11,559
Jul – Sep	$12,684

Adult 18+ Double Occupancy
Single traveler at the same price as double occupancy – no supplements
Youth 75% Per Youth Age 13-17 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Child 50% Per Child Age 4-12 Double/Triple Occupancy with at least one adult
Infant/Toddler No Cost – Do not include as a paid traveler.

Discounts

Groups of 4-6	$100 per traveler
Groups of 7-12	$150 per traveler
Groups of 13-18	$200 per traveler

Deposit & Balance

20% Deposit to secure booking – Per person cost for each traveler
Balance due 90 days prior to start date – Invoice for balance due will include deductions for youth, children, and group discounts.

Inclusions

All accommodations and meals
All transfers
All gratuities for porters and servers/hotel staff
Minimum gratuities for drivers and guides
Local flights (3)
All game park entrance and applicable concession fees (3 Parks)
Excursions in itinerary
Water included with meals and in safari vehicles.

Exclusions

International airfare to and from Nairobi, Kenya
Gratuities – housekeeping
Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari (about $500 per person)
Excess baggage fee
Laundry services
ETA or Visa Fee for entrance into Kenya
Alcoholic beverages and other drinks (soft drinks and water) from the bar
Personal expenses such as travel insurance
Communication charges that include emails and phone calls

Cancellations

▪ Cancellation 90 or more days before start date (100% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 89-60 days before start date (75% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 59-30 days before start date (35% refund of price less a $300 administrative fee per person)

▪ Cancellation 29-0 days before start date (0% refund of price per person)

We strongly encourage you to purchase travel insurance!

Insurance

Travel worry-free with travel insurance from trusted insurers. Compare and buy online with safe and secure checkout and instant confirmation of coverage at www.travelinsurance.com.

Consider the following:

Trip Cancellation
Trip Interruption
Medical Evacuation
Medical Protection
Baggage Loss
Flight Accident
Accidental Death

Review the terms and conditions before deciding whether to purchase travel insurance. At a minimum, consider trip cancellation, trip interruption, medical evacuation, and medical protection.

Extension

Pre-Tour: Gorillas & More 4 Days 3 Nights

This intimate 4-day, 3-night primate safari in Rwanda is built around unforgettable encounters with the critically endangered mountain gorillas of Volcanoes National Park. Blending world-class wildlife experiences with authentic cultural immersion, the journey also includes a gentle introduction to Kigali and meaningful visits with local communities.

Designed with sustainability at its core, the safari features guided gorilla treks and immersive village experiences, all supported by luxury accommodations and full-board dining throughout.

This adventure begins in Kigali, Rwanda, four days prior to the official start of your Kalama Safari tour. After enjoying these memorable opening days in Rwanda, you will take a short regional flight to either Nairobi, Kenya or Arusha, Tanzania, where your main safari adventure seamlessly begins.

Learn More