8-Day Budget Birdwatching Photography Tour Itinerary
Imagine an 8-day budget birdwatching photography tour in Kenya. Capture stunning birds like flamingos, kingfishers, and raptors in Amboseli, Tsavo, and Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Perfect for nature and photography enthusiasts.
Set off on a mesmerizing birdwatching photography tour through Kenya’s most diverse and stunning landscapes, tailored for both avid bird enthusiasts and passionate photographers. Begin your adventure in the renowned Amboseli National Park, where over 400 bird species thrive against the iconic backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering unparalleled photographic opportunities. Traverse the vast terrains of Tsavo West and East National Parks, home to vibrant birdlife and unique habitats that host migratory species and endemic treasures like the Taveta Golden Weaver.
Continue your journey to the captivating Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa, where rare and localized species such as the Sokoke Scops-Owl and Amani Sunbird await. Each destination is carefully selected to showcase Kenya’s incredible avian diversity, from wetlands and grasslands to acacia woodlands and lush coastal forests. With every moment, you’ll have the chance to capture Kenya’s birding marvels and immerse yourself in the natural beauty that makes this safari truly unforgettable.
The itinerary Summarised for you: 8-Day Budget Birdwatching Photography
- Day 1: Nairobi-Amboseli National Park
- Day 2: Amboseli National Park
- Day 3: Amboseli National Park
- Day 4: Amboseli-Tsavo West National Park
- Day 5: Tsavo West-Tsavo East National Park
- Day 6: Tsavo East – Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
- Day 7: Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
- Day 8: Arabuko Sokoke-Nairobi
Detailed Itinerary: 8-Day Budget Birdwatching Photography Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Nairobi-Amboseli National Park
Start your 8-day budget birdwatching photography tour with a scenic 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi to Amboseli National Park. Upon arrival, check-in at your lodge and enjoy lunch. Amboseli boasts over 400 bird species, making it a top destination for birdwatching safaris in Kenya. Spot globally threatened species such as the Madagascar pond heron, Lesser Flamingo, and Lesser Kestrel. With its diverse ecosystem and the stunning backdrop of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is perfect for bird photography enthusiasts. The best birdwatching season is during and after the October-December rains when migratory birds join the local species.
- Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation: Penety Amboseli Resort—a mid-range hotel located outside Amboseli NP
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 2: Amboseli National Park
Wake up early to capture birds at their most active. Visit the wetlands and swamps to photograph water birds like egrets, herons, pelicans, and crowned cranes. Observation Hill offers panoramic views of Amboseli and Mount Kilimanjaro, and it’s a great spot for spotting raptors. Later, explore the Ol Okenya Swamp for species such as the African Jacana, Goliath Heron, and Grey Crowned Crane. After lunch, embark on a second game drive, focusing on various habitats to maximize birdwatching opportunities.
- Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation: Penety Amboseli Resort
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 3: Amboseli National Park
Another day in Amboseli National Park allows for deeper exploration of its wetlands, swamps, grasslands, and acacia woodlands. Search for unique species like Hartlaub’s Bustard and the localized Pangani Longclaw. Visit boreholes where birds gather to drink and bathe, offering excellent photographic opportunities.
- Main Destination: Amboseli National Park
- Accommodation: Penety Amboseli Resort
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 4: Amboseli National Park – Tsavo West National Park
Travel to Tsavo West National Park, Kenya’s premier birdwatching destination. The park’s varied habitats support species like Golden-breasted Starlings, Grasshopper Buzzards, Tsavo Sunbirds, and Taveta Golden Weavers. Visit Ngulia Lodge to witness bird ringing activities (seasonal, mainly in November) and spot Palearctic migrants.
- Main Destination: Tsavo West National Park
- Accommodation: Rhino Valley Lodge – Budget lodge inside Tsavo West NP
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 5: Tsavo West National Park – Tsavo East National Park
Continue your birdwatching adventure in Tsavo East National Park. This park is ideal for year-round bird photography, with permanent residents and migratory European species. The quiet atmosphere during the off-peak season allows for close encounters with birds. Spot species like Somali Bee-eater, Brown-breasted Barbet, and Common Whitethroat.
- Main Destination: Tsavo East National Park
- Accommodation: Ndololo Safari Camp – Budget tented camp inside Tsavo East NP
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 6: Tsavo East National Park—Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
Depart Tsavo East for Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, East Africa’s largest remaining coastal forest. This biodiversity hotspot is home to endemic bird species such as Clarke’s Weaver, Sokoke Scops-Owl, and Amani Sunbird. Explore the forest’s unique ecosystems, including Miombo Woodland and Cynometra forest.
- Main Destination: Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
- Accommodation: Jacaranda Beach Resort – Mid-range resort located in Watamu (Beach)
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 7: Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
Spend the day exploring Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve. Guided walks offer sightings of Sokoke Pipit, Malindi Pipit, East Coast Akalat, and Green-backed Woodpecker. The Miombo woodland provides excellent views of bush shrikes, Forest Batis, and African Pygmy Kingfishers. Night walks reveal nocturnal species like Fiery-necked Nightjars and African Wood Owls.
- Main Destination: Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve
- Accommodation: Jacaranda Beach Resort
- Meals Plan: Full board
Day 8: Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve, Nairobi
Conclude your birdwatching safari with a transfer to Malindi International Airport for your flight back to Nairobi. Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to catch your flight home.
- Main Destination: Nairobi Airport (Nairobi)
- Meals Plan: Breakfast included
A Kenyan and American Couple explore Delray Beach/Bird watching/Travel Vlog #travelvlog
Tour Inclusions
- Lunch
- Bottled Water
- Accommodation (7-nights)
- Safari 4×4 Vehicle
- Gorilla permit and park fees
- English-speaking guide
Tour Exclusions
- Visas and International flights
- Tips
Why Choose This Birdwatching Safari?
This 8-day budget birdwatching photography safari is perfect for bird enthusiasts and photographers seeking to explore Kenya’s rich avian diversity without breaking the bank. Designed to showcase Kenya’s most iconic birding hotspots, this safari offers the opportunity to observe and photograph rare and endemic bird species in their natural habitats. The carefully curated itinerary ensures a blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and expert-guided birding experiences, making it a truly enriching adventure.
Key Features of the 8-Day Budget Birdwatching Photography Safari:
- Diverse Bird Habitats: Explore wetlands, savannas, woodlands, and coastal forests.
- Rich Birdlife: Spot over 400 species, including rare and migratory birds.
- Iconic Locations: Visit Amboseli, Tsavo East and West, and Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
- Photographic Opportunities: Capture birds with scenic backdrops like Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Budget-Friendly: Mid-range accommodations with excellent value.
- Expert Guidance: Led by experienced birding guides.
- Seasonal Highlights: Timed with peak birdwatching periods.
