Discover Kenya On a Tailormade Wildlife Holiday

If you are looking for a tailormade wildlife holiday that focuses on birds, look no further than Kenya. There are many wonderful opportunities in this African country to discover some of the planet’s most incredible birds. The advantage of booking a tailormade wildlife holiday is that you can go when you like, visit the places you want to and have your trip designed specifically for you.

Discovering the Magnificent Birds of Kenya

Kenya has a deserved reputation for being a haven for birdlife, and opportunities abound to experience so much of it. With over 1,000 birds to look out for, along with a whole host of other animals, Kenya is a truly exciting destination.

The Great Rift Valley runs right through the heart of Kenya and is the backbone to some of the world’s finest lakes, mountains and volcanic features. Naivasha is one of the lakes that have made this country so famous for its abundant wildlife. This spectacular freshwater lake is one of only two of its kind in the valley, and it supports a huge amount of the country's animal life, including a healthy population of Hippopotamus and hundreds of bird species. The lakes feed the area surrounding the Rift Valley, and together with the rich volcanic soil are the keys to life in the region.

Lake Naivasha

Lake Naivasha sits at 1880m above sea level and is the highest of the Rift Valley lakes. Around the lake there is dense vegetation, which supports its prolific birdlife. Many traditional tours do not stop at the lake, but on a tailormade wildlife holiday you could consider making a stop here on the itinerary. Look out for the Grey-capped Warbler, Spectacled Weaver, Brimstone Canary and Red-billed Firefinch, among a possible 350 other beautiful bird species. The fish in the lake also attract many fish-eating birds, including the Long-tailed and Great Cormorants, as well as the Fish Eagles.

It is possible to stay on the shores of the lake at the famous wildlife sanctuary, once lived in by George and Joy Adamson of Born Free fame. Their house is now open for tourists and there is a museum that tells the story of their lives.

The Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is one of the world’s most famous animal-rich regions, and whether you are interested in sighting big game or gazing skywards to take in the birdlife, there is plenty to experience. The Masai Mara is one of the only places in the world where it is possible to see vast herds of grazing animals and, consequently, the predators that stalk them. The Lion, Cheetah and Leopard make frequent appearances, and bird lovers should definitely look out for the predatory birds that include six out of the seven species of Kenyan Vulture.

There are, in fact over 450 species of birds in the park, ranging from the Common Ostrich to the Cardinal Quelea. The White-bellied Go-away-bird, the Golden-tailed Woodpecker and the Jackson’s Widowbird are other species to keep a careful eye out for.

A tailormade wildlife holiday in Kenya cannot fail to impress. The stunning scenery and fabulous wildlife, as well as the hospitable local guides will make it an experience to remember and cherish.

Marissa Ellis-Snow is a freelance nature writer. If you’re looking for a tailormade wildlife holiday Naturetrek specialises in expert-led natural history and wildlife tours worldwide. Naturetrek brings over 25 years of experience to polar expeditions and tours to other spectacular regions on Earth.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.