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East Africa is one of the wonders of the world. Not only are the diversity and abundance of large mammals legendary, but the birding is some of the world's richest. More than a thousand species of birds have been recorded in Kenya and northern Tanzania, and more species have been actually seen in one day here (330) than anywhere else on Earth. This ambitious itinerary is a fast-paced (but not exhausting) survey of the richest parks and birding spots in central and western Kenya and northern Tanzania.
In eighteen days in the field, we can sample the very best of both countries and see an impressive diversity of habitats, many of them comprising spectacular scenery. In Tanzania, we will travel by four-wheel-drive vehicle as we cross the Great Rift Valley and bird the forests of the Crater Highlands before climbing to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater itself, and we'll spend a day within the crater -- seeing Africa's famed big game at its best. From Ngorongoro, it's on to the vastness of the Serengeti and its herds of buffalo, antelopes, zebra, and big cats. We'll return the same way heading to Tarangire National Park, another beautiful park for both birds, mammals, and giant baobab trees. In Kenya, our route will take us on a loop from Nairobi and Nairobi National Park north through the Central Highlands to alkaline Lake Nakuru, then west to the rich birding at Kakamega Forest, back through a most spectacular part of the Rift Valley to Lake Baringo, and then to the slopes of the Aberdare Mountains before we return to Nairobi.
It's a real treat to watch Schalow's Turacos foraging through the treetops near Karatu or drive across the floor of Ngorongoro Crater--one of the world's most spectacular reserves. Large herds of zebras, wildebeest, and gazelles graze all around, and hundreds of flamingos, storks, ibises, and waterfowl fringe the alkaline lake, while Lions watch over the scene, seemingly inured to the extraordinary activity all around them. And the Serengeti, that vast and apparently endless expanse of plains, defies description. The seasonal home of several million large mammals and uncounted birds (including three Tanzanian endemics--Gray-breasted Spurfowl, Fischer's Lovebird, and Rufous-tailed Weaver), the Serengeti is the essence of East Africa. We may find a Lion kill and watch the maneuverings of hyenas, jackals, vultures, and Marabous as they try to get a share of the spoils; perhaps we'll watch a solitary Cheetah stalking a Thomson's Gazelle; or we may simply enjoy observing silent Northern Giraffes walking across the plains. The Serengeti will fill us with a magnificent feeling of space that in itself is a remarkable wilderness experience. In Tarangire, we may watch large herds of African Savanna Elephant along the river, or perhaps a Leopard lounging high in the shade of a mighty baobab tree. Bird life is abundant, with endemic Ashy Starlings and Yellow-collared Lovebirds common right around our comfortable lodge.
In Kenya, it's fabulous to look out at dawn over Lake Nakuru, speckled with pink flamingos and surrounded by tall acacia woodland, or cross the Great Rift Valley, with its dramatic cliffs and sparkling lakes--it's the longest exposed rift valley on Earth, stretching from Lebanon to Mozambique and at its narrowest here in East Africa. We'll cross and re-cross it in both countries, enjoying the vistas while searching for such special birds as Bar-tailed Trogon, Hemprich's Hornbill, and Red-fronted Parrot. From tiny crombecs and eremomelas to giant Martial Eagles and Kori Bustards; wattle-eyes in the forests, barbets in the arid bush countryl from woodhoopoes and helmetshrikes, to Secretarybirds, mousebirds, rollers, and insectivorous woodland kingfishers, East Africa offers a fantastic array of bird life very different from our own.
Although our primary focus is on birds, the many splendid views of large mammals will constitute a highlight of the tour, even for safari veterans, and we'll try to see as many species as possible. During the course of this journey, we'll spend considerable time watching and photographing mammals in many of East Africa's finest parks.
As veterans know, the joys of traveling in East Africa are many. Besides all the fabulous birds and mammals, the people are friendly, the climate is delightful, and tourist facilities are excellent. In both countries we will travel in 4X4 Toyota Landcruisers,with a pop-top roof, refrigerator, and other special safari features. We will be staying in hotels and lodges that offer an amazing degree of comfort and convenience in some of the finest birding habitats in both Kenya and Tanzania.
Note: To save a huge amount of time traveling between Nairobi and Arusha (northern Tanzania), we will fly both legs of this journey--an extra expense, but we think (and we hope you will agree) well worth every cent! The limit for this tour is just six participants.
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Client comment
"The tour was totally amazing. The best features were the expert guiding and having such great views of the birds and wildlife.It was better than I could have imagined. Guide Terry Stevenson was so incredibly knowledgeable and patient. I can't imagine a trip to Africa with any other guide. He expeditiously guided us through restaurants, lodges, and airports, allowing us more time to look for birds. The accommodations were all very comfortable. Your office service was excellent. Couldn't ask for better." L.R., EAST AFRICA HIGHLIGHTS: KENYA & TANZANIA