9‑Day Kenya Southern Birding Expedition

Tour Plan

Embark on an extraordinary expedition through Kenya’s renowned birding destinations, encompassing volcanic plains teeming with endemic species, lush cloud forests, and the enchanting coastal woodlands of Arabuko-Sokoke. This safari offers an unparalleled experience of world-class birding, breathtaking vistas, and unforgettable encounters with diverse wildlife.

Your adventure commences with a scenic drive towards Tsavo West, wherein you will make a stop at Kiboko, a renowned sanctuary for dry-country wildlife. Upon entering the park in the late afternoon, you will embark on a leisurely game drive towards the lodge.

Birding and Wildlife Highlights

* Lesser Kudu

* African Wild Dog

* Beisa Oryx

* Coke’s Hartebeest

* Lions

* Spotted Hyenas

* Mongooses

* Birds such as Golden-breasted Starling

* Von der Decken’s Hornbill

* White-browed Coucal

* Black-bellied Bustard

* Abyssinian Scimitarbill

Accommodation: Kilaguni Serena Lodge

Embark on an expedition to Tsavo West National Park, where you will traverse its expansive acacia savannas and encounter some of East Africa’s most esteemed avian species adapted to arid environments.

Key Species:

* Friedmann’s Lark

* Tiny Cisticola

* Ashy Cisticola

* Pygmy Batis

* Eastern Black-headed Batis

* Rufous-tailed Scrub Robin

* White-throated Robin

* Migrant Shrikes: Lesser Grey, Red-backed, Isabelline, Red-tailed

* Warblers: Marsh, Olive-tree, Barred, River, Upcher’s

* Additional Species: Black-crowned Tchagra, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Buff-crested Bustard

Accommodation:

* Taita Salt Lick/ Taita Hills Safari Lodge

Taita Hills, emerging from the renowned ridges that encircle it, stands as one of Kenya’s most remarkable biodiversity hotspots. This region is characterized by its high endemism, offering every ridge a potential for discovery. With over 350 recorded bird species, ranging from the striking straw-tailed whydah to the elusive sombre nightjar, Taveta golden weaver, and singing bush lark, this landscape has already captivated the imaginations of avid birders. However, its true allure lies in the presence of three endemic gems, namely the

* Taita thrush

* Taita apalis

* Taita white-eye

Which are found nowhere else on Earth. Taita Hills has become an indispensable destination for individuals seeking rare and extraordinary bird sightings.

Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba

Dedicate the day to exploring the expansive plains and seasonal rivers of Tsavo East, a haven for raptors, bustards, and savanna species.

Additional Species to Encounter

* Somali Bee-eater

* Red-necked Falcon

* Eastern Chanting Goshawk

* Kori Bustard

* White-bellied Bustard

* Black-headed Lapwing

* Golden Pipit

* Three-banded Courser

* White-browed Sparrow-Weaver

Accommodation: Ashnil Aruba

After breakfast, enjoy slow birding toward Sala Gate, scanning for species along the way. Continue to the coast and settle into the Arabuko‑Sokoke region.

Accommodation: Temple point resort or  comparable accommodation.

Welcome to one of Africa’s most important birding forests, home to rare, range‑restricted, and globally threatened species.

Key Species
* Sokoke Scops Owl
, Sokoke Pipit, Amani Sunbird
* Clarke’s Weaver
, East Coast Akalat, Fischer’s Turaco
* Mombasa Woodpecker
, Pallid Honeyguide, Little Yellow Flycatcher
* Additional specialties: Malindi Pipit, Mangrove Kingfisher, Green‑barred Woodpecker
Accommodation: Temple point resort or comparable establishment

Early morning and late afternoon sessions maximize sightings in this humid coastal forest. Explore trails and watch for mixed flocks.

Species to Watch For
* Green Malkoha
, Thick‑billed Cuckoo, Narina Trogon
* Sombre Greenbul
, Lowland Tiny Greenbul, Eastern Nicator
* Bearded Scrub Robin
, Blue‑mantled Crested Flycatcher
* Retz’s Helmetshrike
, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Plain‑backed Sunbird
* Raptors: Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Ayres’s Hawk‑Eagle, Little Sparrowhawk
* Aerial species: Böhm’s Spinetail, Forbes‑Watson’s Swift, Ethiopian Swallow
Mammals
* Golden‑rumped Elephant Shrew
, Blue Monkey, Blue Duiker
Accommodation: Temple point resort or comparable establishment

Visit the rich wetlands of the Sabaki River Mouth, a haven for waders, gulls, and terns.
Species Highlights
* Sooty Gull
, Saunders’s Tern, Lesser Crested Tern
* Curlew Sandpiper
, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover
* Pink‑backed Pelican
, Goliath Heron, African Skimmer

Return to your hotel for your final night.
Accommodation: Temple point resort or comparable establishment

Enjoy a final morning walk in Arabuko‑Sokoke before transferring to Malindi Airport for your flight back to Nairobi.

* Early starts maximize sightings
* Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent
* Tipping is appreciated but not included
* Flights operated by Jambojet

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Pat W profile picture
Pat W
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Our First Safari Our safari with Isaak was amazing. Right from meeting us at the airport we felt safe, cared for and in the know. Schedules were discussed and met. We saw EVERY animal possible for that region. We love wildlife but Isaak's love and pride of country and native animals was so evident as he shared his knowledge. We were so lucky to have him to ourselves. We would go again in a minute!
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Becky W
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Unforgettable Safari I had the pleasure of working with Isaak to plan an unforgettable safari at the beginning of 2025. I saw a lioness attack a younger male lion that was too close to her cubs, and saw a pregnant giraffe in labor. His attention to detail made the entire experience seamless and truly memorable. I visited multiple parks across Kenya and saw an incredible variety of wildlife, all thanks to his thoughtful planning.Isaak took the time to brief me on what to expect, explain local customs, and offer helpful guidance on tipping and etiquette. One example is to tip with US dollar bills that are in good condition. His deep knowledge of the safari industry and his professionalism gave me complete confidence throughout the trip.I would absolutely work with Isaak again for a future safari adventure and highly recommend him and his company to anyone looking for a well‑organized, personalized, and stress‑free experience.
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Chip E
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Amazing experiences thanks to a wonderful guide We - a group of friends - have been to Kenya several times and Isaak has always been our guide. He is a wonderful, caring person who loves his country and is incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife. Thanks to him we had amazing experiences. I can highly recommend him and wish him a lot of success with his new company.
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denisse d
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11 days in Kenya with Isaak I traveled with Isaak and it was the most amazing trip. He was our tour guide during 11 days straight. He’s a local so he knows a lot of the culture, the areas, hotels and people. Really recommend him as your travel guide for Kenia!
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Trail65622613079
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Amazing experience awaits! Highly highly recommend Isaac and Wild Chronicles Safaris. They took great care of our family and showed us a really wonderful time. Our kids loved our time and it was made extra special due to the care that was given to us. We saw all the main animals and witnessed a cheetah kill as well. It's truly magical memories that we will carry with us for a lifetime. Thank you Isaac!
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Culture562172
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Incredible experience Isaak Kenyari is by far the Best African Safari guide. Isaak's detailed knowledge of the wildlife is absolutely impressive! He is sharing with you his knowledge from many years of experience. Isaak is Dedicated to bringing each and every client the experience of a lifetime! I always felt safe while traveling with him and everyday was an incredible adventure.
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Dave S
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Great experience Isaak Kanyari has recently started this Company. I have very positive views of his abilities and performance from our visits guided by him in the past. His knowledge of the area and ability to clearly communicate made him by far the best guide we have ever had in Africa. He listened to all of our requests and went out of his way to make sure we saw what we wanted to and then some. He is a very caring/compassionate individual whose number one priority is to make sure his guests have a great experience. Highly recommend using this company and Isaak for your Kenyan travels.
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BackPacker815232
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Best Safari Ever I give this safari a five out of five.

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