On this second day, we embark on a full-day adventure photographing the captivating wildlife and avifauna within the beautiful Nairobi National Park, located near the grand city of Nairobi. Within the park’s boundaries, you’ll discover a diverse landscape comprising lush forests, riparian woodlands, expansive savannah bushes, and vast grasslands.

The birdlife here is truly remarkable, featuring majestic raptors such as the African Crowned Eagle, Bateleur, Augur Buzzard, and the fascinating Secretarybirds. Alongside the roads, you’ll spot charming Petit Little Bee-eaters, while White-bellied Bustards elegantly strut across the grassy plains. The park also hosts a multitude of small passerines, including cisticolas, crombecs, and estrildid finches.

But that’s not all; Nairobi National Park is also home to an array of impressive mammals, including the iconic White Rhino, regal Lions, graceful Masai Giraffes, and the formidable Cape Buffalo.

As the day draws to a close, we return to our comfortable guesthouse in Nairobi to relax and prepare for more exciting adventures to come.

NIGHT | Comfortable tourist hotel, Nairobi.

Today, we embark on a scenic journey by car as we head towards the breathtaking Masai Mara. Along the way, we’ll make picturesque stops at the top of the escarpment, offering panoramic views of the immense Great Rift Valley that divides the African continent. This captivating landscape will leave you in awe.

Upon our arrival in the park, the excitement will escalate rapidly as we encounter numerous new wildlife sightings and experience close encounters with a wide variety of magnificent mammals. We’ll reach our destination in time for a satisfying lunch, allowing us to refuel for the adventures ahead.

In the extended gardens of our lodge, we’ll indulge in birdwatching and photography, keeping our eyes peeled for remarkable species such as the Coqui Francolin, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Silverbird, and Hildebrandt’s Starling. Our luxurious tented camp offers multiple bird photography hides, promising plenty of action and opportunities to capture stunning shots of Rollers, Bee-eaters, Kingfishers, Hornbills, and Woodpeckers.

As the afternoon unfolds, we embark on our first safari, focusing on the abundant wildlife that calls the Masai Mara home. Expect to encounter massive Hippopotamuses, graceful Maasai Giraffes, agile Black-backed Jackals, elegant Thompson’s Gazelles, and numerous Topis. We keep a keen eye out for the majestic cats, including Leopards, Cheetahs, and groups of Lions.

At 6 pm, we return to our lodge, coinciding with the official park closing time. In the hotel’s garden, we may have the chance to engage in more birdwatching, with the hope of spotting a Verraux Eagle Owl before we retire for the night.

NIGHT | Osero Sopia River Camp, Masai Mara.

Over the next two days, we immerse ourselves in the extraordinary beauty of the Masai Mara, spending full days dedicated to both birdwatching and game viewing in the vast expanses of this untamed wilderness. Often referred to as the wildest place on earth, the Masai Mara promises thrilling surprises at every turn.

One of our notable bird sightings includes the Schalow’s Turaco, which we have carefully staked out. During our drives, we may encounter groups of foraging Southern Ground-Hornbills, a sight to behold. Our birdwatching adventures may also reward us with sightings of Grey-crowned Cranes, Temminck’s Courser, Red-necked Spurfowl, and if luck is on our side, the Yellow-necked Spurfowl—an endemic species to northeastern Africa.

The grasslands of Masai Mara are home to a vibrant array of tropical, multicolored birds that will graciously pose for our cameras. Keep an eye out for stunning species like the Superb Starling, iconic Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, the melodious Cape Robin-Chat, the radiant Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and the petite Quilfinch.

As we explore this remarkable landscape, we remain ever vigilant, ready to capture the unexpected moments that make the Masai Mara an unforgettable destination for both bird enthusiasts and wildlife aficionados.

In addition to the diverse avian life, the Masai Mara boasts a rich and varied range of mammals, spanning a spectrum from small to enormous in size. During our time in this extraordinary wilderness, you can anticipate encounters with an exceptional array of wildlife.

High density of remarkable mammals, along with the other wildlife previously mentioned, contribute to the Masai Mara’s status as a prime destination for both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers seeking to capture the essence of Africa’s untamed beauty.

NIGHT | Osero Sopia River Camp, Masai Mara.

Today’s journey carries us away from the expansive grassland savannahs of the Masai Mara, leading us into the enchanting and diverse region surrounding Lake Baringo. Our day begins with an invigorating short safari before breakfast, an opportune moment for early wildlife sightings.

As we bid adieu to the unique landscapes of the Masai Mara, our course is set for the shores of Lake Baringo. This lake is renowned not only for its stunning avian inhabitants but also for its dramatic cliffs that beckon us to explore. In the afternoon, our attention turns to birding, and we venture to the celebrated cliffs in pursuit of elusive species like Hemprich’s Hornbill, the visually striking Bristle-crowned Starling, and the majestic Verreaux’s Eagle—a true giant among Africa’s raptors.

With the setting sun casting a warm and golden glow, ideal for images, we prepare ourselves for an evening filled with thrilling adventures. Just before dawn, under the breathtaking African skies, we embark on a walk to track down elusive nocturnal birds. Among our targets are the Three-banded Courser, the elusive Slender-tailed Nightjar, the enigmatic Greyish Eagle Owl, and the captivating Northern White-faced Owl. This intimate experience allows us to witness the magic of the African night in all its splendor.

Our journey to Lake Baringo not only promises a diverse array of birdlife but also unveils a rich tapestry of natural wonders and wildlife encounters.

NIGHT | Comfortable tourist hotel on the shores of Lake Baringo

Our seventh day begins with an early start as we embark on a full day dedicated to capturing the beauty of Lake Baringo through our lenses. Our day’s adventure commences with a captivating 4-hour boat trip, focusing on the smaller bird species that inhabit the lake’s shores.

As we glide along the tranquil waters, we’ll be treated to a symphony of chattering weavers, with the elusive Little Weaver being the rarest among them. The iconic African Fish Eagles, with their majestic presence, are a common sight and often grace us with their close flybys. The magnificent Goliath Herons, with their impressive stature, provide splendid photo opportunities that are not to be missed. Our journey continues as we leisurely observe and photograph the dazzling Malachite Kingfishers, renowned for their striking colors, and the Northern Carmine Bee-eaters, which add vibrant hues to the landscape.

In the serene ambiance of our hotel’s garden, we discover a variety of bird species, each a testament to the region’s rich avian diversity. Among our findings are the White-bellied go-Away-Bird, the resplendent Eastern Violet-backed Sunbird, and the enchanting Green-winged Pitilia. These encounters in the lush garden offer further opportunities to capture the vibrant beauty of Lake Baringo’s avian inhabitants.

Throughout this day of immersive bird photography, we are treated to a visual feast of Lake Baringo’s natural wonders, from its bird-filled shores to its tranquil waters. This experience promises to be a true delight for both avid photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

NIGHT | Comfortable tourist hotel on the shores of Lake Baringo

Leaving behind the serene shores of Lake Baringo, our expedition continues towards the renowned Lake Nakuru. This extraordinary lake is celebrated for its splendid gatherings of flamingos, pelicans, and a myriad of other shorebirds. As we delve into the enchanting Acacia woodlands and explore the marshes along the lakeside, we enter a world where avian wonders abound.

Picture the scene: Great White Pelicans gracefully glide across the waters, their impressive wingspans casting reflections on the surface. Along the shoreline, African Spoonbills, with their distinct spoon-shaped bills and reddish face, engage in their elegant foraging dance. Venturing further into this avian paradise, we encounter the charming Hildebrandt’s Francolin, hidden among the grassy habitats. Overhead, Grey-headed Gulls circle gracefully, adding to the tapestry of birdlife. As we meander through the woodlands, we come across a wealth of distinctive species: the Broad-billed Roller, with its vibrant plumage and aerial acrobatics; the Levaillant’s Cuckoo, known for its enchanting call; and the elusive White-browed Coucal, a master of concealment in the dense vegetation.

In the treetops, Green Woodhoopoes move in captivating family groups, displaying their vibrant colors against the lush foliage. Meanwhile, the rhythmic drumming of Grey Woodpeckers resonates through the forest as they seek out hidden insect treasures. Among the tree canopies, Black Cuckoo-shrikes and their calls filling the air. Nearby, the Northern Anteater-chat makes its appearance, perching gracefully on termite mounds. In the grasslands, the Grey-backed Fiscal, a skilled predator, impales its prey on thorns as part of its dining ritual. And let’s not forget the striking Brown-crowned Tchagra, with its distinctive calls and captivating plumage.

Yet, our journey doesn’t stop here. Beyond the shores and woodlands, we delve deeper into the realm of nature’s wonders. In the company of expert guides, we seek out elusive treasures such as the Narina Trogon, the striking Red-throated Wryneck, Greater and Scaly-throated Honeyguides, and the communal Arrow-marked Babbler.

Lake Nakuru offers not just a visual feast of avian and wildlife diversity but also an immersive experience in the heart of Africa’s natural wonders. It’s a place where every moment holds the promise of discovery, and the warm African light bathes it all in a golden glow, making this adventure an unforgettable odyssey.

NIGHT | Comfortable tourist hotel, Lake Nakuru

NIGHT | Sopa Samburu Lodge, Buffalo Springs

NIGHT | Comfortable tourist hotel, Nairobi