Loading search...
This was the trip of a lifetime for us, a bucket list item, and an adventure. We had high expectations of the adventure, and it surpassed them all. We struggle to find words for what an amazing experience this was. The birds of the Masai Mara was like entering into a secret world, and one I wish we could return to again and again. Elsamere - what an amazing location, with the Joy Adamson history, museum, and animals coming right into the camp. Seeing giraffe and zebra wandering past your window is magical, as well as the wide range of birds right there on your doorstep. Basecamp Maasai Mara - what an incredible place - seeing mongoose, owls, snakes, monkeys and birds while walking around is magical. And a chorus of hyena at night, so many different sounds. The food was exceptional, and service (thank you, Brannigan) impeccable and friendly (he remembered our preferences and drink orders from day 1, for the whole stay). The same day laundry service was great - makes it much easier to be comfortable in the heat. We loved the combination of seeing Lake Naivasha from a boat, Hells Gate Park, walking the grounds of Elsamere, the Maasai Mara, and even spotting things on the roadside on the longer drives. We saw 238 different species of birds, plus so many big cats, herd animals, reptiles - seeing lion cubs eating from a kill, and a serval cat across the plain were my personal animal highlights. Bird highlights are probably eagles, secretary birds, hornbills, and shrikes - as well as seeing a lilac breasted roller eat a grasshopper bigger than its head. But we were spoiled for choice for our favourite birds. Seeing a pride of lions - males, females and cubs with a kill, while vultures and a jackal lurked nearby, was one of the greatest wildlife experiences I’ve had. It was especially good because unlike other times we’d seen big cats, there was not a huge mob of vehicles, the animal’s space was respected, and we were able to be part of that without disturbing them. John was amazing - he knew bird calls so well, he managed to find us so many different species. He knew just where to look for the birds we wanted to see, and was able to explain their behaviour. Whenever we spotted a bird, John would make sure every one of us had seen it. He requested, and was very open to feedback - adjusting how he shared information to make it easier for us to remember. Using the guidebook to show us pictures of the bird we’d just see was a great way to remember them. He also listened to our preferences, and adjusted what we saw in the Maasai Mara to meet our choices. Going through the checklist with him at the end of the day was great!
M.C. Midlothian, Nov24
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Birds of Kenya's Maasai Mara
Tour Code: KEN01Kenya is home to over 1,000 species of bird. This birdwatching safari explores two of its richest areas: Lake Naivasha, which sits within the spectacular Rift Valley, and the open grassy plains of the Maasai Mara.
£4,895 (Inc flights)
£4,195
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
Can I help you?
Summary
Kenya is one of the world’s great ornithological hotspots and home to over 1,000 species of birds. This birdwatching safari explores two of its richest areas, Lake Naivasha, which sits within the spectacular Rift Valley, and the open grassy plains of the Maasai Mara. We start at Elsamere on the shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy and George Adamson, but now home to Golden-winged Sunbirds, Superb Starlings and African Fish Eagles. We then move to the world-famous Maasai Mara where we stay for 5 nights at the luxury Basecamp Masai Mara. Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard, Crowned Crane, Carmine Bee-eater and Rosy-breasted Longclaw are all likely, plus a wealth of mammals including Elephant, Maasai Giraffe, Thompson’s Gazelle, Cheetah and Lion.
- Visit the world-famous Maasai Mara
- Exceptional birdlife of Lake Naivasha
- Spectacular Rift Valley scenery
- 2 nights at Elsamere, former home of Joy and George Adamson, authors of ‘Born Free’
- 5 nights at the luxury Basecamp Masai Mara
- Abundant birdlife
- Numerous African mammals including Elephant and Maasai Giraffe
- Lion, Cheetah & Leopard all possible
- Expertly guided by a local Kenyan ornithologist
Grading
A traditional African safari, and therefore suitable for anyone of any age, without any great necessity for extreme fitness.
About the region
Kenya is one of the world’s great ornithological hotspots and home to over 1,000 species of birds. Two of its richest areas are Lake Naivasha and the Maasai Mara.
Our tour starts at Elsamere on the shores of Lake Naivasha, once home to Joy and George Adamson, but now home to Golden-winged Sunbirds, Superb Starlings and African Fish Eagles. The habitat is striking with its yellow-barked Acacia trees and Candelabra Euphorbias. Over 350 bird species have been recorded here. We then move on to the Maasai Mara, arguably the finest of Kenya’s reserves, for a 5 night stay. The Maasai Mara teems with wildlife and holds some of the highest concentrations of animals in the world.
The tour ‘in a nutshell’
A 10-day bird watching holiday, staying in a luxury camp in the Maasai Mara and at Lake Naivasha.
What birds might I see?
During our stay on the shores of Lake Naivasha we’ll look out for such species as White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Spectacled Weaver, Common Waxbill and Red-cheeked Cordon-bleu, as well as waterbirds including White and Pink-backed Pelicans, Long-tailed Cormorant and African Darter.
The Maasai Mara has an abundant bird life, including huge Ground Hornbills and elegant Secretary Birds which stride along the grasslands along with Kori Bustards, Grey Crowned Cranes and smaller species such as Temminck’s Courser, Wattled Lapwing, Rosy-breasted Longclaw, Yellow-shouldered Widowbird and Capped Wheatear.
Lone bushes or dead trees provide lookout perches for a variety of bee-eaters and rollers, including the beautiful Carmine Bee-eater, while above them soar Martial Eagles and Lappet-faced, African White-backed, Hooded and Ruppell’s Vultures.
Anything else?
Black and White Colobus Monkeys are common at Lake Naivasha, as well as Hippos.
The Maasai Mara is home to a superb suite of mammal species. These include Elephant, Maasai Giraffe, Burchell’s Zebra, Thompson’s and Grant’s Gazelle, Cheetah, Lion and many more.
Stunning Rift Valley scenery.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
In Nairobi we use a comfortable tourist hotel. For the 2 nights at Lake Naivasha we stay at Elsamere, the former home of Joy and George Adamson. Basecamp Masai Mara is a small permanent bush camp on the edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Additional information can be found in the detailed tour itinerary.
- Food:
Meals, except for dinner on Day 1 and lunch and dinner on Day 9, are all included.
Reviews
-
-
The best Naturetrek trip of the four I have been on, and the bar was already set pretty high. I absolutely loved the combination of Elsamere and Maasai Mara! John deserves an A+ for both effort and attitude. He was relentlessly positive and worked almost without pause to help us see the fantastic wildlife in Kenya. John adjusted plans according to our interests - we spent more time on birds, and less on big game, but really managed to see an incredible array of wildlife. Although we came for the birds, observing an extended lion family feeding on an Eland they had taken down was absolutely unforgettable. Waking up to the beautiful calls of Fish Eagles at Elsamere was a special memory, and listening to the range of hyena calls at night at Base Camp Maasai Mara was truly amazing.
S.R. Switzerland, Nov24 -
I very much enjoyed my (first ever) birding holiday. How am I supposed to pick one highlight, when one night I was awakened by a giraffe, walking by our room, followed by a zebra, grazing in front of our window is such an impressive sight. Not sure that outshines seeing a lilac-breasted roller trying to swallow a giant grasshopper or a Secretary bird stampeding looking for pray. Not to mention witnessing a pride of lions with cubs devouring a Topi antelope. Our guide, John was very knowledgeable about his birds, but also other animals and plants were easily identified by him. I loved how every day before dinner, we would go over our species lists together, logging all the species we managed to see that day. During the drives, he was very accommodating, made sure we all saw a species before driving on and even re-positioning the car for optimal photography light.
D.H. Germany, Nov24 -
On the whole this was an excellent trip and we both had a great time... we saw some amazing sights and would recommend a Naturetrek trip to anyone.
J.A. Cheshire -
We did enjoy the trip and the company we were in, and the camp and lodge staff were excellent. We will probably use Naturetrek again!
S.B. Suffolk -
A fabulous trip which we both much enjoyed. Both Zac and John really knew their stuff and were really good guides. Mara was a mind-blowing experience.
P.C. Buckinghamshire -
The holiday was even better than I thought, with so much knowledge on a wide range of subjects from Zac and Peter, including plants, flowers, insects, animals and birds. Well done to Naturetrek for having the right guides!
K.F. Derbyshire -
Wonderful hosts. not forgetting the very helpful, polite and friendly staff. Would recommend this tour to anyone.
H.B. Norfolk -
I very much enjoyed my trip to Kenya. Birdwatching was first rate and the game viewing an added bonus. We saw lions, cheetah, and leopards. The staff took good care of us and were vigilant in ensuring our safety...Thanks to all concerned.
C.L. Dorset -
The two guides and two drivers were excellent allowing us the best views possible of the wildlife. Elsamere was lovely and very interesting, I’m glad we had two nights there as one would definitely not have been enough. Excellent cuisine!
H.M. Scotland -
The two drivers were excellent and were particularly good on the game drives. They seemed to know instinctively the best positions to take to anticipate leopards and cheetahs! The guides John and Douglas were first class. John was particularly good on calls and Douglas was like a walking encyclopaedia of Kenya.
T.M. Scotland -
A fabulous and unforgettable trip; guides, drivers and staff all made it a memorable experience.
G.H. Yorkshire -
Our drivers and guides planned our days to perfection.
A.M. Hampshire -
What an experience. Elsamere overlooked Lake Naivasha and at night we had zebras and hippos wandering round the lawn outside our bungalow. The food was amazing with homemade meals and cakes at teatime to die for.
J. & C.P. London -
Not only was the birding wonderful, but we were also very fortunate to see so many mammals. My first sighting of a hippo in the water will stay with me for a very long time - as will the lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinoceros, African elephants etc. oh - and the birds, of course.
J.H. Lancashire -
John, the birdwatching guide was a star. Excellent knowledge of local birds both in finding and identifying them. The bird (and animal) life was amazing.
P.C. London
Dates & Prices
2025
2026
Array
(
[174] => stdClass Object
(
[id] => 174
[parent_id] => 165
[level] => 2
[path] => tour-focus/bargain-birdwatching
[title] => Bargain birdwatching
[alias] => bargain-birdwatching
[description] => Bargain Birdwatching Holidays
Our bargain birdwatching tours suit keen birders who want an active, fast-paced birding holiday with a dedicated focus on searching for birds rather than on looking at the area’s other wildlife or cultural highlights.
We offer a wide selection of long-haul holidays to many destinations in South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and elsewhere.
What can I expect?
- An expert English-speaking local ornithologist leader
- Outstanding value for money
- Dawn-to-dusk birding with limited time for rest, relaxation and outside interests
- Enviable bird lists
- Focused searches for endemics and regional specialities
Who are these tours best suited to?
- Keen & active birders – whether expert or making their first visit to a country or continent
- People looking for an action-packed bird-focused tour
Where can I go?
Naturetrek's selection of birdwatching holidays includes many South and Central American countries including Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela and Panama.
In Africa our selection includes Malawi, Ethiopia and South Africa, while in India and Nepal we offer a choice of 17 bargain birdwatching tours! Here are a few more choices:
- Endemics of Western Australia
- Argentina's Mar Chiquita
- Birds of Brazils Atlantic rainforest
- Colombia – home to the world’s richest avifauna
- Sri Lanka’s endemic birds
Our specialist recommends...
Paul Stanbury - Operations Manager
All Bargain birdwatching Tours
[params] => stdClass Object ( [category_layout] => [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/p1qAeH8Hsq6M/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg [image_alt] => ) [metakey] => Bargain birdwatching [note] => 17 [parent] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 165 [parent_id] => 1 [level] => 1 [path] => tour-focus [title] => Tour Focus [alias] => tour-focus [description] => [params] => stdClass Object ( [category_layout] => [image_az] => [image_alt] => ) [metakey] => [note] => ) ) [180] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 180 [parent_id] => 165 [level] => 2 [path] => tour-focus/birds [title] => Birdwatching [alias] => birds [description] =>Birding Tours Led by Expert Naturalists
The majority of our wildlife tours focus primarily on birds, allowing us to offer a huge choice of bird holidays. On most of our birdwatching tours we aim to see a wide variety of species, while taking time to enjoy other wildlife as well as cultural highlights and architecture.
Naturetrek Birdwatching Tours
We have one of the largest selections of professionally organised, small group birdwatching holidays around the world and all of our birdwatching tours are accompanied by at least one professional ornithologist leader with detailed knowledge of the area.
The majority of our bird tours have a relaxed, flexible approach which allows more time for photography, detailed wildlife exploration, leisure time and the region’s people, culture, history and architecture, while allowing the group to see a wide range of bird species.
Here is a small selection of our many bird holidays:
- Southern Morocco – an exploration of the birdlife in Morocco’s southern deserts, oases and mountains
- The Camargue in Spring – a short break to enjoy the spring birds of the Rhône Delta and Camargue wetland
- Wallcreepers & Cranes in Northern Spain – a 2-centre holiday focusing on Lammergeier, Wallcreepers, raptors, Cranes, bustards, sandgrouse and more!
- Madeira & Desertas Islands – A Seabird Extravaganza! – a short break focusing on special breeding seabirds, including a night on the remote Destertas Islands
- Peru – Macaws & Machu Picchu – searches for boobies, macaws and Inca Terns
- Spain & Morocco: Birding on Two Continents! – watch the spectacular spring bird migration from both sides of the Straits of Gibraltar
Our Bargain Birdwatching Selection
Our Bargain Bird Tours are intensive birdwatching holidays suitable for the serious birder. They are led by expert English-speaking local guides (and not accompanied from the UK by a tour leader). You can expect a higher-paced tour and to spend long hours in the field.
Our specialist recommends...
Byron Palacios - Tour Leader
[params] => stdClass Object ( [category_layout] => [image_az] => https://i.assetzen.net/i/p1qAeH8Hsq6M/w:500/h:500/q:70.jpg [image_alt] => ) [metakey] => Birds [note] => 02 [parent] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 165 [parent_id] => 1 [level] => 1 [path] => tour-focus [title] => Tour Focus [alias] => tour-focus [description] => [params] => stdClass Object ( [category_layout] => [image_az] => [image_alt] => ) [metakey] => [note] => ) ) [188] => stdClass Object ( [id] => 188 [parent_id] => 165 [level] => 2 [path] => tour-focus/african-safaris [title] => African Safari [alias] => african-safaris [description] =>
Safari Holidays – Experience Earth’s Greatest Continent for Wildlife
Why choose Africa for wildlife safaris?
When people think of visiting Africa, safari holidays are regularly at the top of the list. Riding in an open-top jeep along dusty tracks and looking out across sun-baked savannahs teeming with big game is arguably one of life’s best experiences.
For the nature enthusiast, Naturetrek’s African safari holidays offer unparalleled opportunities. Africa is the world’s greatest continent for wildlife, being home to many of the planet’s most iconic mammals and birds.
Many of these animals are relatively easy to observe and exist in scarcely believable abundance, guaranteeing that our African safari tours are always full of amazing sightings.
From the Okavango Delta in Botswana and Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to Namibia’s Etosha National Park and the superb Kruger National Park in South Africa, our African wildlife safaris will take you to all the continent’s most unmissable destinations.
Classic African safari holidays
We offer classic safari-style packages to Botswana, Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Namibia.
On these African safari tours you will stay in or very near the prime game-rich areas such as national parks and reserves, heading out daily for wildlife watching in vehicles. There will usually be additional chances to join night drives and look for nocturnal species.
On the majority of our African wildlife safaris, even those in our bargain range, we are able to use superb accommodation, including in remote locations. Tented, fully serviced camps with private facilities are the norm.
Expert naturalist guides
All of our African safari tours are led by expert naturalist guides. Most of our tours are led by superb local guides (the quality of guiding in many parts of Africa is second to none), while some of our longer tours are joined by a UK leader.
What wildlife might I see?
Africa is the best place in the world for seeing large concentrations of big game such as African Bush Elephant, Lion, Cape Buffalo, Giraffe and Blue Wildebeest. On Naturetrek’s African safari tours we visit some of the world’s most famous national parks and reserves, such as the Serengeti, Kruger and Okavango Delta, as well as some less well known regions, in search of a full range of the continent’s most spectacular mammals, from Hippos, Wild Dogs and White Rhinos to Leopards, bushbabies and African Wildcats.
The birdlife is equally staggering, with an enormous variety of charismatic species found across the continent, from bee-eaters and hornbills to finches, weavers and a stunning diversity of birds of prey. Naturetrek’s African wildlife safaris offer a chance to search for a superb variety of species and avian spectacles, such as flamingo-lined lakes in the Rift Valley, bizarre Shoebills in Uganda’s swamps, and giant Ostriches strutting across endless savannahs.
See our list of the best African Safari Holidays
Our specialist recommends...
"We offer a superb choice of expert-led African safari holidays ranging from 9-day bargain tours in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park to a 17-day birdwatching and mammal-viewing safari through Namibia, Botswana and Zambia. For those who have previously enjoyed a traditional safari, I would recommend our ‘South Africa’s Rare Mammals’ tour, which targets some of the continent’s most rarely seen creatures, such as Aardwolf, Black-footed Cat, Cape Porcupine, African Wildcat, Brown Hyaena and the iconic Aardvark
Paul Stanbury – Operations Manager
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
