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[Tour leaders] Mirthe and Ferry were both tremendous. I was so happy with both the logistics and the species-spotting. Our driver, Titus, was a huge asset with his spotting skills and bird knowledge. Rhinoceros viper, rough-scaled viper, the colobus monkeys, pygmy chameleons, boomslang – this trip was just highlight after highlight.
C.S, USA, April 2024
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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Kenya
Tour Code: KEN07A 16-day holiday through Kenya's varied landscapes in search of some of Africa's most exciting herpetology.
16 days
from
£6,995
£6,995
Land only price
from
£5,995
£5,995
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
Kenya is a magical country and this sensational 16-day holiday, crafted by in-country experts, provides the opportunity to explore the range of habitats which endow the country with an incredible total of 147 species of snakes, as well as countless other reptiles and amphibians. We'll travel from Lake Naivasha to the rainforests of western Kenya, to the plains of Tsavo and end our tour on the white beaches of the Indian Ocean coast!
In Kenya you’ll be hosted by partners who operate an organisation dedicated to snake conservation, research and education. Kenya is home to a number of endemic species, some of which are highly threatened species. The organisation's mission is to carry out vital research into the status of range-restricted vipers from the Atheris, Bitis and Montatheris genera. Their work is currently focused on the very rare Kenya Horned Viper (Bitis worthingtoni) and Mount Kenya Bush Viper (Atheris desaixi), both in need of assessment as well as urgent conservation measures. This tour supports the organisation's conservation efforts and is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays. For detailed information on the holiday, please download the tour itinerary.
- Iconic species such as Green Bush Viper, Gaboon Viper, Rhinoceros Viper, Puff Adder, Southern and Central African Rock Pythons, Black Mamba, Eastern Green Mamba, Red Spitting Cobra, Ashe’s Spitting Cobra and Boomslang.
- East African endemic species such as the Kenya Horned Viper, Kenya Pygmy Chameleon, High-casqued Chameleon, blue-phase Speckled Green Snake, Usambara Vine Snake and Mackay's Tree Frog.
- Mammals likely include African Bush Elephant, Gerenuk and zebra. During night drives we might find Genet, African Civet and with lots of luck an Aardvark or Aardwolf.
- Excursion to Arabuko-Sokoke Forest to look for Golden-rumped Sengi, Sokoke Scops-owl and Caracal
Outline Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Nairobi
Day 2/3
Naivasha
Day 4/6
Kakamega Forest
Day 7
Njoro
Day 8
Nairobi
Day 9/11
Tsavo Ecosystem
Day 12/14
Kenyan Coast
Day 15/16
Fly Malindi to Nairobi and inbound flights
Reviews
Dates & Prices
2025
Departures
Availability
Cost
Sat 25th Oct – Sun 9th Nov
ENQUIRE
£6,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Mirthe Aarts
Tour Leader: Mirthe Aarts
Mirthe, known as ‘M’, is a conservationist and researcher from The Netherlands. She has a Bachelor in Law with a focus on the international wildlife trade and a Master of Arts in the field of Globalisation and Development where she focused on sustainable development in conflict areas. After her studies in 2015, she moved to East Africa where she is nowadays working on snake conservation and mainly focused on Bitis worthingtoni research in Kenya. She found great partners in Robin and Dickson and together they set up a reptile conservation and research organisation in 2022. She is the organisation’s researcher, conservationist and expedition-planner and you’ll find her in the bush looking for snakes whenever possible. She is dedicated to saving snakes in their natural habitat by doing research on population status, range and trends, creating awareness and she developed a creative and fun education program to teach children how to live in harmony with snakes. With her sharp eyes to spot snakes even in the most hidden places, she is keen on joining our tours to show you the incredible world of Kenya’s reptiles and amphibians and tell you all about reptile conservation in Kenya.
2026
Departures
Availability
Cost
Wed 25th Feb – Thu 12th Mar
5
£6,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£6,195
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Dickson Kalu Katana
Tour Leader: Dickson Kalu Katana
Dickson was born on a little island in front of the Kenyan coast where he grew up with pythons, speckled green snakes and monitor lizards at his doorstep. He is a professional snake handler with over 10 years experience and learnt his trade from his father who worked for a reptile park. From a young age onwards, Dickson joined his father to the snake park and learned all about Kenya’s incredible reptile world. He, later on, worked with snakes in captivity and rescued many snakes from houses. He went on many explorations with the legendary East African herpetologist Stephen Spawls and has seen more of Kenya’s wilderness than almost anyone. Dickson was excited to join Mirthe to set up a reptile conservation and research organisation in 2022. As Dickson has seen with his own eyes how snake numbers are decreasing, he is dedicated to protect them in their natural habitat. He is the organisation's researcher and snake handler on tours and he visits local schools to implement the snake education program. He is an incredible climber and spots snakes from unbelievable distances away.
Tue 22nd Sep – Wed 7th Oct
1
£6,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Dickson Kalu Katana
Tour Leader: Dickson Kalu Katana
Dickson was born on a little island in front of the Kenyan coast where he grew up with pythons, speckled green snakes and monitor lizards at his doorstep. He is a professional snake handler with over 10 years experience and learnt his trade from his father who worked for a reptile park. From a young age onwards, Dickson joined his father to the snake park and learned all about Kenya’s incredible reptile world. He, later on, worked with snakes in captivity and rescued many snakes from houses. He went on many explorations with the legendary East African herpetologist Stephen Spawls and has seen more of Kenya’s wilderness than almost anyone. Dickson was excited to join Mirthe to set up a reptile conservation and research organisation in 2022. As Dickson has seen with his own eyes how snake numbers are decreasing, he is dedicated to protect them in their natural habitat. He is the organisation's researcher and snake handler on tours and he visits local schools to implement the snake education program. He is an incredible climber and spots snakes from unbelievable distances away.
Tue 1st Dec – Wed 16th Dec
5
£6,995
Flights:
Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.
Flights are included in the tour cost
Regional Departures:
On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.
Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051
Land only cost:
The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.
£5,995
Single Room Supplement:
Single Room Supplement.
£795
Tour Leader:
Please note that, whilst we assign leaders to particular tours well in advance, we reserve the right to make changes if necessary
Dickson Kalu Katana
Tour Leader: Dickson Kalu Katana
Dickson was born on a little island in front of the Kenyan coast where he grew up with pythons, speckled green snakes and monitor lizards at his doorstep. He is a professional snake handler with over 10 years experience and learnt his trade from his father who worked for a reptile park. From a young age onwards, Dickson joined his father to the snake park and learned all about Kenya’s incredible reptile world. He, later on, worked with snakes in captivity and rescued many snakes from houses. He went on many explorations with the legendary East African herpetologist Stephen Spawls and has seen more of Kenya’s wilderness than almost anyone. Dickson was excited to join Mirthe to set up a reptile conservation and research organisation in 2022. As Dickson has seen with his own eyes how snake numbers are decreasing, he is dedicated to protect them in their natural habitat. He is the organisation's researcher and snake handler on tours and he visits local schools to implement the snake education program. He is an incredible climber and spots snakes from unbelievable distances away.
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