Samburu Avian Frontier

Fly from Nairobi to Samburu, landing at a bush airstrip on the banks of the Ewaso Ng'iro River. Transfer to Samburu Intrepids Camp. After lunch, your birding guide takes you along the river for your first session. The riverine forest hosts Giant Kingfishers, Woodland Kingfishers, and the magnificent African Fish Eagle. Scan the riverbanks for Hamerkops building their massive nests and Malachite Kingfishers flashing electric blue. The dry bushland behind the camp yields vulturine guineafowl in flocks of 20-30, their long tail feathers trailing behind them as they run through the undergrowth.

Depart at dawn for a full day birding the reserve's diverse habitats. The morning focuses on the open grasslands where Secretary Birds stride through the grass hunting snakes and insects. Look for them near termite mounds where they nest. The rocky kopjes provide habitat for Slate-coloured Sunbirds, African Red-headed Orioles, and the striking Steel-blue Whydah in breeding plumage. Drive to the northern sector for Black-capped Social Weavers building their enormous communal nests, and White-headed Buffalo Weavers constructing massive structures in acacia trees. A bush lunch is served near a waterhole where birds come to drink. The afternoon session targets the riverine habitats for raptors including Bateleurs, Tawny Eagles, and the rare Martial Eagle.

A morning boat trip (seasonal) or riverside walk along the Ewaso Ng'iro targets the river specialists: African Skimmers skimming the water surface, Giant Kingfishers diving for fish, and Pygmy Geese resting on floating vegetation. The papyrus beds harbour Lesser Jacanas and White-winged Terns. After lunch, visit a Samburu manyatta for a cultural experience, then return to the bush for an evening birding session targeting Golden-breasted Starlings with their metallic plumage, and the beautiful Rosy-patched Bush-Shrike.

Rise before dawn for a final birding session along the river, targeting any species still on your list. The early morning light brings out the colours of the Golden Palm Weavers and Superb Starlings. After breakfast, transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Nairobi. A typical 4-day Samburu birding trip records 200-250 species.