Day 1: Nairobi – Mombasa (Overnight Bus or Train)

Evening departure from Nairobi to Mombasa via SGR train or overnight bus.

Overnight: Onboard or budget guesthouse in Mombasa

Day 2: Mombasa – Shimba Hills National Reserve Birding

Morning drive to Shimba Hills for birding and forest walks.
Shimba Hills is one of Kenya’s most important coastal forests and a prime hotspot for forest birding. Its evergreen woodlands, rolling hills, and river valleys host more than 230 bird species, including rare forest specialists like the Green-headed Oriole, Red-necked Spurfowl, Olivaceous Flycatcher, and the elusive Sokoke Pipit. The cool climate and mixed habitats make Shimba Hills ideal for birders seeking diversity within a compact area.
Overnight: Shimba Hills Budget Lodge or equivalent

Day 3: Full Day Shimba Hills Birding

Early forest birding walk, afternoon canopy viewpoint visit.

Overnight: Shimba Hills Budget Lodge or equivalent

Day 4: Shimba Hills – Watamu

Transfer to Watamu with birding stopovers.
Watamu is renowned for its vibrant coastline, coral reefs, and tidal pools, making it an excellent location for seabird and shorebird watching. Species frequently sighted include Sooty Gull, White-cheeked Tern, Saunders’s Tern, Crab Plover, and large flocks of migratory waders. The protected marine environment ensures thriving birdlife, perfect for entry-level and seasoned birders on a budget.
Evening birdwatching at Mida Creek for shorebirds.

Overnight: Watamu Budget Guesthouse or equivalent

Day 5: Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Birding

Full day in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest for endemics.

Arabuko Sokoke is Kenya’s most significant mainland forest for endemic and threatened species, making it one of Africa’s top birding hotspots. It is the only reliable location for endangered birds such as the Sokoke Scops Owl, Amani Sunbird, Clarke’s Weaver, and the rare East Coast Akalat. With diverse forest types—Cynometra woodland, mixed forest, and Brachystegia—the forest offers unmatched opportunities for forest specialties and endemics.

Overnight: Watamu Budget Guesthouse or equivalent

Day 6: Mida Creek & Beach Birding

Early morning at Mida Creek, afternoon free for beach relaxation.
Bordering Arabuko Sokoke, Mida Creek is a world-class birding site famous for its mangroves and expansive tidal mudflats. It is a key feeding ground for thousands of Palaearctic migratory waders, especially the iconic Crab Plover, Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, Whimbrel, and Grey Plover. The raised boardwalk provides excellent, budget-friendly viewing, making Mida Creek a must-visit for any coastal birding itinerary.
Overnight: Watamu Budget Guesthouse or equivalent

Day 7: Watamu – Kilifi – Mombasa

Birding stops at Kilifi Bridge for waterbirds.
Watamu is renowned for its vibrant coastline, coral reefs, and tidal pools, making it an excellent location for seabird and shorebird watching. Species frequently sighted include Sooty Gull, White-cheeked Tern, Saunders’s Tern, Crab Plover, and large flocks of migratory waders. The protected marine environment ensures thriving birdlife, perfect for entry-level and seasoned birders on a budget.
Transfer to Mombasa.

Overnight: Mombasa Budget Hotel or equivalent

Day 8: Mombasa – Nairobi

Return by train or bus to Nairobi.

8 Days Kenya Coastal Birding Safari Cost

1. Solo Traveler USSD 4563
2. 2 Passengers USD 3300 Per Person