Overview

This special tour offers an opportunity to view some of Africa’s rarest and most localised species in the  Dakatcha Woodlands and coastal forests of Arabuko-Sokoke, as well as the Taita Hills, which have been strongly supported by the African Bird Club’s conservation efforts in recent years. Participants will each be expected to contribute £300 to the Club in advance of the tour. We hope to have a chance to meet some of the local people who have been involved in the efforts to conserve Dakatcha and the Taita Hills.

We start out exploring a handful of coastal sites including the famed Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, which holds several localized and range-restricted species. Here we will endeavour to find Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke and Malindi Pipits, stunning Fischer’s Turaco, Mombasa Woodpecker, Green-headed Oriole, Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike, Green Tinkerbird, East Coast Akalat, Little Yellow Flycatcher, Scaly Babbler, Amani Sunbird and the enigmatic Clarke’s Weaver. Other sites in this area include the Dakatcha Woodlands, Mida Creek for Crab-plover and the Sabaki River Mouth. The second half of our tour is spent exploring the exceptional Tsavo reserves which hold a wonderful assortment of dry country birds and mammals such as African Elephant, Big Cats such as Lion, Leopard and Cheetah and a variety of different antelope. On the birding front the list of quality species is numerous and includes Scaly Chatterer, Red-naped Bushshrike, Pringle’s Puffback, Tsavo Sunbird, Taveta Weaver, Golden-breasted and Fischer’s Starlings, White-throated Robin, the rare and little known Friedmann’s Lark, Hartlaub’s Bustard and Grey-headed Silverbill to name a few.  We also take time to visit the Taita Hills where three extremely localized Kenyan endemics can be found: Taita Thrush, Taita White-eye and Taita Apalis.

Tour Facts Max Group Size
6 with 1 Rockjumper Leader
Accommodation
comfortable
Photographic Opportunities
good to excellent
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

David Hoddinott and indeed the drivers and Alison were all amazing - making this a life-changing experience. Everything went far better than expected throughout the tour in my opinion. I do not see how it could have been improved. Well done to all!

Great trip – close encounters with a lot of target birds and mammals, exciting habitats, comfortable accommodations and an outstanding guide. Glen must be one of the foremost authorities on African birds and I learned a great deal from him regarding ecology, behaviour, systematics and conservation.

We very much enjoyed our East Africa experience, finding it to be the adventure we dreamed it would be. With Greg de Klerk as our excellent and informative guide and the incredible wildlife, the tour exceeded our expectations. Greg took care of us all throughout the tour and was extremely patient and considerate to make certain that all were able to find the birds we were seeking. We had a group with different levels of birding experience and Greg worked so well with all. Thanks to all who made this wonderful experience happen for us.

Stuart took my "hit list" and ensured that I saw as many as possible. Driver/guide Jack and local guides also helpful. Accommodation and food generally good. One negative was that Landcruiser was cramped and difficult to enter and exit, but apparently a 4X4 is necessary for this tour. Overall very happy with the tour and total list. Other participants also enjoyed it.

This was a first-rate trip. Itinerary, accommodation, people and , of course, Glen's great leading and bird-finding were all excellent.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2024 DEPARTURES
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