The Bird Watching Club for World Travelers |
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Kenya
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You don't need to be an expert birder to contact a Pal. Together you have love for nature, birds, new countries and learning.
These are serious birdwatchers willing to share their time to help you. It is a privilege to contact them. Your message should be respectful.
A Birding Pal does not charge a fee, however you should pay for their expenses, transportation costs, entrance fees, meals, etc.
Pals will answer your messages quickly, if they can. You might select someone who is traveling, so write to more than one Pal, and be patient. Let us know if someone doesn't answer and we'll check that everything is okay.
Let us know when you are going to meet a Pal, and then let us know how it went.
Happy birding.
G. Gakuo
Maps
Nairobi, Nyanza, Kenya
Area
Available
Fri eve, Sat, Sun, Tues, Weds
Languages
English and Swahili
Note
I am a holder of a BSc in Zoology and botany. Field assisted Ornithology at university level fro three years whilst a student. Currently professionally engaged in Climate Change, International Relations and Development. Sites I visit are
1. Lake Baringo for a selection of passerines;- such as the colourful and beautiful Barbets.
2. Lake Nakuru for a selection of wetland birds such as greater and (more abundant) lesser Flamingos.
3. Nairobi National Park for a selection of rare birds of prey.
4. Lake Naivasha for a greater selection of birds of prey and wetland birds.
I am a holder of a BSc in Zoology and botany. Field assisted Ornithology at university level fro three years whilst a student. Currently professionally engaged in Climate Change, International Relations and Development. Sites I visit are
1. Lake Baringo for a selection of passerines;- such as the colourful and beautiful Barbets.
2. Lake Nakuru for a selection of wetland birds such as greater and (more abundant) lesser Flamingos.
3. Nairobi National Park for a selection of rare birds of prey.
4. Lake Naivasha for a greater selection of birds of prey and wetland birds.
Area
Nairobi National Park, Hells Gate, Nakuru National Park, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo
Area Birds
Non-passerines such as Ostriches, Hamerkops, Storks, Commorants, Kingfishers, bee eaters, kites and eagles. Passerines such as Wagtails, Bulbuls, Thrushes, Shrikes, Starlings, Weavers.
Nairobi National Park, Hells Gate, Nakuru National Park, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo
Area Birds
Non-passerines such as Ostriches, Hamerkops, Storks, Commorants, Kingfishers, bee eaters, kites and eagles. Passerines such as Wagtails, Bulbuls, Thrushes, Shrikes, Starlings, Weavers.
Note
I want to encourage any birder who wants to bird in the Rift vally, Kakamega forest, Lake nakuru, Lake Victoria and Kisii Highlands to Join me anytime of the week but mostly during weekends. The areas mentioned boasts a rich bird diversity ranging from terrestrial to water birds. Birding is still my hobby despite my routine lecturing Job. I look forward to hearing from you and fellow birdingpals.
I want to encourage any birder who wants to bird in the Rift vally, Kakamega forest, Lake nakuru, Lake Victoria and Kisii Highlands to Join me anytime of the week but mostly during weekends. The areas mentioned boasts a rich bird diversity ranging from terrestrial to water birds. Birding is still my hobby despite my routine lecturing Job. I look forward to hearing from you and fellow birdingpals.
Professional Birding Guides
A professional Birdingpal guide can customize your tour, and you will see the birds you want.
Your guide is also your travel companion, who will make sure you experience the native people, scenery, culture, history and food, first hand.
Hiring a Birdingpal guide will boost the local economy and help protect birds other wildlife and their habitat
A professional Birdingpal guide can customize your tour, and you will see the birds you want.
Your guide is also your travel companion, who will make sure you experience the native people, scenery, culture, history and food, first hand.
Hiring a Birdingpal guide will boost the local economy and help protect birds other wildlife and their habitat
Peter Liech
Maps
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Company
Origins Safaris
Available
Anytime (July to November tourism peak season)
Languages
English and Kiswahili
Note
I am 50 years and have taken part in the Wednesday morning birdwalks and other field trips organised by Nature Kenya since 1995 and has become a competent and enthusiastic bird watcher.
I have participated in World Watch, Nairobi bird ringing group, have attended a variety of Nature Kenya events, and is also a safari guide by profession, and has led bird trips.
I am friendly, outgoing and with good spoken English.
* "Born in Kenya and attended high school courtesy of America's charity organization the Christian Children Fund now CCF. Has worked as a professional safari guide in Kenya since 1996. A member of Nature Kenya, Kenya professional safari guides association, Kenya Museum society and Wildlife club of Kenya. Has been a member of Nairobi museum bird ringing group, and Nature Kenya's every Wednesday morning birdwalks. Lives in Nairobi."
I am 50 years and have taken part in the Wednesday morning birdwalks and other field trips organised by Nature Kenya since 1995 and has become a competent and enthusiastic bird watcher.
I have participated in World Watch, Nairobi bird ringing group, have attended a variety of Nature Kenya events, and is also a safari guide by profession, and has led bird trips.
I am friendly, outgoing and with good spoken English.
* "Born in Kenya and attended high school courtesy of America's charity organization the Christian Children Fund now CCF. Has worked as a professional safari guide in Kenya since 1996. A member of Nature Kenya, Kenya professional safari guides association, Kenya Museum society and Wildlife club of Kenya. Has been a member of Nairobi museum bird ringing group, and Nature Kenya's every Wednesday morning birdwalks. Lives in Nairobi."
Area
Kenya is in the tropics of East Africa comprising of snow capped mount Kenya, the great rift valley and its many salty lakes, open grassland savanah and dry thornbush country north of the country. It has remnants of dry forest as well as fresh water lakes,and indian ocean coastlines.
Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Nairobi National Park, Kakamega forest, Arabuko Kakamega Forest, Arabuko sokoke forest, Lake Nakuru for lesser and greater flamingos, Lake Naivasha National park, Samburu game reserve, Masai Mara game reserve, Amboseli National Park.
Area Birds
flamingos, ostrich, martial eagle, fish eagle, giant king fisher, blue hd bee eat
Kenya is in the tropics of East Africa comprising of snow capped mount Kenya, the great rift valley and its many salty lakes, open grassland savanah and dry thornbush country north of the country. It has remnants of dry forest as well as fresh water lakes,and indian ocean coastlines.
Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha, Nairobi National Park, Kakamega forest, Arabuko Kakamega Forest, Arabuko sokoke forest, Lake Nakuru for lesser and greater flamingos, Lake Naivasha National park, Samburu game reserve, Masai Mara game reserve, Amboseli National Park.
Area Birds
flamingos, ostrich, martial eagle, fish eagle, giant king fisher, blue hd bee eat
Peter Wairasho
Twinspot Tours and Travel Limited
Social Media
Maps
Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Specific map
Available
Anytime
Languages
English, Swahili, Japanese
Peter is a trained Bird Guide whose engagement in several ornithological research and safaris has earned him intimate knowledge of the African wilderness be it Flora or Fauna.
Moreover he engages in Bird Ringing/Banding with the Nairobi Ringing Group and in Tsavo West National Park [Ngulia] with other International Bird ringers. He is part of the Raptor Road Survey Team under the Peregrine Fund and the Raptor Working Group.
He is a Co-author of "Being a Bird" book and has also helped run the Fundamentals of Ornithology course, in the past, which trains both amateur and professional birders from Kenya and other African countries.
Peter is a well renowned, experienced bird guide certified by Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, confident, hardworking, honest, time conscious and with good interpersonal skills as well as good sense of humor!
Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Aberdares Forest, Mt Kenya, Kinangop Grasslands, Lake Bogoria/Baringo, Kakamega Forest, Lake Victoria, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Lake Naivasha,Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East/West National Park,Arabuko Sokoke Forest,Mida Creek, Samburu National Reserve, Lake Magadi
Area Birds
African Crowned Eagle, Martial Eagle, Jackson's Widowbird, Sharpe's Longclaw, Aberdares Cisticola, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Turner's Eremomela, Papyrus Gonolek, Blue Swallow, Ross's Turaco, Giant Kingfisher, Goliath Heron, Magadi Plover, Scimitarbills, Tsavo Sunbird, Sokoke Scops Owl,Crab Plover, Golden-breasted Starling, Rufous Chatterer, William's Lark, Crested Lark.
Tours
Email: wairasho@gmail.com
Phone: +254 722 336 456
18-Day Itinerary Birdwatching in Kenya (PDF)
Testimonials
I can fully recommend Peter. He is extremely knowledgeable about birds in East Africa and where to find them. I have had several birding trips to Kenya but none has been more productive than my trip with Peter in terms of how many different species of birds I have been able to see in one short trip. He has fantastic local knowledge.
Peter is also a delightful travelling companion. He is engaging, speaks perfect English and is very accommodating on timing - at what time to leave, how long it will take to arrive at the birding sites, and what to expect when you get there. He understands your objectives ('targets' and so on) and the conditions perfectly.
Best wishes
D. Hughes, UK
In January 2019 and December 2019 I made bird photography tours through different parts of Kenya, each trip for two weeks. I choose Peter Wairasho as a BirdingPal because he gives a detailed description of his professional knowledge and interests.
On my tailor-made bird photography trips with 4x4 rental cars he proved as a very knowledgeable birder: choosing the right habitat, hearing the call, sharpening the eyes, approaching the bird cautiously, the rest was easy for the photographer.
Peter proved furthermore as an excellent driver not fearing any mud and pothole. At the same time patient and provided with a good sense for humor.
A tour with Peter is highly recommended!
Dr. F. Stadtbaumer, Germany
Bernard Mwangi
Maps
Nanyuki, Rift Valley, Kenya
Company
Bernard M. Mwangi Adventures
Available
Anytime
Languages
English
Note
Birding Away Kenya
Regular departures every month
from 1st of every month 7 days coastal Kenya trip.
7th of every month: 7 days Masai mara and Lake Nakuru tour.
14th - 21st: Birding in sites around Nairobi.
21st - 28th : 7 days Mount Kenya trek, Chogoria -Narumoru route.
28th to end month:3 days Meru- Samburu tour.
Birding Away Kenya
Regular departures every month
from 1st of every month 7 days coastal Kenya trip.
7th of every month: 7 days Masai mara and Lake Nakuru tour.
14th - 21st: Birding in sites around Nairobi.
21st - 28th : 7 days Mount Kenya trek, Chogoria -Narumoru route.
28th to end month:3 days Meru- Samburu tour.
Area
Masai mara, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Mount Kenya trek, Chogoria Narumoru, Meru- Samburu
Masai mara, Lake Nakuru, Nairobi, Mount Kenya trek, Chogoria Narumoru, Meru- Samburu
Tours
Itineraries .dox
Moses Kandie
Maps
Nakuru, Rift Valley, Kenya
Company
Birdwatching Kenya
Available
Anytime
Languages
English
Born around Lake Baringo, one of the all-time birding hotspot in Kenya. After brushing shoulders with birders from around the globe while aged 13 years, my passion soared and curiosity to know more about birds grew. I tracked owls, nightjars and other difficult species making it easier for sighting. I later pursued a degree in education but still found myself following my passion which led me to guiding birders locally and eventually going online. I helped in the formation of Lake Baringo Birding Club which saw young guys from the community embrace birding and conservation, I have been involved in chairing of Lake Baringo Biodiversity Conservation Group which continues to support conservation efforts in Lake Baringo and its environs.
I have since 2011 led birding trips for international companies as well as organizing some on my own. I initiated Birdwatching Kenya and Fieldman Birdwatching safaris which has continued to offer professional trips around the country and beyond. I have established contacts in other countries in East and West Africa. Birding has taken me to Ghana and Cote ‘d’Ivoire where I enjoyed the unique species including the intriguing White-necked Picarthartes and more.
Our trips range from a day to over a month. The trips can narrow down on endemic, near endemic and range restricted species. We gather for all sorts of clientele including young and old, newbies and twitchers, fit and decrepit.
Trip Report from our recent 2023 tour:
ebird.org/qc/tripreport/88845
Testimonials: I have just returned from an excellent trip with Moses Kandie to several locations in central Kenya. It was very well organised, with a suitable vehicle, good and safe driver, good/suitable accommodation but especially Moses was an outstanding guide. His knowledge of the locations, the birds (and animals) there and ability to find and identify birds by sight and sound were exceptional. He was focused on the birds I wanted to see and was very successful. I hope I'll be able to join him on another trip.
- Terry Boss 2017
I visited Lake Baringo last year, and Moses came out for 3 days with me as a guide. He showed an excellent knowledge of local species, calls as well as location of some of the specialties of the area and he is a very nice person to boot. Our company is planning to run trips to Africa and for Baringo, we plan to use Mr Kandie - which I suppose sums up how much I enjoyed my time with him as my guide. Any questions, please feel free to email me.
Vandit Kalia, Photo Safari India.
Moses is a sympatic and responsible birding guide that I first met in his home village Kampi ya Samaki by Lake Baringo in 2004. He's especially familiar with the birds of the Rift Valley but has also travelled over much of the rest of Kenya. We've made one professional tour together and there are more to come. I can thus recommend Moses as your birding guide!
Samuel Hansson, Heliangelus Nature Tours, Sweden.
PHONE: +254722420699
WHATSAPP: +254722420699
EMAIL: kandyrop@yahoo.com
Hotspots: Nairobi national park, Mt Kenya, Aberdares, Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Arabuko-Sokoke forest, Kakamega forest, Taita Hills. Masai Mara etc.
Area Birds
African Fish-Eagle, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Herons, Egrets, Plovers, Storks, Eagles, Vultures, Sharpes Longclaw, Larks, Bustards, Coursers, Sand Grouses, Vultures, Raptors
Mwangi wa Gitau
Maps
Nairobi, Nyanza, Kenya
Specific map
Company
ConQuest Adventures Ltd.
Available
Anytime
Languages
English and Kiswahili
Mwangi is an avid Ornithological guide, interested in anything and everything from an ant, bird, plant to a big elephant.
He is competent, friendly, experienced with unrivalled knowledge of nature.
He will always handle your birding trip diligently making it more enjoyable and a real value of your money.
Mwangi leads several Birding Trips within East Africa.
In September 2015 we, Leonie and Rick, joined Mwangi Wa Gitau for a 6-days bird safari in Kenya. Mwangi is a very knowledgeable Guide, an official Birding Pal Professional Guide and highly recommend.
We had our first encounter through BirdingPal, and worked together to design a tailor made trip. Mwangi is a good listener and understood well that we were not in search of the big five or fancy resorts. He has the right contacts in the right places, such as Lake Elementaita and Lake Baringo. The accommodations were well chosen, simple and exactly what we were looking for. We hardly saw any other tourist and we were surrounded by birdlife.
Mwangi offers bird watching time for as long as you like. Sometimes we ran out of energy, but he was still going strong. Even during the late evenings, when checking the bird list, he was helpful reminding us the details of the birds we saw that day. This prevented some errors for our eBird submissions. And when he heard a potential lifer, he dragged us out into the bush again. Of course, we didn't mind!
Mwangi knows the bird calls, even from ones who mimic others, which is incredible. We met his trainers in Nairobi, but he has clearly surpassed them all. What is also important; Mwangi is a team player. He knows his birds, but he also receives advice form the local experts. This way we found Owls, Coursers and Nightjars in a matter of minutes. He would probably have found them by himself, but it saved time to learn about the latest roosting movements by teaming up. He appreciates the smaller, less colourful birds (Hunter's Cisticola) as much as the impressive Fish Eagle.
We dreamed of visiting Kenya and after 20 years the dream came through. However, Kenya is not off the "bucket list". Better: it will stay on the list and hopefully we'll be back within a few years.
Mwangi will certainly be part of our next trip.
We wish Mwangi all the support he needs to create better opportunities for himself. He deserve it as he is a great birder guide (and we've seen quite few over the past 10 years...).
Leonie & Rick
Birding Pals
Nairobi N Park, Magadi Road, Gatamaiyu & Eburu Forests, L. Elementaita,Taita Hills, Lake Elementaita, Lake Baringo
Area Birds
Maccoa Duck, Beautiful Sunbird, Black bellied Bustard, Taita Apalis, Secretary Bird, Owls, Coursers, Nightjars, Hunter's Cisticola, Fish Eagle
