Western Kenya Circuit

★ View Millions of Pink Flamingoes Flocking to Lake Bogoria
After breakfast, we will drive for around one hour to Lake Bogoria, which is famous for its geysers and hot springs, as well as a large population of lesser flamingos. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to take a leisurely walk circling the lake. Known as the hometown of flamingos, it is a good place to appreciate these elegant birds. They look like gorgeous Flamenco dancers with slender necks and legs in pink dresses decorated with a black border. As the stage of these “performers,” the surface of Lake Bogoria shows different colors at various times because of the algae plants in the lake.

Afterward, we will continue to drive to Mt. Elgon National Park and have lunch en route. About 5.5 hours will be spent on the way. Check into the lodge upon arrival.
► Tips:
1. It may be smelly near the lake because of a sea of birds and it is also dusty while driving on the way, so we recommend you wear a mask.
2. We suggest you not hail or wave at flamingoes as they may be startled away from the shore.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Eka Hotel Eldoret (4 stars)

Today, we will spend a whole day in Mt. Elgon National Park. Located northeast of Lake Victoria, Mt. Elgon is Kenya’s second-highest mountain, which is home to a variety of wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, antelopes, colobus monkeys, and over 300 species of birds, including the endangered Lammergeyer and the Tacazze sunbird. Besides viewing its stunning primitive landscape and wildlife, you will also follow our guide’s steps to explore its famous Elephant Caves where elephants and some other animals like buffalo, antelopes, and cheetahs come to find salt. The caves gained this name because elephants are the main mining forces. If lucky, you will see herds of these big things mince into the cave and chisel with their sturdy tusks.
► Tip: Please be careful while exploring the cave, as it is dark, and there are a lot of wood, stones, animal excrement and skeletons inside.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Eka Hotel Eldoret (4 stars)

Today, we will drive for around 3 hours to the Kakamega Forest National Reserve, the only tropical rainforest in Kenya. You will enjoy activities such as game viewing and bird watching here. Its diverse terrain and abundant water bring rich biodiversity. You will encounter various animals such as mongoose, porcupines, antelopes, pangolins, colobus monkeys, and birds. Known as one of the top bird-watching destinations, it is a harbor for more than 400 species. Also, walking with a professional guide is the best way to explore this beautiful forest. Hosting more than 450 species of butterflies, it offers you chances to spot the Black-tipped Diadem, one of the most beautiful butterflies in the forest.

► Best Time to Visit:
December to March is the best time to visit Kakamega Forest as it is dry most of the time, and animals are active during this period, while from April to May, light rain will make the paths muddy. In addition, since it has a tropical rainforest climate, it always begins to rain lightly around the late afternoon, so we suggest you take a raincoat to avoid getting wet.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Rondo Retreat Centre

Kisumu is 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Kakamega Forest, which requires about 1.5 hours of driving. Upon arrival, you will first be escorted to visit the Impala Sanctuary. Although it is the smallest reserve in Kenya, various animals such as impalas, the rare sitatunga antelopes, lions, cheetahs, buffalos, and more than 100 species of birds inhabit here. Besides viewing animals, it is also a good place to have a picnic since it offers a stunning view of Lake Victoria. Docile monkeys may come around when you are eating. You can share food with those smart creatures, but it is better not to touch them in case of being scratched.

Then, we will head to Kisumu Museum, which consists of four parts: a fish aquarium, a snake park, a cultural history gallery, and a UNESCO-sponsored full-scale model of a traditional homestead of the Luo, a lakeside tribe in Kenya. Stepping into the hall, you will see animals, such as lions, antelopes, and various birds. Outside of the hall, you can have a close look at the duplicate huts of the Luo built with mud-and-dung walls and a big thatched roof. If you are lucky, you may encounter Luo people rehearsing their traditional dancing. Men in Jalabiya - their traditional tunic, and women in dresses, kerchiefs, and colorful beads dance to the drum, which is really heart-stirring.

Leaving Kisumu Museum, our guide will drive you to the last stop today, Dunga Bay, where you can take a boat ride to enjoy the breeze and beautiful views of Lake Victoria. The birdlife is terrific here because of its perfect ecology. You may witness the exciting scene of kingfishers catching fish. Other species, such as cormorants, egrets, hammerkops, and purple herons, are common here. In addition, you can try your luck in encountering sleeping hippos while cruising. You must not miss the dusk of the bay, either. Taking your time to enjoy the cool breeze and capture the gold water that reflects the tangerine sky can leave you with an unforgettable memory.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: The Vic Hotel

From Kisumu, we will drive around 3 hours to the Rusinga Island, a small island on Lake Victoria, approximately 16 kilometers (10 miles) long and 5 kilometers (3 miles) wide. Being a remote and unspoiled destination, it is a great place to chill out and experience laid-back local life.

Upon arrival, you will check into the Rusinga Island Lodge, a luxurious beach getaway we booked for you. Built by the side of Lake Victoria, it is beautiful with gardens and lawn chairs where you can admire the romantic sunset. Following the red wooden pier near the lodge, you will reach a small platform where you can see Lake Victoria in all its glory and take beautiful pictures with it. There is no guardrail on the platform, so be careful not to fall off.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Rusinga Island Lodge - a luxury retreat

Today, you will continue to explore Rusinga Island on your own. Located in a rural area, it is quiet and is a good place to get a close connection with nature. Taking a boat ride arranged by the lodge to enjoy bird watching is a good choice. During cruising, you can not only witness water birds catching fish but also find tilapia. Trying your luck to encounter hippos here is also interesting. In addition, you can walk around to explore various exotic vegetation or take a one-hour boat trip to Takawiri Beach near the island, where you can enjoy many water activities. 
► Note: If you want to take a boat cruise, please consult the lodge staff beforehand.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Rusinga Island Lodge - a luxury retreat

After breakfast, we will leave Rusinga Island for Ruma National Park. It will take around 1.5 hours on the way. Upon arrival, take an exciting game drive through the park. With beautiful landscapes in the wilderness, it has plenty of giraffes, water buffalo, and rhinoceros. You may also encounter the endangered roan antelopes which are considered one of Africa’s rarest antelopes. They are always in brown or grey “coats” with black-and-white “facemasks,” which make them look like clowns. Different from other antelopes, they have long curving horns that can protect them from being preyed. If time permits, our guide will drive you to the Kanyamwa Escarpment in the east of the park, where you can receive a panoramic view of this savanna.

Afterward, we will drive for around 3 hours to Kericho, the county home to the best Kenyan Tea, which offers breathtaking scenery of the vast tea plantations. Check into the hotel upon arrival, and have a good rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kericho Tea Hotel

Departing from Kericho, we will continue to drive for around 2.5 hours to Lake Nakuru National Park, aka Bird’s Paradise. After lunch, we will enjoy an afternoon game safari around the lake.

Endowed with lush forests and grasslands on its banks, Lake Nakuru was once home to millions of flamingos. However, due to climate change, its water level has risen, and the salinity has decreased. So, most of the flamingos migrate to Lake Bogoria. It may be difficult to see the spectacular scene of millions of flamingos flying over the lake. But white, lesser flamingos are still common here. In addition, you can see many other birds, including sandpipers, cuckoos, kingfishers, starlings, and sunbirds. Besides watching birds, discovering trails of white rhinos in this rhino's sanctuary is another exhilarating activity. If you want, our guide will drive you to Baboon Cliff, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of the park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Lake Nakuru Lodge - one of the best lodges in Lake Nakuru

Make full use of your time to enjoy a morning game drive after breakfast. Then, we will drive for around 3 hours back to Nairobi. We can send you back to your reserved hotel or to the airport for your outbound flight. We highly appreciate your traveling with us!

Besides lakes and forests, savannas in Kenya are also worth visiting. Masai Mara performs the majestic animal Great Migration from July to September, during which you will have chances to witness the thrilling scene of wildebeests crossing the Mara River. In addition, you can see cheetahs, lions, giraffes, and other wild animals at a short distance. For more detailed information, please get in touch with our consultant or check other Kenya tours on our website. We will be delighted to serve you!

Meal: Breakfast