02 May 2027 - 19 May 2027 (18 days)
USD10,550 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Price (Per person): USD10,550 (GBP8,096 * EUR9,262 * AUD14,957)
Single Supplement: USD840 (GBP645 * EUR737 * AUD1,191)
Pricing notes : *prices are estimated and dates may change*
Embark on an 18-day Mega Wildlife Safari through Kenya and Tanzania, starting in Arusha and traveling through iconic destinations such as Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, and Amboseli National Parks. Witness the breathtaking landscapes of the Great Rift Valley, experience the thrill of encountering diverse wildlife including elephants, lions, leopards, and the majestic Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. Explore the ancient history at Olduvai Gorge, marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, and discover the unique species of Buffalo Springs and Lake Nakuru. This safari offers unparalleled opportunities for wildlife photography, cultural experiences with the Maasai people, and stays in comfortable lodges amidst stunning natural settings.
Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Kori Bustard, Grey Crowned Crane, Secretarybird, Bateleur, Southern Ground Hornbill, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Vulturine Guineafowl and Golden-breasted Starling.
Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Elephant, Spotted Hyena, Masai, Reticulated and Rothschild’s Giraffe, Cheetah, Serval, Hippopotamus, Black and White Rhinoceros, Bat-eared Fox, Kongoni, Bohor Reedbuck, Kirk’s Dik-dik, Grevy’s Zebra, Lesser Kudu, Gerenuk and Beisa Oryx.
The tour covers diverse habitats, including the volcanic landscapes of Ngorongoro Crater, the lush lakeside environment of Lake Manyara, the vast grasslands of the Serengeti, the scenic highlands of the Ngorongoro Crater, the swampy plains of Amboseli, the forested slopes of Mt. Kenya, the arid zones of Buffalo Springs, and the alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru.
The tour spans various climates, from the cool, temperate conditions of Ngorongoro Crater and Ngorongoro Highlands, to the warm, tropical climate of Lake Manyara and the Serengeti, the arid and dry weather in Amboseli and Buffalo Springs, and the moderate, equatorial climate of Mt. Kenya and Lake Nakuru.
6 and 1 Rockjumper Leader
The tour maintains a moderate pace, combining leisurely wildlife safaris and cultural visits with ample time for relaxation and photography, ensuring a well-balanced and immersive experience of East Africa's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Stay in comfortable lodges and safari camps, offering both convenience and scenic views.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Rift Valley, Wildebeest migration, Olduvai Gorge, Mt Kenya, Maasai ai and Samburu tribes, African curios
Capture stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant birdlife throughout the tour.
We have birded with David Hoddinott previously. As usual, David was exceptionally talented at finding birds and other wildlife, plus making certain that all participants were able to see them. David maximized our exposure to viewing birds and wildlife which made the tour a pleasurable experience.
Tour Review – Kenya Mega Birding Tour Our experience on this tour was truly exceptional, and the main reason for that was our tour leader, Stephan Lorenz. Stephan is, without question, the best birding guide we have ever had. His guiding style is remarkable: relentless in the field, always pushing to find the birds no matter the conditions, while maintaining a calm, patient, and positive attitude throughout long days. He has an almost supernatural ability to detect birds and an extraordinary depth of knowledge. Beyond identification, he actively teaches participants to become better birders, sharing techniques, fieldcraft, and intuition in a way that is both inspiring and accessible. Stephan is also incredibly organized and consistently makes sure that every day runs smoothly. He always ensures that everyone sees the birds—not just those who spot them first. He manages group dynamics beautifully, avoids conflicts before they even arise, and creates a warm, cohesive, and supportive atmosphere. His patience and dedication are unmatched. In short: he is an exceptional guide, the best we’ve ever travelled with, and the main reason this tour was such a success for us. We will absolutely choose future Rockjumper tours where Stephan is the leader. Regarding the tour itself: The lodges were generally excellent—some truly outstanding, others more standard but still very good. The only exception was the Blue Post Hotel, where it seems we were given quite outdated rooms compared to what is advertised. Our only real regret is that the itinerary did not include the Masai Mara. While we did see carnivores—including fantastic sightings of leopards—the Mara offers much higher concentrations of wildlife overall: large prides of lions, bigger herds of elephants, massive numbers of antelopes, and that classic East African savanna experience. Including it, or at least offering a 3–4 day extension, would add immense value to the tour. Missing the Mara felt a bit like visiting France but skipping the Eiffel Tower. Apart from that, the experience was superb. The group was wonderful, the birding outstanding, and the journey an absolute pleasure from start to finish. We had an unforgettable time, and we look forward to travelling with Rockjumper again—especially on tours led by Stephan.
The tour was great. The administration pre-tour was not. We received an itinerary that was backwards - starting in Arusha, whereas we started in Nairobi. We didn’t find out about where we were staying until very late, which made our own arrangements difficult. There were a lot of confusion about where we were staying in Nairobi, and we booked the BOMA Inn for two nights prior, thinking that was where we were staying but it wasn’t. But it was too late to change it to the BOMA. The itinerary featured a lot of driving which was wearing. The first jeep we had for Kenya was sub-standard. There were literally bits falling off the vehicle. The first thing we had to do is get new windscreen wipers put on which took about 30 min. The back seats were very tight and the cushion on one was ripped and uncomfortable. When we got to Tanzania we had a brand new vehicle which was much better. I don’t agree with treating the drivers differently to the guide. I think this is a very colonial approach and segregating them to different accommodation and meals is discriminatory, given the work they do and the long days they work. On the positive side both drivers were excellent, particularly Kevin, the first driver who was an excellent birder. Ryan was an excellent guide. He was highly organised, helped us all to see the birds and was always pleasant and friendly. We would travel with him again. The accommodation was excellent, as was the food. Rockjumper is an expensive tour company relative to some others. It was our first time with Rockjumper and we would consider travelling with you again. Thanks to Ryan and the drivers for a very memorable experience. Suse
Ho wow! What a trip we had! Very competent guide,good drivers,great lodging,new truck in Tanzania,but a museum piece in Kenya,extremely uncomfortable in the back seats,450,000 km plus on the counter,leaks when it rains,shame on who gave us that truck for the Kenya part. That been said,the trip was fantastic,so many birds and animals! I strongly recommand that trip! Ryan Tyrer was so knowledgeable,no maybe answers,come back with the good bird if in doubt,after verifying is sources,a true professional!
This trip was a fantastic experience for me, both as a traveler and as an intermediate birder. Kenya is an extraordinary country to explore, and this itinerary certainly delivered a huge variety of habitats, birds, and landscapes. The days were long, packed, and sometimes demanding, but the rewards were genuinely worth it. One thing I appreciated throughout the tour was how clear it became that the logistics—especially the long hours in the jeep—were simply part of what was needed to make the birding goals possible. In my own line of work, planning and logistics are everything, so I fully understood what was happening behind the scenes. Whenever we had to eat in the vehicle, Stephan always explained honestly why: because there was no smarter alternative if we wanted to reach the planned areas and have the best shot at our targets. And he was right. As for the guiding, Stephan was excellent. He’s tireless in the field, extremely sharp, and incredibly knowledgeable—but what stood out most for me was how approachable he is. As an intermediate birder, I never once felt overlooked or rushed. He taught, explained, and helped me refine my skills without ever making me feel inadequate or behind the group. His patience, clarity, and genuine interest in helping each participant improve made a huge impact on my experience. He was also very receptive to feedback. Whenever we shared observations or suggestions, he didn’t just brush them off; he acknowledged them and showed real appreciation. That kind of attitude goes a long way on a long tour. Regarding the itinerary, while it was certainly comprehensive, I personally feel it might have flowed better in reverse. Starting with the more demanding, longer days and the less captivating sites—and ending with the “wow” locations—would have given the trip a stronger final note. Our last three days felt long and tiring, and they didn’t quite match the excitement of earlier highlights. A reordering could create a more compelling and energizing finish. I also believe that including the Masai Mara would take this tour from excellent to truly iconic. The Mara is one of East Africa’s crown jewels, both for birds and mammals, and we would have happily paid more or added extra days to include it. As part of a “mega” Kenya itinerary, it feels like a natural and very valuable addition. Accommodation-wise, most lodges were very good, some even excellent. A few were more basic but still fine. The main outlier was the Blue Post Hotel, where the rooms we received didn’t reflect what is advertised online. All in all, the experience was memorable, the birding phenomenal, and the group dynamic wonderful. I walked away with new skills, new species, and a renewed appreciation for what such a complex tour takes to run well. I’d happily travel with Rockjumper again—especially if Stephan is leading.
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