Bargain birding - Kenya's Masai Mara

There is absolutely nothing ‘bargain basement’ about Naturetrek’s 10-day Bargain Birding tour in Kenya, just exceptional value, first rate birdwatching, superb game viewing and luxury safari camp accommodation, departing London 7th November 2008.

After a night in Nairobi and early breakfast, transfer to Elsamere (onetime home of Joy Adamson), set on the tranquil shores of Lake Navaisha. Guests have 2 nights here to enjoy the beautiful location and abundance of birds – over 350 species have been recorded. Awaken to a real African dawn chorus of croaking Colobus Monkeys and bird song and enjoy a final breakfast before heading off to the world-famous Masai Mara.

The next 5 nights are spent at Kicheche Mara Camp, a luxurious permanent bush camp in the Koiyaki Lemek region of the Mara. Whilst at camp, explore the surrounding area during early morning and evening game drives, with lunch served al fresco under the shade of a substantial olive tree and dinner by candlelight under the stars.

The prolific birdlife in the Mara includes Ostrich, White-headed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Grey Kestrel, Black-bellied Bustard and Secretarybird, a mere fraction of the species to be found here. Although the main focus of the tour is Kenya’s birdlife, mammals and other wildlife will not be ignored.

In November though vast herds of Wildebeest and Zebra will be enjoying fresh grass in Tanzania's Serengeti, huge numbers of mammals remain in the Mara year round. Spot Elephants, Masai Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest, Buffalo, Burchell's Zebra and Thomson's and Grant's Gazelle, and their associated predators - Lion, Cheetah and Leopard.

The tour costs £1,595 p/p including flights, transfers, lodge and safari camp accommodation, most meals, two game drives per day in the Mara and expert guiding.

For more information, log on to Naturetrek.co.uk.