Exciting one-day tour to Gatamaiyu Forest (Kenya Birding Tour)

Reviewed on August 1, 2019

I was in Nairobi last week for a conference and was able to stay an extra day to go birding directly after. On a previous visit to Kenya I had taken a week-long trip to Lakes Nakuru and Baringo and to Masai Mara, so I wanted to go somewhere with different habitats yet close to Nairobi. I reached out to Cisticola to inquire about possibilities, and Washington was prompt and helpful in his reply. He arranged for a day-trip to nearby Manguo Swamp and Gatamaiyo Forest, which is the closest part of Aberdere Range. I had a wonderful day with guide Alex and driver Simon. We saw an excellent representation of species, and even a few that I wasn’t expecting based on eBird records. Among the 21 lifers for me that day, particularly memorable were stunning views of Malachite Sunbirds, White-starred Robins, Brown-chested Alethes, and a Grey Cuckooshrike. The highlight of the day was a male Bar-tailed Trogon, who perched cooperatively over the trail. Alex was fantastic at locating and identifying birds and a font of information about local customs and the ecology of the forest. Simon, who accompanied us throughout, was a truly outstanding spotter. Overall, this was a great trip. Highly recommended.

Reviewed by Greg Wray, USA.