Responsible Luxury Journeys in Eastern & Central Africa

Community, Conservation and Tourism In Migori

Kenyas Top Birding Sites
Kenya's Top Birding Sites

Vital Nature Hotspots in Migori

Ibencho Hills Sanctuary...

Ibencho Hills Sanctuary is an awesome private wildlife conservancy located at the South West borderline between Kenya and Tanzania at an altitude of 1,277 meters, in the larger Migori county of Nyanza, Kenya.

Ibencho Hills boasts of a near perfect microclimate, being part of the Mara ecosystem. This sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds and a reasonable population of resident animals.

Explore Ibencho's Luxury Walking Hotspots...

Ibencho Hills Sanctuary came into existence in 2017 with the realization that an alarming decline among animal populations like the Spotted Hyenas, Leopards, Olive Baboons, Vervet Monkeys and antelopes was being recorded. Massive indigenous trees that were a source of alternative medicine and also made Ibencho Hills a rain catchment were also being fell by the hour, to clear land for human settlement and farming.

Animals were quickly losing their homes, the Olive Baboons were all gone, and birds came home to find their nests gone. So sad. Something had to be done. This destruction motivated the championing for responsible land use and community based tourism. This approach, involves the inclusion of the community in conservation initiatives, and coming up with alternative approaches to sustainable livelihoods.

This decision is not easy; this is because the Ibencho Hills communities live in abject poverty and their main source of livelihood is peasant farming, fetching firewood for sale and charcoal burning. It takes a lot effort for community empowerment towards alternative sources of livelihood and to conserve this ecosystem, so that animals, birds, trees and humans coexist in harmony. We need your help.

Luxury Safaris Par Excellence

Inspirational and Responsible Safaris with Oluokos Signature

Kenyas Top Birding Sites

Depending on your specific location, your birding safari may offer you the chance to spot the stunning lilac-breasted roller, majestic African fish eagle, and elusive forest-dwelling Pel’s Fishing Owl. The rare shoebill stork, which can only be found in a few locations in East Africa, is a popular attraction. On a walking safari along the sweeping shores of one of the shallow saline lakes, you also may see millions of breeding lesser pink flamingo. It’s a breathtaking sight. 

Among our many targets are many national and regional rarities. These include national endemics Jackson’s Francolin, Snowy Barbet, Aberdare Cisticola, Grant’s Wood Hoopoe, Turner’s Eremomela, Kikuyu White-eye and Sharpe’s Longclaw. We also seek rarities including East African endemics Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Red-throated Tit, Northern Pied Babbler, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Abbott’s Starling, Kenrick’s Starling, Jackson’s Widowbird, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-lored Babbler and Kenya Rufous Sparrow. There are also birds where Kenya has the largest known distribution range for the species, often referred to as ‘Near endemics to Kenya’, and these include Golden-winged Sunbird, Parrot-billed Sparrow, Fire-fronted Bishop and Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver.

Kenya is also considered the “Best Territory” in Africa for some other species also included in our tours. Somali Ostrich, Black-faced Sandgrouse, White-headed Mousebird, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Somali Bee-eater, Jackson’s Hornbill, Taita Fiscal, White-bellied Tit, Hunter’s Sunbird, Somali Sparrow, Golden Palm Weaver, Northern Masked Weaver, Grey-headed Silverbill, Golden Pipit, Steel-blue Whydah, Pangani Longclaw, William’s Lark, Moorland Francolin,  Friedmann’s Lark, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Hinde’s Babbler, Abyssinian Wheatear, Kakamega Greenbul and Olive Ibis. Add to this a vast range of more frequently seen African birds, and you have the ideal tour for the birder in Kenya, featuring a really comprehensive bird list.

We visit places and hotels which are well known to Oluokos, in the company of top quality local Guides who equally are well-versed in our birding ways. You will find this a comfortable and professionally organized tour in excellent company!

Why Book Your Ibencho Safari
With Oluokos,

Our guests tend to ask what the perfect African birding safari itinerary looks like and to be honest, we don’t have a straight-forward answer. 

To answer you in brief, each guest has a unique taste when it comes to enquiring about an African birding safari and this could be based on personality that’s strongly influenced by expectations. We have given a few good to check itineraries to serve as bird watching travel inspirations.

We don’t offer Africa as a bucket list destination, but a rich continent with diversity, meaningful purpose to travel, cultural mosaic and of course, unmatched habitats that have given room to birds and wildlife. We have identified Africa’s most intriguing bird watching safaris that you should consider during your bird watching holiday planning. 

5 Reasons For Booking With Us
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Community & Tourism

Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities in our destinations.

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Conservation & Tourism

Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration through tourism.

Communities

Culture & Tourism

We strengthen intercultural understanding and relations, safeguarding cultural heritage. 

Commerce

Commerce & Travel

Commerce affects the sustainability of our destinations the people who live in these natural areas.

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Concious Travel

The state of being aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings – as a business, our staff and guests. 

Bird Watching in Nairobi & Central Kenya

The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi has one a unique fauna and avifauna giving guests opportunities to explore its urban diversity. Featuring a number of ornithological area of interests, Nairobi’s bird watching hotspots are within reach allowing you to enjoy some birding as you wait for your next flight or as an option if you have a few hours to spare in between your meetings. Kenya is an ideal destination for birders. The country’s endemic birds are something to behold while the migratory bird species give birdwatchers the chance to observe the birds in their natural habitats. Kenya is certainly a birding location for everyone. Almost 1100 bird species have been recorded in Kenya, nearly twice the total number of birds in Europe. This in itself is sufficient for any birdwatcher to come to Kenya for a birding holiday. As a destination, Kenya is rich in biodiversity lying hidden almost in every corner of the country. The clandestine treasures attractions that are not only easily accessible, but also offer highly gratifying experiences. A good number of endemic and near-endemic bird species can easily be seen on a two weeks birding tour. These birds are especially sought-after as they only occur within the country or marginally beyond. The European migrants are present from August to April. Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, offers a couple of places that are close enough, and tend to be both productive and rewarding in the numbers of birds species seen or recorded. An informative guided birding tour will introduce you to the feathered fauna of the Kenya birds that are interesting and, beautiful. Besides there are excellent avian spots in the surrounding areas just within 2 hours drive where you can go for a day safari for a rewarding birding experience. Please, find some of our recommended ornithological sites around Nairobi.
Where to Watch Birds in Nairobi
Kenya Birds

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Our African Luxury Birding Trips

Top 20+ Best African Birding Luxury Tours and Safaris By Oluokos

 At Oluokos, creating effortless African birding holiday experiences is our cup of coffee! In Africa, our luxury birding safaris are packed with transformative moments that resonate deeply with you, fulfilling your birding holiday dreams and ideals. Luxury birding safaris are not always about expensive lodges with champagne and gold taps, nor is it just about exclusive experiences. It’s about the quality moments that you spend with your family and the value for money in return. Let’s weave the best birding safari moments in Africa.

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