Gatamaiyu Forest and Manguo Pond Birding Safari
Highland forest specials, trogons, and rich biodiversity.
From the AviWild photography collection. Wildlife sightings vary with season and conditions.
A closer look.
Situated along the southern edge of the Aberdare Mountain Range in Kiambu County, just a 1.5-hour drive from Nairobi near Kimende, Gatamaiyu Forest is an exceptional high-altitude forest. Covering dense indigenous montane forest, bamboo zones, and riverine valleys, this site forms a vital part of a designated Important Bird Area (IBA) and Key Biodiversity Area (KBA). The forest is especially renowned as a stronghold for Afro-tropical highland biome specialists, hosting nearly 40 of Kenya's biome-restricted species and high-forest dependent birds.
Our day begins with a guided forest walk under the cool mountain canopy to seek out these highland specialties and visit the scenic Gatamaiyu Waterfall. On our return journey to Nairobi, we will stop at Manguo Pond, a famous high-altitude freshwater wetland, to observe a rich variety of waterbirds and migratory waterfowl.
Birdlife & wildlife highlights
Forest & Highland Species
Bar-tailed Trogon, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Abbott’s Starling, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, White-starred Robin, Brown-chested Alethe, African Hill Babbler, Cinnamon Bracken Warbler, Chestnut-throated Apalis, Brown Woodland Warbler, Olive-breasted Greenbul, Placid Greenbul, White-tailed Crested-Flycatcher, African Olive Pigeon, Mountain Buzzard, White-headed Wood-hoopoe, Cinnamon-chested Bee-eater, Hunter’s Cisticola, Green-headed Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, and Malachite Sunbird.
Wetland Species (Manguo Pond)
Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, Red-knobbed Coot, Cape Wagtail, and various visiting waders.
Mammals & More
Black-and-white Colobus Monkey, Sykes’ (Kolb’s) Monkey, and Ochre Bush Squirrel.
Unforgettable moments
Included
- Forest entry
- Professional guide services
Plan for separately
- Transport unless arranged
- Meals and equipment rental
Request this tour
From USD 100 · per adult