East Africa hosts the most spectacular assemblage of large mammals on earth.  With more than 1100 species of birds in Kenya alone, Kenya’s avifauna surpasses all other locations in the eastern hemisphere.  This amazing wildlife diversity, set amidst the colossal Rift Valley and its highland lakes, the volcanic majesty of Mount Kenya, the magnificent acacia-dotted savanna of the Masai Mara, and the fabulous Kakamega Forest near the shores of Lake Victoria make a natural history safari to Kenya the experience of a lifetime.  We can expect to see approximately 60-70 mammals and over 500 species of birds during our excursion (on our last tour to Kenya we recorded 600!).  The list will include lions and cheetahs, elephants and rhinos, giraffes and zebras, many species of antelope ranging from little 8 pound Dikdiks to Thompson’s gazelles to 2000 pound Cape Eland, and of course monkeys and baboons.  Wonderful, big birds we are likely to observe include:  Goliath Heron, Hamerkop, Saddle-billed Stork, Sacred Ibis, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Egyptian Goose, Secretary Bird, Lappet-faced Vulture, Bateleur Eagle, Gray Crowned-Crane, Kori Bustard, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Ostrich, of course, and countless others.  A photographer’s dream, many of these birds and mammals are easy to approach.  Away from Nairobi all our accommodations are in lodges that often offer great wildlife viewing off their verandas.  At least one night will be in a lodge that features  walk-in tents with full amenities, including private baths, flush toilets, hot water showers, and electricity, scattered under the trees but loosely centered on a restaurant/bar compound.  Our lodges and tented camp provide an ideal way to fully experience the sounds of the African night and to appreciate the clamor and carol of the equatorial dawn bird chorus.