Birding in Kenya

Birding in Kenya

Kenya is a prime safari area for bird watchers year-round, with a record of 342 bird species spotted in 12 hours. Its varied climates and landscapes support diverse bird species, including ocean, lake, riverine, swampy, and forest birds. Migratory birds from Europe visit Kenya’s marine and inland shorelines between October and February. Birding in Kenya

Endemic birds in Kenya include Clarke’s Weaver, Sharpe’s Pipit, Hinde’s Pied Babbler, and William’s Lark. National parks and game reserves offer the best bird-watching experiences. Each park has bird guides who lead walks, drives, and boat rides.

Lake Nakuru National Park

Known for rhinos and millions of lesser and greater flamingos, the park boasts 450 bird species, including the Madagascar Squacco Heron, Martial Eagle, and Great White Pelican.

Lake Bogoria Reserve

Famous for flamingos and scenic beauty, Bogoria hosts 350 bird species such as the African Fish Eagle, Black-necked Grebe, and African Darter.

Lake Naivasha

Close to Nairobi, Lake Naivasha has over 400 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Jacanas, and Goliath Heron. Other species include the Pied Kingfisher and Malachite Kingfisher.

Amboseli National Park

Home to over 400 bird species, Amboseli features birds like the Lesser Flamingo and Martial Eagles.

Masai Mara Game Reserve

With over 500 bird species, Masai Mara is ideal for birding safaris. Notable birds include the Secretary Bird, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, and Lilac-breasted Roller.

Lake Elementaita

Hosting 8000 breeding pairs of white pelicans, Lake Elementaita has 400 bird species and 13 globally endangered species. Birds include the African Spoonbill and Pied Avocet.

Meru

Meru records over 300 bird species, including the Saddle-billed Stork and Pel’s Fishing Owl.

Samburu Game Reserve

Samburu offers 380 bird species, such as Donaldson-Smith’s Sparrow Weaver and the Somali Ostrich.

Tsavo National Park

Divided into Tsavo East and West, the park hosts 500 and 400 bird species, respectively. Birds include the Basra Reed Warbler and the Golden Pipit.

Tana River Delta

Home to the endangered Malindi Pipit, the delta supports thousands of breeding and feeding birds, including Pelicans and Storks.

South Coast

With 29 recorded bird species, the South Coast is ideal for spotting Fischer’s Turaco and the African Crowned Eagle.

Taita and Chyulu Hills

These hills are havens for bird watchers, with 81 recorded bird species. Notable birds include the Taita Falcon and Shelley’s Francolin.

Mount Elgon

Mount Elgon hosts 296 bird species, including the Sharpe’s Longclaw and Crowned Eagle.

Mount Kenya

Mount Kenya has 76 bird species, such as the Lesser Kestrel and Jackson’s Francolin.

Aberdare Mountain National Park

Aberdare boasts 200 bird species, with spots like Mukurweini Valleys and Kikuyu Escarpment offering diverse birdlife. Rare species include the Scarlet-tufted Sunbird.

Arabuko Sokoke Forest

Home to the rare Sokoke Scops Owl, the forest has 210 bird species, including the Clarke’s Weaver and Fischer’s Turaco.

Lake Victoria

The world’s second-largest freshwater lake attracts 200 water bird species. Endangered species include the Papyrus Gonolek and Blue Swallow.

Lake Turkana

Turkana is a birding haven with 118 species, including the pink-backed Pelican and the Saddle-billed Stork.