Kenya is one of the top birding destinations in the world; with over 1089 different bird species recorded (around 11 percent of the world total bird species), is no doubt a heaven for bird lovers. Major birding in is done along the Great Rift Valley alkaline lakes, the rainforests, rivers and the semi arid desert that provide great conditions for bird foraging and breeding. Check out some of our sample birding packages below or contact one of our holiday expert, to plan your birding tour in Kenya.
Major birding in Kenya is done along the Great Rift Valley, there are several lakes, rainforests and rivers that provide great conditions for bird foraging and breeding. Lake Nakuru, Lake Elementaita, lake Baringo and Lake Bogoria are well known as home to a large number of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, herons, egrets, Kingfishers, geese, storks, eagles, cranes among many others. At Lake Victoria you will sport birds such as Papyrus Gonolek, Hammerkops, Herons, and Jacanas. While at Lake Naivasha you can spot the African fish Eagle, Cranes, kingfisher, Bustard and so on.
The wildlife national parks are home to a good number of birds who hugely depend on the predator making a kill, so they can feed on the leftovers and the dead animals; this include birds such as the Eagles, Vultures, Scavengers and many others. On the highlands you will spot the endangered bird’s species like the Sharpe’s Long claw, Ox-peckers, snowy white Egrets, brilliant Sunbird and bustards. And on the woodlands, you'll easily spot birds species such us the Bee-eaters, Drogues, Hornbills, Shrikes, the beautiful Lilac-breasted Roller, Barbets, Guinea Fowl and so on.
The best time for birds watching in Kenya is between October and April when more than 450 birds species migrate from the Northern hemisphere (Europe and Asia), this when the highest number of birds species are recorded.
Between April and October the birds are fewer, some birds migrate from the Southern hemisphere to Kenya and it is also the breeding period for most birds. Eagles, Vultures and Scavengers can be easily spotted in large number between July - October at Masai Mara during the great migration; here the birds come to feeds on the predators leftovers or the dead wildebeest and zebras.
Numerous local birding guides are available near the birding areas or in hotels and Lodges; they are well trained with enough knowledge about the areas and where to spot most of the birds, using guides you increase your chance of viewing more birds’ species.
Although a two or three days birding safari will guarantee you viewing a certain number of species, we usually advice our clients to take longer trip of 7-10 days in order to view the maximum number of birds species available.
Kenya is home to millions of birds, whether you want to spot the flamingos, Ostrich or other lesser birds, Kenya is the place to be. Below are some of the top Birds to watch in Kenya. Contact any of our safari experts to help you plan your dream Birds watching holiday.
It’s a less gregarious canary that is mostly found alone or in small groups, they are commonly seen on garden searching for vegetable and insects. There are several places to spot weaver birds, this includes....
It’s one of the most famous birds’ species in Africa; they are part of the ratites family, flightless birds. It’s the tallest and heaviest bird capable of carrying human beings; also used for leather, meat and feathers production.
It’s very similar to Black-bellied Bustard but it has distinctive marking on the face, they have thick lines and white spots, they are commonly found on dry areas or after rains on the south eastern and central highlands.
They are aquatic birds found on lakes, rivers and vegetation areas; they like feeding on prawns, crabs and insect larvae. Their sexes are similar and they nest in holes, they are said to be monogamous and territorial.
It is one of the six white Egret found in Kenya, it has black legs and yellow feet; the black bill distinguishes it from the Intermediate and Cattle Egrets. It is commonly found on the southern and western parts of Kenya.
It’s a very beautiful bird that leaves on the wetlands in Kenya; it is renowned for its elaborate displays where pairs engage in bowing, head bobbing and energetic dancing. It is easily spotted in areas that include:-
Flamingos are large pink or red-coloured wading birds known for their long legs, they are two types of flamingos, the Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo. They live in estuaries and saline or alkaline lakes.
It’s a familiar bird found on the sub-Saharan Africa, they are easily spotted on trees at river banks and lakes, they feed on fish, birds, monkeys and crocodile hatchlings. In Kenya they are found along the Rift Valley.
They are wading birds with long legs, long bills, and a striding gait. They are in fact, the tallest stork in Africa. They primarily feed on fish and small reptiles; they are usually spotted on dry areas but near sources of water.
The golden-winged sunbird also known as Nectarinia reichenowi are usually spotted on the highlands of East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda), they mainly feed on nectar and insects.
It is the largest of the African eagles and its incredibly powerful, weighs up to 14 pounds, a wingspan of about 6 feet wide and 32 inches long. They are found in the savannah and thornbush areas in Africa.
It’s one of the most beautiful birds in the world; with its pastel plumage, striking field marks and long tail streamers. Prefer living on open woodland or grassland; feeds on Insects, lizards, snails, amphibians and rodents.
Note: This just a small fraction of birds in Kenya, on a bird watching or photography tour; be sure to watch hundreads more bird species.
This a 7 days pure Lake and Birds watching safari holiday in Kenya, that starts and ends in Nairobi; the tour begins by visiting Lake Naivasha to watch the lake and the beautiful birds, then proceed to Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo, Lake Bogoria and wind up at Lake
