22 May Kenya’s Top Birding Destinations: A Birding Paradise
With its diverse landscapes, ranging from savannas and deserts to ancient rainforests, pristine coastlines, and towering mountain ranges, Kenya is a true mecca for birders from around the world.
This East African nation boasts an incredible avian diversity, with over 1,100 species recorded within its borders, making it a must-visit destination for any bird enthusiast.
Here are some of Kenya’s top birding sites that promise an unforgettable birding experience and in no particular order!
1. Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Situated along the Kenyan coast, the Arabuko Sokoke Forest harbors several rare and endemic bird species. This forest is home to the critically endangered Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis), found nowhere else on the planet. Other sought-after species include the Amani Sunbird (Anthreptes pallidigaster), the Sokoke Scops Owl (Otus ireneae), and the striking Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri).
2. Kakamega Forest
The ancient Kakamega Forest in Western Kenya is a birder’s paradise, boasting 367 recorded species. One of the star attractions for birders visiting Kakamega is the striking Turaco species. The Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae) and the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata) are both found here, their vibrant plumage and distinctive crests making them a sight to behold as they flit through the canopy.
Another sought-after species is the Blue-headed Bee-eater (Merops muelleri), a stunning little bird with a distinctive blue head and red chin. These aerial acrobats are a delight to watch as they soar through the air, catching insects on the wing.
For those interested in raptors, Kakamega Forest is home to several species, including the Crowned Eagle (Stephanoaetus coronatus), the largest eagle in Africa. Keep your eyes peeled for this majestic bird as it soars above the treetops, or listen for its haunting call echoing through the forest.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve
The world-famous Masai Mara is a prime birding destination with over 500 species recorded. Highlights include the Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius), Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori), Bateleur (Terathopius ecaudatus), and Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus).
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
Lake Nakuru National Park Acclaimed as the ‘Birdwatcher’s Paradise’, Lake Nakuru National Park is an unparalleled birding location that no dedicated birder should overlook.
With over 300 species recorded within its boundaries, adding this park to your tailor-made birding tour is an absolute essential.
Lake Nakuru National Park holds the distinction of being Africa’s first national park established primarily to protect its remarkable abundance of birdlife. The park’s main draw is the vast flocks of Lesser and Greater Flamingos (although these numbers have sadly dwindled in recent years). However, the bird diversity extends far beyond flamingos. Birders can also expect to see the Great White Pelican, African Fish Eagle, and the striking Southern Ground Hornbill, among many others.
5. Samburu National Reserve & Shaba National Reserve
Both Samburu and Shaba are a haven for dry-country specialists like the Somali Bee-eater (Merops revoilii), Golden-breasted Starling (Lamprotornis regius), and Vulturine Guineafowl (Acryllium vulturinum). In Shaba, you’ll find the Kenya endemic and wel sough-after William’s Lark. The reserves also has regional mammal specialists such as Grevy’s Zebra, Gerenuk and Reticulated Giraffe, which are always nice to witness.
6. Tsavo East National Park
In the beautiful red landscape of Tsavo East, Kenya’s largest national park, birders can spot the Martial Eagle, Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), and Bare-faced Go-away-bird (Corythaixoides personatus) among many others
7. Mida Creek
This coastal area is a vital stopover for migratory shorebirds like the Crab Plover (Dromas ardeola), Terek Sandpiper (Xenus cinereus), and Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata).
8. Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya National Park is a sanctuary for some of Kenya’s most cherished bird species, with the Violet-backed Starling, Green Pigeon, Meyer’s Parrot being a highlight, among the large number of endemics and near-endemics such as the Hunde’s Babbler and Jackson’s Francolin. The high-altitude birding experience is truly extraordinary. As you ascend, you traverse distinct biomes, each offering a unique habitat for a diverse array of specialised species.
9. Aberdare National Park
The Aberdares hold diverse habitats that host target species such the beautiful Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni), the near-endemic Jackson’s Francolin (Scleroptera jacksoni), and the true endemic Aberdare Cisticola (Cisticola aberdare). A must for any serious birder visiting Kenya.
10. Lake Naivasha
Kenya’s second largest freshwater lake (after Lake Victoria) draws hundreds of bird species, and is a vital birding destination. Species such as Yellow-billed Stork, Great White Pelican, Grey Crowned Crane, Superb Starling, African Hoopoe are all common sightings. You can also get a boat ride onto to the lake, where not only can you get up close to hippos, but also observe the three different kingfisher species (Giant, Pied and Malachite) and see African Fish Eagles hunting.
11. Lake Baringo
12. Lake Bogoria National Reserve
This soda lake reserve is famous for its hot springs and geysers, but as a rule of thumb, tends to be the best destination in Kenya to see the large flocks of flamingos – sometimes in their millions! A well worth visit to see this mass spectacle.
13. Taita Hills
The beautiful verdant Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya are home to three of Kenya’s highly prized endemic species found nowhere else, such as the Taita Thrush (Turdus helleri), Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis), and the Taita White-eye (Zosterops silvanus). Even in one day alone, all these endemic can be seen, making it a rewarding location.
14. Kinangop Plateau
This highland plateau near the Aberdare Range is a prime spot for several range-restricted species, but what it is perhaps best known for, is being is the best destination in Kenya to see the endemic Sharpe’s Longclaw. It is also a fantastic location to see Whydahs and Widowbirds, especially during November to March when they’ll be at their most colourful in their breeding plumages.
15. Nairobi National Park
Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Nairobi National Park may be one of Africa’s smallest national parks at 117 square kilometres, yet it offers a wealth of wildlife experiences. With expansive open plains set against the backdrop of the city’s impressive skyline, it is the only national park that borders a metropolis.
The park boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino—a testament to its conservation success—alongside lions, leopards, hyenas, buffaloes, and giraffes.
Notably, the park is home to an impressive diversity of bird species, with over 520 recorded. On a good day out with us, you can expect to see up to 180 species!
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