24 May Lake Naivasha & Hell’s Gate National Park Birding Tours
For avid birders and nature lovers, few destinations in Kenya can match the spectacular bird watching opportunities found in the Rift Valley region around Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate National Park. This area, located just over a two hour’s drive northwest of Nairobi, offers an incredible diversity of bird species amidst breathtaking landscapes of freshwater lakes, rocky cliffs, and acacia woodlands.
Lake Naivasha, a vast freshwater lake fringed by golden acacia woodlands and lush papyrus swamps, is a true paradise for birders. One of the highlights is the opportunity to take boat rides onto the lake itself to observe the magnificent African fish eagles in action.
These regal raptors, with their distinctive white crowns and powerful talons, can be seen scanning the waters from lakeside trees before diving dramatically to snatch fish from just below the surface. Hearing their haunting territorial calls echoing across the lake is an experience you’ll never forget.
The lake’s shores are also home to a wonderful array of beautiful kingfishers, from the striking Pied Kingfisher to the brilliant turquoise Malachite Kingfisher and the Giant kingfisher, one of the largest kingfisher species in the world. Exploring the acacia woodlands, you may spot other stunners like the Green wood-hoopoe and the African Hoopoe, along with Hybrid Lovebirds, Superb Starlings and Grey-headed and Sulphur-breasted Bushshrikes. Or one of our personal favourites, the sought-after Grey-crested Helmetshrike.
Just a short drive from Lake Naivasha lies the rugged and beautiful Hell’s Gate National Park, a paradise for spotting birds of prey. Rising from the parched earth are dramatic cliffs and gorges, where species like the magnificent Verreaux’s Eagle and several varieties of vultures can be easily spotted.
The Verreaux’s Eagle is particularly impressive with its dark colour and massive 2-meter wingspan. Patient observers may catch sight of one of these powerful raptors plucking a rock hyrax or hare from the rocks below for its next meal.
Vultures, often seen lazily circling on thermal updrafts, are well represented here as well. Species like the Ruppell’s Griffon Vulture, and the massive Lappet-faced Vulture frequent this park, cleaning up after the predators.
Best time to visit
The Rift Valley region has a warm, semi-arid climate year-round, making it an excellent birding destination at any time. However, a good time to visit would be during be during the long rains from March through May. This is when many resident birds are in full breeding plumage, making them easier to spot with their bright colours and lively mating behaviours.
That said, the dry seasons of November to February offer superb bird watching, as this is when there will be many Palearctic migrants, so you can get a huge count amongst the resident species.
Price
Prices start from $300/£275. This includes one of our outstanding Tour Leaders, safari vehicle, park fees, lunch and pick-up and drop-off in Nairobi.
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