Kenya Birding Tours
Kenya is one of the greatest birdwatching destinations on Earth. With over 1,100 recorded bird species — including dozens of East African endemics — it boasts an extraordinary variety of habitats and birdlife across its savannahs, Rift Valley lakes, Afromontane forests, deserts, and coastal plains.
Astonishingly, Kenya holds around 11% of the world’s bird species, packed into a single, easily navigable country. This alone makes it an essential destination for any birder — from seasoned listers to first-time Africa travellers. Our Kenya birding tours are designed to showcase this incredible diversity, led by expert local guides who know exactly where to find the species you’re hoping to see.
Key birding hotspots include the iconic grasslands of the Masai Mara, the acacia scrub and alkaline lakes of the Great Rift Valley, and the lush forests of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. On the coast, the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest is home to several endangered specials, while the arid landscapes of northern Kenya support highly localised dry-country species found nowhere else in East Africa.
Some of the standout species on our Kenya birding holidays include Jackson’s Widowbird, Sharpe’s Longclaw, Hinde’s Babbler, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Fischer’s Turaco, and Clarke’s Weaver — along with globally iconic birds like Secretarybird, Lilac-breasted Roller, Superb Starling, and African Fish Eagle.
On a typical 14-day Kenya birding trip, you can expect to see around 500–600 species, often more with an experienced group. And in a well-paced 3-week itinerary, it’s not uncommon to break the 800-species mark — one of the highest single-country totals anywhere in the world.
Beyond birds, Kenya is renowned for its charismatic megafauna — lion, cheetah, elephant, rhino, and giraffe — all of which can be seamlessly included in your birding itinerary. This combination of world-class birdwatching and traditional safari makes Kenya one of the most fulfilling wildlife destinations on the planet.
Our Kenya Birding Tours
Endemic & Speciality Birds of Kenya
True endemics, range-restricted treasures, and East African icons.
Kenya Endemics
– Williams’s Lark (Mirafra williamsi)
– Sharpe’s Longclaw (Macronyx sharpei)
– Hinde’s Babbler (Turdoides hindei)
– Clarke’s Weaver (Ploceus golandi)
– Aberdare Cisticola (Cisticola aberdare)
– Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis)
– Taita White-eye (Zosterops silvanus)
– Taita Thrush (Turdus helleri)
Near-Endemics & East African Specialities
– Jackson’s Widowbird (Euplectes jacksoni)
– Grey-crested Helmetshrike (Prionops poliolophus)
– Hunter’s Cisticola (Cisticola hunteri)
– Friedmann’s Lark (Mirafra pulpa)
– Somali Bee-eater (Merops revoilii)
– Northern Pied Babbler (Turdoides hypoleuca)
– Northern Brownbul (Phyllastrephus strepitans)
– Red-throated Tit (Melaniparus fringillinus)
– Pangani Longclaw (Macronyx aurantiigula)
– Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri)
– Golden-breasted Starling (Lamprotornis regius)
Tailor-made Kenya Birding Tours
We are bespoke Kenya birding trip specialists and have been creating incredible holidays since 2016. We design your tour around your target species, personal interests, preferred pace and travel dates.
Whether you want to focus on Kenya’s endemics, capture superb bird photography, or balance the birds with time on safari, we’ll build an itinerary that suits you. Travel solo, with friends, or as part of a private group — our experienced guides and expert planning ensure a seamless, rewarding birdwatching journey.
Our network of trusted local guides across Kenya are passionate birders who know the country inside-out. From alpine moorland to coastal forest, they’ll help you make the most of every stop.
Reasons to Go on a Tailor-made Birdwatching Tour in Kenya
– See around 11% of the world’s bird species in one country
– Target a long list of Kenya endemics and near-endemics
– Customise your trip dates, pace, and route
– Add classic big game viewing — lions, elephants, rhinos and more
– Enjoy comfortable, bird-friendly lodges in prime locations
– Travel with expert Kenyan guides who live and breathe birds
– Pair Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda or Tanzania for regional combos
– Take part in citizen science and contribute to eBird during your trip
Let’s Create Your Perfect Birding Adventure in Kenya — Get in Touch Today!
Scheduled Group Kenya Birding Tours
n addition to private holidays, we also offer a small number of scheduled group Kenya birding tours throughout the year. These departures are ideal for solo travellers or those who enjoy birding in a sociable setting, led by one of our expert Kenyan guides.
Our group tours follow a carefully planned route designed to cover Kenya’s key birding hotspots and target a huge diversity of species. Group sizes are kept small to ensure quality sightings, smooth logistics, and plenty of individual attention from your guide.
Upcoming group trips can be found by clicking the button below or by contacting us directly. You’re also welcome to join a scheduled tour and extend your trip with a private extension before or after — whether to target specific endemics, enjoy a big game safari, or simply relax.
What Our Previous Clients Thought Of Our Kenya Birding Holidays
Wild Tanzania: Endemics of the Eastern Arc
We had a fantastic time with Isaac—an excellent bird guide and great company throughout the trip. Despite challenging weather conditions in the West Usambara Mountains, we still had a successful birding experience. While a few key species eluded us this time, it only gives us even more reason to return one day. A wonderful trip overall!
Simon Peile
World ListerWild Tanzania: Northern Sector
A well-organised and enjoyable birding trip! Every outing delivered exciting sightings, and we recorded an impressive number of species. Tarangire was especially productive, and despite a busy schedule, we made the most of every moment in the field. Looking forward to the next adventure!
Samuel Seward
Wild Tanzania: Birding & Safari
I recently went on a Wild Birding Tanzania trip with my husband, and it was remarkable. We had been wanting to do it for many years and it surpassed any of our expectations and was able to get lots of photos (our passion). We had an excellent time and would come back in a heart beat!
Emma Gable
Wild Tanzania: Northern Birding Circuit
My friends and I had the pleasure of going on two week bespoke tour in Tanzania, and it was an unforgettable experience! We saw over 300 species and SO much wildlife (wildebeest migration included). A dream come true! Thanks to Sam and all the Team!
Olivia Silva
Wild Tanzania: Endemics Birding Tour
A fantastic endemic focused tour in Tanzania! 332 species in total over 12 days! The Wild Birding team (organised by Sam and led by Issac) put together an outstanding itinerary that surpassed all my hopes. Top company!
Robert Finley
Good To Know
Country
Kenya
Visa Requirements
Kenya now operates an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) system. Most nationalities must apply online in advance. Visas on arrival are no longer available.
Languages spoken
English and Kiswahili
Currency
Kenyan Shilling (KES). USD, GBP, and EUR are widely accepted in lodges and hotels.
Area (km²)
580,367 km²
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When to Visit Kenya for Birding
Kenya is a year-round birding destination. However, certain seasons offer peak diversity and better access to breeding plumage and migratory species.
- November to April: Peak birding season — breeding plumages, high activity, and Palearctic migrants present. Excellent for photography and long species lists.
- May to October: Slightly cooler and drier; ideal for Rift Valley birding and combining birding with big game viewing.
No matter when you travel, our team will build your itinerary to make the most of the conditions and your target species.
What to Bring on Your Kenya Birding Tour
Packing for Kenya means preparing for varied elevations, habitats, and temperatures.
Suggested items:
– Light, breathable long-sleeved clothing
– A fleece or light jacket for chilly highland mornings
– Sturdy walking shoes or lightweight boots
– Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
– Insect repellent and anti-malarial medication
– Binoculars and camera with zoom lens
– Notebook or smartphone with eBird
Recommended field guides:
- Birds of Kenya and Northern Tanzania (Zimmerman, Turner & Pearson)
- Birds of East Africa (Stevenson & Fanshawe)
*Clients booking a 14-day+ Kenya tour with Wild Birding receive a free copy of a recommended field guide delivered before departure.
Call Us Today for Expert Advice on Your Birding Tour in Kenya or...
Sustainability & Citizen Science in Kenya
At Wild Birding, we’re committed to making every Kenya birding holiday a force for good. We support community conservancies, work with Kenyan guides, and contribute directly to conservation through park fees and donations.
We actively encourage the use of eBird, and all of our tours contribute to long-term data sets on Kenya’s bird populations. We also offer a carbon scoring and offsetting service so you can travel with a lighter footprint.
We’re proud partners of Nature Kenya, the country’s leading bird conservation organisation, and longstanding supporters of responsible, ethical travel in East Africa.