Kenya’s top bird-watching destinations are also home to a wide variety of attractive mammals, making it easy to combine a bird-watching adventure with a game drive for a complete wildlife experience. With a temperate climate, Kenya provides an ideal breeding ground for over 1,100 bird species, making it a prime destination for ornithologists, birding enthusiasts, and photographers alike. The best time to enjoy bird watching in Kenya is between November and April. Here are some of the best spots for an unforgettable bird-watching experience:
1. Mt. Kenya National Park
From the montane forests to the moorlands, this park is alive with the calls of vibrant birds. While some species remain elusive, you’re likely to spot dozens of the 250 species that call the area home. Key species include the Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Jackson’s Francolin, Mountain Buzzard, White-starred Robin, Thick-billed Seedeater, White-naped Raven, and Malachite Sunbird.
2. Kakamega Forest
Kenya’s only rainforest, Kakamega Forest, is located in the western part of the country near Lake Victoria. It hosts around 470 bird species, with 75 species endemic to the area, including the Blue-headed Bee-eater and Kakamega Greenbul. Other notable birds found here are the African Broadbill, Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye, African Goshawk, Black Cuckoo, Brown Illadopsis, Joyful Greenbul, Shrike-flycatcher, Stuhlmann’s Starling, and Uganda Woodland Warbler.
THE WOODS ARE LOVELY, DARK, AND DEEP — KAKAMEGA FOREST: KENYA’S ONE & ONLY RAINFOREST.
3. Arabuko Sokoke Forest
Arabuko Sokoke Forest, the largest coastal forest in East Africa, is a vital protected area thanks to the efforts of both local and international organizations. Bird enthusiasts flock here to spot the rare Sokoke Scops Owl and Clarke’s Weaver, which is endemic to the forest. Other species include the Green Tinkerbird, Tiny Greenbul, Red-tailed Ant-thrush, Amani Sunbird, and Fischer’s Turaco.
4. Lake Nakuru National Park
Imagine a pink cloud stretching across the horizon—this is the sight of millions of flamingos flocking to the alkaline waters of Lake Nakuru. Besides the flamingos, the park boasts over 450 bird species, including the Abyssinian Thrush, Great Snipe, Sooty Falcon, Black-tailed Godwit, Garganey, Yellow-billed Duck, and White-bellied Bustard.
5. Lake Baringo
Located in the Rift Valley region, just a short distance from Lake Nakuru, Lake Baringo is home to a third of Kenya’s bird species. Visitors can easily spot Jackson’s Hornbill, Fox Kestrel, Little Weaver, African Scops Owl, and Somali Tit, among many others.
6. Samburu National Park and Buffalo Springs National Reserve
These neighboring reserves, located in northern central Kenya, together host about 400 bird species. Notable birds include the Egyptian Vulture, Somali Ostrich, Mousebird, and Bare-eyed Thrush.
SAMBURU: THE ENIGMATIC LAND OF THE LOIKOP AND THE SPECIAL 5.
7. Nairobi National Park
Conveniently located within Kenya’s capital city, Nairobi National Park is the most accessible birding destination. The park’s open grasslands, rocky valleys, forested streams, and lightly wooded plains provide habitats for over 500 bird species. Among these are several Cisticola species, Secretary Birds, Grey Herons, Marabou Storks, Jackson’s Widowbird, and Black-cheeked Waxbill.
Each of these bird-watching destinations offers unique opportunities for spotting Kenya’s incredible avian diversity.