Kenya Birding Guide (Top Places to See the Birds of Kenya)

Kenya’s Best Birding Destinations

1. Arabuko Sokoke Forest

The Arabuko Sokoke Forest, which is located on the coast of Kenya, is home to a number of endangered bird species. One of the most endangered bird species in the world, the Sokoke Pipit (Anthus sokokensis), calls this forest home. A few more species that are highly sought after are the Sokoke Scops Owl (Otus ireneae), the Amani Sunbird (Anthreptes pallidigaster), and the stunning Fischer’s Turaco (Tauraco fischeri).

2. Kakamega Forest

Birdwatchers will be in heaven at Western Kenya’s old Kakamega Forest, which is home to 367 species of birds. The magnificent Turaco is one of the main draws for birdwatchers to Kakamega. A sight to behold as they flit over the canopy are the Ross’s Turaco (Musophaga rossae) and the Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata), two turacos known for their bright plumage and unusual crests.

The Blue-headed Bee-eater (Merops muelleri) is another highly desirable species of small bird. Its head is blue and its chin is red, making it an eye-catcher. Watching these acrobats fly through the air while swatting at insects is a sight to behold.

Among the many raptor species found in Kakamega Forest is Stephanoaetus coronatus, the largest eagle in Africa, which is sure to pique the interest of anyone interested in raptors. Be on the lookout for this magnificent bird as it flies through the air or hear its eerie song reverberating in the woods.

3. Masai Mara National Reserve

Over 500 kinds of birds have been seen in the world-renowned Masai Mara. Sagittarius serpentarius, the Kori Bustard, Terathopius ecaudatus, Martial Eagle, and Ardeotis kori are some of the highlights.

4. Lake Nakuru National Park

The National Park of Lake Nakuru Lake Nakuru National Park, sometimes called the “Birdwatcher’s Paradise,” is a must-visit destination for serious avian enthusiasts.

Including this park in your personalised birding tour is a must, because it is home to over 300 species.

The incredible variety of birdlife at Lake Nakuru National Park made it history as the first national park in Africa. The enormous flocks of flamingos, both lesser and greater, are the park’s greatest attraction, however their numbers have tragically decreased in recent years. Nonetheless, flamingos are just one example of the extensive bird variety. Great White Pelicans, African Fish Eagles, and the beautiful Southern Ground Hornbills are just a few of the many bird species that birdwatchers can anticipate.

5. Samburu National Reserve & Shaba National Reserve

Birds that are experts in dry-country habitats, such as the Somali Bee-eater, Golden-breasted Starling, and Vulturine Guineafowl, find refuge in Shaba and Samburu. Shaba is home to the highly sought-after William’s Lark, an endemic bird to Kenya. The reserves also house some of the most interesting mammals in the area, including the rare and beautiful Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, and reticulated giraffe.

6. Tsavo East National Park

Martial Eagles, Saddle-billed Storks (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis), Bare-faced Go-away-birds (Corythaixoides personatus), and countless more species can be seen in the picturesque red landscape of Tsavo East, the biggest national park in Kenya.

7. Mida Creek

The Crab Plover, Terek Sandpiper, and Eurasian Curlew are migrating shorebirds that rely on this coastal area as a critical stopover.

8. Mount Kenya National Park

Among the many endemic and near-endemic bird species found in Mount Kenya National Park are the Violet-backed Starling, Green Pigeon, and Meyer’s Parrot, to name a few. Visitors can also see Hunde’s Babbler and Jackson’s Francolin, two of Kenya’s most beloved bird species. Observing birds at a great height is an unforgettable experience. As you climb, you’ll pass through many biomes, each of which is home to a different kind of specialised animal.

9. Aberdare National Park

A number of species, including the stunning Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia johnstoni), the almost endemic Jackson’s Francolin (Scleroptera jacksoni), and the truly rare Aberdare Cisticola (Cisticola aberdare), call the Aberdares home. Severe birdwatchers visiting Kenya must do this.

10. Lake Naivasha

Hundreds of bird species make Lake Nakuru, Kenya’s second-largest freshwater lake (behind Lake Victoria), an essential location for birdwatchers. Common birds include the African hooper, grey-crowned cranes, great white pelicans, superb starlings, and yellow-billed storks. While on a boat ride across the lake, you can watch African Fish Eagles hunting, three types of kingfishers (Giant, Pied, and Malachite), and even get up close and personal with hippos.

11. Lake Baringo

For any birdwatcher travelling to Kenya, a visit to Lake Baringo—widely considered the country’s finest birding spot—is an absolute must. This lake is home to an unmatched variety of animals, thanks to its location in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya.

On a good day, you can see about 200 of the more than 480 bird species that have been recorded at Lake Baringo.

Among these notable birds are the following: The Northern Masked Weaver (Ploceus taeniopterus), the Three-banded Courser (Rhinoptilus cinctus), the Tawny Eagle (Aquila rapax), Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl (Bubo lacteus), and the Buff-crested Bustard (Lophotis gindiana).

12. Lake Bogoria National Reserve

Though it is most known for its geysers and hot springs, this soda lake reserve is really the place to go in Kenya if you want to observe flamingos—sometimes millions strong! It is highly recommended that you should watch this massive show.

13. Taita Hills

The Taita Thrush (Turdus helleri), the Taita Apalis (Apalis fuscigularis), and the Taita White-eye (Zosterops silvanus) are three of Kenya’s most cherished unique species that call the lush Taita Hills in southeastern Kenya home. It is a rewarding place because all these endemic species may be observed in just one day.

14. Kinangop Plateau

This plateau in the highlands, close to the Aberdare Range, is home to a number of species with very limited distributions, but it is most famous for being the greatest place in Kenya to see the rare Sharpe’s Longclaw. You can also see Whydahs and Widowbirds here, and the best time to see them is between November and March, when their breeding plumage is the most vibrant.

15. Nairobi National Park

Nairobi National Park, on the city’s southern borders, is home to a diverse array of species despite being one of the smallest national parks in Africa at just 117 square kilometres. Being the only national park to border a metropolis, it offers vast open plains set against the background of the city’s stunning cityscape.

As evidence of its conservation achievements, the park is home to a varied array of animals, including the endangered black rhino, lions, leopards, hyenas, buffalo, and giraffes, among many more.

There are more than 520 species of birds known to call this park home. Up to 180 different species can be seen on an average day out with us!