The Best bird watching Destinations in Kenya : Kenya is a world-renowned destination for bird watching enthusiasts, with over 1,000 species of birds recorded in the country. These are just a few of the many excellent bird watching destinations in Kenya. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a beginner, you’re sure to have a fantastic time exploring Kenya’s diverse birdlife
Kakamega forest
Kakamega forest is a bird watcher’s paradise, with over 360 species of birds recorded in the area. Some of the birds you can expect to see during your bird watching expedition in Kakamega forest include:
Blue-headed bee-eater: This beautiful bird has a vibrant blue head, green back, and yellow throat. It feeds on insects and can often be seen perched on branches waiting for prey.
Grey parrot: This parrot is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. It is also a popular pet bird in many parts of the world.
Black-and-white-casqued hornbill: This large bird has a black and white body and a large casque on its bill. It feeds on fruit, insects, and small animals.
African emerald cuckoo: This small bird has a green body and a long, curved bill. It feeds on insects and can often be heard calling in the forest.
Yellow-billed barbet: This colourful bird has a yellow bill, red forehead, and green body. It feeds on fruit and insects.
Great blue turaco: This bird has a vibrant blue body, green wings, and a long tail. It feeds on fruit and can often be heard calling in the forest.
Black-billed turaco: This turaco has a black bill, green body, and a long tail. It feeds on fruit and can often be seen perched in the treetops.
To maximize your bird watching experience in Kakamega forest, it’s recommended to hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and the bird species found in the forest. The guides are available at the Kakamega forest station or you can contact a local tour operator for assistance.
Lake Nakuru.
Lake Nakuru is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it is home to over 400 species of birds. Some of the most notable birds to look out for at Lake Nakuru include flamingos, pelicans, cormorants, herons, and storks.
To get the most out of your birdwatching experience at Lake Nakuru, it’s a good idea to bring binoculars and a bird identification guide. You can also consider hiring a local guide who is knowledgeable about the area and can help you spot the different species of birds.
Some of the best places to go birdwatching at Lake Nakuru include the Baboon Cliff, the Out of Africa viewpoint, and the Makalia Falls. The Baboon Cliff is a popular spot for birdwatching as it offers a panoramic view of the lake and its surroundings. The Out of Africa viewpoint provides a great vantage point for watching the flamingos as they feed and fly over the lake. The Makalia Falls, on the other hand, are home to a variety of water birds such as kingfishers and cormorants.
It’s important to note that Lake Nakuru is also a wildlife sanctuary and a protected area, so it’s important to follow the rules and regulations of the park. This includes staying on designated paths, not disturbing the wildlife, and not feeding the animals. With these guidelines in mind, birdwatching at Lake Nakuru can be a truly memorable experience for nature enthusiasts.
Lake Baringo
Lake Baringo is another popular destination for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 470 species of birds, many of which are not found elsewhere in Kenya. Some of the notable birds to look out for at Lake Baringo include the African fish eagle, Goliath heron, African darter, and the white-faced scops owl.
To make the most out of your birdwatching experience at Lake Baringo, it is advisable to hire a local guide who can help you navigate the area and identify the different species of birds. You can also bring along binoculars and a bird identification guide to aid in your birdwatching activities.
Some of the best places to go birdwatching at Lake Baringo include the cliffs around the lake, the surrounding acacia woodlands, and the nearby Tugen Hills. The cliffs around the lake offer an ideal nesting site for birds such as the Verreaux’s eagle and the cliff chat. The acacia woodlands, on the other hand, provide habitat for birds such as the Northern white-crowned shrike and the superb starling. The Tugen Hills, which are located nearby, offer an excellent opportunity to spot some of the rare bird species such as the cliff swallow and the white-crested turaco.
When birdwatching at Lake Baringo, it’s important to remember that the lake is also a breeding ground for crocodiles and hippos, so it’s important to exercise caution and avoid getting too close to these animals. It’s also important to respect the local communities and their way of life, and to seek permission before entering private property. By following these guidelines, birdwatching at Lake Baringo can be an exciting and rewarding experience for bird enthusiasts.
The Best bird watching Destinations in Kenya : Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve is a great location for bird watching. It is located in the northern part of Kenya, and it is home to over 450 species of birds. The reserve is a protected area and is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Some of the bird species you can expect to see in Samburu National Reserve include the Somali ostrich, vulturine guinea fowl, secretary bird, and the Kori bustard. You can also see a variety of raptors such as the African fish eagle, martial eagle, and the Tawny eagle.
Other bird species that can be spotted in the reserve include the lilac-breasted roller, yellow-billed hornbill, superb starling, and the white-bellied go-away bird. The reserve is also home to several species of kingfishers, including the giant kingfisher and the pied kingfisher.
To make the most out of your bird watching experience in Samburu National Reserve, it is recommended to hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the bird species in the area. The best time to visit the reserve for bird watching is during the dry season from June to October, when the birds are more concentrated around the rivers and waterholes..
The Best bird watching Destinations in Kenya : Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve is also a great location for bird watching. The reserve is located in south-western Kenya, and it is well known for its wildlife and the annual wildebeest migration. However, it is also home to over 550 bird species
Some of the bird species you can expect to see in Maasai Mara National Reserve include the ostrich, secretary bird, kori bustard, and the African fish eagle. You can also spot a variety of storks, such as the saddle-billed stork, marabou stork, and the yellow-billed stork.
Other bird species that can be spotted in the reserve include the lilac-breasted roller, superb starling, and the white-bellied bustard. The reserve is also home to several species of vultures, including the white-backed vulture and the Rüppell’s vulture.
To make the most out of your bird watching experience in Maasai Mara National Reserve, it is recommended to hire a local guide who is knowledgeable about the bird species in the area. The best time to visit the reserve for bird watching is during the rainy season from November to May when the birds are more active, and the vegetation is lush.
The Best bird watching Destinations in Kenya : Aberdare National Park
Aberdare National Park is a beautiful and unique destination for bird watching in Kenya. The park is situated in central Kenya, in the Aberdare Mountain Range, and is home to over 290 species of birds.
Some of the notable birds to spot in Aberdare National Park include the Aberdare Cisticola, the Jackson’s Francolin, the Grey Crowned Crane, the African Crowned Eagle, the Mountain Buzzard, the Scarlet-tufted Malachite Sunbird, and the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon.
Birdwatching in Aberdare National Park is best done in the early morning or late afternoon when the birds are most active. It is also recommended to bring a pair of binoculars, a field guidebook, and appropriate clothing and footwear for the terrain.
The park has several designated bird watching areas, such as Karuru Falls, Chania Falls, and Queen’s Cave, where bird enthusiasts can observe different bird species in their natural habitats. It is important to note that some areas of the park may require a guide or ranger for safety reasons.
Overall, Aberdare National Park is a wonderful destination for bird watching in Kenya, offering a unique and diverse range of bird species in a beautiful natural setting.
The Best bird watching Destinations in Kenya: Tsavo National Park
Tsavo National Park is a fantastic location for bird watching, with a wide range of bird species that can be found throughout the park. Some of the most notable species include:
African Fish Eagle: This large bird of prey is easily recognizable with its distinctive white head and chestnut body. It can be seen perched on trees or soaring over the water, hunting for fish.
Superb Starling: This striking bird has a glossy blue-green plumage, with bright orange eyes and a white belly. It’s often seen in flocks, feeding on the ground or perching on trees.
Lilac-breasted Roller: This beautiful bird is known for its vibrant plumage, with shades of lilac, turquoise, and green. It can be seen perched on tree branches, hunting for insects.
Vulturine Guineafowl: This unusual-looking bird has a bald blue head and a black-and-white body. It’s often seen in large groups, wandering around the savannah in search of food.
Secretary bird: This large bird of prey has a distinctive appearance, with long legs and a crest of feathers on its head. It hunts on foot, stomping on snakes and other prey with its powerful feet.
Kori Bustard: This large ground bird is the heaviest flying bird in Africa, and can be seen strutting around the savannah, feeding on insects and small animals.
Helmeted Guineafowl: This bird has a distinctive blue head and a spiky black-and-white body. It’s often seen in groups, scratching around in the dirt for food.
Grey-crowned Crane: This elegant bird is known for its elaborate courtship dance, which involves bowing, jumping, and flapping its wings. It can be seen feeding on insects and small animals in the savannah.
Yellow-billed Oxpeckers: This small bird has a bright yellow bill and is often seen perched on the backs of large mammals, feeding on insects and parasites.
Overall, Tsavo National Park is a fantastic location for bird watching, with a wide range of species to discover and admire.
