ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Birding Safari Holidays in Kenya

Africa's best authentic tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Birding Safari Holidays in Kenya

Kenya is one of only 15 countries globally where more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it lies third on the African avian diversity list after DR Congo and Tanzania.

This list includes the world’s two largest birds (Common and Somali ostrich, now regarded as separate species) and its bulkiest flying creature (Kori bustard), along with a wealth of raptors and a dazzling array of colorful bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and passerines.

Lilac Roller in Tsavo
Lilac Roller in Tsavo

Birding Safaris are rewarding everywhere in Kenya. For dedicated birdwatching on a safari in Kenya, a well-planned two-week itinerary is likely to result in a trip list of 350–400 species, a figure that compares favorably with anywhere in the world.

The open savannah of southern Kenyan reserves such as Amboseli and the Masai Mara provides an excellent introduction to East Africa’s more common birds, with Superb starling, Purple grenadier, Lilac-breasted roller, and African grey hornbill all conspicuous.

Purple Grenadier spotted on a birding safari in Kenya
Purple Grenadier spotted on a birding safari in Kenya

The Rift Valley lakes are also superb: Nakuru and Bogoria are rightly famed for their mind-boggling flamingo aggregations, but the less celebrated Naivasha and Baringo are arguably even better for general birding.

For regular bird-watching safari goers, a region of particular interest is the arid north, where Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Shaba hosts a high quotient of dry-country species whose range is otherwise restricted to less accessible parts of Ethiopia and Somalia.

"African huts village, El molo tribe, Lake Turkana, North Kenya, Great Rift Valley"
“African huts village, El molo tribe, Lake Turkana, North Kenya, Great Rift Valley”

For visitors with limited exposure to the rainforests of west-central Africa, Kakamega Forest and Saiwa Swamp protect dozens of forest species at the very eastern extreme of their range.

For coastal birds endemic or near-endemic to Kenya, Arabuko-Sokoke National Park near Watamu is home to Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke scops owl, Grey-crested helmet-shrike, Sokoke pipit, and Amani Sunbird. The central highlands also host several endemics, notably Sharpe’s longclaw, Aberdare cisticola, and Hinde’s babbler.

Sokoke scops owl can be seen on birding safaris
Sokoke scops owl can be seen on birding safaris in Kenya

Kenya offers excellent birdwatching safaris throughout the year, but the prime season runs from October to March when Palearctic migrants boost resident populations. This also broadly coincides with Kenya’s rainy season, when several resident species shed their drab eclipse plumage in favor of bright breeding colors.

How it Works

2

Contact us or fill out an enquiry form and one of our travel experts will help you tailor make your perfect safari

3

Enjoy an authentic African experience, with peace of mind

Travel with Confidence

With over 20 years of experience, our team will help you choose the perfect African safari for your adventure.
24/7 Support
Flexible
Authentic
Personalized

Why travel with us?

Recent reviews from travellers who planned and booked their Africa trips with Discover Africa Safaris
An easy, transparent and responsive booking service!

4 Day Kruger Safari Review

Chris, United States
12 Jul 2023
Discover Africa Safaris made my dream come true

Tanzania & Zanzibar Holiday Review

Ann, United States
08 Mar 2023
Our South Africa Tour was absolutely incredible!

Kruger & Sabi Safari Review

Maziar N, United States
25 Apr 2022
Fantastic service!

Namibian Holiday Review

Joy Al-Sofi, Hong Kong SAR China
15 Mar 2019
Discover Africa Safaris makes it happen!

Home of the Big Five Safari Review

Rosie Rozain, Malaysia
20 Apr 2018
Superb service!

Amazing South African Trip Review

Julia, United States
23 Dec 2015

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

HELP ME PLAN MY TRIP
Copyright © Discover Africa Safaris | Birding Safari Holidays in Kenya | Last Updated: 21 Jun 2023