With over 1,100 recorded bird species, Kenya is a dream destination for birdwatchers. From the sun-drenched savannahs of the Masai Mara to the lush wetlands of Lake Naivasha and the coastal forests of Arabuko-Sokoke, Kenya offers an astonishing diversity of habitats that make birding here a year-round adventure.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing endemics or a curious traveler with a pair of binoculars, Kenya promises lifers, dramatic sightings, and serene mornings filled with birdsong.
Why Kenya for Birding?
Kenya sits at a unique crossroads where its diverse altitudes and ecosystems – coastal mangroves, arid scrublands, montane forests, lakes and grasslands – allow for an exceptional range of resident and migratory species.
The country also lies along the African-Eurasian flyway, making it a vital stopover for thousands of migratory birds from Europe and Asia.
Top Birding Hotspots in Kenya
Lake Nakuru National Park
Famous for: Thousands of lesser and greater flamingos, pelicans, and fish eagles.
Bonus: Also a great place to see white rhinos and big cats alongside the birdlife.
Kakamega Forest
Kenya’s only true equatorial rainforest.
Home to over 360 bird species, including forest specials like the Great Blue Turaco, Blue-headed Bee-eater, and the Turner’s Eremomela.
Samburu National Reserve
Arid northern birdlife with species like the Vulturine Guineafowl, Somali Ostrich, Golden Pipit, and Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse.
Known for the “Samburu Special Five” birds found nowhere else in Kenya.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
East Africa’s largest coastal forest and a haven for endemics.
Look out for the Sokoke Scops Owl, Amani Sunbird, and Clarke’s Weaver.
Lake Naivasha & Lake Baringo
Freshwater habitats teeming with waders and water birds like African Jacanas, Goliath Herons, Malachite Kingfishers, and Grey-crowned Cranes.
Boat safaris offer close-up viewing.
Nairobi National Park
Just minutes from the capital, it offers over 500 bird species, including Secretary Birds, Kori Bustards, and seasonal migrants.
Must-See Species for Your Checklist
- Lilac-breasted Roller – Kenya’s national bird and a colorful icon.
- African Fish Eagle – Often seen perched over lakes, with a haunting call.
- Secretary Bird – A long-legged raptor that stomps snakes for a living.
- Superb Starling – Iridescent and sociable, common yet always a delight.
- Jackson’s Widowbird – Spectacular tail during breeding season, seen in highland grasslands.
Kenya isn’t just about lions and elephants – it’s a living, breathing aviary with species both bold and elusive. From sunrise flocks on lake shores to silent owls in forest canopies, Kenya invites birders to slow down and tune in. Whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher ticking off rare species you’ve never seen before, or a first-timer simply enjoying the beauty of a brightly colored bird flying by, Kenya has something magical for you.