Did you know that Bird watching Kenya is among the fun, thrilling ventures you could ever try out, as you observe and admire different kinds of bird species in various destinations in Kenya?
Naicef, the best tour company in Kenya, offers birding tours in Kenya and guides you on how to start bird watching as you seek to adventure birding in Kenya.
Wondering what is bird watching? Worry less, reach out to Naicef via our contact email, [email protected], or call: +254799922277 to get the best birding in Kenya safaris.
Now, do you know that the current world record for bird sighting in a single day was 757 bird species! Do you think you can beat that record?
Stick along as we get to learn more about bird watching safaris in Kenya.
Interesting Facts About Bird Watching Kenya
Kenya is home to over 1000 different bird species, making it one of the biggest bird havens in Africa. Some of the endemic birds in Kenya include the Clarke’s Weaver Bird, Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, and Amani Sunbird, among others.
Lake Nakuru, one of the important bird areas in Kenya, is famously renowned for hosting millions of Greater and Lesser Flamingoes, such that it is nicknamed ” The Pink Lake”.
Despite being a busy and highly developed city here in Kenya, bird watching in Nairobi is also a thing that one can seek to enjoy, as it hosts over 400 bird species.
The perfect periods to enjoy bird watching tours in Kenya are usually between the months of October to April, when the migratory birds from Asian countries and Europe are in Kenya.
What Is Bird Watching?
I know most of you are wondering what bird watching could be, since maybe you think birds are just random things to encounter every day. Bird watching refers to taking precise time spotting, observing, and admiring different birds in their natural habitat for either fun, studies, or research.
It is also mostly referred to as birding, and it is such a therapeutic activity and mind-easing for nature lovers.
How To Start Bird Watching
If you are interested in making bird watching your lifetime hobby, here is a guide on how to go about it;
First, you should get a good pair of binoculars for epic bird sighting.
You should then equip yourself with a notebook and a guidebook to help you note down the birds you’ve seen and even learn about the different bird species.
There after you should identify the type of birding you seek to adventure into, be it safari birding, forest-based, or any other.
From there, you should learn how to recognise different birds by how they make sounds for easy tracking.
You can also opt to join a birding group to be able to grow yourself and enjoy interacting with others as you do your bird watching.
After all of that, once on the ground, you should learn to be always patient and take time watching and observing the birds.
Now, after learning what bird watching is and how to start bird watching, let’s get into bird watching tours in Kenya.
Types Of Birding In Kenya
1. Safari Birding
Being the main and best bird watching in Kenya, this type of birding is mainly done while encountering different wild species on a wildlife safari in the wild.
Some of the best safari bird watching sites in Kenya include the Masai Mara National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Samburu National Reserve, and Meru National Park, among others.
2. Forest-Based Birding
Seeking to find out the secrets lying in the dense forests of the epic destinations in Kenya? Some of the rewarding forest preservation areas, home to different birds in Kenya, are such as Kakamega Forest National Reserve and Arabuko Sokoke Forest National Park & Reserve.
3. Wetland Birding
This type of birding involves bird watching in swampy or lake areas where different bird species find shelter. Some of these sites to best enjoy birding in Kenya include Lake Nakuru, Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, Saiwa Swamp, and Lake Elementaita, among other places.
4. Highland Birding
This is bird watching in the montane regions of Kenya, especially the Central the central part. Such places include Mount Kenya National Park, Mount Longonot National Park, and Aberdare National Park.
5. Urban Birding
This one now involves a bird sighting while in a city, and in Kenya, bird watching in Nairobi is such a perfect place to observe different bird species.
Top 10 Notable Birds In Kenya
Wondering what birds are in Kenya? Here are some of the very few birds in Kenya that can be seen in various places.
1. Lilac-Breasted Roller
Did you know that the Lilac-breasted Roller is Kenya’s national bird? Just like Joseph in the Bible, this bird has a coat of many colors.
It has a total of 8 colours: which are: lilac, white, dark blue, green, black, yellow, turquoise, and reddish-brown, making them a contributor and symbol of the many tribes in Kenya.
Do you know your country’s national bird and its representation? There goes your first task as a bird watcher.
2. African Fish Eagle
It is a large bird species with a white head, hooked-shaped beak, a brown body for the adult, and a yellow featherless face. It is commonly found near rivers or freshwater lakes, and they are found throughout Sub-Saharan parts of Africa.
In Kenya, the bird can best be seen in Lake Naivasha, the Masai Mara in the Mara River running through the river, Lake Nakuru, and Lake Bogoria, among others.
3. Greater & Lesser Flamingoes
The Greater and Lesser Flamingoes are both among the six subspecies of the Flamingo family found in the alkaline lakes. The Greater Flamingo is mainly differentiable from the Lesser since it’s taller, more pale, and has a black tipped pale bill.
On the other hand, the Lesser Flamingo, the smallest species of the Flamingo, is pinker, with a more black tipped pink bill.
In Kenya, these colourful bird species are mainly found in Lake Nakuru National Park and Lake Bogoria in large numbers.
4. Grey Crowned Crane
The Grey Crowned Crane is easily noticeable by its crown-feathered head and a white and black face with an elongated neck and body. This bird species is said to be Uganda’s national bird, making it special. It is found mostly in the sub-Saharan regions such as Kenya, Uganda & DRC Congo, and south to South Africa.
In Kenya, it can be found in various bird watching sites such as Nairobi National Park, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Lake Ol Bolossat.
5. Secretary Bird
Secretary birds are easily recognisable by their black crests. They are found mostly in savannas and open grasslands. The bird has a red-orange face, an eagle-like body, and crane-like legs.
One of its unique characteristics is that despite its capability to fly, it mostly prefers hunting on foot. In a day, it can walk up to 30 km scavenging for small animals and even insects.
It can be found in various bird watching places such as Nairobi National Park, Amboseli National Park, Tsavo East & West National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve, among other places.
6. Clarke’s Weaver Bird
Clarke’s Weaverbird is an endangered bird species declared by the IUCN, which is endemic to Kenya. The male usually has a black head, breast, with some yellowish on their tail, whereas the female has olive upper parts, yellow underparts, and is slightly duller.
The bird is mostly found in open woodlands and dense thickets, and in Kenya, it is found only in the Dakatcha Woodland and Arabuko Sokoke Forest.
7. Superb Starling
Do you know that in Kenya, it was once believed that if you got pooped by the Superb Starling on your shoulder it meant that you were favoured by the gods?
The superb Starling bird is such a unique bird, identifiable by its black head, its blue-green plumage, an orange belly, and a white breast band separating the blue from the orange. They are known to be social birds as they live in flocks and are also known to be voice mimics.
In Kenya, they can be found in places such as Lake Naivasha, Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, and Amboseli National Park, among others.
8. Marabou Stork
Which massive bird are you likely to encounter easily, especially in Nairobi, other than the Marabou Stork and even spot its large nests on tall trees? This large bird, also renowned to as “The Undertaker Bird”, is said to be one of the largest flying birds.
Marabou Stork does have an encrusted head, skinny white legs, cloak-like black wings, and a large throat sac just down below its bill.
Talking about sustainability, this bird plays a major role in cleaning up waste and carcasses in the streets, making it one of the special birds in Kenya.
9. Malachite Kingfisher
From its name, Kingfisher, the Malachite Kingfisher is known to be a master fisherman when it comes to fishing for its prey in the water areas. The bird, despite it being a small bird, is hard to miss.
It has a long, sharp bill, a brilliant blue upper part, reddish-orange underparts, black and blue feathers, and scarlet-red legs.
This amazing bird can be well spotted in wetland areas such as lakes and near slow-moving rivers. Some of the birding tours in Kenya where you can best see this bird are such as Lake Victoria, Lake Naivasha, Tsavo National Parks, and Nairobi National Park, among others.
10. Vulturine Guinea Fowl
Of the Guinea Fowl species, the Vulturine Guinea Fowl is the largest and has a vulture-like head, a black body, cobalt-blue breast, and long glossy white and blue hackles. Of the other Guinea Fowl, this bird is known to have a longer neck, tail, and legs.
It is also known to be a social bird, living in a group of about 30 individuals. It does make some chink-chink sounds, which can be heard from afar, and also, despite being able to fly, they prefer running when attacked.
In Kenya, they can be mostly found in birding places such as Samburu National Reserve, Meru National Park, and Tsavo National Parks, among others.
Best Bird Watching Safaris Sites In Kenya
1. Lake Nakuru National Park
Being a premium park in Kenya, Lake Nakuru National Park is home to over 450 different bird species, making it a bird paradise. The lake is famous for its large population of the Greater & Lesser Flamingoes, turning the lake into a pink lake due to the colouring of these species.
Other notable bird species in Lake Nakuru are such as the Yellow-billed stork, Great White Pelican, African Fish Eagle, and Migratory Birds such as the European Bee-eater, among others.
Some of the best spots in the park, where you can enjoy birding in Kenya, are the Baboon Cliff, along the shoreline of the lake, and also in the open grasslands.
Check out our 3-day Nakuru birdwatching tour in Kenya that you, as a bird lover, may opt for. 
2. Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s largest national reserve, making it a haven for a wide range of wild species. The park is home to over 470 different bird species, offering a complete blend of the wetlands, the open savannas, and riverine areas.
Some of the birds that can be seen in Masai Mara are such as the Lappet-faced Vulture, Kingfisher, Secretary Bird, Lilac Breasted Roller, Superb Starling, Crowned Crane, and Common Ostrich, among others.
The best spots to enjoy bird watching Kenya while in Masai Mara are such as the Mara River, Olooloo Escarpment, the open grasslands, and the Musiara Marsh.
3. Arabuko Sokoke National Park
Famous for being a haven and home to endemic species, Arabuko Sokoke forest is considered to be the largest remaining coastal forest in East Africa. Its majestic dense forest is home to over 270 different bird species, some of them being endemic and can only be found there.
Some of the endemic bird species you can get to explore and watch while in the forest include the Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Clarke’s Weaverbird, Amani Sunbird, and Mangrove Kingfisher, among others.
To enjoy epic views of these different bird species in Arabuko Sokoke, some of the suitable spots are such as the Mixed forest, Brachystegia woodland, Arabuko Swamp, and the Cynometra forest.
4. Kakamega Forest National Reserve
If you are seeking birding tours in Kenya, then Kakamega Forest National Reserve should really be on your bucket list. The forest is Kenya’s last remaining tropical rainforest, hence, it is a special haven providing shelter for over 300 different bird species.
Notable birds in Kenya that can be seen in this bird watching Kenya paradise include Grey Parrot, African Crowned Eagle, Great Blue Turaco, and Blue-headed Bee-eater.
Suitable spots, as you enjoy a walk in the reserve, to best sightsee these bird species are such as Isiukhu waterfalls, Buyangu Hill, Yala River, Lirhanda Hill, and the Isecheno Nature Trails.
5. Samburu National Reserve
Samburu National Reserve, situated in the Northern Frontier part of Kenya, is famously renowned for the Big North or the Special Five members. Do you know these Special Five members? They include Somali Ostrich, Gerenuk, Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, and the Grevy Zebra.
Apart from those, the reserve is a bird’s paradise harboring over 450 different bird species, such as the Somali Ostrich, Secretary Bird, different kinds of Eagles, and Vulturine Guinea Fowl, among others.
The best bird watching Kenya spots in Samburu National Reserve are Ewaso Nyiro riverbanks, the savanna open areas, the rocky cliffs, and the acacia scrublands.
Imagine watching birds with herds of Mighty Elephants drinking and playing with water in the Ewaso Nyiro river.
6. Amboseli National Park
Imagine observing silently different bird species in the wild with other wild animals around, and a breathtaking Mount Kilimanjaro background view, Africa’s tallest mountain. How fascinating it is!
Amboseli National Park is home to over 400 different bird species, from the migratory to the resident ones. Some of the identifiable birds include Marabou Stork, Greater & Lesser Flamingoes, Spike-heeled Lark, Rufous-bellied Heron, and Von der Decken’s Hornbill.
Among the birding tours in Kenya, some of the epic bird watching spots in Amboseli include Lake Amboseli, the observation hill, the open savanna grasslands, and the Enkongo Swamp.
7. Lake Bogoria National Reserve
Apart from Lake Nakuru National Park, another pristine Flamingo haven is this hidden gem, Lake Bogoria National Reserve. The reserve offers shelter to over 350 bird species, and you, as a bird enthusiast, should check it out.
Some of the birds that can be seen in the reserve include the iconic Greater & Lesser Flamingoes, Water Dikkop, Augur Buzzard, Yellow-billed Stork, and the Great White Pelican.
The best places to enjoy watching the various bird species in the park include along the Lake Bogoria shoreline, the hot spring area, and the open savanna areas.
8. Nairobi National Park
Where in the world can you enjoy bird watching in a park within a city, other than Nairobi National Park in Kenya? Nairobi National Park is among the very few places you can best enjoy birding tours in Kenya, as you enjoy your visit to the country.
The park is home to over 400 different bird species, some of them being Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, Marabou Stork, Shelley’s Francolin, Jackson’s Widowbird, and Grey Crowned Crane.
Suitable spots within the park, where you can enjoy bird watching Kenya as a welcoming party, include the Hyena Dam, the Ivory burning site, Athi Basin, Leopard cliff, and Mokoiyet Valley.
9. Saiwa Swamp National Park
Did you know that Saiwa Swamp National Park is Kenya’s smallest national park, covering an area of only 3 square kilometers? Despite its small size, the park is a haven for over 300 bird species, making it an unexplored place for birding in Kenya.
The park is located in Trans Nzoia County near Kitale town in the Western region of Kenya. Some of the bird species found there in the park include Ross Turaco, Yellow Bishop, African Black Duck, Narina Trogon, and Broad-billed Roller.
Even though it is a walk in the park, some of the best spots to watch birds include the boardwalk trails, the tree house view points, the forest areas, and all this you get to do on your own without a guide, despite it being a national park. Isn’t that amazing, taking all the time you need just to observe these beautiful creatures?
10. Tsavo West National Park
Located in the southeastern part of Kenya, just along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway and across Tsavo East National Park, is one of the best bird watching Kenya destinations, Tsavo West National Park.
The park boasts over 600 bird species in its vast plains, open grassland & woodlands, wetlands, and rocky cliff areas. Some of the notable bird species in the park are such as the Secretary bird, Golden-breasted Starling, Taita Falcon, Yellow-Throated Sandgrouse, and Martial Eagle.
Suitable spots to enjoy such birding in Kenya while in the park include Mzima Spring-such a nice spot to chill and enjoy a walk, capturing epic memories, Lake Jipe, and Ngulia Hills.
11. Tsavo East National Park
Did you know that Tsavo East National Park is Kenya’s largest national park? Yeah, you hear me, we’ve now covered the smallest, and now you wouldn’t wanna miss out on some birding tours in Kenya while in Tsavo East National Park.
The park provides shelter to over 500 bird species, making it a prime place for bird watching Kenya. Some of the birds seen here include the Red-bellied Parrot, Taita Falcon, Bateleur Eagle, Martial Eagle, the Nightjar, and Eurasian Rollers, a migratory bird.
Ideal places to spot such bird species are such as the Mudanda Rock, Lugard’s Falls, Aruda Dam, and at the Galana River, a nice area to enjoy the serenity and only the sounds of the waters and birds chirping.
12. Meru National Park
In seek of tranquility, just a nice place with less crowding, ideally perfect to have a bird watching session with not much encounter with other tourists? Meru National Park is just the place.
Meru National Park, situated in Meru County in Central Kenya, is a hub for over 450 bird species, some of them being the Taita Falcon, Somali Ostrich, African Finfoot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, and Barn Swallows.
Imagine spending an evening in the wild as you enjoy watching the sun set while doing your birding. How therapeutic it could be! Don’t miss out on visiting these destinations, perfect for bird watching tours in Kenya. 
Best Periods To Do Birding Tours In Kenya
Bird watching Kenya is usually possible throughout the year out but the best period to do birding in Kenya is usually between the months of November to April.
During this time, it is usually perfect to not only see the resident birds, but also you get to see the migratory birds such as the Eurasian Bee-eater, Willow Warbler, and Barn Swallows.
Conclusion
Bird watching Kenya is among the best adventurous activities you should opt to try out. Imagine doing birding in Kenya, home to over 1100 different bird species.
What is bird watching? It is the act of taking precise time to observe and study birds while in their natural habitats.
Some of the birding tours in Kenya include safari birding, forest-based, highland, urban birding, and wetland birding.
In seek of places to go for birding tours in Kenya? Some of the best bird watching sites to go for birding in Kenya are such as Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Masai Mara National Reserve, and Arabuko Sokoke National Park.
For bird watching Kenya tours, reach out to Naicef, the best bird watching tour company, via our contact: email at [email protected] or call: +254799922277.
Also, remember that Naicef is the best blog in Kenya and the whole of Africa, offering the best luxurious bird watching tour packages.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs) About Bird Watching Safaris In Kenya
1. What is bird watching?
It is the act of observing birds silently while they are in their natural habitats, either for fun (a hobby), for scientific research, or even for educational reasons.
2. Is bird watching and birding the same thing?
Yes, sure. Both bird watching and birding are the same; it’s just that birding is mostly preferred since it seems more affirmative to bird lovers.
3. Which are the best Important Bird Areas in Kenya?
Some of the best bird watching sites in Kenya include: Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Arabuko Sokoke Forest, Masai Mara National Reserve, Samburu National Reserve, Nairobi National Park, among others.
4. What birds are in Kenya?
Kenya is such a bird haven and a home to over 1100 different bird species. Some of the notable birds in Kenya include the Lilac-breasted Roller, African Fish Eagle, Greater & Lesser Flamingoes, Secretary Bird, Grey Crowned Crane, Somali & Common Ostrich, among others.
5. What is the best time to bird watch?
Early mornings and late afternoons are usually the perfect times to observe birds, as they search for food and chant their sweet melodies telling their stories.
6. When are the best periods for doing bird watching tours in Kenya?
For the best bird watching in Kenya, it is usually advisable to visit between October to April. During these months, the migratory birds from Asia and Europe join the native birds before proceeding on withh their journey.
7. What to bring on bird watching safaris in Kenya?
Some of the right gear to carry while watching birds in Kenya is binoculars, a guidebook of birds, a notebook, a camera, and sunscreen.
