Bird Watching safaris in Kenya are one of the top experiences to include in your bucket list when planning your African Tour. The country is one of only 15 countries globally where more than 1,000 bird species can be spotted across the varying habitats. Several endemic species have been recorded in Kenya. Kenya lies third on the African avian diversity list after DR Congo and Tanzania – Bird Watching safaris in Kenya are truly rewarding.
Kenya is famous for hosting a variety of bird species – with the world’s two largest birds (Common and Somali ostrich, now regarded as separate species) and its bulkiest flying creature (Kori bustard). This amazing country also habituates a wealth population of raptors and a dazzling array of colorful bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, and passerines.
Birding Watching Safaris are rewarding everywhere in Kenya as you will enjoy viewing different bird species as you drive through the country side and as you explore top safari reserves and National Parks. For those interested in Bird-watching safaris in Kenya, it requires to dig deeper and thus our a well-planned two-week itinerary is likely to result in a trip list of 350–400 species – a great figure per bird watching safari destination in Africa
Bird Watching safaris in Kenya will take you to the open savannah of southern Kenyan reserves such as Amboseli and the Masai Mara which are the top birding spots in the country and provide an excellent introduction to East Africa’s more common birds including the Superb starling, Purple grenadier, Lilac-breasted roller, and African grey hornbill and several other species.
The other top bird watching safari destinations in Kenya are the Rift Valley lakes. These areas around the lakes are superb for bird watching safaris in Kenya: Nakuru and Bogoria are rightly famed for their mind-boggling leaser flamingo aggregations, however the hidden and less celebrated Naivasha and Baringo are arguably even better for ultimate Bird watching safaris in Kenya. While in this rift valley region, you will grab opportunities to spot some of the endemic species in East Africa
While in Kenya, the shouldn’t miss location for bird watching safaris 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. This is a great spot for bird watching safaris in Kenya and for regular safari goers – it is one of the places that guarantee sightseeing of different bird species.
If you have limited vacation days to spend in Kenya, it is more preferable to visit the Kakamega Forest. The Kakamega Forest and Saiwa Swamp protect dozens of forest species at the very eastern extreme of their range. Bird watching here is spiced with sightseeing of other wildlife species especially the forest species.
Kenya also offers a variety of coastal endemic birds that can be spotted during your birding safari in the country. The Arabuko-Sokoke National Park near Watamu is home some of the most thought of coastal species like 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.
Kenya offers excellent bird-watching safaris all year round, but the best season to visit Kenya for safaris is between 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.
Vacanza Adventure Safaris offers a variety of Bird-watching packages to Kenya. Our well-crafted safari packages ensure a great sightseeing experience in some of the best birding safari spots in Kenya. We also offer extended tours to countries in East Africa including Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda.
