Go for Exceptional Birding Safaris Experience in Kenya

Birding Safaris in Kenya Bird Watching Tours. Go for Exceptional Birding Safaris Experience at the Great Rift Valley Lakes region of Kenya. Embark on Kenya birding safaris to explore the rich wetlands and lakes of the Great Rift Valley, crucial ecosystems supporting a diverse array of avifauna species. Stand along the shores of the renowned alkaline Lake Nakuru, witnessing millions of flamingos feasting on algae, contributing to their vibrant pink plumage.

Kenya Wildlife Safari Ideas Combined with Birding Safaris – Deks Safaris & Tours

More About Bird Watching Safaris in Kenya

This picturesque setting hosts a high concentration of long-crested eagles, cormorants, goliath herons, African fish eagles, pink-backed pelicans, and various other speckled birds, showcasing just a fraction of the 450 recorded species. Lake Bogoria, another gem in the Great Rift Valley lakes, is a prime Kenya birding safaris tour destination with over 373 documented bird species. Similar to Lake Nakuru, it attracts millions of lesser and Greater flamingos, yet freshwater lakes like Baringo steal the spotlight with majestic raptors scanning the waters for prey.

Witness the swift descent of tawny, steppe, or fish eagles as they snatch their prey with formidable talons. Lake Naivasha, a freshwater lake nestled at 1890 meters, offers a volcanic landscape that attracts sought-after birds like black herons, great white egrets, black-lored babblers, and kingfishers among the 450 recorded species. Another smaller alkaline lake, Elementaita, positioned between Naivasha and Nakuru, adds to the avian cornucopia. The abundance of bird species in Kenya birding safaris tour destinations makes it the optimal choice for birding adventures, providing a diverse range of experiences unparalleled by any other destination.

Where to Go for Birding Safaris in Kenya?

Kenya is renowned for its diverse and rich birdlife, making it a popular destination for birding safaris. There are several excellent locations across the country where bird enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of species in their natural habitats.

Before embarking on birding safaris in Kenya, it’s advisable to hire a knowledgeable guide who can enhance your bird watching experience by helping identify species and sharing insights into their behavior. Additionally, remember to bring appropriate gear such as binoculars and a field guide to birds in East Africa.

Here are some top destinations for birding safaris in Kenya.

Maasai Mara National Reserve

Famous for its spectacular wildlife, Maasai Mara also offers excellent birding opportunities. The Mara Triangle and the Mara River are particularly good for birding safaris in Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park

This park is known for its large population of flamingos, but it also hosts over 400 bird species. You can find both water and land-based birds in this park.

Samburu National Reserve

Located in northern Kenya, Samburu is home to several unique bird species, including the Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guinea Fowl, and the Bristle-crowned Starling.

Lake Naivasha

A freshwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, Lake Naivasha is a haven for waterbirds, including fish eagles, kingfishers, and numerous species of ducks.

Amboseli National Park

Known for its stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is also a great place for birding safaris in Kenya. Look out for waterbirds around the swamps and the acacia woodland species.

Tsavo National Parks (East and West)

The vast expanses of Tsavo East and Tsavo West are home to a variety of bird species. Tsavo West, with its diverse landscapes, offers different birding opportunities.

Aberdare National Park

This park in central Kenya is rich in montane forest bird species. It’s a good place to spot the rare and endangered Aberdare Cisticola.

Mount Kenya National Park

The lower slopes of Mount Kenya are covered in dense forest, providing habitat for a variety of bird species, including sunbirds and turacos.

Kakamega Forest Reserve

Situated in western Kenya, Kakamega Forest is a hotspot for forest birding safaris, hosting numerous endemic and rare species.

Lake Baringo

Another Rift Valley lake, Lake Baringo is known for its birdlife, including herons, eagles, and the Goliath Heron.

Best Time for Birding Safaris in Kenya

The best time for birding safaris in Kenya depends on the specific regions and the types of birds you want to observe. However, Kenya generally experiences two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season is considered the best time for birding, as it coincides with the migration of many bird species and offers optimal viewing conditions. Here are the two main seasons to consider:

Dry Season (Late June to October)

This is the peak tourist season in Kenya, and it’s also an excellent time for birding safaris. The weather is generally dry and cool, and vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot birds.

Many migrant bird species from Europe and Asia are present during this time. Additionally, resident birds are more active, and water sources become critical focal points for bird watching.

Wet Season (November to May)

The wet season is characterized by periodic rain, and while it may not be the peak birding season, it has its advantages. Bird activity is still high, and some species are more vocal and active during this time.

The landscape becomes lush and green, providing a different backdrop for bird watching. The wet season is also the breeding season for many bird species, so you may witness courtship displays and nesting behaviors.

In summary, the dry season, especially from late June to October, is generally considered the best time for birding safaris in Kenya due to the pleasant weather and the abundance of bird species. However, if you’re interested in specific migratory species or want to experience the unique aspects of the wet season, visiting during the shoulder months of November to May can also be rewarding. Keep in mind that weather patterns can vary, so it’s advisable to check specific regional climate considerations based on your chosen birding destinations within Kenya.