Birdwatching in Kenya

Kenya is a prime destination for a birdwatching holiday at any time of year. Tremendous geographical range gives Kenya a variety of climates and landscapes, hence the second highest number of species in Africa. Kenya holds the world-record 'bird watch' - with 342 species seen in 24 hours!

Between October and February many palearctic migrants come to Kenya's marine and inland shorelines. Many swallows, terns and waders will be found during this time; whilst between June and July weavers and bishops are in breeding plumage and many Southern African migrants visit.

Kenya's national parks make excellent centres for bird watching in Kenya - the Maasai Mara for the rosy-throated longclaw and magpie shrike; the Samburu for the rare shining sunbird and pink breasted lark; and Nairobi for the northern pied-babbler and Pangani longclaw. Kenya' handful of endemics include the Tara River cisticola, the Aberdare cisticola; Hinde's pied-babbler; William's lark; Sharpe's pipit; and Clarke's weaver.

This diverse range of habitats supports a great diversity of bird species - and makes a birdwatching holiday in Kenya very rewarding!

Our 13 top tips for birdwatching in Kenya

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Elsas Kopje
|96% (11 reviews)

Meru National Park will appeal to those on a Kenya birdwatching holiday for its more than 300 recorded bird species, including Pel’s fishing owl. Low visitor numbers and leisurely safari drives mean you can take your time to seek out the birdlife. More about Elsas Kopje
Island Camp Baringo

Island Camp Baringo is an outstanding spot for birding. The lake has long held the world record for the most birds recorded in a 24-hour period - 342 species. Water birds and dry-country birds can all be seen quite easily in this area and your breakfasts in camp are interrupted ... More about Island Camp Baringo
Kicheche Valley
|96% (18 reviews)

Your Kenyan birdwatching holiday can begin in the camp itself, with unusual and rare species (bush pipit, northern white-crowned shrike, white-headed buffalo weaver, pygmy falcon and eagles) seen in the trees and nearby spring. More about Kicheche Valley
Kicheche Walking Wilderness
|100% (1 review)

This two-day walking experience traverses the Naboisho and Olare Motorogi conservancies, and includes the Seketa Valley. Diverse birdlife can be seen across this landscape and, being on foot, you’ll enjoy intimate observations of the bush. More about Kicheche Fly Camp
Lewa Safari Camp
|100% (5 reviews)

With its lush lawns and verandas overlooking a busy birdbath, Lewa Safari Camp offers great birdwatching from the camp itself. The hide overlooks a waterhole, where mammals and birds regularly drink, and bush walks give birding a new perspective. More about Lewa Safari Camp
Loldia House
|100% (2 reviews)

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful spot for birdwatching. Dozens of woodland, garden and water-loving species can be seen in and around the lodge grounds, while slightly further afield, at the Green Crater Lake, Lake Oloiden (both satellites of Lake Naivasha) and Hell's Gate ... More about Loldia House
Porini Amboseli Camp
|93% (11 reviews)

Renowned Maasai birding guide Wilson ole Kasaine (one of the best birding guides in Africa) is on hand as one of the camp’s guides here, and with over 200 bird species in the camp's private Selenkay Conservancy, this is a great place for birdwatching in Kenya. More about Porini Amboseli Camp
Porini Lion Camp
|83% (8 reviews)

Birdwatching in camp is excellent, especially around the tall Warburgia (elephant pepper trees) trees. There is a good variety of raptors in the area and the rare Usambiro barbet can be seen around camp. More about Porini Lion Camp
Rekero
|98% (24 reviews)

Kenya birdwatching is good here for the variety of habitats in the vicinity. Birders will enjoy the privacy of the tent veranda areas with uninterrupted views across the rocky valley of the Talek River. More about Rekero
Shimba Lodge
|80% (1 review)

Shimba Lodge is excellent for a birdwatching trip in Kenya: a pair of fish eagles lives around the waterhole and regularly pose on the branches opposite to engage in their discordant duets, or swoop over the lake to grab a fish. More about Shimba Lodge
The Emakoko
|96% (77 reviews)

The Emakoko stands out on any Kenya bird trip, firstly for its great viewpoint, from which more than 50 birds can be seen, overlooking Nairobi National Park. Then the park itself offers excellent birding with more than 500 recorded species. More about The Emakoko
Tortilis Camp
|94% (14 reviews)

Situated just outside Amboseli National Park, Tortilis offers quick access into Kitirua Conservancy with 400-plus bird species. The ecosytem’s marshes provide ideal habitats, while the terraces around the camp offer great spots to watch birds. More about Tortilis Camp
Tumbili Cliff Lodge
|90% (2 reviews)

Tumbili Cliff Lodge is an ideal location for birdwatching, with more than 470 species having been recorded in the area. Lake Baringo is also the location where the world record 24-hour bird count was established (342 species) by ornithologist Terry Stevenson in 1986. Many ... More about Tumbili Cliff Lodge