With more than 1,100 recorded species, Kenya is one of Africa’s best birding destinations. In Africa, only the much larger and difficult-to-access Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Tanzania have more. Numerous and species, which are especially sought-after as they only occur within the country or marginally beyond, can be seen on any birding trip. European and northern African are present in Kenya from November to April.
Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
(E) endemic = only lives in Kenya(NE) near-endemic = lives in Kenya and neighboring countries
- Abbott’s starling (NE)
- Aberdare cisticola (E)
- Amani sunbird (NE)
- Clarke’s weaver (E)
- Grey-crested helmet-shrike (NE)
- Hinde’s pied babbler (E)
- Jackson’s spurfowl (NE)
- Jackson’s hornbill (NE)
- Montane white-eye (E)
- Sharpe’s longclaw (NE)
- Sokoke pipit (NE)
- Sokoke scops owl (NE)
- Taita thrush (E)
- Tana River cisticola (E)
- Taveta golden weaver (NE)
- Williams’s lark (E)
Other Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- Abyssinian crimsonwing
- Bar-tailed trogon
- Blue-headed bee-eater
- Friedmann’s lark
- Golden-breasted starling
- Golden-winged sunbird
- Great blue turaco
- Kori bustard
- Red-naped bush-shrike
- Secretary bird
- Somali courser
- Somali sparrow
- Taita apalis
- Turner’s eremomela
- Vulturine guineafowl
- Yellow-bellied wattle-eye
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kenya is good year-round, but at its prime from November to April when the from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, however, the Dry season (June to October) is better. January and February can be good months for both.
Best Parks for Birding Includes Birding Rating
The best wildlife-viewing parks, such as Masai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park, also happen to be outstanding birding destinations. The lakes, including Lakes Nakuru and Bogoria, are good for waterbirds (including , which you can also see in Amboseli). The arid north, including Samburu National Reserve, offers many dry-country specials, while Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve and Kakamega Forest are birding hot spots for forest species.
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Amboseli NP
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Masai Mara NR
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Lake Nakuru NP
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Samburu NR
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Buffalo Springs NR
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Kakamega Forest
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Saiwa Swamp NP
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Arabuko Sokoke FR
Recommended Birding Books
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Birds of Kenya & Northern Tanzania
The most detailed and definitive field guide for Kenya.
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Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
Superb field guide; complete coverage of each country.
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eGuide to Birds of East Africa (app)
The app version of the above book is comprehensive for Kenya.
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East Africa Birds – A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
Aimed firmly at beginners with only 140 species described.
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Pocket Guide: Birds of East Africa
Another beginner’s guide that covers fewer than 300 species.