By Anthony Ham
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.
With over 1,100 recorded species, Kenya is one of Africa’s best birding destinations. In Africa, this number of species is only exceeded by the much larger and inaccessible Democratic Republic of Congo. A fair number of endemic and near-endemic species can easily be seen on any birding trip. The European migrants are present from September to April.
Notable Birds in Kenya
Common
Birding Rating
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Endemic (E) & near-endemic (NE) birds
Other Birding Specials
Best Time for Bird Watching
The birdlife in Kenya is good year-round, but at its prime from September to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. For wildlife viewing, however, the Dry season is better.
Best Parks for Birding –Including Birding Rating
The best wildlife viewing parks, such as the Masai Mara and Amboseli, offer a solid introduction to East Africa’s common birds. The Rift Valley Lakes including Lake Nakuru and Bogoria are the places to go to mark off many waterbirds, while the arid north, such as Samburu, offers many dry-country specials. Arabuko-Sokoke and Kakamega Forest are birding hotspots as well.
- Masai Mara NR 4.2/5 176 Birding Ratings
- Amboseli NP 4.3/5 98 Birding Ratings
- Lake Nakuru NP 4.3/5 128 Birding Ratings
- Arabuko Sokoke 4.3/5 8 Birding Ratings
- Kakamega Forest NR 4.4/5 16 Birding Ratings
- Samburu NR 4.3/5 56 Birding Ratings
- Saiwa Swamp NP 3.7/5 7 Birding Ratings
- Buffalo Springs NR 3.8/5 14 Birding Ratings
Want to Visit Kenya?
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Facts & Figures
