​Birds – Lake Nakuru NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Lake Nakuru National Park is a great birding destination with more than 400 species recorded. The soda lake is a birding hot spot and supports a lot of birdlife, including flamingos and pelicans at the western end of the lake. Nakuru is also one of the best places in Kenya to see the striking long-tailed widowbird. There is a good variety of raptors including Verreaux’s and long-crested eagle.

Notable Birds in Lake Nakuru NP
Great white pelican
Common
Greater blue-eared starling
Common
Greater flamingo
Common
Hottentot teal
Common
Lesser flamingos
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Lake Nakuru NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching in Lake Nakuru is good year-round, although the best time for birders is from November to March. At this time, you’ll enjoy the best weather and the presence of migratory birds from Europe and North Africa (in the park November through April). This is also the breeding season and many birds are in full plumage. In addition to the migratory species, many interesting birds are here throughout the year.

Want To Visit Lake Nakuru NP?

1,033 Lake Nakuru Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Lake Nakuru NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr