Kenya is one of only 15 countries globally where over 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it lies third on the African avian diversity list after DR Congo and Tanzania. Birds of Kenya list includes the world’s two largest birds (Common and Somali Ostrich, now regarded as separate species) and its bulkiest flying creature (Kori bustard), along with a wealth of raptors and a dazzling array of colorful bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers, sunbirds and passerines.
We organize well-curated luxury birding safaris that are rewarding everywhere in Kenya. For dedicated custom luxury birdwatching on a safari in Kenya, a well-planned luxury three-week itinerary is likely to result in a trip list of 350–450 species, a figure that compares favorably well with anywhere in the world.
From the open savannahs of Kenya’s vast national parks and reserves such as the Maasai Mara and Tsavo to the plains of Laikipia and the high altitudes of Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon, Kenya provides an excellent ornithological expeditions to even the avid birders and the perfect introductory to East Africa’s birds.
The urban centers, rivers to forests and on the coastal strips birding opportunities are super. Down to the Rift Valley, lakes Naivasha, Elementaita, Nakuru and Bogoria famed for their overwhelming congregations of waders with Lake Baringo arguably offering even better birding opportunities.
For curious luxury bird-watching safari guests, a region of particular interest is Western Kenya circuit and, in our opinion is well worth a visit for any serious birders and curious tourist out there. We recommend that you consider putting aside a 4-6 day stay to get the very best from this amazing part of Kenya where reasonable biome restricted specialties are to be found. Further to the north, where Samburu-Buffalo Springs-Shaba hosts a high quotient of arid country species whose range is otherwise restricted to less accessible parts of Ethiopia and Somalia.
Depending on your specific location, your birding safari may offer you the chance to spot the stunning lilac-breasted roller, majestic African fish eagle, and elusive forest-dwelling Pel’s Fishing Owl. The rare shoebill stork, which can only be found in a few locations in East Africa, is a popular attraction. On a walking safari along the sweeping shores of one of the shallow saline lakes, you also may see millions of breeding lesser pink flamingo. It’s a breathtaking sight.
Among our many targets are many national and regional rarities. These include national endemics Jackson’s Francolin, Snowy Barbet, Aberdare Cisticola, Grant’s Wood Hoopoe, Turner’s Eremomela, Kikuyu White-eye and Sharpe’s Longclaw. We also seek rarities including East African endemics Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Red-throated Tit, Northern Pied Babbler, Hildebrandt’s Starling, Abbott’s Starling, Kenrick’s Starling, Jackson’s Widowbird, Hartlaub’s Turaco, Hunter’s Cisticola, Black-lored Babbler and Kenya Rufous Sparrow. There are also birds where Kenya has the largest known distribution range for the species, often referred to as ‘Near endemics to Kenya’, and these include Golden-winged Sunbird, Parrot-billed Sparrow, Fire-fronted Bishop and Donaldson Smith’s Sparrow-Weaver.
Kenya is also considered the “Best Territory” in Africa for some other species also included in our tours. Somali Ostrich, Black-faced Sandgrouse, White-headed Mousebird, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Somali Bee-eater, Jackson’s Hornbill, Taita Fiscal, White-bellied Tit, Hunter’s Sunbird, Somali Sparrow, Golden Palm Weaver, Northern Masked Weaver, Grey-headed Silverbill, Golden Pipit, Steel-blue Whydah, Pangani Longclaw, William’s Lark, Moorland Francolin, Friedmann’s Lark, Chapin’s Flycatcher, Hinde’s Babbler, Abyssinian Wheatear, Kakamega Greenbul and Olive Ibis. Add to this a vast range of more frequently seen African birds, and you have the ideal tour for the birder in Kenya, featuring a really comprehensive bird list.
We visit places and hotels which are well known to Heatherlea, in the company of top quality local Guides who equally are well-versed in our ways. You will find this a comfortable and professionally organized tour in excellent company!
Our guests tend to ask what the perfect African birding safari itinerary looks like and to be honest, we don’t have a straight-forward answer.
To answer you in brief, each guest has a unique taste when it comes to enquiring about an African birding safari and this could be based on personality that’s strongly influenced by expectations. We have given a few good to check itineraries to serve as bird watching travel inspirations.
We don’t offer Africa as a bucket list destination, but a rich continent with diversity, meaningful purpose to travel, cultural mosaic and of course, unmatched habitats that have given room to birds and wildlife. We have identified Africa’s most intriguing bird watching safaris that you should consider during your bird watching holiday planning.
Properties and experiences that uplift and empower local communities in our destinations.
Supports wildlife projects, protected areas and ecosystem regeneration through tourism.
We strengthen intercultural understanding and relations, safeguarding cultural heritage.
Commerce affects the sustainability of our destinations the people who live in these natural areas.
The state of being aware of and responsive to one’s surroundings – as a business, our staff and guests.
At Oluokos, creating effortless African birding holiday experiences is our cup of coffee! In Africa, our luxury birding safaris are packed with transformative moments that resonate deeply with you, fulfilling your birding holiday dreams and ideals. Luxury birding safaris are not always about expensive lodges with champagne and gold taps, nor is it just about exclusive experiences. It’s about the quality moments that you spend with your family and the value for money in return. Let’s weave the best birding safari moments in Africa.