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Bird watching safari in Kenya remains one of the natural spectacles in the world. From the dull and drub finch to the beautiful sunbird and from the mythical Hamerkop to the steady and no-nonsense bustard bird… Hey, this is Kenya.
Of vistas so immense that they touch your soul for nature and awake your luxury birding safari spirit. With a checklist of over 1100 species of birds, Kenya is well known as a birding safari destination and this already adds more value to the wildlife attractions in our parks alongside more than 42 tribes that call Kenya home. Isn’t this fantastic that birds inhabit almost all habitats that are equally teeming with the BIG game and other wildlife in equal measures!
Kenya bird watching safari is a cool affair that welcomes both first timers and avid birders equally.
From the flamingos, notably the well documented birds have been driven from Lake Nakuru in the past half-decade because of industrialization and rising water levels, and many have moved to Lake Bogoria, Lake Elementaita, Lake Magadi and other alkaline lakes within the region.
Apart from matchstick-legged birds that can be seen feeding on the algae that gives them their candy floss hue, Kenya bird species range from the small to the big birds. From difficult to tell apart finches to the bulk and brilliantly coloured Turaco who is also the song master of the tree tops, the elegant Secretary bird that catwalks the plains and the bold Ostrich that poses with ease for photography and of course, the shy woodpecker that enjoys playing the hide and seek game with its human admirers… Kenya’s ornithological safari remain to be a real game changer!
Kenya is a premier global birding destination boasting over 1,100 species—roughly 11% of the world’s total—thanks to diverse habitats ranging from Afro-alpine highlands and savannahs to tropical forests and alkaline lakes
Birding safaris typically feature the spectacular flamingo-lined Rift Valley lakes, the raptor-rich Maasai Mara, and endemic-rich northern arid lands.
Best Time to Visit for Bird Watching in Kenya
What to Expect
Our Kenya luxury birding safari brings a combination of both birds, with traditional Big Five wildlife safaris and cultural experiences. Led by our resident expert ornithological safari guides who will help you to identify a diverse species of birds. Typically, it’s possible to record 400–670 bird species on a 14–21-day luxury birding trip.

In Kenya, each destination is unique with some having more endemic bird species than others have. It’s important for you to share with us what you’re looking for and work with our ornithology specialists. Our luxury birding safaris guarantee you to stay in the very best located camps and lodges to maximize your chances of seeing the birds that interest you most.
Whether you want to tick off a list of your target species or delve longer for the ultimate birding photography moments, bird watching on a Kenya safari is a hugely rewarding safari experience not only to the avid birders but also for the beginners who will equally enjoy what Kenya birding destinations have to offer.
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.
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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.
The capital city of Kenya, Nairobi has one a unique fauna and avifauna giving guests opportunities to explore its urban diversity. Featuring a number of ornithological area of interests, Nairobi’s bird watching hotspots are within reach allowing you to enjoy some birding as you wait for your next flight or as an option if you have a few hours to spare in between your meetings.
Kenya is an ideal destination for birders. The country’s endemic birds are something to behold while the migratory bird species give birdwatchers the chance to observe the birds in their natural habitats. Kenya is certainly a birding location for everyone.
Almost 1100 bird species have been recorded in Kenya, nearly twice the total number of birds in Europe. This in itself is sufficient for any birdwatcher to come to Kenya for a birding holiday. As a destination, Kenya is rich in biodiversity lying hidden almost in every corner of the country.
The clandestine treasures attractions that are not only easily accessible, but also offer highly gratifying experiences. A good number of endemic and near-endemic bird species can easily be seen on a two weeks birding tour. These birds are especially sought-after as they only occur within the country or marginally beyond.
The European migrants are present from August to April. Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, offers a couple of places that are close enough, and tend to be both productive and rewarding in the numbers of birds species seen or recorded. An informative guided birding tour will introduce you to the feathered fauna of the Kenya birds that are interesting and, beautiful.
Besides there are excellent avian spots in the surrounding areas just within 2 hours drive where you can go for a day safari for a rewarding birding experience. Please, find some of our recommended ornithological sites around Nairobi.

Kenya’s coast has some fascinating birding opportunities. From the Lamu region moving to the to Malindi area where we’ll explore the Arabuko-Sokoke coastal forest, tracking down endemic and near-endemic specialties such as the exquisite Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Amani Sunbird and perhaps Clarke’s Weaver.
Your discovery will also take us to the coastal wetlands and adjoining habitats, where we should find the localized near-endemic Malindi Pipit and Violet-breasted Sunbird, as well as the handsome, monotypic Crab-plover and the restricted-range Sooty Gull.
We’ll continue to explore as we move to Taita Hills for its endemic species namely, the Taita Thrush and Taita Apalis, as well as Taita White-eye.
Coastal region is home to many Kenya endemic species and here is a list highlighting some of the key species to be observed on your coastal birding.
The Sokoke Scops-Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Malindi Pipit, the majestic Crab Plover, Red-naped Bush-shrike, Scaly Chatterer, Nairobi Pipit, Manda Boubou, Somali Sparrow, Somali Courser, Friedmann’s Lark, Southern Grosbeak Canary, Clarke’s Weaver, Mangrove Kingfisher, Amani Sunbird, East Coast Akalat, and Spotted Ground Thrush.

Another geographical zone of great interest in the Western Plateau the region around Lake Victoria.
Sandwiched between the eastern and western branches of the African Rift system, this zone is fissured by numerous faults and escarpments with valleys in between.
The last remaining equatorial rainforest in Kenya is located there. This zone is unique in that 80 species of birds in the Kakamega Forest are found nowhere else in Kenya.
An exploration to the high altitude of the Kongelai Escarpment onto the Western Plateau adds to the diversity of bird species that are unique and therefore are restricted to this region.
The dense Papyrus swamps and other lakeshore vegetation around Lake Victoria and its satellite lakes are home to specialty species.
Moving a little to the north from Lake Victoria with its super aquatic species, the Busia Grasslands and the surrounding hills near the northeast shore of Lake Victoria is home to several localized bird species. Please, read more about where to watch birds in Western Kenya.

Bird watching in Kenya is a cool affair that welcomes both first timers and avid birders equally. Flamingos, notably the well-documented birds have been driven from Lake Nakuru in the past half-decade because of industrialization and rising water levels, and many have moved to Lake Bogoria, Lake Elementaita, Lake Magadi and other alkaline lakes within the region.
Apart from matchstick-legged birds that can be seen feeding on the algae that gives them their candy floss hue, Kenya bird species range from the small to the big birds.
From difficult to tell apart finches to the bulk and brilliantly coloured Turaco who is also the song master of the tree tops, the elegant Secretary bird that catwalks the plains and the bold Ostrich that poses with ease for photography and of course, the shy woodpecker that enjoys playing the hide and seek game with its human admirers.
Kenya’s ornithological safari remain to be a real game changer! A visit to Lake Naivasha, home to Golden-winged Sunbirds, and Superb Starlings marks a good introduction to any birder as well as well-curated Kenya birding safari to other Great Rift Valley lakes.

Finally, the Northern Plain’s geography stretches from Uganda to Somalia and is quite arid. Lake Turkana constitutes this part, semi-desert savanna west of Lake Turkana, and the Chalbi Desert to the east.
Of all the already described geographic zones, this is the only one that is less populated. From the Somali border lies, Samburu National Reserve and still in the extent of this geographical location, and is quite far from the Somali border.
This reserve is home to the Samburu tribe and is home to birds of semi-arid savanna and bush as well as some interesting mammals such as the Reticulated Giraffe, Beisa Oryx, and Grevy’s Zebra.

At Oluokos, creating effortless African holiday experiences is our cup of coffee! In Africa, our luxury safaris are packed with transformative moments that resonate deeply with you, fulfilling your holiday dreams and ideals. Luxury 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 safari moments in Africa.
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