AFRICA BIRD WATCHING SAFARIS IN KENYA & TANZANIA
Thousands of Species
In the Air, By The Lakes in Every Form and Color
Everything about Africa is unique, unexpected, and in numbers and variety that never fail to surprise. This is especially true of the universe of birds to be found on safari in Kenya & Tanzania. Up in the sky, in the trees, on the lakeshores, and assembled before you on the fields, Africa’s dazzling gift of birdlife can be astonishing for first-time visitors.
Imagine in a single day spotting a hundred species – from great white pelicans and storks to vibrant pink flamingoes, from vultures and raptor eagles to graceful ibis and herons. While all about, colorful warbling songbirds like starlings, doves, blue turacos, and guineafowl fill the air with their coos, calls, and light melodies.
Africa and especially Kenya and Tanzania are a birdwatcher’s paradise with its varied landscapes of savannahs, grasslands, forests, and wetlands – each habitat supporting a colorful range of bird types like bee-eaters, sunbirds, parrots, cranes, and fish eagles. Both countries boast over 1000 species so the birding on your African safari will be rich, active, and lots of fun.
The Birds of Kenya
Here’s an incredible number: Kenya is populated with 11% of the world’s bird species or close to 1100 different types of avian life. On some bird-watching journeys, safari-goers have recorded over 500 different species.
Besides its geographical diversity, Kenya’s many climates also foster a delightful variety of bird types. Adding to that thriving habitat are the many migrant species that arrive between February through October like swallows and waders at the lakes and shorelines. The dry season from June through October also affords excellent viewing as the birds gather near water sources making them easier to spot.
Aberdare National Park – not all parks are about endless savannahs. Aberdare is an upcountry reserve of cool mountain streams, waterfalls, and deep green forests. Besides the elephants and antelope filling the park, you’ll find close to 300 species of birdlife such as the Aberdare cisticola, African goshawk, Crowned eagle, and Golden-winged sunbird.
Amboseli National Park – a compact but busy park near the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Amboseli is known for its many free-ranging elephants but also for its more than 420 species of winged creatures. The marshes here are home to egrets, herons, Egyptian geese, pelicans, and crowned cranes. During the wet seasons from March to May and October/December, you may get to see healthy numbers of flamingoes.
Arabuko Sokoke National Park – this great coastal forest is one of the few remaining jungle-like ecosystems of East Africa. Birds and butterflies abound in the overhead canopy. Of the 230 species found here look for colorful creatures like the Sokoke scops owl, bee-easter, Amani sunbird, and crested guineafowl.
Kakamega Forest Reserve – perhaps the last tropical rainforest in Kenya – a lush world of butterflies, monkeys, baboons, frogs, and birds, with over 300 species. Stepping through the thick primeval forest, you’ll be watching for parrots, the giant kingfisher, great blue turaco, African emerald cuckoo, and red-headed bluebill.
Lake Baringo – a freshwater lake found in northern Kenya, the lake is known amongst birdwatchers for its over 500 species. You’ll find literally thousands of water birds here, especially a sprawling canvas of bright pink flamingoes. It’s also home to hornbills, chats, owls, and Verreaux’s eagle.
Lake Bogoria – the geothermal activity in this reserve will greet you with a steamy mix of geysers and hot springs. But peering through the hot mist you’ll be astonished by a spectacular world of up to two million pink flamingoes, along with buzzard, goshawk, buzzard, starlings, herons, ibis, and ostrich.
Lake Naivasha – pretty Lake Naivasha is a peaceful spot where we can take a boating safari, floating past hippos as we look for the area’s white egret, black-headed gull, spotted redshank, and purple swamp hen.
Lake Nakuru National Park – this beautiful park greets us with acacia woodlands, waterfalls, and the alkaline lake itself, home to a glorious pink carpet of Lesser and Greater flamingoes, feeding off the lake’s algae. Other species making their home here include the African fish eagle, Helmet Shrike, Black Tern, and Spotted Crake.
Masai Mara National Reserve – the king of Kenya’s parks holds great numbers of wildlife, both predators and grazers. But its avian population is equally impressive. The Masai Mara’s varied habitats present a wonderful variety of birds. Its rolling hills are home to Jackson’s widowbird and corn crake while in the bush and woodlands we’ll be looking for the magpie shrike, white stork, and Caspian plovers. Other birds of note here include the pale wren warbler, Denham’s bustard, and the red-tailed chat.
Mida Creek Park – this is a different sort of reserve, comprised of over 100 hectares of restored mangrove forest. One million mangrove Sea Trees will eventually be planted in this marine protected area. Migrating birds from Europe and Asia settle here and you find the Grey Plover, Terek sandpiper, sand lovers, and terns.
Mount Kenya National Park – of course, 5199m (17,058 ft) Mt. Kenya dominates this park with its towering snowy peaks. But at its base, you’ll find a tropical forest with the olive ibis, African crowned eagle, scarlet-tufted sunbird, and at 3,000m, Jackson’s widowbird. On the high moorlands, you may see Abbot’s starling and Lesser Kestral.
Taita Hills Forest – is known as a tropical cloud forest, rising 2,200 m and gathering clouds from the Indian Ocean. This humid and earthy environment is home to three endemic species of birds: Taita apalis, Taita thrush, and Taita white-eye. And look for the Somali ostrich, whistling duck, African pygmy-goose, and even flamingoes.
Tsavo East National Park– a legacy park, this is one of Kenya’s largest reserves, active with lions and elephants… and over 500 bird species. Set your sights on the golden-breasted starling, vulturine guinea-fowl, red-winged lark, martial eagle, and Somali bee-eater, amongst many others.
Tanzania’s Amazing Birdlife
Like Kenya, Tanzania enjoys over a thousand species of birds, (over 1,100!) and many types that are native to East Africa and resident to the country’s stunning landscapes. These include migratory, waterfowl, birds of prey, and unique, unusual species.
Of course, Tanzania is a wildlife wonderland with its thousands of big cats and millions of grazers rounding out your bird-watching experience.
Lake Manyara National Park – besides its lovely acacia forest, the lake comprises most of the park which attracts many of the 400 species found here. The bird life is so active you may see as many as 100 types in a single day. The forest is home to the African Hawke-eagle but over at the lake, you’ll spot great numbers of lesser flamingoes, pink-backed pelicans, crested guinea fowl, hornbills, turacos, weavers, bee-eaters, herons, ibis, and emerald cuckoo.
Lake Victoria – Africa’s largest lake and the second-largest in the world, bigger than some countries. Known for its stunning tropical islands, the lake is also a busy birding habitat. Of the over 300 species here, look for ostrich, cormorant, Egyptian goose, yellow-billed duck, greater flamingo, sparrows, fire finches, and canaries.
Ngorongoro Crater / Conservation Area – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fantastical volcanic remnant, a blue/green world of animals, seemingly self-contained. In this vast bowl of wildlife can be found over 500 types of birds such as the white-eyed flycatcher, Hildebrandt’s spurfowl, black kite, black-winged lapwing, and lesser flamingo.
Serengeti National Park – famous as the home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the park features over 500 bird species for your watching enjoyment. You’ll be looking for the Kori bustard, Fisher’s lovebird, black-headed heron, secretary bird, grey-headed sparrow, white-crowned shrike, and red-backed robin.
Tarangire National Park – this off-the-beaten trail reserve is a goldmine for birdwatching. The best time of year for spotting its many avian forms is from April through November. Here you’ll find starlings, parrots, weavers, the tawny eagle, the African grey flycatcher, lovebirds, larks, and shrikes. Larger birds include pelicans and ostriches. And where else can you find an actual winged creature called the bare-faced go-away bird?
What To Take On Your Bird-watching Safari
Preparing for your safari is part of the fun of this special experience, no matter if you’re looking for a lion or a black-headed heron. You’ll always want clothing that’s neutral in color, is cooling, and hides the safari dust.
But to get the most out of your birding safari here are some important items you should bring along:
Binoculars – At Africa Kenya Safaris, we supply your group with Olympus binoculars to give your bird sightings an up-close view. However, bringing your own pair means you’ll always have that instant immediacy that makes bird-watching fun.
Identification Book – While our guides are experts at identifying the many bird species you’ll spot on the ground, in the trees, in the air, and near the lakes, it’s helpful to have an identification book with photos to give you still more information about your sightings.
Camera – A camera, especially one with a zoom or telephoto lens is a great way to view the birds and create memories at the same time. It’s also a fun means to compare your sightings with the photos in your identification book.
Voice Recorder – This is valuable for identifying certain birds whose calls are not immediately known. It’s also a great way to preserve the unique, special, and melodious sounds of your safari.
Insect repellant – For some this may be the most important item to bring along on safari. Besides traveling over the savannahs, you’ll probably be moving through forests and grasslands, the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitos and other insects. A little insect repellant will go a long way in guaranteeing a fun safari.
Snacks and water – Bring plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated as you’ll be out in the bush. Same with snacks – you’ll want to keep your energy up.
BOOK YOUR DREAM BIRD WATCHING SAFARI WITH AFRICA KENYA SAFARIS
From the great ostrich to dazzling flamingoes, regal pelicans, and storks, to dramatic buzzards and eagles, our Africa presents an unending world of birdlife.
Now that you know about the astonishing number and variety of birdlife to be found in Kenya’s and Tanzania’s parks, come join us on a personalized bird-watching safari to suit your budget, taste, style, and love of our feathered friends.
Our Africa Safaris in Kenya, Tanzania & Zanzibar
Check out our many safari choices:
NAIROBI EXCURSIONS & DAY TRIPS
Africa Kenya Safaris offers you full and half-day excursions & trips from Nairobi
KENYA SAFARI TOURS FROM NAIROBI
Explore our multi-day Kenya safari adventures ranging from 2 - 12 days from Nairobi - Africa's safari capital
NAIROBI TO DIANI BEACH SAFARIS
Enjoy a Kenya wildlife safari then finish up your holiday at Kenya’s Diani Beach.
DIANI BEACH KENYA SAFARIS
Kenya safaris from beach resorts of Diani - voted Africa's leading beach destination
AMBOSELI KENYA SAFARIS
Explore Amboseli - best place to see large herds of free-ranging elephants and scenic views of Mount Kilimanjaro
KENYA FLIGHT SAFARIS
Book Kenya flight Safaris and explore Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu & Lewa Conservancy.
MASAI MARA KENYA SAFARIS
Masai Mara is home of the Great Wildebeest Migration, Big Five of Africa, Big cats, Masai culture etc.
KENYA BEACH TO NAIROBI SAFARIS
Exciting African safaris from the coastal resorts. Shake off the sand and look for some big game excitement
KENYA-TANZANIA SAFARIS
Experience wildlife parks, beaches and mountains of Kenya & Tanzania
KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
Experience the best of both worlds - a thrilling Kenya safari and a dream Diani beach vacation
KENYA SHORT GROUP SAFARIS
Join our exciting Kenya short Group safari Tours from Nairobi in 4x4 safari jeeps
TANZANIA SAFARI HOLIDAYS
Book Exciting 4x4 Tanzania safaris from Arusha town. Explore Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Manyara, Tarangire e.t.c.
ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
Pre/post your African safari holiday in Kenya & Tanzania, 'escape' to Africa's leading beach destination - Zanzibar!
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING ADVENTURES
Africa mountain climbing adventure tours. Climb Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro
EAST AFRICA BEACH HOLIDAYS
Enjoy a deserved holiday on the sandy beaches of Mombasa, Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu & Zanzibar
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
From the amazing wildlife in the vast savannah to beautiful beaches, Kenya & Tanzania are destinations you won’t want to miss on your tour to Africa.
AFRICA SAFARI HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
Buy experiences, not things.....
From the amazing wildlife in the vast savannah to beautiful beaches, Kenya & Tanzania are destinations you won’t want to miss on your tour to Africa.
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the lions, leopards, and great marching elephants up close. You’re here to take in the sweep of the painted landscapes, and the immediacy of the local people and their cultures. You traveled all this way for the unusual, the dramatic, and the exotic.
And that’s what we strive to give you throughout your African safari with us.
Want to explore even further to enhance your adventure? We can help you dig deeper into our magical world of safari and discover more personal and emotional activities to fully immerse you in your safari journey.
Just call, WhatsApp, email us or fill online enquiry form and one of our friendly travel advisors will have you on the road to adventure – your own personalized safari.
©Photo & video credits: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Governors Camps Collection, Mara Predator Project & Ewaso Lions
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