Kenya Birding Tours
Tours
Nairobi National Park Birding Tour
Located on the southern outskirts of the city, Nairobi National Park may be one of Africa’s smallest national parks (117 sq km), yet it offers so much. With expansive open plains set against the backdrop …
‘Magical Kenya’ Birding Tour
Led by our professional Lead Bird Guide, you’ll explore Kenya’s leading national parks and lesser known but remarkable birding locations.
Kenya’s Birds & Wildlife Tour
This tour has been designed for you to explore Kenya’s top mammal and birding destinations in just over a week. You will have the opportunity to visit three of Kenya’s Great Rift Valley lakes, trek …
Kenya Coast & Eastern Endemics Birding Tour
This tour caters to birders visiting Kenya's stunning coast, seeking a concise yet rewarding birding experience focused on encountering a high number of bird species, especially endemics.
Best of Kenya’s Rift Valley Lakes Birding Tour
We’ve put together a 3-day tour that showcases the best of them. An extension to Lake Naivasha, Lake Elementaita, or to Africa's largest desert lake, Lake Turkana can be easily arranged.
Kenya Ultimate Bird Photography Tour
Practically everything in Kenya is photogenic, and this exceptional bird photography tour has been meticulously designed with photography as its focal point.
Kenya stands as one of the world’s most thrilling destinations for both birders and safari enthusiasts.
Not only renowned for the famed ‘African Big Five’ safaris and the breath-taking wildebeest migration in the iconic Masai Mara, but also for its extraordinary wealth of birdlife, boasting over 1,100 species, 10 of which are endemic. Kenya’s expansive and diverse habitats allows for such rich species diversity. From the Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder slicing through Kenya, to the serene shores of Lake Bogoria, where millions of flamingos paint the water pink with their presence.
On a 14-day tour, our bird count typically reaches around 600 species. However, on an extended 30-day tour, that count can soar to an impressive 800 species. It’s a must-visit for any birder, whether they are dedicated twitchers or casual observers—truly a dream destination. Photography opportunities abound, especially during the ‘short rains’ season from November to early December, when widowbirds, whydahs, and bishops flaunt their vibrant breeding plumages, offering remarkable photo opportunities.
Exploring the savannas, acacia scrublands, Afromontane forests, or the shores of the great lakes, and even dipping your toes in the Indian Ocean, promises an unforgettable birding experience in Kenya. Seamlessly combined with a traditional safari, the sheer abundance of wildlife makes it an integral part of the experience!
Tailor-made Kenya Birding Tours
At Sustainable Birding, we don’t offer ready-made, off-the-shelf birding tours. Our approach is deeply personalised—we meticulously craft each of our tours in Kenya from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns with your unique preferences. From the savannah of the Masai Mara to the lush forests of Kakamega and the coastal beauty of Arabuko Sokoke, our team of seasoned birding experts use our comprehensive knowledge to tailor your birding holiday, guaranteeing an experience perfectly attuned to your specific requirements.
All our birding tours in Kenya are expertly guided by our passionate, knowledgeable and experienced Kenyan tour leaders. They are some of the best guides on the planet! So, give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk Kenya!
Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour:
- Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
- Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
- Travel alongside your preferred companions—be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
- Set your pace—whether fast or brisk.
- Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
- Craft a tour that matches your specific interests—whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
- Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.
Scheduled Group Kenya Birding Tours
Explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours in Kenya. These groups tours have been designed to fit different birding preference and time restraints. Typically, our group tours are more affordable, and allow people to meet up and make lifelong memories with fellow birders. All our group tours are small and come with an expert Tour Leader, having groups no bigger than 6 individuals, so you still get that intimate feeling and the full attention of the Tour Leader.
Please refer to our Birding Calendar for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.
Best time of year to visit:
Prime birding season in Kenya falls during the short rains of November and early December. This period showcases most species in vibrant breeding plumage, featuring captivating display behaviours of whydahs, widowbirds and bishops. Additionally, it’s when numerous Palearctic migrants make their presence felt, so the count will be high.
Kenya, nestled near the equator, boasts a warm and tropical climate. Along the coast, temperatures soar amid high humidity, while inland areas enjoy a more temperate atmosphere. In the north and northeast, a notably dry climate prevails.
During Kenya’s ‘summer,’ from December to March, the entire country experiences its hottest months. Coastal regions, characterised by tropical conditions, encounter elevated humidity in April and May, although strong winds provide respite. Lowland areas remain hot but predominantly dry, contrasting with the more temperate highlands that showcase distinct seasons. Nairobi, situated at altitude, maintains a consistently pleasant climate year-round.
Near Lake Victoria, temperatures escalate significantly, accompanied by heavy rainfall. This diverse climate spectrum across Kenya offers a varied experience for travellers throughout the year.
In East Africa’s generally warm climate, packing appropriate clothing is essential. Opt for light-coloured shorts, trousers, and shirts for comfort. Additionally, prepare for colder temperatures, especially in parts of the Rift Valley where nights can drop to as low as 5 degrees Celsius – bringing a jacket is advisable.
Mosquito repellent is crucial to ward off insect bites, and taking anti-malarial tablets is highly recommended.
Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to the Birds of East Africa by John Fanshawe & Terry Stevenson would be recommended.
*Remember that when you book a Kenya birding tour with us over 14 days, we will send you a new complementary field guide!
Check out our comprehensive Kit List for Kenya.
- Brown-and-white Barbet
- Williams’s Lark
- Taita Apalis
- Aberdare Cisticola
- Kulal White-eye
- Kikuyu White-eye
- Hinde’s Babbler
- Taita Thrush
- Clarke’s Weaver
- Sharpe’s Longclaw
- Taita White-eye
Best Birding Locations in Kenya
-
The Sustainable Birding Company is a subsidiary of Far and Wild Travel, a tailor-made tour company based in Cumbria, UK. Far and Wild Travel offer sustainable, luxury, tailor-made tour itineraries throughout Africa and around the world.
-
