Kenya has recorded over 1,100 bird species, ranking second in Africa after DR Congo and holding roughly 11% of all bird species worldwide — a reflection of its exceptional range of habitats, from Rift Valley soda lakes to coastal forest, savanna and highland rainforest.
Key facts
- Over 1,100 recorded species — second-highest country total in Africa
- The Maasai Mara alone has recorded over 500 species
- Lake Naivasha has recorded over 400 species and holds one of the continent’s highest concentrations of African fish eagles
- Kakamega Forest is Kenya’s only true tropical rainforest and a major hotspot for forest specialists
- The Rift Valley’s soda lakes are famous for large flamingo flocks
Top birding sites
Maasai Mara — riverine forest around camps shelters turacos and hornbills, open plains hold raptors, and marsh areas add wetland species, all alongside the Mara’s headline wildlife. Lake Naivasha — pelicans, herons, kingfishers and one of Africa’s densest fish eagle populations. Lake Elmenteita and Lake Nakuru — soda lakes known for lesser and greater flamingos, avocets and pelicans. Kakamega Forest — Kenya’s only true rainforest, with a distinct set of Central African forest species found nowhere else in the country. Eburu Forest — highland forest for golden-winged sunbirds, crowned eagles and Hartlaub’s turacos.
Star species
Greater and lesser flamingos on the Rift Valley lakes, African fish eagles at Naivasha, and Kakamega’s forest specials are among Kenya’s most sought-after sightings, alongside the sheer range of raptors, weavers and sunbirds across its savanna parks.
When to go
Birding is good year-round, with November to April adding large numbers of Palearctic migrants to an already long resident list — a strong window for travellers wanting the widest possible species count on one safari.
Plan your Kenya birding safari
Birding pairs naturally with a Maasai Mara wildlife safari or a dedicated Rift Valley lakes route. Visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected], or see our wider Birding Safaris page for bookable itineraries.