Seeing classic African wildlife is one of the main reasons people want to visit Kenya. Although there is more to the country than the wildlife, the fact is that the wildlife in Kenya is just incredible.
With years and years of safaris – and hunting banned for over 40 years, the wildlife is used to the presence of humans therefore they are easily visible.
All the major African species are here. Including the ‘Big 5’ (an outdated hunting term) and the infamous annual wildebeest migration. Click here for more on how to view this great natural phenomenon.
Safaris Far from the Crowds
For those looking for something a little more unique and special, the private reserves of Laikipia, Mount Kenya and the Northern frontier districts have exceptional wildlife and camps. Along with fabulous cultural engagement and conservation efforts worthy of support.
Amboseli is famous for huge herds of ele’s against a backdrop of Mt Kenya, although is overcrowded.
The Rift Valley Lakes and rivers are full of crocs and hippos and some have spectacular flocks of flamingos.
Even the capital, Nairobi, has a wonderful national park right by the airport.
Kenya’s wildlife is easy and plentiful.
Bird Watching in Kenya is fantastic year round.
A huge range of altitudes and landscapes, along with palearctic migrants has given Kenya the 2nd highest number of species in Africa – some 1090 sighted. Highlights include visiting swallows and waterbirds between October and February. Weavers and bishops in breeding plumage in June and July. And in spring and autumn the Palearctic birds pass through.
You can view great birdlife in the national parks, and even the cities (Nairobi has more than 600 resident and migrants recorded!)
Kenya’s rare and endemics include: Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Spotted Ground Thrush, East Coast Akalat, Amani Sunbird, Clarke’s Weaver, Taita Thrush and Taita Apalis, Taita White-eye, Sharpe’s Longclaw, and Aberdare Cisticola, native and endangered, live in the highland grasslands near the Aberdare mountain range, and Turner’s Eremomela. Papyrus Yellow Warbler is found in papyrus swamps on the shores of Lake Victoria, alongside the Papyrus Gonolek, White-winged Warbler and Papyrus Canary, all papyrus endemics.
