A safari in Kenya definitely leads to fascinating bush experiences indulging into some of the most hidden nature fantasies. But nothing excites more than staying in a lodge set in a scenic birding sites where sounds and sights of nature creates breathtaking moments of relaxation after spending hours on game drives. Kenya has over 1000 exotic and endemic avifauna species that you can sight during your bush holidays. In this post we shall cover the most exciting lodges for bird lovers.
1. Lake Bogoria spa resort
The hotel is set in the most perfect location for watching flamingos and other water birds in lake bogoria a soda lake situated 2 hrs[U1] drive from Lake Nakuru. In the recent years Lake bogoria has become a more dependable flamingo site than Lake Nakuru with large flocks of the match-stick legged birds residing in the shallow most part of the year part at time creating fascinating sights of over 2 million flock. The resort is in a photogenic and tranquil setting marked by exciting flora cover with endearing sights of marabou stoke and occasional wandering ostriches. The resort is well known for its naturally heated spa served from of the geothermal springs in the area. For the ultimate feel of bird life in this part of Kenya you can go for a nature trek around the lodge for some of the most revealing birding experience you can have in an African wilderness.
2. Lake Baringo club
The resort set on the shore of Lake Baringo is an outstanding birding heaven with over 480 common, endangered and near endangered species residing in the vicinity of the lodge. Tucked in a colorful grove of tropical flora, a stay in this facility treats you to some welcoming sounds of birds juxtaposed to the resounding serenity that match your desired bush experience. Some of the most common birds include: white-faced owls, nighthawks, greyish eagle-owl, star spotted night jar and sandstones. The hotel has well versed birding guide who will take you through a birding trek in the surrounding.
3. Ol Tukai lodges
The safari lodge is situated on the foot of mt Kilimanjaro at the heart of Amboseli National park. Amboseli national park host over 400 avifauna species with the precincts of Ol Tukai lodges being key ornithological site that is a ground for about 150 bird varieties. The base of Kilimanjaro has permanent wetlands that gives a more exciting all-year-round experience for bird lovers. The nearby Ol Tukai and Enkongo marshes are water bird heaven with more common tropical species African Jacana, Goliath Heron, herons and Egrets. During the wet seasons swarms of flamingos migrate to Lake Amboseli situated in the region.
There is a daily birding trek starting from the lodge entrance taking you through the surrounding birding spots with the help of a professional birding guide .
4. Naro Moru river lodge
The lodge is an exceptional bird mecca on the slopes of Mt Kenya. There are over 342 bird species in the lodge surrounding and is one of Kenya’s most renown bird watching spots boosting varieties like Tacazze sunbird, Montane white-eye, black and white manikin, silvery-cheeked hornbill, and Abyssinian ground thrush. Set in the serene banks of Naro moru river, a stay here leads to some of the most beautiful flora views with sweet melodious songs of birds filling up the ambience. For the best bird life experience in this lodge you can engage in a guided wilderness trek or biking through surrounding flora.
5. Ngulia Safari lodge
The lodge is set a top Ndewe escarpements overlooking the Ngulia rhino sanctuary, a rhino conservation area within Tsavo west National park. The Ngulia region is one the busiest Eurasian avian route for species heading to south Africa region for wintering. Most these birds alive in November as the northern hemisphere cool off and again in April as they return from the southern Africa region. Some of the most common exotic bird species are common swift, collared sand martin and common cuckoo. A stay in this facility comes with an opportunity to go for walking excursion with the help of an ornithologist who will use his in depth knowledge of the wilderness to giving you the best birding experience.
6. Little governors camp
The lodge is tucked in the riverine forest along river mara in Masai Mara. The camp is a hotspot for forest dwelling bird species like crowned eagle, martial eagle, turaco and several kingfishers species. The camps neighbours musiara swamps which are common ground for birds that thrives in wetlands like rufous herons, goliath heron, grey heron and great white egret.
Importantly, Masai Mara is Kenya’s best destination for sighting vultures with about 6 species found within the park. More oftenly you will be awed by wakes of vultures scavenging on carcasses especially along mara river during the migration period.
Armed with a binocular, a guided walking safari or game drive around this camp will lead you to a magical birding experience through an array of uniquely diverse ecosystems.
7. Sorova lion hills game lodge
The lodge is set on the lion hills lookout in Lake Nakuru a location that features bird eye view of flamingos in Lake Nakuru. Here most of the rooms over look the lake guaranteeing incredible view right from the comfort of your lodge. Set in a grove of acacia trees with heartfelt serenity the precincts of the lodge are popular with terrestrial birds which can be sighted by just relaxing outside by the cottage with your pair of binoculars. You can also go for a guided walk over the lion hills a bird paradise for local and exotic and one of the best viewpoints for the spreadout wilderness.
8. The 1932 Manor house
With just 8 rooms, stylish colonial architecture, well lawned compound and scented flowers at the backdrop of chirping birds sheltering in a grove of yellow backed fever trees, the manor house is a serene and romantic to be. The uniquely set facility overlooks Lake Oloiden a flamingo hotspot on southwestern end of Lake Naivasha. The hippo point an elevation in the facility surrounding is a stronghold for kingfishers, flycatchers and larks.
9. The Fairmont Mt Kenya safari lodge
The facility is perfectly in a tranquil setting on the western slope of Mt Kenya. The area is popular with local and migrant avian species over 50 species being common within the facility’s ground. Here you will go for a guided birding trail that starting at the facility and which go for about 1 hour foraying for birds varieties mostly montane birds.
This facility has a team of ornithologists to assist you in your walk. You will be offered with a pair of binocular for easier tracking of your subject.
10. Aberdares country club
The lodge is set in a private concession near Aberdare National park. Here you will enjoy sights and sounds of sunbirds wandering between the grasslands and branches of indigenous trees found in the facility compound. There are about 7 sunbird species in the game sanctuary who mostly habitat the muiga hills elevation where the facility is set. The game sanctuary which extends from the muiga hills to extensive lowlands and a flora rich river confluence is a refuge to over 200 other terrestrial birds species. A stay in this lodge comes with an opportunity to go birding on a guided nature trail, horse riding and game drives.
11. Ashnil Aruba
The lodge is situated on the lakesides of Aruba dam inside Tsavo East National park. With over 500 species having been recorded in the park, Ashnil Aruba is a perfect highlight of the biodiverse tsavo birdlife with the environ of the park featuring an array of avian habitat zones. The artificial lake itself is a popular ground for aquatic and semi-aquatic varieties. The surrounding flora is the perfect spot for sighting birds that habit in savanna and woodland environs.
With just a pair of binoculars you can sight some of the land species while sitting in the facilities bar lounge.
