​Birds – Hell’s Gate NP

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

More than 100 bird species have been recorded at Hell’s Gate National Park, and it makes a good birding destination to combine with neighboring Lake Naivasha. Hell’s Gate was once famous as a breeding place for bearded vultures (lammergeiers), but these beautiful birds of prey are now only occasional visitors. The cliffs still attract several nesting raptor species including Egyptian and Rüppell’s vultures. The Verreaux’s eagle can often be seen soaring above the cliffs looking for rodents. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Hell’s Gate NP
› ‹
Augur buzzard
Common
Common fiscal
Common
Northern anteater chat
Locally common
Rüppell’s vulture
Common
Secretary bird
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Hell’s Gate NP
Bird Species
100+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Hell’s Gate offers good bird watching throughout the year, but the best time is from November to April when migrants from Europe and North Africa are in the park. This coincides with the Wet season (November to May) when many species can be seen in breeding plumage as they are nesting. June to October is the Dry season and tends to be best for general wildlife viewing.

Want To Visit Hell’s Gate NP?

56 Hell’s Gate Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Hell’s Gate NP
Bird Species
100+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr