​Birds – Laikipia Plateau

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.

Laikipia Plateau is a great birding destination with more than 350 recorded species, including many north Kenya specials, such as the stately Somali ostrich. Across the plateau, varied habitats mark the intersection between the arid north and the more fertile south. This means that you might see arid-zone ground-dwelling birds such as sandgrouse not far from colorful forest species such as turacos, and grassland birds that include bustards. Raptors are well represented too.

Notable Birds in Laikipia Plateau
› ‹
Black-winged lapwing
Locally common
Buff-crested bustard
Locally common
Crowned hornbill
Common
Grey crowned crane
Common
Hildebrandt’s starling
Locally common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Laikipia Plateau
Bird Species
350+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Laikipia Plateau offers good bird watching year-round, but the best months are December to March. Migratory species arrive from Europe and North Africa from November to April and this partly coincides with the Wet season (October to May) when many species appear in breeding plumage. Some lodges close in April, May and November. The best time for general wildlife viewing is during the dry months from July to September, with January to March also good.

Want To Visit Laikipia Plateau?

150 Laikipia Plateau Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Laikipia Plateau
Bird Species
350+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr