​Birds – Saiwa Swamp NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many guidebooks to African destinations, including the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Philip is an expert for SafariBookings and author of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Philip is the author of the DK Eyewitness Guide to Kenya.

Saiwa Swamp National Park is a superb bird-watching destination with more than 300 species recorded in a tiny area. No cars are permitted and birders can explore the trails unguided. Look out for spectacular western specials such as Ross’s turaco, double-toothed barbet, yellow-billed barbet, red-headed bluebill and grey-winged robin-chat (the latter often skulks in undergrowth near the campsite). Stilted platforms overlooking the marsh provide a vantage point for picking out the likes of grey crowned crane, blue-headed coucal and broad-billed roller.

Notable Birds in Saiwa Swamp NP
Double-toothed barbet
Common
Goliath heron
Common
Grey crowned crane
Common
Long-crested eagle
Common
Ross’s turaco
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Saiwa Swamp NP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Saiwa Swamp has an extraordinary number of birds recorded for such a small area making it a great year-round birding destination. Better still, almost all of its birding specials are resident and might be spotted at any time of year. Migratory birds are also present from November to April. Over April to August, the wettest months, frequent showers might sometimes interfere with your enjoyment of birding.

Want To Visit Saiwa Swamp NP?

Saiwa Swamp Operators

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Saiwa Swamp NP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr