​Birds – Samburu NR

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.

There have been more than 390 bird species recorded in Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. The reserves protect a variety of habitats, including arid acacia savannah, scrub and gallery forest alongside the Ewaso Nyiro River. The dry, open country offers very rewarding birding opportunities and boasts a number of northeast African dry-country species shared with Ethiopia and Somalia, such as vulturine guineafowl, Somali bee-eater and golden-breasted starling.

Notable Birds in Samburu NR
Black-capped social weaver
Common
Black-faced sandgrouse
Locally common
D’Arnaud’s barbet
Locally common
Vulturine guineafowl
Common
White-bellied bustard
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Samburu NR
Bird Species
390+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Samburu is a bird-watcher’s delight all year. Many unusual dry-country specials reside here and can be spotted year-round. But things really get exciting when migratory birds arrive in the reserve around November and stay until April. One important consideration is the weather, as heavy showers can affect your birding plans. November and April receive the most rainfall, so December to February or March are generally best for bird watching.

Want To Visit Samburu NR?

175 Samburu Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Samburu NR
Bird Species
390+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr