Birdwatching in Amboseli National Park

Birdwatching in Amboseli National Park.

Though Amboseli National Park is known for its elephant herds grazing in the backdrop of the great Mount Kilimanjaro, the park is, for those who appreciate wildlife, an equally exciting secret: It is one of the best birdwatching destinations imaginable. Often unnoticed because of the large iconic mammals, the park’s ability to support a rich mix of habitats from open plains and woodlands to wide swamps filled with life makes this an extreme hotspot for an incredible array of birds.

To take a birding safari in Amboseli is to pass into a world of color and vibrancy that runs parallel to the drama of the Big Five and offers birders of all skill levels totally unexpected surprises and fantastic opportunities for photography.

Amboseli’s Unique Ecosystem: A Birding Fringe.

The ecological richness of the Amboseli system comes from its unusual geology. The system is sustained by snowmelt water that has percolated down from the ice field atop Mount Kilimanjaro and emerges in the heart of the park as permanent, clear-water swamps. There are vast marshlands of lush, fresh water adjacent to dry, dusty plains that create life-supporting contrasts for an astonishing number of species; over 400 different species have been seen in the park.

This often means that depending on the time of the year (during the dry season for example, when wildlife is often gathered in large numbers), whether you choose to come in the dry season to see the hundreds of animals or in the lush green season, there will always be something brilliant to see.

The permanent swamps represent the hub of bird activity. Here, some impressive aquatic species can be found, including the stunning Grey Crowned Crane, a representative of the continent, and the bright African Jacana, also called “Jesus bird” due to its ability to walk on lily pads. The slow-moving areas are wonderful hunting grounds for waders and storks, including the large, funny Marabou Stork and the beautifully painted Pink-backed Pelican. Observation Hill is a great location for seeing raptors soaring above, as well as a beautiful overview of the entire watery area below, which is heavily visited by wildlife.

The Colors of the Savannah: Small Wonders of the Plains.

Leaving the swamps for the drier acacia woodlands and the open plains, the bird species change, providing an opportunity for new and exciting sightings. The low, scrubby vegetation of the savannah and woodlands supports a wealth of smaller, brightly colored birds demanding attention. Keep the binoculars handy for glimpses of color such as the iridescent Superb Starling, whose metallic feathers seem to capture every color of the rainbow. Also worthy of attention are the many roller species, especially the stunning Lilac-breasted Roller, the national bird of Kenya, that is often perched prominently on a bare branch displaying different colors.

On the ground you will find larger, interesting, terrestrial birds; the Amboseli plains are a superb place to find the massive Kori Bustard, Africa’s heaviest flying bird, as it walks about in its distinct slow and deliberate stride. During the morning and evening game drives, look for the long-legged Secretary Bird as it hunts snakes with a gait reminiscent of a business professional. Furthermore, Amboseli is known as a major area of raptors. Look to the skies and search for the various eagle and vulture species: Tawny Eagles are one of the many species that display the power of eagles. Occasionally, you can spot the critically endangered Rüppell’s Vulture, soaring high overhead above its potential carcass from a distant location.

Best time for birdwatching in Amboseli national park.

Although birding is excellent in Amboseli throughout the year, the true “Green Season” period defined as the main birding season falls between November and April. This period is the “Green Season” because the land is then at its most lush, water is plentiful, and the time of breeding seems to coincide with the time when the birds are in their most colorful plumages. Most importantly, the Green Season is also the time when countless numbers of Palaearctic migratory birds travel from Europe and Asia to avoid the loneliness of long northern winters. Additionally, this season denotes much larger population numbers, and a wider diversity of birds settles in the park.

To get the most out of your safari, consider morning and late afternoon drives, because that is when birds are more likely to be moving in the cooler hours. A pair of binoculars is essential (8x or 10x magnification is ideal) and a good field guide to East African birds is also a must.

It is always worth booking with a Kenya safari guide who specializes in ornithology. Expert guides not only know where the best birding spots are, but they can also identify and locate birds based on their calls. This could save you valuable time and ensure you see every single bird among the biggest fauna of Amboseli.