Come on one of our exciting  birding safaris and experience the beauty and diversity of countless magnificent bird species.

If you’re a birdwatching enthusiast seeking an unforgettable experience, an East African birding safari with us should undoubtedly be on your bucket list. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are primary stopovers for scores of birds migrating between Asia, Europe, and Africa. East Africa offers incredibly diverse, dramatic, and romantic landscapes, think “Out of Africa”, and it’s a jaw-dropping birdwatcher’s paradise.

Our welcoming, friendly, and hospitable Asilia guides, who have grown up under the warm East African sunshine, possess extensive knowledge of birds. They can’t wait to take you on a fascinating birding safari and share the habits and behaviours of as many bird species as possible. Your safari will also be interspersed with walks so that you can get closer to birds in their natural habitats.

What Birds You Can Expect to See in Kenya

Kenya’s diverse landscapes, particularly in the Greater Masai Mara where three of Asilia’s camps are located, offer spectacular bird watching opportunities with over 500 recorded species in the region alone. From the savannah and woodland habitats in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy to the freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley and the high altitudes of the Laikipia Plateau, Kenya boasts a variety of different ecosystems that serve as the home to an abundant birdlife scene all year round.

• In the Masai Mara National Reserve, you can expect to see the African Fish Eagle, frequently spotted fishing along the Talek River. Our camps  in the Masai Mara features an expansive deck overlooking the Talek River, perfect for birding and game viewing alike. The Hamerkop is often spotted building nests near camp, also be sure to look out for the Giant Kingfisher, known to be the largest kingfisher in the region.
• In the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, you can expect to see Africa’s largest eagle, the Martial Eagle, often perched on prominent trees. Another common but dazzling sighting around camp would be the Superb Starling. In the grasslands, you may find the Rosy-throated Longclaw, or the frequently spotted Grey Crowned Crane.
• In the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in central Kenya, Egyptian Goose and African Black Duck are some of the most observed wetland birds in the region. In the grassland areas of the conservancy, you can hope to spot species like the White-bellied Bustard and Black-bellied Bustard. Frequently spotted at Asilia’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is the Speke’s Weaver, known for their nest-building skills. The lodge is situated along the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, home to several species of waterfowl.
• Nocturnal birds around these camps include Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and the African Wood Owl, often heard calling near camp at night.
• Amongst the Rift Valley Lakes, the alkaline and freshwater lakes provide an essential habitat for numerous water birds. Here you can expect to see thousands of Lesser Flamingo across alkaline lakes, with Greater Flamingo mixed amongst them. On freshwater lakes, expect to see the Great White Pelican or the Little Grebe. Around shallow waters and closer to the water’s edge you may spot the Yellow-billed Stork, the Pied Avocet or the African Spoonbill.   

What Birds You Can Expect to See in Tanzania

Tanzania’s varied terrains make for a beautiful bird watching safari experience. Asilia owns and operates sensational boutique camps in strategic and tranquil locations allowing you to enjoy the vast plains of the Serengeti, host to over 500 species of bird, or the unique baobab-studded landscapes featured in the Ruaha National Park.

• In the Serengeti National Park, the Yellow-throated Sandgrouse as well as the Secretary Bird are both common sightings on morning game drives. Frequently spotted in the open plains of the park would be the Kori Bustard, as well as the Rüppell’s Vulture, seen soaring above the Serengeti plains. Endemic to Tanzania and a common sighting around most of our camps would be the Fischer’s Lovebird.
• In the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, the rich ecosystem offers a distinctly different array of bird species from the Serengeti Plains. Frequently spotted in the mountain forests you can hope to see Crowned Eagle, Schalow’s Turaco, or the Mountain Greenbul, endemic to the region. Around camp, at Asilia’s The Highlands lodge, you may spot the Eastern Double-collared Sunbird.
• In Ruaha National Park, you can expect to see Dickinson’s Kestrel, considered a regular bird sighting, and the African Hawk-Eagle, often perched atop Baobab trees. This region features endemic birds like the Ruaha Red-billed Hornbill and the Ashy Sterling. Our Asilia camps in the park include Jabali Ridge and Private House, Kokoko Camp, and Usangu Expedition Camp, all of which are often visited by the White-headed Buffalo Weaver.
• In Nyerere National Park, the mixture of forests, wetlands, and woodlands offers a unique birding experience. A special sighting for bird enthusiasts would be the Bohm’s Bee-eater, known to be in the wooded areas. Often spotted along the Rufiji River is the African Skimmer, as well as the White-fronted Bee-eater. The African Openbill is commonly seen along the riverbanks and waterways. Guests staying at Roho ya Selous have easy access to a palm-fringed tributary of the Rufiji River, here you may spot the Palm-nut Vulture and the African Fish Eagle. Species such as the Southern Ground Hornbill are frequently seen in more open areas of the park.
• Rubondo Island National Park, located on the shores of Lake Victoria, is a haven for biodiversity and boasts over 300 different species of birdlife. The African Grey Parrot is a common sighting in the tree canopy and was brought to the island in the early 2000’s. The African Fish Eagle, considered to be a symbol of the park, can be seen soaring above the waters on their hunt. As a guest at ours Camps, you can enjoy a trip onto the water for a bird-watching safari by boat, a walk along the shoreline or a trek through the sub-tropical rainforest.
• A nocturnal bird commonly spotted around all our camps in the region would be the African Barred Owlet. A rarer nocturnal sighting would be the Pel’s Fishing Owl. Known to be one of Africa’s most sought-after owl species, these birds live near rivers and lakes for their hunting habits.

What Birds You Can Expect to See in Uganda

Uganda, referred to as, “The Pearl of Africa”, is one of the most biodiverse places on planet Earth. In 2026, Asilia will be welcoming guests to Erebero Hills, our first lodge in the country, perfectly nestled in the hillside overlooking the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park. This region features tall hills, deep valleys and dense, green rainforests with an eerie mist rolling across the landscape, adding its allure. This composition makes for remarkable birding watching and adventuring.

In the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest National Park, hidden in the tree canopy or the forest understory, you can expect to see a high number of Albertine Rift endemics, such as the Rwenzori Turaco, the Yellow-eyed Black Flycatcher and the Red-throated Alethe. Birders with a keen eye may be able to spot the elusive Shelley Crimsonwing. Over 350 bird species call this rainforest their home and Erebero Hills provides the ideal haven from which to venture and explore into the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.
Nocturnal birds around our camp in Uganda include the African Wood Owl, and an Albertine Rift endemic, the Rwenzori Nightjar.
In the Queen Elizabeth National Park, over 600 bird species have been recorded, making the park a haven for bird enthusiasts. In the open grasslands you’ll spot the Grey Crowned Crane, the national bird of Uganda. Resting along the waters in large groups you can expect to see the Pink-backed Pelican. The papyrus swamps conceal the rarely spotted Shoebill Stork, known for its pre-historic appearance. The African Jacana bird has been deemed as the “lily trotter” and can be seen walking across floating vegetation on park waters.

Best time to go Bird Watching in East Africa

In Kenya, the Mara region offers excellent year-round bird watching, with peak seasons being:

October to April: Migratory birds join the resident species.
November to December: Short rains bring abundant insect and breeding activity.
March to April: Long rains create the perfect breeding conditions for resident bird species.
In Tanzania, each region offers unique birding opportunities throughout the year:

November to April: Peak season for both migratory and resident bird species in the Serengeti National Park.
January to March: Best period for breeding of resident birds and migrant species in Nyerere and Ruaha national parks.
In Uganda, the birding opportunities are spectacular throughout the year, peaking as migrant species arrive:

December to February: Migrant species from Europe and Asia begin to arrive in November and continue all the way through to April.
June to August: Dry season easier access when exploring trails on foot.