BIRDWATCHING ON THE KENYA COAST

Feathered friends just outside the Suite

Kenya’s coastline is a hidden gem for birdwatchers. From the mangrove-lined creeks to sandy shores lapped by the Indian Ocean, this region hosts a dazzling variety of species—shorebirds, kingfishers, rarities, and migratory visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or new to the practice, our guide will take you through the best spots, ideal seasons, and essential tips for making the most of a birdwatching visit to the Kenya coast.

Early morning bird watching while having your exotic breakfast at The Lawford Hotel. What a Luxury experience . Either you are on holiday or on a business trip, the flavor of the day ahead will be definitely different The Lawford Hotel and Conference Center, with its magnificent tropical garden covering a 6 hectares ground, is a permanent home for many feathered friends

Hadeda Ibis

Dozens of Black Headed, Golden Palm and African Golden Weavers have chosen the 2 ponds around the resort to showcase their nestling abilities. A couple of Hadeda Ibis can be spotted around the park. Although this bird lives mainly in swamps and riverside, it is present also in towns and cities

Kingfisher

The 9 swimming pools inside the resort also attract many birds, like the tiny Grey Headed Kingfisher, the Common Drongo, the Speckled Mousebird

Drongo

Birding at the Beach: Malindi’s Coastal Hotspots

Just a short walk from The Lawford Hotel, the Malindi coastline offers one of the best birdwatching experiences on the Kenya Coast.

Heading south, you’ll come across the historic Vasco da Gama Pillar, one of Malindi’s most iconic landmarks. The surrounding area, known as Malindi Harbour, is a paradise for waterbirds. Here you can spot species such as Sooty Gulls, Grey Herons, Lesser Black-backed Gulls, House Crows, Black-bellied Plovers, Gull-billed Terns, White-fronted Plovers, Whimbrels, and Ruddy Turnstones, perfect for both casual visitors and passionate birders with binoculars in hand.

Walking north, you’ll reach the Sabaki River mouth, a stunning meeting point of sand dunes, mangroves, and open woodland. This vibrant ecosystem attracts a spectacular range of species, including Flamingos, Sacred Ibises, Yellow-billed Storks, Little Stints, Little Egrets, and various Sandpipers, Waders, Gulls, and Terns. Keep an eye out for smaller inland birds too, like the Pale White-eye, Red-billed Firefinch, and Red-chested Cordon-bleu, each adding a burst of color to this coastal paradise.

Whether you’re exploring solo or joining a guided birdwatching tour in Malindi, these two locations (The Vasco da Gama Pillar and The Sabaki River estuary) promise unforgettable encounters with Kenya’s coastal birdlife.

Tip: Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best light and most active bird behavior.