What is special about birding on the Kenya coast?

The coast has forest birds found nowhere else in Kenya, such as the Sokoke scops owl, Clarke's weaver and Amani sunbird, plus huge numbers of migrant shorebirds.

When can I see crab plovers?

Crab plovers are seen at Mida Creek and the Sabaki estuary for much of the year. Numbers peak during the northern winter, from about September to April.

Which hotels does this safari use?

Nairobi Boma Hotel, Shimba Hills Lodge and Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu, or similar.

Can I fly to Mombasa instead of driving?

Yes. The flight from Nairobi to Mombasa takes about an hour and is the most comfortable option.

Is this Kenya coast birding safari suitable for non-birders?

Yes. Partners can relax on the beach in Watamu, snorkel in the marine park or visit the Gede ruins while you go birding.

How hot is it on the coast?

It is warm and humid all year, usually 28 to 32 °C. Bring light clothing, sun protection and insect repellent.

Can I add a safari in Tsavo?

Yes. Tsavo East is a short drive from the coast and can be added for elephants and dry-country birds.

Kenya Coast Birding Safari: 9 Amazing Days with Crab Plovers

This Kenya coast birding safari focuses on the rare forest birds and shorebirds of the Indian Ocean coast, including the striking crab plover.

Overview

Day by Day

Includes/Excludes

FAQs

This Kenya coast birding safari takes you from Nairobi to the warm Indian Ocean coast, where coastal forest, mangroves and tidal flats hold birds you will not find inland. It combines serious birding with comfortable beach-side stays.

The highlight for many birders is Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, home to several globally threatened species. The tidal flats of Mida Creek and the Sabaki River mouth add crab plovers and thousands of migrant waders.

Why choose this Kenya coast birding safari?

Shimba Hills: forest birds, sable antelope and coastal views.
Arabuko-Sokoke Forest: Sokoke scops owl, Clarke’s weaver and Amani sunbird.
Mida Creek: crab plovers, terek sandpipers and mangrove kingfishers.
Sabaki River mouth: one of the best wader and tern sites on the coast.

Where you stay

The trip uses Nairobi Boma Hotel for the first night, Shimba Hills Lodge for two nights and Turtle Bay Beach Club in Watamu for the coastal days, or similar. Watamu is close to both the forest and Mida Creek.

Getting to the coast

You can fly from Nairobi to Mombasa in about an hour or travel by road. Flying saves a long day and gives you more time in the field.

Best time for a Kenya coast birding safari

September to April is best for migrant waders on the tidal flats. Crab plovers are present for most of the year, and the forest specials are resident. Plan birding on the creek around low and rising tides.

Want lakes and savannah too? See our 5 day Kenya birding safari or explore all birding safaris and Kenya safaris. Arabuko-Sokoke is a key site for Nature Kenya, which supports its conservation.

How much does the Kenya coast birding safari cost?

Price on request. The cost depends on your travel dates, group size, the season and the lodges you choose, so we prepare every quote personally rather than showing one fixed price.

WhatsApp us on +254 706 223888, email [email protected] or send the enquiry form on this page, and we will share a detailed quote for your dates.

Highlights

Crab plovers and migrant waders at Mida Creek
Sokoke scops owl and Clarke's weaver in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
Forest birds and sable antelope in Shimba Hills
Terns and shorebirds at the Sabaki River mouth
Beach-side stay at Turtle Bay in Watamu

Day 1 :

Arrival in Nairobi

Airport pick-up and transfer to Nairobi Boma Hotel. Free afternoon to rest after your flight.

Day 2 :

Nairobi to Shimba Hills

Fly or drive to Mombasa and continue to Shimba Hills National Reserve, about an hour south. Afternoon birding around Shimba Hills Lodge.

Day 3 :

Full day in Shimba Hills

Bird the forest patches and grassland for coastal specials, raptors and the reserve's sable antelope. Overnight at Shimba Hills Lodge.

Day 4 :

Shimba Hills to Watamu

Drive north along the coast to Watamu and check in at Turtle Bay Beach Club. Afternoon walk in the hotel gardens.

Day 5 :

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest

A full day in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest with a local guide, searching for Clarke's weaver, Amani sunbird, Sokoke pipit and other forest specials. Evening search for Sokoke scops owl.

Day 6 :

Arabuko-Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek

Morning in another section of the forest, then an afternoon at Mida Creek's boardwalk as the tide comes in, with crab plovers and waders.

Day 7 :

Sabaki River mouth

Drive north past Malindi to the Sabaki estuary, a great site for terns, gulls, plovers and sandpipers. Return to Watamu for the night.

Day 8 :

Mida Creek and free time

A final low-tide session at Mida Creek, then a free afternoon on the beach or a visit to the Gede ruins.

Day 9 :

Departure

Transfer to Mombasa or Malindi for your flight to Nairobi and your onward journey.