The Surprising Birdlife of Nairobi

Nairobi: A City Alive with Birds

Nairobi is often seen as a stopover, the capital where safaris begin and end. Yet few travellers realise that it is also one of the most bird-rich cities in the world, with over 500 species recorded across its gardens, parks, and forests.

For guests of Hemingways Nairobi and Hemingways Eden Residence, birdlife is never far away. From sunbirds on the terrace at breakfast to crowned cranes striding across the plains, Nairobi reveals a surprising truth: it’s not just a gateway to wildlife, it’s a destination in its own right.

Hemingways Nairobi: Birding in the Garden Suburbs

At Hemingways Nairobi in Karen, guests don’t have to go far to enjoy birdlife. The landscaped gardens, filled with indigenous trees and flowering plants, provide a sanctuary for colourful visitors.

• At Hemingways Nairobi, Sunbirds flash iridescent greens and purples as they hover among blossoms.
  
• Weavers busily build intricate hanging nests, their bright yellow plumage standing out against the greenery.
  
• Hadeda Ibis, unmistakable for their loud calls, announce the dawn across the lawns.
  

For many, birdwatching at Hemingways Nairobi is less about binoculars and more about being present — enjoying the dawn chorus over morning coffee, or spotting a lilac-breasted roller during a short stroll in the grounds.

Hemingways Eden Residence: A Leafy Haven for Birds

Set in the leafy Langata neighbourhood, Hemingways Eden Residence blends creativity, culture, and nature and its gardens are alive with birds. The retreat’s forested setting attracts a variety of woodland and garden species, making it ideal for guests who love a quieter, more intimate encounter with nature.

Common visitors include the delicate red-cheeked cordon-bleu, the sociable speckled mousebird, and the striking African paradise flycatcher with its long flowing tail. Guests may also glimpse the vivid green Hartlaub’s turaco, or hear the rhythmic drumming of an African grey woodpecker in the surrounding trees.

For travellers, this means you don’t need to leave the property to enjoy Nairobi’s wildlife. A morning coffee on the veranda, accompanied by birdsong, becomes an experience in itself,  a reflection of Eden Residence’s character as a sanctuary of art, culture, and connection to the natural world.

Nairobi National Park: Birds Among the Big Game

Just 20 minutes from either Hemingways property lies Nairobi National Park, famous for its lions, rhinos, and giraffes grazing against the backdrop of the city skyline. Yet the park is also one of the best birding destinations in Kenya, with more than 400 species recorded.

Birding highlights at Nairobi National Park include:

• Crowned Cranes with their golden crests, often in pairs.
  
• Secretary Birds, striding gracefully across the plains.
  
• Ostriches, the world’s largest bird, roaming the open savannah.
  
• Migratory species, which arrive between November and April from Europe and Asia.
  

Here, guests can enjoy a game drive that balances the drama of big cats with the quieter thrill of spotting rare raptors, waterbirds, or songbirds.

Nairobi's Wetlands and Forests: Hidden Birding Gems

Beyond the Nairobi National Park, Nairobi offers several lesser-known birding havens:

• Ngong Forest Sanctuary: A mix of woodland and grassland species.
  
• Karura Forest & Paradise Lost: Shaded trails alive with forest birds and butterflies.
  
• Lake Magadi (day excursion): A saline lake attracting flamingos and waders in dramatic numbers.
  

Together, these habitats reveal just how diverse Nairobi is — from highland forests to wetland marshes, all within easy reach of Hemingways.

When to Visit Nairobi for Birdwatching

Birding in Nairobi is rewarding all year, but:

• November–April: Migratory species add to the variety.
  
• Dawn and dusk: Peak activity, with the gardens and skies alive with calls.
  
• Green seasons: Birds in breeding plumage are at their most colourful.
  

This makes Nairobi a flexible destination for birding — whether it’s a quick stay before safari, or a few days immersed in the city’s natural rhythm.

Guided Birding in Nairobi: Adding Depth to the Experience

While many birds can be enjoyed independently, guided birding tours enrich the experience. Expert guides help distinguish between lookalike species, reveal behaviours, and lead guests to the best habitats at the right times.

Both Hemingways Nairobi and Hemingways Eden Residence can arrange tailored birding excursions — whether guests are keen enthusiasts seeking rare species, or casual travellers who simply want to deepen their connection with the city’s natural side.

Nairobi, Where the Wild Finds a Way

In Nairobi, the wild is never far away. From the sunbirds in Hemingways’ gardens to the crowned cranes in Nairobi National Park, the city offers an urban safari of its own.

For guests, birdlife adds a layer of surprise and richness to a stay,  proof that Nairobi is not just a starting point, but a destination worth savouring.

With Hemingways, discover a capital alive with colour, song, and the unexpected joy of birds. Book your stay now.