- Home
- Our Story
- Safaris & Excursions
- Guides
- Gallery
- News
- Contact Us
Lukenya Hills
Lukenya Hill is a prominent mountain ridge rising from the Athi-Kapiti plains, about 40 kilometers southeast of Nairobi. Lukenya Hill covers an area of 40 square kilometers, it has been occupied by humans for tens of thousands of years and is considered one of the richest Later Stone Age sites in East Africa.
The flat-topped rocky outcrop, visible on Nairobi’s southeastern skyline, offers spectacular panoramic views of Mua Hills, Kapiti Plains, Konza Hills, Ngong Hills, Ol Donyo Sabuk, and the Aberdare Mountains. On clear days, the mighty peaks of Mount Kenya and Mount Kilimanjaro can also be seen. Today, Lukenya Hill is popular among rock climbers and nature lovers for its striking scenery.
Archaeologically, the site is of global importance. It is here in East Africa that the transition from the Middle Stone Age to the Later Stone Age first occurred, between 50,000 and 39,000 years ago. Excavations have revealed sophisticated microlithic tools — tiny stone implements about a centimeter long, used between 35,000 and 3,000 years ago across Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia. These tools, which replaced the larger hand axes of earlier ancestors, were hafted onto spears and arrows for hunting.
Lukenya Hill is also ecologically significant, forming part of the wider Athi-Kapiti plains, an expansive dispersal area adjoining Nairobi National Park. This critical wildlife corridor, stretching south to the Kajiado and Amboseli plains, includes six large ranches covering an area about 3.5 times the size of Nairobi National Park. It supports seasonal wildlife movements and plays a key role in the survival of Nairobi’s iconic ecosystem.
The Lukenya Hills are an important roosting and breeding site for various vulture species, such as the White-backed and the Ruppell’s Vultures. The exciting rocky outcrops also provide an exemplary habitat for the Black Eagle (Verreaux’s Eagle), which frequently rounds the cliffs while hunting its preferred prey, the Rock Hyrax. These rugged hills play a vital role in supporting raptor populations and maintaining the region’s delicate ecological balance.
Notable birds in Lukenya; Common Ostrich, Helmeted Guineafowl, Harlequin Quail, Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Dusky Nightjar, Three-banded Plover, Spur-winged Plover, Temminck’s Courser, Secretarybird, Bateleur, White-backed Vulture, Verreaux’s Eagle, Spotted Eagle Owl, Buff-bellied Warbler, Black-faced Waxbill, Southern Grosbeak Canary, Greater Honeyguide, Brubru, Bare-eyed Thrush, Mosque Swallow, Crimson-rumped Waxbill, Fawn-colored Lark, Steel-blue Whydah, African Penduline Tit, Banded Parisoma, Sentinel Lark, Northern Brownbul, Barred Warbler, and White-throated Robin.
Birding at Paradise Lost, Nairobi
Paradise Lost is one of the best birding hotspots near Nairobi, offering exceptional birdwatching alongside rich history and beautiful scenery. True to its name, the area provides a peaceful natural environment with diverse habitats that support an impressive variety of bird species.
Its most famous features are the caves and waterfall, historically used by Mau Mau freedom fighters during Kenya’s struggle for independence. Today, however, the site is celebrated for its wetlands, grasslands, plantations, and forests, which offer superb birdwatching opportunities. Birding here is done entirely on foot, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the landscape while exploring the nature trails, significantly increasing the variety and number of species you can encounter. Also, making it easier to approach birds quietly and get to see much of the bird’s details
Beyond birding, visitors can stop by the on-site coffee factory, where fresh blends are prepared and sold at affordable prices—a delightful bonus to the Paradise Lost experience.
Waterbirds: Little Grebe, Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Gray Heron, Great Cormorant, Reed Cormorant, African Darter, Little Bittern, Knob-billed Duck, African Black Duck
Raptors: African Fish Eagle, African Harrier Hawk, European Honey Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Crowned Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Booted Eagle, Osprey, African Goshawk, Augur Buzzard, Eurasian Hobby, White-backed Vulture,
Forest & Woodland Species: Buff-spotted Flufftail, African Green Pigeon, African Pygmy Kingfisher, White-starred Robin, African Yellow Warbler, Grey-olive Greenbul (a rare, range-restricted highlight in Nairobi)
With its proximity to Nairobi, rich history, and diverse birding, Paradise Lost is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers seeking a full-day experience just outside the city.
