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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 commonly used by Vultures for roosting and breeding, the Black Eagle or Verreaux’s Eagle also calls the outcrop home where it is seen hunting the Rock Hyraxes.
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.
Paradise Lost is one of the best birding hotspots close to Nairobi, combining exceptional birdwatching with rich history and scenic beauty. The area lives up to its name, offering a peaceful natural environment with diverse habitats that support a wide variety of bird species.
The main attraction is the caves and waterfall, which were once used by the Mau Mau freedom fighters during Kenya’s struggle for independence. Today, the site is better known for its wetlands, grasslands, plantations, and forest, all of which provide superb birdwatching opportunities. Birding here is conducted on foot, allowing birders to fully immerse themselves in the landscape while exploring trails that can last between 7–8 hours.
Apart from birding, visitors can also enjoy the on-site coffee factory, where fresh blends are prepared and sold at affordable prices—a unique 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 birding diversity, Paradise Lost is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers looking for a full-day experience just outside the city.
