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Saiwa National Park is a mini green oasis in northwestern Kenya, which forms part of the Western Kenya Birding Circuit of Mount Elgon, Kongelai Escarpment, Cherangani Hills, and Mount Mtelo. At the outset, Saiwa National Park was created to protect the rare-swamp dwelling Sitatunga Antelope, one of the few places in Kenya where the antelope can be found. Most of Saiwa Swamp is viewed from four well-placed tree hides, which enables one to scan the extensive woodland on the far side. The raised footpath running between the hides passes through several patches of dense woodland which are good for birding Saiwa Swamp is about 25 kilometers north of Kitale en route to Kapenguria.
Saiwa Swamp National Park has more than 370 bird species recorded, making it a great all-year-round birdwatching destination. Saiwa National Park is a good place to see some western special birds such as the fabulous Ross’s Turaco, and the lurking Grey-winged Robin. The Park is a great birding destination as no vehicles are allowed in the park and you walk unguided along the array forest trails. There are a handful of platforms around the marsh for spotting the rare Sitatunga antelope, a rare swamp-dwelling mammal, but they are also a great vantage point for identifying swamp specials and for looking into the canopy. The months of April to August are the wettest, and regular showers may sometimes meddle with your pleasure of birdwatching
Birding in Saiwa National Park tends to be productive and enriching in the early morning hours, in the afternoon bird activity slackens.
Saiwa National Park Birds; Dwarf Bittern, Western Reef Heron, Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, Bat Hawk, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Allen’s Gallinule, African Green Pigeon, Ross’s Turaco, Blue-headed Coucal, Narina Trogon, Abyssinian Roller, Mustached Green Tinkerbird, Slender-billed Greenbul, Grey-winged Robin-Chat, African Thrush, White-browed Crombec, Black-throated Apalis, Black-throated Wattle-eye, African Blue Flycatcher, Yellow-billed Shrike, Marsh Tchagra, Bronze Starling, Heuglin’s Masked Weaver, Hartlaub’s Marsh Widowbird, Black-bellied Seedcracker.
Ruma National Park is a hidden gem for, nature lovers, birdwatchers, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering a rich diversity of species and some of Kenya’s most picturesque scenery. This delightful birding hotspot boasts a sensational mix of habitats, making it one of the country’s finest birding destinations. It is the best place to spot the rare Montane Blue Swallow and the iconic Roan Antelope, alongside a wide variety of other species. Thanks to its mild climate and natural landscapes, birdwatching in Ruma is productive throughout the year. For an even more rewarding experience, a visit to Ruma can be seamlessly combined with nearby birding treasures such as Lake Victoria, Busia Grasslands, Mount Elgon, Kongelai Escarpment, and Kakamega Forest, forming part of Kenya’s western birding circuit.
