Birding in the Masai Mara: Raptors, Bustards, Rollers and Riverine Birds

A mix of habitats means a mix of birds. Short grass suits bustards, plovers and larks, rivers and riverine forest draw kingfishers, turacos and barbets, and large trees and termite mounds offer perches for raptors and rollers.

You do not need to be a dedicated birder to enjoy the Mara's birds, and with a guide who stops for them as well as for lions, the park becomes much richer.

This guide is part of our animals of Uganda and East Africa guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Grassland Birds

Open plains are home to kori bustard, secretary bird, southern ground hornbill, crowned plover, Temminck's courser, rosy-breasted longclaw, red-capped lark and several widowbirds. Ostriches walk across the plains, and Coqui francolin may be seen in longer grass. Many birds are close to the road, allowing excellent views from the vehicle. See the secretary bird species profile and the Masai Mara wildlife guide.

Raptors and Vultures

The Mara is excellent for raptors. Martial, tawny, bateleur, African fish eagle, long-crested eagle, augur buzzard, black-chested snake eagle and various vultures are regularly seen, including white-backed, lappet-faced, hooded and white-headed vultures. During the wildebeest season, vultures gather at river crossings and kills. Migrant steppe eagles and harriers appear in the northern winter. For more, read the Kenya raptors guide.

River and Riverine Forest Birds

Along the Mara and Talek rivers, look for African fish eagle, hamerkop, Egyptian goose, kingfishers, sacred ibis and herons. Riverine forest holds Schalow's turaco, grey-headed bushshrike, various barbets and the Usambiro barbet, a speciality of the Mara-Serengeti region. Vehicle stops at river viewpoints give good opportunities. Take care near hippos and crocodiles and never leave the vehicle except at permitted points.

Woodland and Bush Birds

Acacia woodland and thickets host lilac-breasted roller, white-browed coucal, grey-crested helmetshrike, red-billed buffalo weaver, white-bellied go-away-bird, hornbills, shrikes and sunbirds. Rollers and bee-eaters perch on low branches, often close to vehicles, and are favourites for photography. Termite mounds are used by banded mongooses and by birds such as pygmy falcons.

Best Months

Birds are present throughout the year. The northern winter, from about November to April, brings Eurasian migrants including steppe eagles, bee-eaters and wheatears. Rains from March to May create lush grass and breeding activity, while July to October is busy with migration visitors and dry conditions. Seek a guide who will stop for birds even when the wildebeest are crossing. See best time to visit the Masai Mara.

How to Bird the Mara

The national reserve limits driving to tracks, and a quiet vehicle with a roof hatch helps. Conservancies allow walking and night drives, which add smaller birds and owls. Ask your operator to arrange a guide with a good birding knowledge. Use binoculars and keep a field guide or app handy. Learn more in Masai Mara conservancies explained.

Fitting Birding Into a Mara Safari

Spend the first morning birding alongside general wildlife, and ask for a slow loop near a river. For longer stays, add a morning in a conservancy and a quiet walk. Combine the Mara with lakes, as in the Kenya birding itinerary planner, or with Amboseli birding. Packaged trips such as the 4 days Masai Mara and Lake Elementaita safari holiday include both habitats.

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Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team