Kenya- Tanzania Safari Green Season Birdwatching Guide: Discover a quieter, greener, and feather-filled side of East Africa.
Introduction: When the Grass is Green, the Birds Come Calling
The dry season gets all the fame. Tourists flock to Kenya and Tanzania between June and October, drawn by the Great Migration and the Big Five. But what many miss—often unknowingly—is the magic of the green season, a lush window from November to May when East Africa transforms into a paradise for birdwatchers.
If you’re a traveler seeking something quieter, richer in color, and teeming with avian diversity, this guide is for you. At Agasaro Safaris, we know that the most soul-stirring safaris don’t always come with crowds. Sometimes, they come with a camera, a pair of binoculars, and the unmistakable call of a lilac-breasted roller.
What is the Green Season, and Why Does it Matter for Birdwatchers?
The green season refers to the region’s short and long rainy seasons, typically:
- Short rains: Late October – December
- Long rains: March – May
During this time:
- Grasslands grow lush and vibrant
- Water sources fill up, attracting breeding birds
- Migratory species arrive from Europe and Asia
- Parks are quieter and more affordable
In short, the perfect time for those who prefer binoculars to bucket lists.
Kenya- Tanzania Safari Green Season Birdwatching Guide
Birdwatching Highlights by Country
🇹🇿 Tanzania: Where Forest Meets Savannah
Tanzania is a birder’s Eden. Over 1,100 bird species, including endemic and migratory birds, can be spotted, especially during the green season.
Top Green Season Birding Spots in Tanzania:
- Lake Manyara National Park
- Famed for: Flamingos, pelicans, kingfishers
- Insider Tip: Arrive early to catch morning feeding frenzies.
- Ngorongoro Crater
- Look out for: Grey-crowned cranes, secretary birds, and Verreaux’s eagle.
- Ruaha National Park
- Hidden gem: Spot the elusive Pel’s fishing owl in riverine forests.
- Selous (Nyerere National Park)
- Green season bonus: Less dust, more water birds—open-billed storks, hammerkops, and spur-winged geese thrive.
🇰🇪 Kenya: A World-Class Birding Destination
Kenya boasts more than 1,100 recorded bird species, with remarkable green season sightings, especially from November to March when Eurasian migrants arrive.
Top Birding Spots in Kenya’s Green Season:
- Lake Naivasha & Lake Nakuru
- Prime for: Flamingos, cormorants, fish eagles
- Kakamega Forest
- Birders’ treasure: Great blue turaco, African emerald cuckoo, and blue-headed bee-eater.
- Samburu National Reserve
- Known for: Somali ostrich, vulturine guinea fowl, golden-breasted starlings
- Arabuko Sokoke Forest
- Rare sightings: Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke scops owl—species found nowhere else on earth.
Anecdote: On one green-season morning in Samburu, one of our guests spotted 24 lifers (birds seen for the first time) before breakfast. Her face said it all—eyes wide, notebook full, soul satisfied.
What to Pack for Green Season Birding in East Africa
Packing right ensures your experience is immersive, not soggy. Here’s what our guides recommend:
- Lightweight waterproof jacket
- Quick-dry clothing and extra socks
- Binoculars (8×42 recommended)
- Bird field guide or birding app (e.g., Merlin Bird ID)
- Camera with zoom lens (min 300mm)
- Waterproof notebook for your sightings log
- Malaria prevention & insect repellent
Pro Tip: Bring silica gel packs to keep your camera lens from fogging.
Why the Green Season is a Smart Choice
Aside from the birds, the green season comes with lower rates, more availability, and a serene, private experience. Many lodges offer 20–40% discounts, and park crowds are minimal, meaning you get front-row seats to the action with no one blocking your view.
Plus, with Agasaro Safaris, you enjoy:
- Custom birding itineraries led by expert guides
- Flexible cancellation policies for rainy-day surprises
- Private 4×4 vehicles with pop-up roofs, rain covers, and beanbags for stable bird photography
Best Time to Go Birdwatching in the Green Season
| Month | Highlights |
| November | Start of migration season, lush landscapes |
| December | Flamingos in alkaline lakes, holiday availability |
| January | Peak migratory sightings, clear skies between showers |
| February | Breeding plumage shows (color explosion!) |
| March–May | Best for forest species & fewer tourists |
Note: April can have heavier rainfall in some areas. We tailor your itinerary to maximize dry spells.
Final Word: See What Others Miss
Most safari-goers chase the dry season. Birders—and savvy travelers—know better. The green season brings new life to the bush, and with it, rare sightings, wild colors, and soft rain that drapes the landscape in song.
At Agasaro Safaris, we curate green season journeys that go deeper, slower, and wilder.
Ready to Plan Your Green Season Birding Safari?
Let’s design your dream trip—tailored to your favorite species, photography style, and comfort level.