Sabaki River Sanctuary & Malindi Birdwatching Trip in Kenya

Sabaki River Sanctuary, Coast, Kenya 

Sabaki River Sanctuary is well known internationally as an Important Bird Area. The Sanctuary is well known for its natural beauty, and it offers a chance to experience Kenya’s natural heritage and biodiversity in Kenya’s coastal region. It’s a famous tourist destination for Bird Watching and Bird Photography, Sportfishing, Mangrove Exploration, Wildlife Viewing, Nature Walks, and Boat tours. Several rare and beautiful birds have been recorded at the Sabaki Sanctuary. The birds are attracted by tidal mud flats, which offer a rich habitat for migratory waders, gulls, and terns. The coastal scrub and wetlands adjacent to the river mouth are home to shorebirds and other water birds.  

Sabaki River Information & Facts 

  • Sabaki River Sanctuary is located 5 km North of Malindi town, Kenya.
  • The Sabaki River Sanctuary, also known as the Sabaki Estuary, is where the Sabaki River flows into the Indian Ocean.
  • It’s a wetland located at the mouth of the Sabaki River (the Athi-Galana-Sabaki River) on the Kenyan coast near Malindi.
  • The Athi-Galana-Sabaki River is the second longest in Kenya, at 390 km, and is beloved by birdwatchers at its estuary.
  • The Sabaki River Sanctuary is home to over 200 species of birds, including egrets, herons, flamingos, pelicans, and various migratory birds.

Sabaki River Sanctuary Safaris and Tours

Sabaki River Sanctuary Activities and Adventures  

Bird Watching and Bird Photography

The Sanctuary is a home for birdwatchers, with over 200 bird species, making it a popular destination.

Nature Walks

Sabaki River Estuary offers diverse habitats, including mangroves, sandbanks, and dunes, which visitors can explore.

Wildlife Watching & Photography

At Sabaki River Sanctuary, you can spot these giant mammals, especially hippos, in the early mornings and evenings when they come out to graze.

Boat tour

A boat trip on the Sabaki River is a great way to see wildlife differently. You might spot hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.

Sport fishing

The Sabaki River is known for its fish population, making it a popular spot for sport fishing.

Best Time to Visit Sabaki River Sanctuary

June to October and December to February are migratory bird seasons, making it ideal for birdwatching and photography. The best time of day for birdwatching is early morning when birds are most active, and the lighting is ideal for photography.

During the dry season (June to October), it is ideal for Wildlife Watching and Nature Walks. Hippos and crocodiles are easily spotted as the vegetation is less dense, and the animals are primarily near water sources.

sabaki river sanctuary

How to get to Sabaki River Sanctuary

  • By Road—Sabaki River Sanctuary can be accessed from Nairobi via the A109 and C103 roads, which take around 8-10 hours. It’s a 2- 3-hour drive from Mombasa via Malindi Road (B8).
  • By Air: Malindi Airport is the nearest airport. It is serviced by several domestic airlines from Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and other major cities and towns in Kenya.
Our Safari Vehicles

Sabaki River Sanctuary Accommodations

Sabaki River Hippo Camp & Wildlife Sanctuary – This is likely your best bet for staying closest to the Sanctuary.

Accommodation near Malindi – Since Malindi is the closest town to the Sabaki River Sanctuary, various hotels and resorts are available, including Villa Mela, Malindi, Saffron Garden Malindi, and African House Resort.

Safety Guides and Tips 

  • Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Never approach a hippopotamus on land or in the water.
  • Always stay on designated paths to avoid getting lost and to protect the wildlife and their habitats.
  • Bring appropriate clothing to protect against the sun and mosquitoes.
  • Get a professional tour guide from a reliable tour and travel agency.
  • Always follow your guide’s instructions and guidelines.

Sabaki River Sanctuary FAQs  

The Sabaki River Sanctuary is located near Malindi, along the Kenyan coast.

The Sanctuary is known for its rich birdlife, including flamingos, pelicans, and herons. You might also see hippos, crocodiles, and various fish species in the river.

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