5 Reasons To Take Wildlife & Bird Guide Books on Your Safari

1. Deepen Your Understanding of Wildlife
A safari isn't just about seeing and ticking off the "Big Five" — it’s about experiencing the incredible variety of animals & birds that live in the eco system. A wildlife guidebook provides in-depth knowledge about the different species you encounter and can assist you with identification, understanding behaviours, habitats, and feeding patterns, and appreciate the role each species plays in the ecosystem.

2. Enhance Your Birdwatching Experience
Africa’s birdlife is abundant - from majestic Eagles and vultures to beautiful lilac-breasted rollers and flamingos - and can so often be overlooked in favour of seeking out the 'more exciting' wildlife. Did you know that Kenya has over 1000 species of birds and of these are 11% of the world's bird species.
With a dedicated bird book in hand, you can identify species quickly, note distinct markings, and read about unique behaviours. Spotting a rare or unusual bird feels even more rewarding when you can confirm its identity and learn a little more about it.

3. Turn Your Safari Into an Educational Journey
A wildlife safari is an opportunity to learn, as well as to observe. Whether you're traveling solo, with a group, or with family, a good guidebook will provide facts and insights that you can share and discuss with others. For families, in particular, they offer an excellent way to engage children by helping them learn about animals and birds in a hands-on way.

4. Compliment Your Guide’s Knowledge
The safari guides at the Porini Safari Camps are chosen for their high levels of skill and customer service. The Maasai have exceptional tracking skills and no one knows their landscape, habitats and local flora and fauna as well as them. All are accredited by the KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guide Association) and have signed the Kenya Professional Safari Guides code of conduct . Having your own guidebook is a great way to compliment your Guide's knowledge and expertise and can often spark great conversations with your guide, who may provide even more insight based on the details you’ve read.

5. Stay Engaged During Downtime
During your afternoon rest time or after dinner in the evening, reviewing your sightings and looking up the wildlife that you have encountered that day is a great way to enhance your knowledge and your anticipation of the next game drive.

Taking wildlife and bird guidebooks can transform your safari from a simple sightseeing trip into an interactive, educational experience. Whether you’re identifying elusive animals, learning about bird species, or deepening your understanding of Africa’s incredible ecosystems, these books offer invaluable insights that make your safari even more rewarding. So, before you pack your bags, be sure to include a couple of guidebooks — they’ll be your key to unlocking the full magic of the wilderness.

Take a look below at a few of our recommended selection of wildlife & birding guide books designed to help you make the most of your safari.
Choose between hardcopy or Kindle version (where available)..

As an Amazon Associate, we earn commission from paid links. By making a purchase through any of the sponsored links provided, we earn a small commission and a portion of the profits generated are dedicated to supporting conservation initiatives in Kenya.

The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals
The best field guide to observing and understanding the behavior of African mammals and an indispensable tool for naturalists traveling to Africa! The Second Edition has been fully revised and includes a new preface.

East African Wildlife (Bradt Wildlife Guides)
Brand new and updated version of this popular Guide, set to release January 2025.
This third edition has been extensively revised to provide a comprehensive overview of the incredible wildlife found in East Africa. This book serves as an excellent stand-alone guide, offering both wildlife information and practical visitor tips.

Birds of East Africa: Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi
This comprehensive guide serves as an essential resource for bird enthusiasts in East Africa. It showcases 1,448 species of birds found in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi. The guide conveniently presents the birds in a facing-page layout, allowing for easy identification and reference. With 289 colour plates containing over 3,500 meticulously illustrated images, it portrays various plumages and major races that birders are likely to encounter. The guide also includes informative sections on conservation and maps of important bird areas. This compact guide is a must-have for birdwatching in East Africa.

East Africa Wildlife: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda
This compact guide provides a comprehensive overview of over 120 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles that the area is renowned for. With its beautiful illustrations and durable laminated design, this pocket-sized folding guide is the perfect companion for any safari adventure.

East Africa Birds: A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species in Kenya, Tanzania & Uganda (Wildlife and Nature Identification)
This beautifully illustrated pocket guide features over 140 familiar and distinctive species, in a lightweight, pocket-sized folding guide. Laminated for durability and includes a map highlighting key bird-viewing areas.

Keen to view more? - Click the image below to go to our Books & E-Books section