Tsavo East National Park has been ranked the world's third best birdwatching destination in a new global study.
Amboseli National Park also made the list, earning Kenya two places among the world's top 20 birding hotspots.
The study, conducted by travel insurance company AllClear, analysed 115 internationally recognised birdwatching sites across six continents using eight criteria, including bird species diversity, notable species, standout sightings, climate, accessibility and estimated daily travel costs.
Tsavo East emerged as Africa's highest-ranked destination, scoring 59.8 out of 100 to place third globally. Amboseli ranked 14th with a score of 51.7, making Kenya the only African country with two destinations in the global top 20.
Peru dominated the rankings, with Manú National Park taking the top spot on 83.1, followed by Tambopata National Reserve with 67.5. Brazil's Pantanal in Porto Jofre ranked fourth, while Ecuador's Milpe Bird Sanctuary tied for fifth.
South America claimed six places in the top 20, while Africa secured four. Besides Kenya's two parks, Kruger National Park in South Africa ranked 10th and Chobe National Park in Botswana placed 17th.
The study found that Tsavo East's expansive savannahs and riverine woodlands provide habitat for a rich variety of birdlife, including the lilac-breasted roller and Von der Decken's hornbill.
Although the park is among the more remote destinations in the rankings, researchers said its biodiversity makes the journey worthwhile for birdwatchers.
AllClear travel insurance expert Letitia Smith said birdwatching continues to grow in popularity because it allows travellers to experience wildlife at a relaxed pace without the physical demands of more strenuous activities.
"There are few experiences quite like spotting a rare or iconic species in its natural habitat. For those looking for a rewarding but calming way to experience the natural world, birdwatching offers an immersive outdoor adventure," she said.
Smith added that climate, accessibility and travel costs are important considerations, particularly for travellers with medical conditions. She encouraged visitors to take out comprehensive travel insurance before visiting remote destinations.
"We hope this research helps travellers of all abilities find a destination that is right for them. Have comprehensive travel insurance beforehand, especially when visiting more remote destinations, so you can focus on the incredible wildlife around you and travel with peace of mind," she said.
The full top 20 rankings are:
- Manú National Park, Peru (83.1)
- Tambopata National Reserve, Peru (67.5)
- Tsavo East National Park, Kenya (59.8)
- Pantanal, Porto Jofre, Brazil (59.2)
- Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Ecuador (58.2, tied)
- Carara National Park, Costa Rica (58.2, tied)
- Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica (57.5)
- Keoladeo National Park, India (57.4)
- Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, Argentina (54.8)
- Kruger National Park, South Africa (53.3)
- Minca, Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, Colombia (53.2)
- Dry Tortugas National Park, Florida, USA (52.3)
- Yala National Park, Sri Lanka (51.9)
- Amboseli National Park, Kenya (51.7)
- Moss Landing, California, USA (51.3)
- Cape May Point, New Jersey, USA (51.2)
- Chobe National Park, Botswana (51.1)
- Soberanía National Park (The Pipeline), Panama (50.9)
- Falsterbo Peninsula, Sweden (50.7)
- Titchwell Marsh, England (50.2)