When it comes to birding, South Africa is the cream of the crop. In fact, we offer two safaris dedicatedly entirely to birding – one focused on multiple birding hotspots throughout the country, and one devoted to the birder’s paradise of the Kruger National Park. Prolific birding may also be enjoyed in Botswana, Zambia and even in Namibia (along the coastal lagoons and wetlands)
Need Advice?South Africa boasts a whopping 839 recorded species of birds, with a sizable 724 being residents. 18 are endemic and 30 are near-endemic. These statistics makes South Africa the most diverse birding destination in Southern Africa. If it’s your first time to traveling to the country as an avid birder, then the Kruger National Park is highly recommended. More than 500 bird species have been recorded in this legendary wilderness area, and you’ll enjoy fantastic mammal game viewing as well.
For birders after more unique locations, you can venture to Zululand’s Mkhuze Game Reserve, where more than 420 bird species have been recorded within only 40,000 ha. In Mpumalanga, you’ll find a host of endemic wetland species in the sleepy town of Wakkerstroom, while the Western Cape’s West Coast National Park hosts a wetland of international importance – the Langebaan Lagoon, accounting for 10% of South Africa’s coastal wader numbers.
Zambia comes in second in terms of diversity (a total of 779 species), and guests visiting the Lower Zambezi (380+ species) South Luangwa (450+ species), and Kafue (480+ species) national parks will delight in their feathered bounties. It’s also a fine motivation to visit during the ‘green season’, which is more affordable. While this period may no be as fruitful in terms of big game viewing, birders will delight in the summer’s avian abundance.
Botswana boasts 593 bird species, with the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park offering the most premium birding opportunities. 444 species have been recorded in the Okavango Delta (almost 75% of the country’s specie count), while Chobe National Park can brag with more than 450. The riverfront and areas like Savute and Linyanti will likely offer the most rewarding prospects.
