Africa Birding Tours

One of the top birding destinations in South Africa is Kruger National Park. Kruger is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including approximately 147 mammal species, including the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo). Other notable species found in the park include giraffes, zebras, hyenas, cheetahs, wild dogs, various antelope species, hippos, crocodiles, and over 500 bird species. Kruger National Park is home to the African Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle, and the Southern Ground Hornbill.

The Cape area of South Africa is another popular birding location in South Africa and home to a number range-restricted species and endemics including the African penguin, Cape Gannet, Cape Cormorant, Cape Sugarbill and Cape Rock-Hopper. 

In the KwaZulu-Natal area, located on the eastern coast of South Africa, you can find the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is particularly famous for its successful efforts in rhinoceros conservation. It played a crucial role in the preservation of both black and white rhinoceros species, helping to bring them back from the brink of extinction. The reserve is also home to the “Big Five” and is a haven for birdwatchers, boasting a diverse bird population with over 340 recorded species, including the Narina Trogon, Purple-crested Lourie, and the African Broadbill.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, located on the eastern coast of South Africa in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, is known for its diverse ecosystems and natural beauty. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, coastal dunes, and estuaries and has abundant bird life. Here you might find Grey Sunbird, Neergaard’s Sunbird, African Fish Eagle, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill. 

The Drakensberg are another spectacular area to visit in South Africa. The area not only offers stunning mountain scenery but also a chance to spot unique bird species adapted to the high-altitude grasslands, including the Bearded Vulture. You may also find the Drakensberg Rockjumper, Southern Bald Ibis, and the Yellow-breasted Pipit. 

Namibia & Botswana & Zambia

Namibia is a vast and sparsely populated country, but it boasts a rich diversity of bird species. The best time for birding in Namibia is from November to March, which is the summer season when most of the migratory birds are present.

Namibia is home to the Namib Desert, one of the oldest deserts in the world and home to some of the world’s highest sand dunes, particularly in the Sossusvlei area. Despite its arid conditions, the Namib Desert is home to a variety of desert-adapted wildlife, including oryx, springbok, desert elephants, and various reptiles and insects that have evolved to thrive in this harsh environment. Here you can find a variety of bird species, such as the Dune Lark and the Rüppell’s Korhaan. 

Etosha National Park is one of Namibia’s premier wildlife destinations and one of Africa’s most renowned national parks. Etosha is renowned for its abundant wildlife, including large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and various antelope species such as gemsbok, springbok, and kudu. The park is also home to predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as endangered species like the black rhinoceros. Etosha National Park is one of the top birding destinations in Namibia, over 340 bird species, including the Kori Bustard, Secretary Bird, and the Rüppell’s Parrot. The saline and freshwater habitats attract a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds, making it an excellent destination for birding enthusiasts.

The Caprivi Strip, now officially known as the Zambezi Region, is a narrow extension of Namibia that protrudes eastward between Angola to the north and Botswana to the south. The Caprivi Strip is bordered by four major rivers, making it a region with abundant water resources. The Caprivi Strip is known for its diverse wildlife and rich ecosystems. The region is home to various animal species, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffalo, antelope, and numerous bird species. The abundance of water in the area supports a thriving ecosystem.

Nearby in Botswana, you can find the Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in northern Botswana, Africa. It is one of the world’s largest inland deltas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Okavango Delta is renowned for its unique ecosystem, rich biodiversity, and as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Victoria Falls, located in Zambia, is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. Known as “The Smoke that Thunders,” the falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer breathtaking views of the Zambezi River plunging into the Batoka Gorge. The sheer size and power of the falls are awe-inspiring.

Uganda

Uganda is a paradise for bird watchers, boasting a high number of bird species. The country’s various national parks and wetlands provide excellent opportunities to spot both resident and migratory birds. In addition, Uganda is famous for their gorilla trekking tours and chimpanzee viewing. Uganda is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The country has a stable political environment and a growing tourism infrastructure and Ugandans are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. 

One of the top destinations to visit in Uganda is Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, which is known for being a biodiversity hotspot in southwestern Uganda. It is home to the endangered mountain gorillas, making it one of the best places in the world for gorilla trekking. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is also home to a diverse range of bird species. With its lush forests and unique ecosystem, the park boasts an impressive bird list of 346 species. This includes a high number of Albertine Rift endemics, accounting for around 90% of all the endemics in the region. Some of the bird species found in here include the Doherty’s Bushshrike, Black-billed Turaco, African Broadbill, Rwenzori Nightjar, Black Bee-eater, Montane Oriole, Handsome Francolin, Kivu Ground Thrush, and Regal Sunbird.

Kibale National Park is famous for being a premier destination for chimpanzee trekking, with a population of over 1,000 chimpanzees. Additionally, the park is home to a rich birdlife, with 335 recorded bird species, including rarities and regional endemics. The dense forest also harbors a high density and diversity of primates, making it one of Africa’s best locations for primate viewing. Some notable birds that can be found in the park include the African pied wagtail, Great blue turaco, Pin-tailed whydah, Slender-billed weaver, and Tropical boubou. Additionally, Kibale Forest is home to several Albertine endemic bird species, such as the Dusky Crimsonwing, Red-faced Woodland Warbler, Black-capped Apalis, Collared Apalis, Blue-headed Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, Blue-headed Bee-eater, Cassin’s Spinetail, Masked Apalis, and Nahan’s Francolin. 

Queen Elizabeth National Park is renowned for its abundant wildlife, birdlife, diverse ecosystems, and memorable safari experiences, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is home to a wide variety of animal species, including 95 mammal species such as elephants, buffalos, the famous tree-climbing lions, leopards, chimpanzees, and various antelope species. Visitors can enjoy boat cruises along the Kazinga Channel, where hippos and crocodiles are abundant. It is also renowned for its rich birdlife, with over 600 recorded bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. 

We visit all these locations on our Uganda birding and wildlife tour.

Tanzania

Tanzania is a top destination for taking an African wildlife safaris, but it is also a great place for birdwatching. Tanzania is home to several world-famous national parks, such as the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, which offer opportunities to see the “Big Five” animals (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros) in their natural habitats.

There are a number of National Parks and Conservation areas in northern Tanzania including, Arusha National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park and the Ngorogoro Conservation Area. Consider joining us on a birding tour of Tanzania as we visit these amazing destinations.

Serengeti National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most renowned wildlife conservation areas in the world. Perhaps the most famous natural event in the Serengeti is the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrate in search of greener pastures and water. The Serengeti is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife, including the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. Other animals found in the area include cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, and numerous bird species.

The Ngorongoro Crater is part of the larger Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors often take safari tours into the Ngorongoro Crater to witness the abundant wildlife. The crater provides a unique and enclosed environment, making it easier to spot animals. The crater is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the “Big Five” – lions, elephants, buffalo, leopards, and rhinoceros. As well, there are many wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and various antelope species. Additionally, you can find numerous species of birds including Grey-crowned Crane, Secretary Bird, Kori Bustard and Southern Ground Hornbill.

Tarangire National Park is another top destination in Tanzania. The park is characterized by diverse landscapes, including open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and the Tarangire River, which serves as a water source for wildlife. During the dry season, the river becomes a focal point for both animals and visitors. Tarangire is renowned for its large population of elephants, and it has one of the highest concentrations of these majestic animals in Tanzania. The park is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and various antelope species. The park’s diverse birdlife is another attraction for birdwatchers. Tarangire is also known for its iconic Baobab Trees. These ancient and distinctive trees add to the park’s charm and are particularly striking during sunset and sunrise.