Birding in Southern Africa: When to Go on a Birdwatching Safari

“I came out of Africa a birder.” Discover Africa safari planners have heard clients say this countless times. These travellers went on an African safari to see the Big Five and left with an increased appreciation for the smaller members of national parks. Birding in southern Africa is an exciting adventure and certainly a highlight of any safari.

If you want to make birds the centre of your next trip, here’s what you need to know about birdwatching safaris in southern Africa.

The Best Time to Go on a Birdwatching Safari

In southern Africa, the summer season doesn’t just bring with it rain but also migratory birds. National parks and reserves across top safari destinations welcome a vibrant array of European and North African migrants. So, the wet summer season is the best time to go on a birdwatching safari.

Summer in southern Africa’s safari destinations – also known as the green season due to the verdant grasslands and forests – starts at the end of the year, around October or November, and ends in March the following year. Dates shift slightly depending on the country you’re visiting.

At this time of the year, the rainfall quenches the land’s thirst after the dry winter season. Picture large swathes of bright green grasslands and full, flowing rivers and watering holes – this will be the backdrop to your birding safari.

While wildlife can be more difficult to spot during these months, as water sources are in abundance and the landscape provides good cover, the birding is excellent. More insects, seeds, and fruit are available, which causes birds to be particularly active. The resident bird species of parks are nesting and can be spotted in bright breeding plumage and partaking in courtship displays, in addition to migratory species coming in to roost.

As this is not prime time for big game safaris, you can enjoy lower rates in some instances and a more secluded experience with fewer fellow tourists. This also means that you don’t have to book as far in advance as you would if you were going in the high season – our safari planners recommend booking six to 10 months in advance for a green season safari.

Birdwatching in Botswana

When rainclouds gather over the plains of Botswana, a host of migratory birds make their appearances, offering a wealth of sightings for avid birdwatchers. As you travel along the rivers of the Okavango Delta, you’ll spot waders along the lush, overgrown shore.

A trip to the more arid environments of the country will bring you closer to spectacular dry-country specials. Birdwatching safaris in Botswana during the wet season, from October to April, can put you front and centre to witness breeding behaviours and migratory patterns.

Birds to Spot on a Botswana Safari

Pel’s Fishing Owl

This rare bird stays close to rivers in Botswana so it can swoop down to feed on fish and frogs. With a wingspan of 1.5 m/5 ft, it’s the second largest owl in Africa – seeing one lift a fish out of the water is the ultimate sighting. During the day, the owl prefers to stay in thick foliage, so keep your binoculars poised towards the forested areas during an Okavango Delta safari.

Wattled Crane

The wetlands of the Okavango Delta as well as the Makgadikgadi Pans during summer are significant habitats for this threatened crane. Standing at around 2 m/5.7 ft tall, it’s an imposing bird – they’re easily noticed due to their long white necks, grey wings, black underbodies and caps, and red highlights.

White-Backed Night Heron

As a result of its elusive nature and nocturnal behaviour, spotting a white-backed night heron is exciting! The Kwai region of Botswana, with the lifeline of the Kwai River flowing through, is one of the best places to spot these handsome orange-chested birds. Keep an ear out for their rough “krak” call during nighttime safaris near thick ravine forests.

African Skimmer

The black, white, and orange hues of this bird make it stand out among the lakes and rivers in Botswana that it calls home. A unique characteristic of this species is its longer lower mandible compared to its upper mandible. You can see them skimming over the water with their lower mandible in the water to feed on fish. Chobe Riverfront in Chobe National Park is a fantastic spot to see the skimmer.

Birdwatching in Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe has long been an underrated safari destination, with many travellers bypassing it for South Africa or Botswana. But the wilderness of Zimbabwe is an all-encompassing experience, complete with over 700 bird species for birders to spot. Hwange National Park, Nyanga National Park, and Mana Pools offer sublime opportunities to see the near-endemic and migratory birds in this incredible country.

Birds to Spot on a Zimbabwe Safari

Southern Ground Hornbill

The southern ground hornbill exists solely in Africa. A carnivorous bird, you’ll see them traversing the savannah in search of snails, insects, and reptiles. During a birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe, you’ll be able to differentiate the females from the males due to the violet patch on their throats. Hwange National Park and the Matobo Hills are two of the best places to see this species.

African Fish Eagle

When you travel past rivers and dams during your safari, keep an eye out for African fish eagles – they stay around areas abundant in fish for them to eat. However, these birds are also known to steal prey from other birds. The fish eagle is a large and imposing bird; you can recognise them from the white plumage on their heads and chests, yellow faces, grey beaks, and dark brown bodies.

Verreaux’s Eagle

Also known as the black eagle, this bird of prey can often be found around rocky outcrops – such as Matobo Hills – where they keep a watchful eye for their favourite meal: rock hyraxes. Look out for the white v-shape on their backs above their wings. Being monogamous, Verreaux’s eagles can be seen flying and hunting with their mates.

African Broadbill

This cute, plump little bird is recognised by the small black stripes on its body as well as its black cap. Found in Mana Pools National Park in forest thickets, broadbills can be a challenge to spot during safaris. Male broadbills can be seen doing acrobatic flights and calling with their bills open during mating season – eggs are usually laid between October and January.

Birdwatching in South Africa

South Africa stands out in the world of birding, not only for its impressive list of 840 species but also for its high number of endemic and near-endemic birds in its national parks. This is thanks to the unique habitats that make up the country, from the wetlands of KwaZulu-Natal to the vast desert landscapes of the Kalahari.

Birds to Spot on a South African Safari

African Penguin

This endangered tuxedoed gem is a well-loved sighting in South Africa. You can see them swimming at Boulders Beach in Cape Town as well as at Stony Point Nature Reserve in Hermanus.

African Oystercatcher

Standing out among the ocean blues and greys of the rocks with its red-orange beak and eye ring, the African oystercatcher is a wader found along the coastlines of South Africa. This near-threatened bird breeds between November and April and is often seen on the West Coast.

Narina Trogon

The bright green and red plumage of the narina trogon is a spectacular sight while birding in South Africa. Sticking to thick forest environments, this species is monogamous and uses tree hollows as breeding dens in the summer (look out for territorial behaviour from the males). While a rare and secretive bird, birdwatching safaris at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park often come across these colourful forest residents.

Red-Billed Oxpecker

A quintessential site during a South African safari is a buffalo with a small flock of oxpeckers on its back and head. This small bird is recognised by its bright red bill and brown plumage and is found throughout southern Africa. Oxpeckers coexist with large mammals like buffaloes, rhinos, and giraffes, on which they perch to feed, consuming ticks, dead skin, and other parasites.

Southern Africa’s diverse habitats, from verdant wetlands to arid deserts, are home to a range of bird species, providing avid birders unparalleled opportunities to see endemics as well as migratory species. This small glimpse into the region’s avian wonders only scratches the surface! For a truly immersive birding experience, consider planning your safari during the lush summer months. You’ll not only witness nature’s spectacle but also enjoy a more tranquil experience.