With hundreds of bird species, including migratory species that make their way here during the rainy season, and excellent national parks and game reserves in which to see them, South Africa is a paradise for birders who are looking for an avian-focused safari experience.
Why Should You Go on a Birding Safari in South Africa?
Over 840 Bird Species
Discover over 840 bird species across South Africa’s diverse ecosystems. This country is made up of unique biomes that house a variety of species.
Endemic Birds
On a South Africa safari, you can spot rare and endemic species in scenic settings. South Africa has the highest number of endemic and near-endemic birds in Africa.
Combine Birdwatching and Traditional Safaris
Enjoy birding hotspots combined with traditional wildlife safaris. While on game drives in parks and reserves, you can spot big game and even the Big Five.
Unique Events and Migratory Species
Witness impressive spectacles like the annual Sardine Run, which attracts gannets, terns, shearwaters, and flamingo migrations. Migratory birds are present during the wet season in the parks.
Stunning Scenes
A birdwatching safari in South Africa is perfect for birding enthusiasts and wildlife photographers because of the beautiful scenery, which creates stunning backdrops for photography.
Best Destinations for Birding Safaris in South Africa
Kruger National Park
The Kruger is home to over 500 bird species, including eagles, vultures, and rollers. More than 50 migratory species arrive here from Eurasia and other African regions during the wet season.
Birds of prey take centre stage during a birding safari in the Kruger, with about 55 diurnal and 11 nocturnal species recorded.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
A range of ecosystems come together here, including sandy beaches, tropical seas, coral reefs, wetlands, and swamps, creating a fantastic place for birders.
During a birdwatching expedition, you’ll be able to see more than 50% of the province’s water birds feeding, roosting, and nesting here, including pelicans and flamingos.
Drakensberg Mountains
Grasslands, protea woodlands, and afromontane forests are some of the landscapes you can wander through during a birding safari in the Drakensberg Mountains. This region is known for Lammergeier vultures and other raptors.
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
KZN’s Midlands comprise wetlands and grasslands, which are ideal for birdwatching. All three of the country’s crane species – blue, grey-crowned, and wattled – can be found here.
The rare blue swallow, crowned eagle, bearded vulture, and mangrove kingfisher can also be documented on a birdwatching trip in the Midlands.
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The arid landscape of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park supports more than 300 species of birds and is well-known for its birds of prey.
Raptors found here include the black-chested snake eagle, bateleur, white-backed and lappet-faced vulture, and tawny eagle. The wet season also brings migratory birds to this park.
5 Tips for Birding Safaris in South Africa
1. Bring the Right Gear
Bring quality binoculars (these will allow you to spot birds in the distance and pick out specific details), a bird field guide specific to South Africa, and a notebook for logging sightings.
2. Visit in the Wet Season
The best time of the year to embark on a birding safari in South Africa is the wet season, from October to March. This is when migratory species come to the parks and reserves, and you can witness breeding behaviours.
3. Hire Experienced Guides
You’ll want a fellow birder as your guide who can help you spot as many species as possible. At Discover Africa, we work with the finest lodges, experienced guides, and dedicated local teams to ensure the best South Africa birding safaris possible.
4. Have Patience
Stay quiet and still to avoid disturbing your surroundings and maximise your chances of seeing rare species.
5. Use Apps
Use birding apps to identify calls and log the sightings you observe.