ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF
ZAR
USD
EUR
GBP
CAD
AUD
CHF

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY
Email us
(optional)

Birding Safaris in South Africa

Africa's best tailor-made safaris

View Photos

Birding Safaris in South Africa

South Africa is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a stunning variety of bird species and diverse habitats. Whether you are a novice birdwatcher or an experienced birder, a birding safari in South Africa promises a wealth of opportunities to observe and enjoy the country’s avian wonders.

The eastern regions of South Africa, particularly areas like Wakkerstroom Wetlands in Mpumalanga, offers rich birdwatching opportunities with its unique habitats ranging from grasslands to coastal thornveld. With over 800 bird species, including many endemics, South Africa is a top destination for birding enthusiasts.

The Western Cape, known for its unique birding hotspots and diverse fynbos biome, is another essential area for those seeking to spot South African endemic species.

What is a Birding Safari?

Lilac-breasted Roller perched on branch in Kruger National Park, South Africa. Photo: Getty Images

A birding safari is a specialised tour focused on observing and identifying bird species in their natural habitats. Many enthusiasts often receive recommendations from their birding friends, sharing positive experiences and fostering a sense of camaraderie within the birding community.

However, guided by experienced birding guides, these safaris take you to prime birdwatching locations where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of South Africa’s rich birdlife.

Best Places to See Birds in South Africa

South Africa boasts numerous bird watching hotspots, each offering unique birding experiences:

  • Kruger National Park: Known for its diverse birdlife, Kruger National Park hosts over 500 bird species. From raptors to waterbirds, the park is a birdwatcher’s haven.
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Famous for its raptors and desert birds, Kgalagadi offers sightings of species like the Pygmy Falcon and Sociable Weaver.
  • Addo Elephant National Park: Known for its large elephant population, Addo also offers birding opportunities to spot Martial Eagle, Black Korhaan and Blue Crane.
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso is home to over 500 bird species, including the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl and Pink-backed Pelican.
  • Drakensberg Mountains: Known for its high-altitude species, the Drakensberg is perfect for spotting birds like the Drakensberg Rockjumper and Bearded Vulture.
  • West Coast National Park: A birding hotspot during the summer months, this park is known for its wader species and is a significant site for migratory birds.
  • Cape Town: Offering a variety of birdwatching opportunities, Cape Town is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. From the Cape Town Airport to local guest houses, visitors can explore birding tours that highlight the natural beauty and diverse wildlife of the area.

Population Sizes and Notable Species

  • Kruger National Park: Over 500 bird species, including the African Fish Eagle, Southern Ground Hornbill, and Lilac-breasted Roller. The park is also home to the ‘Big Five’ famous mammals, including the African Buffalo, which can be seen alongside other iconic species like lions and elephants.
  • Best Birding Spots in Kruger:
    • Pafuri: Known for its rich birdlife, including Pel’s Fishing Owl and Racket-tailed Roller.
    • Skukuza: A good area for viewing raptors and waterbirds.
    • Lower Sabie: Great for sightings of the Saddle-billed Stork and Marabou Stork.
  • Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park: Notable for its birds of prey, including the Martial Eagle and Bateleur.
  • Best Birding Spots in Kgalagadi:
    • Nossob River: A prime location for raptors and seed-eating birds.
    • Mata-Mata: Excellent for spotting Namaqua Sandgrouse and Kori Bustard.
  • iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Home to over 500 bird species, including the African Jacana and Great White Pelican.
  • Best Birding Spots in iSimangaliso:
    • Lake St Lucia: Known for its waterbirds, including flamingos and pelicans.
    • Mkhuze Game Reserve: Offers sightings of the African Broadbill and Neergard’s Sunbird.
  • Drakensberg Mountains: The Drakensberg Mountains host high-altitude species such as the Lammergeier (Bearded Vulture) and Cape Vulture.
  • Best Birding Spots in Drakensberg:
    • Giant’s Castle: Famous for vulture hides and sightings of the Bearded Vulture.
    • Royal Natal National Park: Good for viewing the Drakensberg Rockjumper and Malachite Sunbird.
  • West Coast National Park: Known for its wader species, including the Curlew Sandpiper and Sanderling. The coastal areas are also home to colonies of African Penguins, where visitors can observe their nesting habits.
  • Best Birding Spots in West Coast National Park:
    • Langebaan Lagoon: A key area for wader species and migratory birds.
    • Geelbek Hide: Excellent for viewing flamingos and pelicans.

Best Times to See Birds

Martial Eagle sitting on a tree in South Africa. Photo: Canva
Martial Eagle sitting on a tree in South Africa. Photo: Canva
  • Summer (November to February): The best time for birdwatching, as migratory birds arrive from Europe and Asia, and resident species are in full breeding plumage. This peak season is perfect for a birding trip, offering guided tours with personalized itineraries to places like Kruger National Park and the Tankwa Karoo region, where you can observe a wide variety of bird species.
  • Winter (June to August): Although fewer migratory birds are present, this is still a good time for birding, with resident species more easily seen due to less dense vegetation.

Tips for a Successful Birding Safari

  • Bring the Right Equipment: Binoculars, a good camera, and a bird guidebook are essential for a successful birding safari.
  • Join Guided Birding Tours: Expert guides can help you spot and identify birds, enhancing your bird watching experience.
  • Be Patient and Quiet: Birds can be elusive. Patience and quiet observation are key to good sightings.
  • Keep a Birding Journal: Record your sightings to keep track of the different species you encounter.

A birding safari in South Africa offers an enriching and enjoyable experience, with opportunities to see a wide variety of bird species in their natural habitats. Whether you are exploring the wetlands of iSimangaliso, the savannahs of Kruger, or the deserts of Kgalagadi, South Africa’s birdlife will captivate and inspire you. Book your birding safari with Discover Africa and explore the avian wonders of this beautiful country.


What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us
Great company. You cannot go wrong choosing them.
Fantastic experience in Zimbabwe and Zambia

11 Day Authentic Zimbabwe and Zambia Safari Review

Emanuela e Fabrizio, Italy
09 Sep 2024
We can do nothing but highly recommend Susan from Discover Africa. What...

10 Days Cape Town, Winelands and Kruger Park

Bryan & Neil, United Kingdom
13 Mar 2024
Great organization, easy to reach, all around great experience.

Kruger National Park Tour Review

Jasmin, Switzerland
25 Nov 2022
Incredible Honeymoon

13 Day Safari & Cape Town Honeymoon Review

Sean, United Kingdom
31 Oct 2022
Way above our expectations and we felt sad to leave!

Family Holiday Tanzania Review

Sushila Sivaretnam, Malaysia
21 May 2019

Ready to plan your tailor-made safari?

Susan Veldman, Safari Travel Planner

Free safari planning advice from destination experts

Help me plan