A Guide To Birding Safaris In Africa

A Guide To Birding Safaris In Africa

Africa is home to over 25% of the global diversity and hosts the planet’s largest mammal population. It is also the home to almost 2500 bird species, of which over 1400 are endemic to the continent, which makes Africa one of the best destinations for a birding safari.

Safari-goers on a traditional game drive will invariably be overwhelmed by the sheer volume and variety of birdlife which can be seen in the bush, meaning that an African birding holiday can easily be enjoyed by all. The open landscape and bush scrub provide one of the easiest environments in which to birdwatch, allowing the non-twitcher the opportunity to see a large number of species, even though they may not be on a birding safari.

What will I see on an African birding holiday?

Those travelling on a birding tour of Africa will be able to view and tick off an extraordinary number of species during their holiday, from both ends of the spectrum.

The very smallest is the Cape Penduline Tit, which measures just 8cm, whilst tipping the scales is the world’s largest bird, the mighty Ostrich, found exclusively in Africa and weighing over 150kgs.

Amongst the most famed and vibrant species to be found on an Africa birding safari are the Malachite Kingfisher, Collared Sunbird, Helmeted Guinea-fowl and Little Bee-eater, with Flamingos turning swatches of the African landscape pink. Bigger birds such as the Kori Bustard, (Africa’s heaviest), African Fish Eagle and the Hooded & Cape Vultures are found in good numbers, with storks - Yellow-billed, Marabou and Saddle-billed, also plentiful. The popular hornbills – Southern Ground, Yellow- and Red-billed, can be seen on a lot of African birding safaris, as can other unique species such as the Secretary Bird, the Jackass Penguin, (the only penguin species found on the African continent), and the aptly-named Socialable Weaver, which builds the largest communal nest on the planet.

Where can I go on an African birding safari?

The list of suitable destinations in Africa is almost limitless, with many areas boasting a checklist of more than 500 bird species. Number one on the list should really be South Africa, which is home to almost 200 endemic species and offers the most easily accessible sightings and locations. Cape Town and the Kruger area are both birding safari hotspots, with the Cape region particularly strong for marine and pelagic species – albatross, penguins and numerous others being joined by mammals such as whales, dolphins, sharks and seals.

East Africa is a veritable paradise for birding safaris. Uganda has the highest concentration of birds in Africa, and a birding holiday in the Kibale and Queen Elizabeth National Parks can also include a trip to the Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, so bird-watchers can also tick the mighty Mountain Gorilla off their lists!

Twitchers can combine a birding holiday to Tanzania with a traditional Big Five safari, with the Serengeti the most famous of National Parks, whilst the varied landscapes of neighbouring Kenya - coastal forest, highland grasslands, open savannah and desert – mean that it is home to one of Africa’s richest avifaunas, with over 1000 bird species recorded.

Further south, Zambia and Zimbabwe both offer excellent bases for birding holidays, with the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park & Kalahari in Botswana host to almost 600 bird species. Last but by no means least, there is Namibia, a superb destination for a birding holiday, with numerous endemic species, spectacular scenery, wonderful wildlife and luxurious accommodation.

The right accommodation for your African birding holiday

Wherever you’re planning to visit for your birding safari, Africa Travel will make sure you stay in comfortable and luxurious accommodation that is tailored to your requirements. Our dedicated staff listen to each of your needs and preferences before recommending the best accommodation for you, which is always based on their own personal experiences.

Why book your birding safari with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating tailor-made and bespoke holidays to Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise an unforgettable birding tour of this wonderful continent than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your perfect African birding safari and as all of our staff have travelled extensively themselves you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the birding holiday that you have always dreamed of. Our years of knowledge mean that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best time of year to view certain species, the best safari and bird-friendly places to stay, and the best birding guides and experts to assist you.