Even avid big-game enthusiasts eventually become captivated by Africa's birds after a few trips, as well as the hard core of dedicated bird-watchers who plan their travels with specific birds in mind. You'll find interesting species across the continent, although some areas stand out for the sheer avian diversity.

Botswana's Okavango Delta is not only a top area for game, but also perhaps Africa's ultimate birding destination. Its mosaic of dry and watery environments is home to a huge range of birds, from raptors of dry Kalahari thorn-scrub, to waders on the floodplains and iridescent kingfishers above the deeper channels. Enthusiasts may come in search of the slaty egret, Bradfield's hornbill, lesser jacana and pink-throated longclaw, but everyone else will enjoy the iridescent colours and wide variety of spectacular birdlife.

The Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans areas haven't got the same sheer variety, although if the pans fill with water during the rains (between November and March) then the shallow water attracts many waders, and is sometimes used for the mass breeding of flamingos.

If birds are your prime focus then head for Zambia's Bangweulu Wetlands. This vast wilderness has a tremendous variety of water birds, although it is famed as home to the very rare shoebill stork. This is best seen from about April to June, a time when you should also catch the South Luangwa's Emerald Season in full swing; visit later and you can continue your safari there into the dry season.

At any time of year, keen bird-watchers should try to reach Nchila Reserve where they will find many rainforest species which are absent from the rest of the subcontinent. Alternatively Lochinvar is also a key birding destination where you'll often find pink-backed pelicans, flamingos, wattled and crowned cranes in their hundreds on the flat floodplains of the Kafue River, together with an enormous variety of other waders and water birds.

The Lower Zambezi National Park makes a great venue for spectacular water birds like goliath herons, whilst the north of the Kafue National Park has an equally impressive variety.

Tanzania offers some fine birding opportunities with the miombo woodlands and dambos around the Rufiji River in the Selous Game Reserve being of particular note – whilst Ruaha National Park is home to many East African species that aren't found any further south.

Avid twitchers might make a special trip to the Udzungwa Mountains where there are many forest birds typical of the Eastern Arc forests, as well as two very restricted endemics: the rufus-winged sunbird and the Udzungwa partridge. The latter was only discovered as recently as 1991.

Lake Manyara has a particularly diverse range of vegetation – and almost 400 different bird species. You'll usually find flamingos and pelicans on the lake itself, with waders of many species in the shallows, and for complete contrast, the evergreen groundwater forests harbour raucous groups of spectacular silvery-cheeked hornbills.

Even Tanzania's Indian Ocean islands have their birding interest. Pemba has four endemic species including the Pemba green pigeon and the Pemba scops owl.

The Nyika Plateau rates as Malawi's best birding location, with over 400 species found here including impressive wattled cranes and Denham's bustard, together with more specialised attractions like the yellow and black mountain marsh widow. There are four endemic species on the plateau and a number of distinctive races that are only found here.

Unlike many countries, the rains in Namibia aren't generally disruptive and this is the best time for bird-watching. The amazing reserve of Sandwich Harbour (visit on a day-trip) shouldn't be missed whilst, further north, flamingos breed in Etosha when the pans fill and great flocks of graceful blue cranes descend upon the park. Namibia's best area for birds is certainly the Caprivi Strip, where you'll find many species usually associated with Botswana's Okavango Delta.

For some of our favourite ideas - use the search box on the right. Better still, call our experts now on +44(0)20 8232 9777 and ask us!


Birdwatching in Africa | Birdwatching in Botswana | Birdwatching in Malawi | Birdwatching in Mozambique | Birdwatching in Namibia | Birdwatching in Tanzania | Birdwatching in The Cape | Birdwatching in Zambia


^ Top of page