Africa is synonymous with safaris and many first-time travellers to the wilderness focus solely on seeing land mammals and marine life. But for those frequent visitors of Africa’s bush, the bird species on the continent is an added bonus and a delight for all our birders. Africa is home to a variety of beautiful birds, both endemic and migratory that range from large flamingos to smaller birds with splash of colour and beautiful voices.
The best part about visiting Africa is most safari destinations not only house hundreds of birds, but these prime bird-watching locations are also some of the top game-viewing areas that support the Big Five as well as many other big and small wildlife like giraffes, zebras and wild cats.
For our enthusiasts, the best time to see our feathered friends is during the wet, green season when the migrant birds are in town and the avifauna are getting the pattern, colour and arrangement of their feathers ready for breeding.
You don’t have to travel long distances, either. Some of Africa’s top bucket-list destinations offer world-class bird-viewing such as the Maasai Mara, which has over 470 recorded bird species and South Luangwa National Park, with over 400 species. Here are some of our top countries in Africa to see aves and some of the species you can expect to see:
South Africa is where all first-time safari goers should go to experience an African safari. With an abundance of wildlife, flora and birds, it’s a dream destination to start ticking off your bucket-list. Mix up your vacation between mountain and sea; wilderness and city life, all in one trip. Here are some other destinations that are the best alternatives to South Africa.
Tanzania
Spend a week in Tanzania on safari. From the volcanically rich soil to the lush forests, interminable golden savannahs, pearly white sands, snow-capped peaks, baobab clusters, lush swamps, fields of sunflowers and a constantly overwhelming sense of space, there is so much to explore.
What you can see:
- A variety of East-African Endemics
- Over 20 endemics species
- Flamingo-filled lakes
Famous bird-watching destinations:
- The Serengeti
- NgorongoroCrater
- Lake Manyara
- Tarangire
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Zambia
Here in the warm heart of Africa lies one of the continent’s greatest secrets, and birthplace of the walking safari! Sitting on a sprawling plateau, this little gem boasts the Zambezi, Kafue and Luangwa rivers, and boats some beautiful birds.
Bird-viewing highlights:
- The shoebill stork
- The African Pitta
Must-visit bird-watching destination:
- The Zambezi River catchment of Zambia
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Kenya
Kenya is an incredible destination for bird-watching. The density and abundance of wildlife is unreal and the climate and geography of the country leads to the highest numbers of bird species in the country. Travelers can sometimes spot over 342 species in 24 hours.
What you can see:
- Swallows
- Waders as well as terns
- Weavers and the bishops
- Southern African migrants
- The Long claw and the magpie shrike
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Mozambique
Enjoy the luxury and seclusion of an authentic and discerning tropical island holiday in this lush and fauna-filled country. You can expect exceptional bird-viewing along the pristine coastline
What you can see:
- Coastal migrant waders in the south
- The striking red and blue double collared sun birds
- The white tailed blue flycatcher
- The tiny greenbul
- The mangrove kingfisher
- and the olive headed weaver.
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Rwanda
Rwanda is the ultimate jungle escape for the adventurous traveller. Its gorgeously green and misty forests are home to the magnificent, world-renowned Silverback Gorillas. Rwanda is fondly known as the ‘land of a thousand hills’ because of its remarkably hilly landscape and its spectacular volcanoes. But don’t overlook the endemic birds of Rwanda for these majestic beasts. Because Rwanda is so small, you have a better chance of sighting of the 600+ species.
What you can see:
- Collared Apalis
- The Grauer’s
- Albertine owlet
- The red collared mountain babbler
- and the Neumann’s Warblers.
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Which of these beautiful birds have you been lucky enough to see?