South Africa is a country that is known for its sweeping landscapes and diverse wildlife. The country is also home to more than 800 bird species making it a bird watcher’s paradise!
Grab your binoculars and get ready to explore five of the most brilliant birdwatching spots in South Africa.
1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park, KwaZulu-Natal
An African Emerald Cuckoo spotted in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Picture: Wikimedia Commons/BartBotje
Originally named the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands park, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a sub-tropical paradise and a declared World Heritage site since 1999. This area is home to an estimated 526 bird species, making it a popular attraction for bird watchers, animal lovers and bird fanatics. Bird watchers can expect to see various bird species such as the Rufous-bellied Heron, the Saddle-billed Stork, and the Greater Flamingo!
READ: Feathering facts at iSimangaliso wetland park
For more information visit the iSimangaliso Wetland Park website here.
2. Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga and Limpopo
A Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill spotted in the Kruger National Park. Picture: Flickr/Bernard DUPONT
Located in the northeastern region of South Africa and spanning the eastern parts of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, the Kruger National Park is world-famous for its epic game drives, diverse wildlife, and animal encounters. This reserve is also home to approximately 507 bird species! Bird watchers will get a taste of heaven by attending the parks guided wilderness walking trail which visits the parks best locations for bird viewings. Birds one can expect to see at the Kruger National Park include the Bateleur Eagle, the Lilac Breasted Rollers, Bee-Eaters, Starlings, and the Brown Snake Eagle.
READ: Kruger birding for beginners
For more information on the Kruger National Park visit the website here.
3. Goegap Nature Reserve, Northern Cape
A Southern masked weaver bird spotted in the Goegap Nature Reserve. Picture: Wikimedia Commons/Javier Ábalos
The Goegap nature reserve is located about fifteen kilometres east of the Springbok region. This beautiful reserve is known for its sandy plains, granite peaks and diverse wildlife. With over 92 South African bird species identified in the nature reserve, the region has become a haven for bird watchers and bird enthusiasts. The birds available for viewings in the reserve include black eagles, spotted dikkops, and ground woodpeckers.
For more information on the Goegap Nature Reserve visit the website here.
4. Cape Coast, Western Cape
Credit: Gilbert Sopakuwa/Flickr Commons
The city of Cape Town is famous for its majestic mountains and lively city among many other things. The city is also abundant in wild bird species that are indigenous to the Southern African region. Cape Town is particularly unique, offering opportunities to observe various types of sea birds on its scenic coastlines. Birds trailing the Cape’s coastline include different species of Albatross, the Giant Petrel, the Antarctic Prion, and very rare South Polar Gulls and Terns. Bird watchers can also venture to Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town to experience intimate encounters with the Cape’s flourishing African penguin population.
For more information visit the Cape Bird Club website here.
Featured picture: Teagan Cunniffe
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