Birding in South Africa: A Beginner’s Guide to Birdwatching

South Africa is a country full of breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. This country offers an opportunity to spot some of the world’s most fascinating birds. It can be very challenging because there are so many species of birds! But I’m here to help you. I’ll share everything you need to know in this guide to make birding in South Africa unforgettable.

I spent two weeks in South Africa, visiting Cape Town, the Garden Route, and Cape Point. I ended with a safari in Klaserie Private Game Reserve (Greater Kruger National Park). It was an amazing experience, and despite all my travels over the years, South Africa is still my number one destination.

As a birdwatcher with over 13 years of experience, South Africa is by far, the best I’ve encountered. I made it a point to look for birds anywhere I went. Now I am providing what you need to know about birding in South Africa including how to get started, tips, and the best places to find birds. I have also included a couple of my favorite birds that I saw at each location.

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Getting Started with Birdwatching

Birdwatching is a fun hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. To get started, you’ll need a few basic items, including:

Diversity of Birds in South Africa

South Africa is one of the most diverse birding destinations in the world. There are over 800 different types of birds in South Africa. Approximately 200 are endemic, meaning they can only be found in South Africa.

South Africa is also a breeding ground for many migratory birds, including species from Europe and other parts of Africa. These birds often arrive in South Africa during the winter months to escape the harsh conditions of their breeding grounds.

The remaining 600 or so species are considered resident birds, meaning they live in South Africa year-round. These species include a variety of raptors, waterbirds, and songbirds.

Here are a few examples of endemic and migratory bird species found in South Africa:

• Endemic species: Cape sugarbird, African rockjumper, Knysna turaco
• Migratory species: European swallow, African white-backed vulture, common crane

Best Places to Bird in South Africa

Birdwatching in Cape Town

Cape Town is a vibrant city with something to offer everyone, including a range of bird habitats. From exploring Table Mountain and its stunning views to discovering the diverse cultures at the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, there’s always something new to experience. There’s so much to see and do that you could easily spend weeks there!

Some of the species you will find along the water’s edge are:

Visiting Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

One of the most popular spots for birdwatching in South Africa is Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. This beautiful garden is home to a variety of endemic and introduced bird species, including:

I highly recommend doing a guided birdwatching tour, as these guides know where to find the birds better than you would! I hired a fantastic guide who helped me to find the target species in this garden.

Ascending Table Mountain

Another must-visit location is Table Mountain. This iconic landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. If you are adventurous, you can hike up Table Mountain. Plan on 2-4 hours, if you choose to try out hiking.

If hiking isn’t your thing, then you can take the cable car up to the top to enjoy the views and birding.

Day Trip to Cape Peninsula

For a truly unique experience, make sure you head out to Cape Peninsula for the day. Yes, you will visit the iconic Cape Point which is a must. But along the way, you will stop at Boulders Beach in Simon’s Town. This popular tourist destination is home to a colony of African penguins, which waddle freely among the rocks and sand.

Kruger National Park Safari

Most people visit South Africa with the primary goal of experiencing a safari. Your days are full of action-packed drives and relaxing time in between. Of course, I am an animal lover, so this was the highlight and the main reason I chose to visit South Africa.  It was the best way to end my two-week trip to South Africa.

Kruger National Park is one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. Kruger is easily accessible from Johannesburg or Pretoria. For anyone planning a birding safari in South Africa, Kruger National Park is a must-visit due to its variety of species. Many people choose to visit this park on their own, but I recommend doing at least a 3-day guided safari tour to fully explore the park. Remember that the guides know the parks and where to find the animals and birds.

With over 2 million hectares of diverse habitats, this park is home to a wide range of bird species. If you choose to explore Kruger,  you probably will have the opportunity to see the following:

Klaserie Private Nature Reserve Safari

Klaserie is a hidden gem located just north of Kruger National Park. This reserve offers a more intimate safari experience, with fewer crowds and a higher concentration of wildlife. I absolutely loved being in this reserve. Along with seeing some of the iconic animals of South Africa, there are many bird species you may encounter on a safari in Klaserie.

My favorite species seen were:

Garden Route

The Garden Route is a scenic coastal route in South Africa known for its lush forests, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Stretching approximately 200 kilometers, this picturesque journey offers a variety of activities, from hiking and whale watching to exploring charming towns and national parks. The 6-day guided tour I took was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend it to anyone seeking a breathtaking tour. And of course, I saw some beautiful African birds!

Betty’s Bay (Stony Point Nature Reserve)

Betty’s Bay offers a unique opportunity to encounter more African penguins in their natural habitat. Stony Point, a small peninsula just outside Betty’s Bay, and is home to a colony of these adorable birds.

As you stroll along the wooden boardwalk, you’ll be greeted by the sight of penguins waddling along the beach, swimming in the ocean, or even posing for photographs. It’s an unforgettable experience that’s perfect for nature lovers and birders. To be honest, this was a better experience than Boulders Beach – but both were still amazing.

Oudtshoorn

Known as the “Ostrich Capital of the World,” Oudtshoorn is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in these flightless birds. The town is surrounded by ostrich farms, where visitors can learn about the history and biology of ostriches. You can also take a guided tour of an ostrich farm, where you’ll have the opportunity to see these magnificent birds up close and even feed them.

In addition to ostriches, you may get a chance to see:

Wilderness National Park

This park offers a variety of birding opportunities, including coastal wetlands, forests, and fynbos, a distinctive type of vegetation found only on the southern tip of Africa. If you are lucky enough, you may get a glimpse of the elusive Blue Duiker. Some of the bird species you may encounter are:

Knysna

This picturesque town is home to the Knysna Lagoon, a popular spot for birdwatching. The lagoon is a haven for waterbirds, including the African darter, the little egret, and the grey heron.

You may also spot the Knysna turaco, a colorful endemic bird. I was lucky to see it both here and in Wilderness National Park.

Everywhere you go along the Garde Route, you will find the Hadada Ibis. I loved seeing these birds all over the grass and coastal areas.

Tsitsikamma National Park

One of the highlights of the Garden Route is Tsitsikamma National Park. This park offers a variety of hiking trails that lead through ancient forests and along the coastline with an amazing bridge to cross over the water. Keep an eye out for:

Addo Elephant National Park

Another popular destination along the Garden Route is Addo Elephant National Park. This park is not only known for its elephants but also boasts a diverse bird population.

Some of the bird species you may encounter in Addo are:

Which Month Is Best For Birdwatching In South Africa

The best time for birdwatching in South Africa may depend on the specific species you want to see. However, the spring and summer months (September to March) are generally considered the best time to visit. During this period, many birds are breeding and can be more easily observed.

I visited South Africa in April and had a wonderful birding experience. The weather was pleasant, and I was able to see a variety of birds, both migratory, residents, and endemic. There are so many birds to see that it really doesn’t matter what time you go!

Identifying Birds In South Africa

Checklist

If you are looking to download a list of the birds in South Africa, this is a great free checklist that lists all the birds you could possibly see. However, this is just a list – no pictures or descriptions.

Field Guides

If you are looking for a book that will provide you with more detail, then I recommend one of these. Either of these field guides would be fantastic in assisting you with identifying birds.

Birding Apps

Merlin Bird ID – this app is probably one of the best ones created. This will help you identify birds by their call. Now it may not be 100% accurate but it will give you a good ground to potentially work with. I used this when I visited Devils Tower in Wyoming and the calls it identified helped guide me to what I was looking for. Make sure after you download the app, you download the Bird Pack for South Africa.

Audubon – this app is also a fantastic support for birding. You can identify a bird by certain characteristics and features and read about them. Some people choose to use these instead of getting a book. It’s your choice! Make sure you also download the Bird Pack for the country.

Tips for Birdwatching in South Africa

I often plan my vacations around where I can birdwatch and what else I can see or do that allows me to spend as much time as possible outdoors. Birding in South Africa was one of the best places I have ever gone birdwatching. I can’t wait to go back and see more! By following these tips and exploring the best locations, you’ll be sure to create lasting memories of your adventures in South Africa.

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