Bird watching
Bird lovers are spoilt for choice when it comes to birdwatching in southern Africa. The region’s wealth of varied habitats – including watering holes, forests, flood plains, mud pans and wetlands – attract a vast range resident and migratory species.
A range of prime habitats
The summer months see the African skies heavy with flocks of returning migratory birds. The waters and open floodplains of the Okavango Delta make it Botswana’s prime birding destination with over 500 recorded species, while Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe boasts good infrastructure and boasts 420 species on file.
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The Okavango Delta is a birder’s paradise.
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Ornithological guides with a vast knowledge of African avifauna.
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A wide variety of habitats attract a plethora of species.
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Hwange National Park is Zimbabwe’s birding hotspot.
Testimonials
Always something to see
A safe haven for birds
From the waders of the Okavango Delta to the raptors in Hwange National Park, bird lovers can see hundreds of different species thanks to stringent protection laws. New to the hobby or a seasoned twitcher, specialist Machaba Safaris guides are on hand to conduct private tours.
- Over 500 species recorded in the Okavango Delta.
- Excellent visibility on vast open floodplains.
- Migrant birds arrive from October to March.
- Hwange National Park is home to the world’s largest flying birds.
From Management
With a diversity of habitats which attract a wide variety of species, the Okavango Delta is a birder's paradise
A wide variety of feathered species
Diversity and abundance
From great flocks of flamingos, Southern Crowned Cranes and giant raptors, to ground hornbills and Mocking Cliff Chats, and elusive African Crakes and Pel’s Fishing Owls – Machaba Safaris has camps and lodges in some of the region’s prime birding hotspots.
Talk to us about your birding list, we know where to spot rare and endangered species.
Learn more about Birding
The art of bird spotting on safari
Although our guides are expert bird twitchers who can help you with your must-see list, you can improve your chances of a successful outing by investing in a good pair of binoculars and researching which species to look for. Silence is also a birder’s best friend and we recommend taking a guided bird walk or exploring the watery regions in a mokoro canoe.
The feathery "big 6"
When it comes to birding, southern Africa sports its Big 6 to spot, namely: the Lappet-faced Vulture, Saddle-billed Stork, Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, Kori Bustard and the most difficult of all – the nocturnal Pel’s Fishing Owl.
Best time of year to go birding
The good climate and varied terrain mean that any season is a good time to visit southern Africa. In dry months, large flocks of birds gather around permanent water sources to feast on trapped fish and crustaceans. While summer months (November to March) see migrant species return. In prime birding areas, birders have recorded over 300 species in three to four days.
Refuge for Rare Birds
The Okavango Delta, in particular, provides shelter to many threatened and endangered species. It also has the largest population of Wattled Cranes and the Slaty Egrets in Africa (if not the world). Other notable avian species include the White-Backed Night Heron, Pel's Fishing-Owl and the African Skimmer. Botswana also has the most renowned Greater Flamingo and Lesser Flamingo breeding sites in southern Africa.
Our Popular Activities
From game drives to untamed walking safaris under the care of our highly trained guides, there is always something to see and do. Experience our unique water-based activities depending on the season, and the water levels during your visit.
