Africa is well known for its iconic Big Five safaris, but this vast, biodiverse continent also offers exceptional birdwatching holidays. Over half of the bird species here are endemic, meaning they don’t occur anywhere else.
While native birds can be seen year-round, the green season is the best time for birding. The rains bring migratory birds from Europe and Asia, joining resident species. As it’s the breeding season for many species, birds are also at their most active and easier to spot.
From Botswana’s Okavango Delta to Masoala National Park in Madagascar, take a look at our pick of the best birding safaris in Africa, including when to go and what to see.
South Luangwa National Park, Zambia
South Luangwa National Park is one of Zambia’s leading bird safari destinations. Up to 450 species are recorded in the park each year, and you can see as many as 100 in a single day.
A year-round birding destination, colourful feathered residents include the Nyasa Lovebird, Grey Crowned Crane, Saddle-billed Stork, White-breasted Sunbird and raptors like the Dickinson’s Kestrel.
Between September and November, the national park welcomes the migratory Carmine Bee-eaters. These vibrant green and russet birds nest in flocks along the riverbanks when water levels are low.
Another great time to visit is April, during the breeding season for the Yellow-billed Storks. Huge colonies can be spotted at Acacia Loop Lagoon, on the Luangwa River.
Mabamba Swamp, Uganda
Mabamba Swamp is Uganda’s most important birding site. The wetland is located at the northern end of Lake Victoria and provides a home for more than 300 species. Among them is the formidable Shoebill, a long-legged wading bird that stands between 3.5-5 feet tall.
These distinct, prehistoric-looking storks are endemic to Central and Eastern Africa. Classed as vulnerable, there are thought to be around 5000 to 8000 left in the wild. Between 13 and 15 individuals live in the protected Mabamba Swamp.
Your best chance of seeing one is on an early morning birding safari, where you glide through the wetlands in a canoe. Bring your binoculars as other species to look out for include the African Fish Eagle, Cattle Egret, Black Crake, African Marsh Harrier and the Spur-winged Lapwing.
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a premier year-round birding destination. More than 400 bird species have been recorded at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you can see up to 140 species in a day. Residents include the likes of the African Fish Eagle, the colourful Malachite Kingfisher and the Pel’s Fishing Owl, the second-largest owl in Africa.
During the green season, Palearctic migratory birds from Europe and North Africa arrive alongside intra-African species. It’s the breeding season for many local waterbirds, and they wear their best ornamental plumage to attract mates. Flashes of colour and ringing birdsong fill the lush landscape.
Etosha National Park, Namibia
Namibia’s Etosha National Park is popular for big game viewing during the dry season, but when the summer rains return, it’s the time when birdlife thrives. Its vast salt pans transform into seasonal lakes, attracting wetland birds and other migratory species.
There are around 340 bird species recorded in Etosha. During the seasonal floods in January and February, the lakes are teeming with colourful pink Greater and Lesser Flamingos as well as storks and Black-necked Grebes wading through the water. Fisher’s Pan is one of the best places to see them.
The dry season is still a fantastic time to visit if you’re planning to combine game drives with birding safaris. You might hear the raucous call of Bare-cheeked Babblers in the trees or spot flocks of ostriches on the plains. The world’s heaviest flying bird, the Kori Bustard, is a must-see for any bird enthusiast, and up to eight owl species can be heard at night.
Masoala National Park, Madagascar
Masoala National Park is Madagascar’s largest protected area. Located in the northeastern part of the island, this UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses a vast rainforest that’s an important habitat for wildlife.
There are around 110 bird species in the forest, including the rare endemic Helmet Vanga and the elusive Madagascar Serpent Eagle. Birdwatching is good all year round, but September to January is the best time as they’re more vocal and much easier to spot. Migratory birds from North Africa and Europe also return from November to April.
On morning bird watching hikes, possible sightings might include the Blue Coua, Madagascar Spinetail and Madagascar Ibis, as well as Nuthatch Vangas and Scaly Ground Rollers. Listen out for the whistling call of the native Greater Vasa and Lesser Vasa Parrots.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Tarangire is the sixth-largest national park in Tanzania, and one of the best birding safari destinations thanks to its varied landscapes. It’s fed by the Tarangire River and its tributaries, which are important grounds for migrating birds. During the green season from November to April, the park is filled with species from Europe and North Africa.
The national park’s bushlands and mixed acacia woodlands are a habitat for hornbills, hoopoes, White-bellied Go-away birds and Striped Swallows. The jazzy-looking Lilac Breasted Roller with its unmistakable electric blue and dusty pink plumage are also found here.
In the vast grasslands, you might spot ostriches, Kori Bustards and, if you’re lucky, the endangered Ashy Starlings. Two other endangered species include the Yellow-collared Lovebird and the Rufous-tailed Weaver. These barely scratch the surface of the 550 bird species based here.
Great Rift Valley, Kenya
Lake Nakuru is a saltwater lake in the Great Rift Valley, a geological wonder that runs from Lebanon to Mozambique right through Kenya. Part of Lake Nakuru National Park, it’s recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty alongside its two interlinking neighbours, Lake Bogoria and Lake Elementaita.
Over 400 bird species are found in the park, including its most famous resident, the Greater and Lesser Flamingo. Huge flocks used to make Lake Nakuru their home, although the number has dwindled in recent years due to rising water levels.
You can still see a good population of these charismatic pink birds, however. The best times to visit are from July to September and from December to February, during and just after the rainy season. The lake is rich with blue-green algae, which contain a carotenoid that gives flamingos their signature bright pink plumage.
The dry season is considered to be the best time to do an African safari, but the green season is when birders will be in their element. The rains herald the arrival of migratory species, and landscapes are filled with colour and birdsong.
So, whether you have a dream to see Shoebills in Uganda or photograph Carmine Bee-eaters in Zambia, contact us today. Let’s start planning your perfect birding safari in Africa!
