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South Africa Birdlife / South
Africa for Birders: South Africa ranks as one of the top birding destinations in
the world. An incomparable combination of variety of birds, first class hotels and
accommodation facilities, an excellent network of internal airline routes and a multitude
of car hire
companies (including the large internationals) and a supportive avi-tourism industry
makes South Africa one of the most desirable birding destinations in the world.
Birders from around the world come to experience both the great variety of typically
African birds, migrants, and endemic birds. These birders enjoy excellent birding, whether they are
with an organised commercial birding tour or are touring independently. Of the +/- 850
bird species recorded in South Africa, about 725 are resident or annual visitors, and 50
of these are endemic
or near-endemic to South Africa, and can only be seen in South Africa. Apart from the
resident birds, South Africa hosts a number of intra-African migrants such as cuckoos and
kingfishers, as well as birds from the Arctic, Europe, Central Asia, China and Antarctica
during the year. |
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Many of the hundreds of nature
reserves and game reserves throughout South Africa provide excellent opportunities for
bird watching. Facilities include trails, hides, information sheets and checklists, and
trained bird guides. In some areas specific birding facilities have been established.
South Africa's key birding areas: The endemics and endangered
species are one of the major attractions for birders visiting South Africa. Many of
these endemic species are found in the grasslands, mountains, arid interior and
southwestern regions. The following areas offer exceptional birding experiences but
great birding can be had in many other parts of the country.
KWAZULU NATAL:
The north-eastern part of KwaZulu Natal is one of the most species-rich areas of South Africa
with a tropical feel and spectacular birds. Lush forests, marshes, freshwater lagoons,
flooded grasslands, tidal estuaries and acacia woodland support an excellent array of
birds. Specials of the area include Woodward's Barbet, Palmnut Vulture, African Broadbill,
Neergaard's Sunbird, Rudd's Apalis, Delegorgue's Pigeon, Knysna
Turaco, Livingstone's Turacos and Southern Banded Snake Eagle.
Birding facilities are exceptionally well developed in this region. The Zululand Birding
Route is centred on Eshowe. Dlinza Forest in Eshowe has a forest boardwalk that takes you
into the canopy from there you can observe species such as Delegorgue's Pigeon, Grey
Cuckooshrike, Crowned Eagle and Spotted Ground Thrush.
THE WESTERN CAPE:
The Western Cape is a
much visited region with excellent birding and superlative scenery, the best
whale-watching in the world and the possibility of seeing Great White Sharks. Apart from
the pelagic trips which are good all year but best in winter, the Western Cape hosts a
large number of endemics and the best wader watching in the country. The endemics include
fynbos specials such as Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape
Sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Protea Seedeater and Hottentot Buttonquail. Cape Rockjumper is
found on the craggy mountainsides. Knysna and Victoria's Warblers can be seen in the
damper valleys and a variety of larks in the dry interior.
The West
Coast National Park (which includes the Langebaan
Lagoon) attracts massive numbers of waders from their Arctic breeding grounds during
the southern summer and is particularly important for the Curlew Sandpiper. The Langebaan
Lagoon is surrounded by the strandveld where Black Harrier, Southern Black Korhaan and a
variety of smaller birds such as Grey Tit, Cape Penduline Tit and Layard's Titbabbler can
be seen. Closer to Cape
Town the Cape of Good Hope National Park offers excellent birding for species such as
Hottentot Buttonquail and a variety of seabirds. The nearby Boulders Beach National Park
at Simonstown
has a flourishing African Penguin colony.
MPUMALANGA:
The Lowveld is the low-lying tropical region in the north-eastern part of Mpumalanga largely
taken up by the famous Kruger
Park and is bordered in the west by Drakensberg escarpment. These low-lying bush areas
are home to large populations of South Africa's
Wildlife and birds typical of such South
African Reserves. Raptors occur here in good numbers including Martial
Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Walhberg's Eagle, Steppe
Eagle and Lesser Spotted Eagle. Other large and noticeable birds include Saddlebilled
Stork, Southern Ground Hornbill, Ostrich and
Kori Bustard. Along the western edge of the Lowveld the escarpment supports many forest
and cliff dwellers including Taita Falcon, Bat Hawk and Cape Parrot.
The Central Grasslands are a key area for birders holding a number of
special grass- and wet- land species. One of the most visited towns is Wakkerstroom which
is close to where Mpumalanga, the Free State and KwaZulu Natal Provinces meet.
Wakkerstroom is visited by most of the birding tours that come to South Africa and as a
result has excellenent birding facilities including resident tour guides.
GAUTENG:
Even though Gauteng is the most heavily developed area in South Africa, Gauteng offers
excellent birding. Around 350 different bird species can be seen within easy reach of
Johannesburg and Pretoria, and a wide range of habitats are easily accessible. Of
primary interest are Marievale, Suikerbosrand,
the Magaliesberg Mountains, Witwatersrand Botanical Gardens and the Dinokeng Bushveld
area. Even within cities a great variety of birds may be found, and garden lists often
exceed 100 species. Common species include Hadeda Ibis,
Speckled Pigeon, Grey Loerie, Bokmakerie,
Green Woodhoopoe, Black-collared Barbet, Olive Thrush and Cape Robin.
BIRDER FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION:
"Birder Friendly Eastablishments" are registered with BirdLife South Africa.
They are committed to supporting BirdLife South Africa’s vision which is to conserve
South Africa's wild birds and their habitats by promoting Avitourism. These establishments
will do their utmost to ensure that birding guests have the best possible "birder
friendly" experience. They offer flexible meal times or packed meals when requested,
information on birds in their areas, and advice on where to pick up local bird guides.
View Birder Friendly Accommodation in:
• Eastern Cape
• Western Cape
• Garden Route
• KwaZulu Natal
• Mpumalanga
• Limpopo
• Gauteng • North
West Province • Free State •
Northern Cape |
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« South Africa
Tours | South Africa Game
Reserves | South
African Safari » |
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| Car Hire South Africa: Car
rental companies hire a wide range of cars from budget to luxury. For the best deals it is
recommended that you book before travelling |
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