The southernmost land of the African continent is home to over 700 resident bird species, with around 850 species recorded in the region. South Africa’s diverse environment offers nine biomes for its abundance of birdlife.
Most of the country lies within savannah and grasslands, boasting iconic species, like the African fish eagle and the blue crane—South Africa’s elegant national bird. The Cape Floral Kingdom with its fynbos shrublands, provides a unique and specialized habitat for several endemic species, such as the Cape sugarbird, the orange-breasted sunbird, and the rare fynbos buttonquail. Even the karoo region is rich in birdlife, with multiple lark species, nomadic birds, and species adapted to the harsh conditions of the arid west.
South Africa has a 1,740-mile-long coastline, along which are the breeding grounds for many nesting seabirds, including the African penguin and Cape Gannet. Let’s take a look at some of the most notable, as well as lesser-known Southern African birds.
The bokmakierie is a species of bushshrike endemic to southern Africa, where it is found mainly in South Africa and its neighboring Namibia. It is a rather unimposing bird, except for its bright yellow face and underparts. It has a gray head and flanks, black eye mask and bib, olive-green back, and gray head.
The bokmakierie is a shy species more often heard than it is seen and was named for its high-pitched call, onomatopoetically described as bok-mak-kierie by Dutch settlers. It lives in open habitats, including the fynbos and karoo scrublands. The bokmakierie is often seen in parks and gardens. Typical of shrikes, it feeds mainly on insects but also preys on small lizards, frogs, and birds.
As mentioned, sunbirds are the hummingbirds of Africa, and twenty-one species of these nectarivores can be found in South Africa. The orange-breasted sunbird is endemic to the fynbos biome in the southwest of the country. This small, attractive bird has iridescent feathering—an emerald green head and violet collar. It has an olive-green back and is named for its bright orange breast.
Like other sunbirds, it feeds mainly on flower nectar, with its thin, long, curved bill and brush-tipped, tubular tongue. The orange-breasted sunbird is strongly associated with proteas and ericas. While it is classified as least concern by the IUCN, populations are decreasing, possibly due to habitat destruction, human disturbances, and invasive alien vegetation outcompeting the indigenous vegetation these birds depend on.
South Africa’s Prime Birding Areas
There are numerous nature and game reserves in South Africa, which are home to a remarkable variety of wildlife, including numerous bird species. To ensure that serious bird-watchers have the most fulfilling experience possible, many of these are designed with them in mind. In these parks and reserves, extra amenities could include bird hides, trails that lead through their natural habitat, informational pamphlets, and knowledgeable guides who are trained to locate more elusive species and alert tourists to them.
Bird lovers are frequently drawn to South Africa by the abundance of rare and indigenous bird species. The country’s countryside and landscapes, which include grasslands, mountains, and even arid desert regions, are home to endemic species.
When it comes to bird watching, there are certain regions of the nation that are very rewarding. These are:
For many fascinating bird species, KwaZulu-Natal’s subtropical climate provides the perfect environment. The northeastern region of the province is known for its lush vegetation and abundance of tropical species, which is especially true of its stunning birdlife.
The terrain consists of tidal estuaries, dense forests, marshes, flooded grasslands, acacia woodlands, and freshwater lagoons. Many birds, including the Knysna Turaco, Palmnut Vulture, Neergaards Sunbird, Rudds Apalis, African Broadbill, Woodwards Barbet, Delegorgues Pigeon, Livingstones Turacos, and Southern Banded Snake Eagle, rely on these as their preferred natural habitat.
Due to KwaZulu-Natal’s popularity as a birding destination, several initiatives have been put in place to enhance the birding experience for both residents and visitors. The Zululand Birding Route is one option; it concentrates on Eshowe, the location of the Dlinza Forest. Visitors can stroll along the boardwalk in this forest to enjoy views of the Delegorgues Pigeon, Grey Cuckooshrike, Crowned Eagle, and Spotted Ground Thrush as they meander to the canopy.
The Western Cape, one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, is also a great place for ardent bird watchers, whale watchers, and shark cage divers. This province’s abundance and natural beauty make it suitable for a wide variety of plants and animals. Actually, this province is among the greatest in South Africa for birdwatching. The Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, Protea Seedeater, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rockjumper, Kynsna Warbler, and Hottentot Buttonquail are a few of the endemic birds that can be found here. The experience is completed by the wealth of lodging options in Cape Town that are ideal for birdwatchers.
West Coast National Park is home to wading birds from the Arctic’s breeding grounds (including the Langebaan Lagoon) In the summer, a flock of these species, which includes the Curlew Sandpiper, congregates here. The Black Harrier, Southern Black Korhaan, Grey Tit, Cape Penduline Tit, and Layards Titbabbler are all welcome in the lagoon.
Excellent sightings of species like the Hottentot Buttonquail and a variety of seabirds can be found in the Cape of Good Hope National Park. There is a sizable and fascinating colony of African penguins at Boulders Beach National Park in Simonstown.
The Lowveld, a low-lying tropical region bordered by the Drakensberg escarpment and mostly occupied by the Kruger National Park, is located in Mpumalanga. South Africa’s wildlife is incredibly diverse throughout this region, and there are many interesting bird species to be found. These species are typical of the kind of South African Reserves.
This area is home to numerous raptor species, which are always exciting to observe in their natural environment. Martial Eagle, Brown Snake Eagle, African Hawk Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Walhbergs Eagle, Steppe Eagle, and Lesser Spotted Eagle are some of these species. Furthermore present are Cape Parrots, Taita Falcons, Kori Bustards, Ostriches, Saddlebilled Storks, and Southern Ground Hornbills.
The habitat that the Central Grasslands provide for numerous noteworthy grassland and wetland species is just one of the many reasons why these areas are important. Wakkerstroom is a small town close to the intersection of KwaZulu-Natal, the Free State, and Mpumalanga. Official birding tour groups often visit the country. It features several excellent birdwatching locations as well as on-site tour guides.
Gauteng, the nation’s commercial and economic center, is highly developed and urbanized. Nonetheless, there are plenty of locations where rewarding birdwatching can be had. In actuality, there are about 350 known bird species in the immediate area of Pretoria and Johannesburg. The Magaliesberg Mountains, Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens, Suikerbosrand, Marievale, and the Dinokeng Bushveld area are among the places where birdwatchers frequent the most. Commonly found species include the Black-collared Barbet, Hadeda Ibis, Speckled Pigeon, Bokmakerie, Green Woodhoopoe, Grey Loerie, Olive Thrush, and Cape Robin. These can be found even in urban and residential areas.
Simons Town Bed & Breakfast / Self Catering
Sleeps 6 people in 2 units
For those who enjoy the outdoors and other travelers looking for opulent but reasonably priced lodging in Cape Town’s natural
Excellent [4 verified reviews]
- from 800
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- 640
- Conditions apply
- Rooms are not airconditioned
- Free WiFi is available
- Airport transfers can be arranged
- Free parking is available
- Pets are not allowed
- Avian Leisure does not have a swimming pool
- While certain age groups may be permitted, all ages are not. Please verify.
- Always on, powered during loadshedding
Sleeps 59 people in 26 units
2000 hectares of a large, operational, contemporary ostrich farm located along the banks of the Olifants River De Zeekoe Guest Farm .
Excellent [3 verified reviews]
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- 1462
- Conditions apply
- Airconditioned rooms are offered
- Free WiFi is available
- No airport transfers
- Free parking is available
- Pets are not allowed
- Swimming pool on site
- Family friendly, children of all ages are welcome
Storms River Hotel / Self Catering
Sleeps 42 people in 17 rooms
Beside ancient rivers that flow towards the Indian Ocean, at the foot of breathtaking mountains, is
Excellent [4 verified reviews]
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- 3810
- per room per night based on 2 persons
- Rooms are not airconditioned
- Free WiFi is available
- Airport transfers can be arranged
- No free parking
- Pets are not allowed
- Swimming pool on site
- Family friendly, children of all ages are welcome
Gansbaai Hotel / Game Lodge
Sleeps 102 people in 28 rooms
Grootbos is a five-star private nature reserve that highlights the beauty of South Africa’s striking terrain.
- tonight from
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- 25000
- per room per night based on 2 persons
- Rooms are not airconditioned
- Free WiFi is not offered
- Airport transfers can be arranged
- Free parking is available
- Pets are not allowed
- Swimming pool on site
- Family friendly, children of all ages are welcome
Kruger Park Hotel / Game Lodge
Sleeps 24 people in 12 rooms
Specializing in opulent walking safaris across 12,000 hectares of immaculate bushveld, Rhino Walking Safaris is the only
Excellent [2 verified reviews]
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- 15400
- per room per night based on 2 persons
- Rooms are not airconditioned
- Free WiFi is not offered
- Airport transfers can be arranged
- Free parking is available
- Pets are not allowed
- Swimming pool on site
- Family friendly, children of all ages are welcome
South Africa as a Birding Hotspot
South Africa is quickly becoming one of the world’s best birding destinations because of the country’s great hotels and lodging options, well-established transportation system (which includes international car rental companies), and other factors.
The diversity of South Africa’s birdlife, which includes endemic, migrating, and typical African birds, is astounding. Travelers have two options for exploring the nation and its species: they can go it alone or join a formal birding tour group. About 725 of the approximately 850 bird species that have been documented in the nation are residents, or at the very least, yearly visitors. Because South Africa is home to an astounding 50 bird species, birdwatchers have a great chance of spotting something truly unique. Furthermore, a large number of migratory birds within Africa originate from all over the world. Some originated in the Arctic and Antarctic, Europe, or even China.
In South Africa, reserves and parks offer the opportunity to witness more than 900 listed species of birds in their natural habitat.
6. Southern ground hornbill
The range of the southern ground hornbill extends from South Africa to Kenya in southern and southeast Africa. It belongs to one of the two ground hornbill species that are unique to Africa.
This is a recognizable large bird with dusky plumage and red skin on the throat wattles and face. Its pale irises, unusually long eyelashes, and long, casqued black bill are all characteristic. Long, white primary feathers are visible in flight.
In the savannah, ground hornbills hunt, feed, and build their nests in the trees’ grasses. These improbable apex predators feed on insects, mollusks, amphibians, reptiles, and small mammals.
Vocal birds, southern ground hornbills mark their vast territories with deep, booming calls. The species is declining because of slow reproduction rates, habitat loss, accidental poisoning, collisions with power lines, and indiscriminate persecution. Only one of the two eggs laid by ground hornbills is raised. In order to restore wild populations, conservation efforts are concentrated on gathering abandoned eggs and raising the chicks in captivity.
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