South Africa is home to some of the best bird-watching spots in the world. These bird lovers’ paradises are easily reached from the major South African cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban. In these large cities, there is always something for everyone to do, not just the birdwatcher. You can read about other unique things to do in South Africa. These are just a few of our favorite places for birdwatching in South Africa:
Birdwatching in South Africa’s Kruger National Park
The Kruger National Park is one of South Africa’s premium wildlife destinations. The reserve is home to over 500 different bird species including a few that are rarely spotted elsewhere in the country. These include the African Fish Eagle, Lilac Breasted Rollers, Ground Hornbills, and Yellow-billed Hornbills and CapeVultures.
St. Lucia Wetlands
The St.Lucia Wetland Park, or as it is now known – iSimangaliso, is also home to over 600 bird species. Due to the marshy wetland area, birds commonly seen in this picturesque area of KwaZulu Natal include the Mangrove Kingfisher, Saddle-billed Stork, Flamingoes, and Pelicans.
The West Coast National Park
Found between Langebaan and Yzerfontein on the Cape West Coast, lies the West Coast National Park. The reserve is best known for the vast number of wader birds that flock to this region in the summer. Various hides can be found along the dunes on the long, sandy beaches in this region.
Kariega Game Reserve
Kariega Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape of South Africa is known for its vast array of birds of prey. The area is the breeding ground of many pairs of African Fish Eagles, Martial Eagles, and Crowned Eagles. A wide variety of Kingfisher species can also be found at Kariega.
Cape Point
The Table Mountain National Park and Cape Point may not have a great variety of bird species but an abundance of sea birds can be found in this region. Boat trips that head into the waters off the point can give wonderful sightings of these birds while the nearby Boulder’s Beach is the ideal place to spot penguins. Here the whole family can relax on the beach, in amongst this active Penguin colony.
Kamfers Dam
Kamfers Dam is home to thousands and thousands of pink flamingoes. The area is one of the only Lesser Flamingo breeding sites in the world and is a spectacular vision for any lover of these majestic birds. Kamfers Dam is an excellent place for birdwatching in South Africa.
For more on bird watching in South Africa check out the Birdlife South Africa website.
Author Bio: Janine Mare is an avid travel and lifestyle writer who currently works as a blog and website writer for the South African Tourism Company.
As a showcase for tourism in South Africa.The channel does not only focus on beautiful landscapes, wildlife and adventure but also captures events, art and the diverse cultures that colour the Rainbow Nation. From Zulu warriors in traditional attire to the beautiful Hole in the Wall in Coffee bay.
South Africa’s natural beauty is vast and breathtaking. There are several national parks to be visited, where you can get very close to large wild animals such as lions and rhino, and then there are also roads that simply take you through pristine terrain, making the drive a pleasure, and very easy on the eye.