Lifers and Twitchers
Malachite Kingfisher
With seven biomes supporting a range of habitats, South Africa’s bird list stands at around 900 species, 144 of which are endemic or near-endemic. The country is therefore a birders’ paradise, no matter whether you’re an average twitcher or an international birder in search of more lifers to add to your list.
Summer (September to April) is definitely the time to visit as you will see intra-African migrants as well as Paleoarctic and Paleoantarctic migrants. Many birds will also be in colourful breeding plumage; spectacular to behold and easier to identify.
On the flip side, South Africa’s winter birding is also excellent with many lowerlying regions supporting altitudinal migrants and having an average bird list numbering well over 350 species, even in winter.
The climate of many of the country’s warmer areas such as the Kruger National Park and Lowveld, as well as certain areas of KwaZulu-Natal is generally mild and pleasant at that time of year.
As most of South Africa is a summer rainfall region, you are also less likely to experience rain and thunderstorms on your trips and birds will be more active. Malaria in the eastern parts of South Africa is also less prevalent at that time of year.
FOR A LIST OF BIRDING SPECIALS YOU MAY SEE ON OUR TOURS, CLICK HERE.
