Bird watching safaris in South Africa

Add a stay in Cape Town on to the beginning or end of your safari and join a specialist birding trip through the fynbos, where you can find local endemics such as Cape sugarbirds and orange-breasted sunbirds on a hike or walk. Further itineraries to the Drakensberg, Garden Route or Kruger National Park allow you to discover even more of the country’s birds.

With a dedicated touring arm and access to specialist birding guides, Wilderness can help curate a bird watching safari in South Africa designed specifically around you. From Cape Town or Johannesburg, easy direct flights connect to Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania, making it the perfect place to start your birding trip across Africa. And with access to a carefully curated selection of partner properties and a full end-to-end service to arrange transfers and private guides, South Africa is the perfect addition to your luxury African safari.

If you’re dreaming of a bird watching safari in South Africa, Wilderness can help tailor an itinerary around your interests, whether you want to combine birding with an exceptional Southern Africa safari or would like to explore as much of the country’s vast landscapes as possible. With a network of exclusive safari lodges, access to private vehicles and guides, and all the logistics from road transfers to city stays and light aircraft connections taken care of, you only need to worry about what to pack.

For bird watching in South Africa, pack lightweight, neutral-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen and comfortable walking shoes. A good pair of binoculars is also essential while a camera with a telephoto lens is ideal for bird photography. You also want to ensure you pack everything into a soft sided bag, ensuring that you adhere to any luggage weight restrictions for small planes between safari camps.

When to go on a bird watching safari tour in South Africa?

Cape Town’s fynbos endemics can be seen year-round, but the time period between October and April is best for walking and hiking as it is the dry summer season – just be sure to set off early in the day before it gets too hot. If African penguins and ostriches are high on your birding wish list, Cape Town offers some of the best opportunities for close up experiences with both species, year-round. If you want to enjoy the rich birdlife around places like Kruger National Park, then the summer months in South Africa are particularly appealing for birders, as migratory species from Europe and Asia arrive, breeding plumage brings vibrant colours to the bush and the landscapes are green and lush; just be sure to pack for the heat. 

What is the best place in South Africa to spot birds?

Wilderness Touring Cape Town can arrange bird watching tours in Cape Town, one of South Africa’s best destinations for bird watching, especially if you want to tick some lifers off your list. Explore the city further with art, culture, food and scenic excursions, including a visit to Stellenbosch or Franschhoek in the iconic Cape Winelands, and then connect to any number of safari camps in Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe or Zambia.