7 Day Kruger Park Birding Safari 

Camps stayed at : Satara | Olifants | Skukuza

Cost per person From R58,850 ( Solo Supplement also available )

Ultimate 7-Day Birding Safari Itinerary in Kruger National Park: Summer Adventure (November–February)

Embark on an unforgettable 7-day birding safari in Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife sanctuary, during the vibrant summer months (November to February). This expertly crafted itinerary, designed for bird enthusiasts, explores the southern and central regions, including Skukuza, Satara, and Olifants Camps, showcasing over 500 bird species across diverse habitats. Guided by Safaria, a 5-star TripAdvisor-rated operator led by expert Andrew Wagner, this Kruger birding tour promises thrilling sightings of iconic birds like the Lilac-breasted Roller, Southern Ground-Hornbill, and African Fish-Eagle. Perfect for those searching for Kruger National Park safaris, birdwatching tours, or a #BirdingAdventure, this itinerary blends immersive birding, stunning landscapes, and seamless logistics. Here’s your day-by-day guide to an epic African birding experience.

Why Choose a Kruger National Park Birding Safari?

Kruger’s 2 million hectares host an incredible array of birdlife, from vibrant savanna species to elusive riverbank waders. Summer (November–February) is the ideal time for birdwatching in Kruger, with migratory birds, lush landscapes, and active wildlife. This itinerary visits prime birding hotspots—Satara, Olifants, and Skukuza—ensuring you spot rare and iconic species while enjoying expert insights from Safaria.

7-Day Kruger Birding Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Skukuza & Transfer to Satara Camp

• Morning: Land at Skukuza Airport (via OR Tambo International, Johannesburg) and meet your Safaria guide for a scenic transfer to Satara Camp, a birding paradise in Kruger’s central region.

• Afternoon: Settle into your cozy accommodations and embark on your first birding drive through Satara’s savanna. Spot vibrant species like the Common Ostrich, Lilac-breasted Roller, and White-fronted Bee-eater.

• Evening: Enjoy a delicious dinner at Satara’s restaurant while listening for nocturnal calls of Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and African Scops-Owl.

• Key Birds: Southern Ground-Hornbill, Red-eyed Dove, White-fronted Bee-eater.

Day 2: Full-Day Birding at Satara Camp

• Morning Drive: Explore Satara’s open plains and woodlands, perfect for spotting Kori Bustard, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, and the majestic Wahlberg’s Eagle.

• Midday: Relax at camp or birdwatch near the waterhole, where African Fish-Eagle, Egyptian Goose, and Hamerkop frequent.

• Afternoon Drive: Visit Nsemani Dam, a waterbird haven, to see Black-winged Stilt, Saddle-billed Stork, and African Jacana.

• Evening: Optional night drive to spot nocturnal species like Nightjars and Owls.

• Key Birds: Kori Bustard, African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork.

Day 3: Transfer to Olifants Camp

• Morning: Depart Satara for Olifants Camp, birding en route. Watch for raptors like Bateleur, Martial Eagle, and Tawny Eagle soaring above.

• Arrival: Settle into Olifants Camp, perched above the Olifants River with panoramic views ideal for spotting Goliath Heron, Black Crake, and African Darter.

• Afternoon: Take a short drive along the riverbanks to find African Openbill, Water Thick-knee, and Little Egret.

• Key Birds: Purple-crested Turaco, African Green-Pigeon, White-headed Vulture.

Day 4: Birding Around Olifants Camp

• Morning Drive: Explore the Lebombo region for Red-crested Bustard, Namaqua Dove, and White-headed Vulture.

• Afternoon: Join a guided walk near the camp’s lookout point to spot Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, and Squacco Heron.

• Evening: Enjoy a sundowner drive, focusing on nocturnal birds and mammals under the African sky.

• Key Birds: Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Squacco Heron.

Day 5: Return to Satara Camp

• Morning: Bird en route back to Satara Camp, with chances to see Southern Red-billed Hornbill, White-crowned Shrike, and Collared Pratincole.

• Afternoon: Relax at camp, followed by an evening drive to spot Southern Boubou, Retz’s Helmetshrike, and Red-backed Shrike.

• Key Birds: Violet-backed Starling, Brubru, African Scops-Owl.

Day 6: Full Day at Satara Camp

• Morning Drive: Venture eastward to find Lesser Masked-Weaver, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, and African Paradise-Flycatcher.

• Midday: Enjoy leisure time at camp or try bird photography near the waterhole.

• Afternoon: Visit Sweni Hide for waterbirds like Blacksmith Lapwing, Marsh Sandpiper, and Pied Kingfisher.

• Key Birds: Sparrow-Larks, Cisticolas, Bustards, Korhaans.

Day 7: Departure from Skukuza

• Morning: Enjoy a final birding drive en route to Skukuza, with potential sightings of Common Myna, House Sparrow, and Spectacled Weaver.

• Departure: Board your flight back to Johannesburg from Skukuza Airport, filled with memories of an incredible Kruger birding safari.

• Key Birds: Spectacled Weaver, Common Myna.

Birding Highlights by Habitat

• Savanna: Kori Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Secretary Bird.

• Riverbanks: African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, African Fish-Eagle.

• Woodlands: African Green-Pigeon, Crested Barbet, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Purple-crested Turaco.

Why Book with Safaria?

Safaria, led by expert guide Andrew Wagner, offers personalized Kruger National Park birding tours with a 5-star TripAdvisor rating. Their deep knowledge of Kruger’s ecosystems ensures you spot rare and iconic birds while enjoying a seamless, comfortable experience.

Plan Your Kruger Birding Adventure

This 7-day Kruger National Park birding safari is a dream for birdwatchers, blending diverse habitats, expert guidance, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Ready to explore? Contact Safaria at www.safaria.co.za to customize your #BirdingAdventure. Share your journey with #KrugerSafari and join the global birding community!