7-Day Birding Safari Itinerary in Kruger National Park (Summer Period: November to February)

Day 1: Arrival at Skukuza – Transfer to Satara Camp

• Morning: Arrive at Skukuza Airport from OR Tambo International. Meet your guide and transfer to Satara Camp.
• Afternoon: Settle in and embark on your first birding drive in the surrounding savanna.
• Key Birds: Common Ostrich, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Red-eyed Dove, White-fronted Bee-eater.
• Evening: Dinner at the camp restaurant and a chance to listen for nocturnal birds such as Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and African Scops-Owl.

Day 2: Full Day Birding at Satara Camp

• Morning Drive: Explore the open plains and woodlands, perfect for spotting Kori Bustard, Helmeted Guineafowl, Crested Francolin, and Wahlberg’s Eagle.
• Midday: Rest at camp or enjoy birding near the waterhole for species like the African Fish-Eagle, Egyptian Goose, and Hamerkop.
• Afternoon Drive: Visit Nsemani Dam, a hotspot for waterbirds like Black-winged Stilt, Saddle-billed Stork, African Jacana and a variety of waders
• Evening: Optional night drive to spot nocturnal birds like Nightjars and Owls.

Day 3: Transfer to Olifants Camp

• Morning: Early birding en route to Olifants Camp. Keep an eye out for raptors like the Bateleur, Martial Eagle, and Tawny Eagle.
• Arrival: Settle in and enjoy panoramic views of the Olifants River, ideal for spotting Goliath Heron, Black Crake, and African Darter.
• Afternoon: Short drive along the riverbanks to find African Openbill, Water Thick-knee, and Little Egret.
• Key Birds: Purple-crested Turaco, African Green-Pigeon, and White-headed Vulture 

Day 4: Birding Around Olifants Camp

• Morning Drive: Explore the Lebombo region for species like the Red-crested Bustard, Namaqua Dove, and White-headed Vulture.
• Afternoon: Walk near the camp’s lookout point to spot Woodland Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, and Squacco Heron.
• Evening: Sundowner drive with a focus on nocturnal birds and mammals.

Day 5: Return to Satara Camp

• Morning: Birding along the route back to Satara. Highlights include sightings of Southern Red-billed Hornbill, White-crowned Shrike, and Collared Pratincole.
• Afternoon: Relax at the camp before an evening drive. Search for species like Southern Boubou, Retz’s Helmetshrike, and Red-backed Shrike.
• Key Birds: Violet-backed Starling, Brubru, and Scops Owl

Day 6: Full Day at Satara Camp

• Morning Drive: Explore eastward areas for species like Lesser Masked-Weaver, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, and African Paradise-Flycatcher.
• Midday: Leisure time at camp with optional bird photography.
• Afternoon: Visit Sweni Hide for water-associated birds like Blacksmith Lapwing, Marsh Sandpiper, and Pied Kingfisher.
• Key Birds: Sparrow-Larks, Larks, Cisticolas, Bustards and Korhaans

Day 7: Departure from Skukuza

• Morning: Early birding en route to Skukuza. Possible sightings include Common Myna, House Sparrow, and Spectacled Weaver.
• Departure: Flight back to Johannesburg.

Checklist Highlights by Habitat

• Savanna: Kori Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, Secretary Bird
• Riverbanks: African Jacana, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron.
• Woodlands: African Green-Pigeon, Crested Barbet, Yellow-breasted Apalis.

This itinerary balances diverse habitats and key birding hotspots, offering an unforgettable experience for bird enthusiasts.