Birding Safari Kruger National Park

Birding the Southern Region

With the Southern region of the Kruger National Park representing some of the most bio-diverse flora within the 20,000sqm kilometers, it is a particular productive area to go in search of the Kruger Parks 520 recorded birds species. Naturally this is season dependent but following the Sabie River (from the Swazi word Sabisa meaning “to be careful” because of the slipper rocks and crocodiles) between Skukuza and Lower Sabie, a Birding Safari can be richly rewarded as the savanna provides diverse systems to explore. The main road although busy, straddles many different eco-zones providing an interesting mixture of flora.

North of Lower Sabie on the eastern bank of the Sabie River lies an extensive range of sweet grasslands proving ample opportunity to go in search of the many grassland non-passerine species ranging from spur fowl to bustard and korhaans. There is also the possibility of spotting the rarer quails and button-quails.

Staying along the Sabie River front and following the riparian zone of large trees, this is a great vantage point to view some of typical water birds and waders in the Park. There is also the likely chance of viewing many of the larger raptors and aerial scavengers within the river bed or perching in the large trees. These include Vultures, Eagles and Storks.

Within the near vicinity of Skukuza Camp the bush thickens into a deep acacia thorn thick and this provides wonderful habitat for many of the smaller and more colorful birds from waxbills to bush-shrikes, eremomela, pytilia’s and twinspots. A particular favorite of ours is to visit Lake Panic , the Skukuza Golf Course as well as nursery. This gives us the opportunity to leave our vehicle and go on foot in search of some of the species that dominate the thickets. Of particular interest in these areas are the ever elusive Gorgeous Bush Shrike and Narina Trogon. In the summer months one can spend an entire day just in these specific areas. With many large fruiting and flower trees and bushes there is a tremendous foot supply for both the frugivours and insectivorous species. A Birding Safari in the Kruger National Park wouldn’t be complete without visiting Lake Panic. This rather famous location provides all year round water and offers a respectable number of birds even in the winter months. Whilst searching out many of the smaller more elusive bird species guests are also treated to regular large mammal sightings and quite often a short visit from the resident Leopard.

Am account of a Safaria – Birding Safari in the Kruger National Park.

Kruger National Park

Birding Safari with Safaria: February 2018

Guests from Ohio Ornithological Society out on Safari

We welcome all levels of birders from dedicated to occasional as well as true beginners. On this specific Birding Safari our guests had recently fallen in love with this past time and would safely say that they regarded themselves as amateurs looking to learn about Southern African Birds and capture as many new lifers as possible. This made for a very fun and informative day with 96 Species of birds been sighted.

Birding Safari Overview:

Guests: (3) From United Kingdom and New Zealand.

Level: Amateur

Season: Summer (February)

Area: Southern Kruger National Park

POI: Sabie River frontage, Lake Panic, Golf Course & Nursery

Guests where collect our Safaria Open Safari vehicle from Paul Kruger Gate to ensure convenient and quick access to the Sabie River area. Collection time was at 05h30am.

Area of focus:

Guided Route:

We follow a very simple formula of staying close to water and following dense foliage that we could either be accessed by vehicle or foot. Breaking these destinations into time frames as follows:

Section 1: From 05h30am to 09h30am
Section 2: From 10h00am to 12h30am

Lunch Break

Section 3: From 14h00 till 15h00am
Section 2: From 15h30am till end of day

List of Sightings:

We managed to capture 96 confirmed sightings for the day. These were confirmed in pairs and documented in duplicate. All sightings were visually confirmed with many species also providing vocal confirmation. Below is the confirmed list of species recorded within a 12 hour period.

1	Babbler, Arrow Marked	33	Guineafowl, Helmeted	65	Prinia, Tawny flanked
2	Barbet, Black Collard	34	Hamerkop	66	Puff back, Black Backed
3	Barbet, Crested	35	Heron, Greenbacked	67	Pytilia, Green backed
4	Bateleur	36	Heron, Squacco	68	Roller, European
5	Batis, Chin Spot	37	Hoopoe, Africa	69	Roller, Lilac Breasted
6	Bee-eater, Eurpoean	38	Hoopoe, Green Wood	70	Roller, Purple
7	Bee-eater, Southern Carmine	39	Hornbill, Grey	71	Scrub Robin, White Browed
8	Boubou, Southern	40	Hornbill, Southern Yellow billed	72	Scimitar, Common
9	Bul Bul, Dark capped	41	Hornbill, Southern Red billed	73	Shrike, Gorgeous Bush
10	Buzzard, Lizard	42	Hornbill, Southern Ground	74	Shrike, Orange Breasted Bush
11	Camaroptera, Green backed	43	Ibis, Hadeda	75	Shrike, Grey Headed Bush
12	Cisticola. Rattling	44	Jacana, African	76	Shrike, Red Backed
13	Cisticola, Red-faced	45	Fiscal, Common	77	Sparrow, House
14	Cormorant, Reed	46	Flycatcher, Paradise	78	Sparrow, Southern Grey Headed
15	Cormorant, White breasted	47	Flycatcher, Ashy	79	Spurfowl, Natal
16	Coucal, Burchells	48	Fycatcher, Southern Black	80	Starling, Burchells
17	Crake, Black	49	Flycatcher, Spotted	81	Starling, Glossy
18	Crombec, Long billed	50	Go-away Bird, Grey	82	Starling, Greater blue eared
19	Cuckoo, Jacobin	51	Goose, Egyptian	83	Starling, Violet backed
20	Cuckoo, Klaas (j)	52	Greenbul, Sombre	84	Sunbird, White bellied
21	Dove, Cape turtle	53	Kingfisher, Brown hooded	85	Swallow, Barn
22	Dove, Laughing	54	Kingfisher. Pied	86	Swallow, White throated
23	Dove, Emerald spotted	55	Kingfisher. Woodland	87	Tchagra, Brown crowned
24	Drongo, Fork tailed	56	Kite, Yellow billed	88	Tchagra, Black crowned
25	Duck, White faced	57	Lapwing, Blacksmith	89	Thick Knee, Water
26	Eagle, African fish	58	Lapwing, Crowned	90	Vulture, White Backed
27	Eagle, Brown snake	59	Mousebird, Red faced	91	Wagtail, Pied
28	Eagle, Tawny	60	Oriole, Black headed	92	Waxbill, Blue
29	Eagle, Whalbergs	61	Oxpecker. Red billed	93	Weaver, Thick Billed
30	Egret, Litte	62	Parrot, Brown headed	94	White Eye, Cape
31	Finch, Jamesons	63	Pigeon, African Green	95	Whydah, Pin tailed
32	Finch, Red billed	64	Plover, Three banded	96	Woodpecker, Beareded
				97	Woodpecker, Cardinal

Here is a further recap of our Birding Safaris and how we create them and tailor them for our clients based on interest and regions :

Exploring the Avian Wonders: A Birding Safari in Kruger National Park

Nestled within the heart of South Africa’s wilderness, Kruger National Park is renowned for its majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Beyond the iconic Big Five and the mesmerizing landscapes, Kruger also holds a treasure trove of avian wonders, making it a paradise for birding enthusiasts. A birding safari in Kruger is a unique opportunity to witness an incredible array of bird species in their natural habitats, all while immersing yourself in the beauty of Africa’s untamed wilderness.

The Symphony of Feathers: Birding in Kruger National Park

Kruger’s vast and varied ecosystems provide a habitat for over 500 bird species, ranging from the exquisite lilac-breasted roller to the majestic African fish eagle. From the towering trees to the waterholes, every corner of the park is alive with the melodies and vibrant plumage of resident and migratory birds. Birding in Kruger is not just about ticking off species on a list; it’s about tuning in to the harmony of nature and connecting with the delicate balance of life that surrounds you.

An Example Itinerary: 4 Nights and 5 Days of Avian Exploration

Day 1: Arrival and Introduction

Arrive at Kruger National Park and check into your chosen rest camp or lodge.
Settle in and enjoy a leisurely afternoon birding walk around the camp, observing species like the southern yellow-billed hornbill and Burchell’s starling.
Evening game drive to spot nocturnal birds such as owls and nightjars.

Day 2: Southern Regions

Early morning game drive to Lower Sabie region, known for its rich birdlife.
Watch the sunrise while spotting waterbirds like the African jacana and African spoonbill at Sunset Dam.
Explore the riverine habitats, seeking out the elusive African finfoot and African pied wagtail.
Return to camp for lunch and relaxation.
Afternoon birding around the camp or take a guided walk with a knowledgeable ranger.

Day 3: Central Regions

Morning departure for a game drive toward Skukuza.
Stop at Lake Panic Bird Hide to observe kingfishers, herons, and the resident African darter.
Visit the Stevenson-Hamilton Memorial Library, known for attracting a variety of species.
Continue birding along the Sabie River, home to the African fish eagle and giant kingfisher.
Overnight at a rest camp in the central area.

Day 4: Northern Regions

Drive to the northern regions, where different bird species await.
Explore the Pafuri region, known for its diverse habitat and unique birds like Pel’s fishing owl.
Visit Crook’s Corner, a meeting point of the Luvuvhu and Limpopo Rivers, attracting waterbirds.
Look out for raptors such as the martial eagle and bateleur.
Return to camp, reflecting on the incredible birding experiences of the day.

Day 5: Farewell and Reflection

Enjoy a final early morning birding walk around the camp, cherishing the last moments with Kruger’s birds.
Depart from Kruger National Park with memories of vibrant plumage, melodious calls, and the magic of the wild.
Reflect on the unforgettable birding safari as you journey back home.

Bird Species to Watch For:

Lilac-breasted Roller: Renowned for its striking colors and aerial acrobatics.
African Fish Eagle: A majestic raptor known for its distinctive call.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill: Recognizable by its unique casque and vivid plumage.
Burchell’s Starling: A common and vocal bird with glossy black and white markings.
African Jacana: Often found near water, with its long toes allowing it to walk on lily pads.
African Spoonbill: Recognizable by its distinctive spoon-shaped bill.
African Finfoot: An elusive bird with aquatic habits and striking markings.
African Pied Wagtail: A lively bird that frequents riverbanks and water bodies.
African Darter: Also known as the snakebird, it’s a proficient swimmer and diver.
Pel’s Fishing Owl: A sought-after species, recognized by its large size and distinctive call.

A birding safari in Kruger National Park is a journey that extends beyond birdwatching; it’s an opportunity to connect with nature, deepen your appreciation for the avian world, and foster a sense of wonder for the intricate web of life that thrives within this iconic African wilderness. As you navigate the park’s landscapes, keep your binoculars ready, your ears tuned to nature’s melodies, and your heart open to the beauty that unfolds with every flutter of wings.