The African Birdwatching Company specialises in birdwatching trips to destinations in southern and East Africa. The majority of our tours are undertaken on a set departure date basis to assist with planning although we do undertake custom date departures upon request.
Botswana
Specials
Black-faced Babbler, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Bateleur, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Eurasian Bittern, Swamp Boubou, Kori Bustard, Chirping Cisticola, Black Coucal, Coppery-tailed Coucal, Senegal Coucal, White-browed Coucal, Baillon’s Crake, Southern Grey-crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Martial Eagle, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Slaty Egret, Lanner Falcon, Red-necked Falcon, Brown Firefinch, Allan’s Gallinule, African Pygmy Goose, African Marsh Harrier, Bat Hawk, Rufous-bellied Heron, White-backed Night Heron, Bradfield’s Hornbill, Southern Ground Hornbill, Lesser Jacana, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Long-toed Lapwing, White-crowned Lapwing, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Swamp Nightjar, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Western Osprey, Racket-tailed Roller, Secretarybird, African Skimmer, Narina Trogon, Meyer’s Parrot, Black Stork, Meve’s Starling, Saddle-billed Stork, Red-billed Spurfowl, Hooded Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-backed Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Sociable Weaver, Southern Brown-throated Weaver
The country
Centrally located in southern Africa, Botswana is a land of extreme contrasts from the lush water wonderland in the north that is the Okavango Delta to the dry, inhospitable sands of the Kalahari Desert in the southwest and the bushveld of the Limpopo valley in the east. Similar in size to France, Botswana has a relatively small population with just 2.3 million citizens, 10% of which reside in the capital of Gaborone, making it one of the most sparsely inhabited countries in the world.
Botswana is home to approximately 560 bird species, with Short-clawed Lark being the country’s only near-endemic. Despite the lack of endemics with the sheer abundance of birds that flock into the world-famous Okavango Delta, which spills into the country from the northeast as well as the Chobe National Park in the northwest of the country. In addition to its superlative birdwatching, the northern reaches of Botswana are particularly famous for offering some of the supporting large populations of African Elephant, regarded as some of the largest herds on the continent. In addition to elephants, Botswana is home to lions, leopards, cheetahs and African wild dogs, all thriving within vast protected areas. Other notable species include buffalo, giraffe, and several types of antelope such as impala and sable.
Best time of the year to visit
Birdwatching in Botswana is best on the shoulder of seasons i.e. March/April and September/October. Our tours are timed to coincide with the annual flooding of the Okavango Delta, when floodwaters from the Angolan highlands fill the delta, creating an intricate network of channels and islands. This period from August to September offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching as large numbers of birds flood into the region. The weather is also cooler and less humid than the warmer summer months.
Mozambique
Specials
Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s Batis, Black-bellied Bustard, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Black Coucal, Corn Crake, Baillon’s Crake, Spotted Crake, Cuckoo Finch, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Red-chested Flufftail, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Allen’s Gallinule, African Marsh Harrier, Montagu’s Harrier, Pallid Harrier, Rufous-bellied Heron, Green-backed Honeybird, Southern Hyliota, Long-toed Lapwing, Lesser Jacana, Mangrove Kingfisher, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Magpie Mannikin, Mascarene Martin, Lesser Moorhen, Eastern Nicator, Pink-backed Pelican, Racket-tailed Roller, Crab Plover, Lesser Sand Plover, Gorgeous Bush Shrike, African Snipe, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Gull-billed Tern, Spotted Ground Thrush, Green Tinkerbird, Red-throated Twinspot, Great Reed Warbler, Palmnut Vulture, Black-throated Wattle Eye, Grey Waxbill, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Southern Brown-throated Weaver
Green-backed Woodpecker
The country
The Republic of Mozambique is located on the south-eastern seaboard of Africa. For birdwatchers, Mozambique was for a long time inaccessible primarily due to the 25 year long civil war in that country when after only two years of independence, the country descended into an intense and protracted struggle lasting from 1977 to 1992.
Mozambique has c.740 recorded bird species of which c. 500 are breeding residents and which can be broadly divided in two, with those in the north being distinctly aligned with the avifaunal communities of East African as opposed to those south of the Zambezi River being more closely aligned with southern Africa. Of attraction to southern African birdwatchers is the large number of species south of the Zambezi, the traditional listing boundary for southern Africa, that are not found elsewhere in southern Africa. It is not uncommon for southern African birdwatchers to pick up over forty lifers on a trip to the southern and central area of Mozambique. Just one species is endemic, Namuli Apalis, which is only found on Mount Namuli in northern Mozambique. While the birdwatching is spectacular, Mozambique still has a vast majority of unexplored habitat from an ornithological point of view, so a sense of adventure is essential when setting out on any kind of birdwatching tour. Mozambique has the longest stretch of Indian Ocean coastline in Africa with the vast stretches of uninhabited beaches and coastal dunes as well as intertidal flats created by major lowland rivers as well as associated floodplains and abundant lakes and marshes acting as a magnet for waterbirds and Palearctic waders Wetlands are the most important habitats for waterbirds, which show differences in their distribution and abundance according to wetland type and productivity. Waterbirds are consequently highly nomadic in the region and typically occur in large congregations at certain sites for short periods at irregular intervals. The coastal habitats provide wintering grounds for large numbers of Palearctic migrants, and the freshwater habitats provide both refuges and breeding grounds for southern African waterbirds.
Best time of the year to visit
While the austral summer months from November through to February are ideal for peak bird diversity in Mozambique, it is also the rainy season which means lush landscapes and plentiful insects—but also sometimes high humidity, compromised road infrastructure and possible rain disruptions. Our tours to Mozambique are typically timed to coincide with the cooler winter months of June and July which gives our clients opportunities to pick up regional specials such as Mascarene Martin and Malagasy Pond Heron.
Namibia
Specials
Black-faced Babbler, Hartlaub’s Babbler, Bateleur, Pririt Batis, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, Tropical Boubou, Swamp Boubou, Arnot’s Chat, Chirping Cisticola, Luapula Cisticola, Tinkling Cisticola, Three-banded Courser, Senegal Coucal, Black Coucal, Coppery-tailed Coucal, White-browed Coucal, Wattled Crane, African Cuckoo-Hawk, Tawny Eagle, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Slaty Egret, Red-necked Falcon, Brown Firefinch, African Finfoot, Ashy Flycatcher, African Pygmy Goose, Rufous-bellied Heron, White-backed Night-Heron, Rufous-bellied Heron, African Hobby, Eurasian Hobby, Damara Hornbill, Damara Tern, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Lesser Jacana, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Half-collared Kingfisher, Long-toed Lapwing, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Eastern Nicator, Western Osprey, African Barred-Owlet, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Meyer’s Parrot, Rüppell’s Parrot, Wood Pipit, Rock Pratincole, Bearded Scrub-Robin, White-browed Robin-Chat, Rockrunner, Racket-tailed Roller, African Skimmer, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, Saddle- billed Stork, Narina Trogon, Violet Wood-Hoopoe, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Western Banded Snake-eagle, Souza’s Shrike, Red-billed Spurfowl, Sharp-tailed Starling, Bradfield’s Swift, Collared Palm-thrush, Rufous-bellied Tit, Schalow’s Turaco, Lappet- Faced Vulture, Greater Swamp Warbler, Olive Woodpecker
The country
Namibia is one of the driest countries in sub-Saharan Africa with an average rainfall of 350 mm with some areas receiving as little as 20 mm. Thought to be one of the oldest deserts in the world the Namib Deserts dominates the western, coastal region of Namibia with a sparse average rainfall of just 15mm of occurring in some parts. While diversity in these areas is low the endemism tends be higher. The Namib Desert blends into Succulent Karoo in the south. As one ascends from the Namib Desert, the vegetation changes into Nama Karoo scrub. Nama Karoo transitions into Vachellia woodlands which in turn transitions into broad-leaved woodlands. The Caprivi region in the northeast is dominated by broadleaved trees interspersed with floodplains and wetlands. The word “Namib” is of Nama origin and means ‘vast place’, a reference to the immense Namib Desert, which dominates the western portion of the country. With a population of just 2.1 million inhabitants, which translates into a density of 2.2 people per km2, Namibia is one of the most sparsely populated country in the world.
687 species have been recorded for Namibia of which 61 are considered to be vagrants. A four week trip through the country should generate a bird list in excess of 350 species. The remaining 61 species are made up of resident species supplemented by intra-African and Palearctic migrants. Namibia has a single endemic species in Dune Lark and 15 near endemic species, the majority of which are shared with Angola. An additional 89 species endemic to the southern African region, occur.
Best time of the year to visit
The preferred months for birdwatching in Namibia are the cooler months at the shoulder of the seasons, which includes April/May and September/October, primarily due to the impact that extreme high temperatures have on bird activity during the summer months from November through to February. The exception to this is birdwatching at Walvis Bay, located along Namibia’s Atlantic coast, and a mecca for migratory shorebirds which arrive en masse during the summer months with thousands of individuals feeding and nesting in the area.
South Africa
Specials
Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross, Black-browed Albatross, Northern Royal Albatross, Southern Royal Albatross, Wandering Albatross, Cape Batis, Bush Blackcap, Southern Boubou, Cape Bulbul, Denham’s Bustard, Fynbos Buttonquail, Forest Buzzard, Jackal Buzzard, Protea Canary (Seedeater), Sickle-winged Chat, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Blue Crane, Southern Grey-crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Bank Cormorant, Cape Cormorant, Crowned Cormorant, Burchell’s Coucal, Africa Black Duck, Maccoa Duck, Verreaux’s Eagle, Greater Flamingo, Lesser Flamingo, Fairy Flycatcher, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Francolin, Grey-winged Francolin, Cape Gannet, Cape Grassbird, Black-necked Grebe, Hartlaub’s Gull, African Marsh Harrier, Southern Ground Hornbill, Large-billed Lark, Cape Longclaw, African (Black) Oystercatcher, African Grass Owl, Marsh Owl, Plain-backed Pipit, Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, African Penguin, Northern Giant Petrel, Soft-plumaged Petrel, Southern Giant Petrel, Pintado Petrel, African Rock Pipit, Mountain Pipit (summer), Short-tailed Pipit, Cape Rockjumper, Drakensberg Rockjumper, South African Shelduck, Cape Siskin, Subantarctic (Brown) Skua, Cape Sugarbird, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Karoo Scrub Robin, Caspian Tern, Cape Rock Thrush, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Southern Tchagra, Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Barratt’s Warbler, Knysna Warbler, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Weaver, Ground Woodpecker, Knysna Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker
The country
Situated on the southernmost tip of Africa, the Republic of South Africa is a country of immense beauty, blessed with some of the most diverse and stunning landscapes on the continent. In the west, the cold Benguela current dominates the climate and has given rise to the unique and diverse Fynbos Biome, one of the most diverse plant kingdoms in the world. To the north lies the Succulent Karo and Nama Karoo biomes which blend into the vast grasslands of the central plateau and then on down to the and wildlife in Africa. To the north, and from west to east, lie the countries of Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe, while Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Mozambique lie to the east. Rather uniquely the mountainous Kingdom of Lesotho is centred in the middle of South Africa, bordered by the provinces of Free State, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
South Africa is home to 856 bird species, of which 68 endemic or near-endemic. The region is also home to some of the best sea birding in the world, primarily due to the influence of upwellings created by the cold Benguela current. In addition, the Western Cape and more specifically the rocky coastline and plethora of offshore islands form the global stronghold for the continent’s only penguin, the African Penguin, as well as other Benguela endemics including Bank, Cape and Crowned cormorants and Cape Gannet. Two bird families, namely the sugarbirds and rockjumpers, are endemic to the country. South Africa is a raptorphile’s paradise with 80 species occurring including 12 owl and eight vulture species.
Best time of the year to visit
The summer months of November through to February coincide with the period when the majority of Palearctic and intra-African migrants are present and when birds are at their most conspicuous as they enter into their breeding plumage and are calling to advertise territories. However having said that birdwatchers travelling to South Africa over this period run the risk of a portion of their itinerary being interrupted by rain events. It is best to time bird trips to avoid the South African school holidays – a period of time when the majority of accommodation near the coast as well as in the national parks and reserves become inundated with holidaymakers….certainly a period to avoid with the two main peaks of activity being the Easter and Christmas periods.
Tanzania
Specials
Brown-headed Apalis, Maasai Apalis, African Hill Babbler, Brown-breasted Barbet, Northern Pied Babbler, Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Grey Crowned Crane, Martial Eagle, Taita Fiscal, White-eyed Slaty Flycatcher, Black-headed Mountain Greenbul, Grey-Olive Greenbul, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Von der Decken’s Hornbill, Beesley’s Lark, Athi Short-toed Lark, Pangani Longclaw, Fischer’s Lovebird, Yellow-collared Lovebird, Blue-naped Mousebird, Rüppell’s Robin-Chat, Chestnut-bellied Sandgrouse, Abyssinian Scimitarbill, Ashy Starling, Kenrick’s Starling, Beautiful Sunbird, Golden-winged Sunbird, Red-throated Tit, Rüppell’s Vulture, White-backed Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, White-headed Vulture, Brown Woodland Warbler, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Rufous-tailed Weaver, Taveta Weaver, Abyssinian Wheatear, Mbulu White-eye
The country
Tanzania stands as one of Africa’s greatest wildlife and birdwatching destinations, celebrated for the sheer abundance and diversity of its flora and fauna. At the heart of this are Tanzania’s exceptional national parks and conservation areas, which together offer some of the most spectacular game viewing on the continent. Tanzania is renowned for its exceptional bird diversity, with more than 1 100 bird species recorded of which 20 are considered endemic, restricted exclusively to Tanzania’s unique habitats such as the Eastern Arc Mountains and isolated plateaus. In addition to these true endemics, Tanzania hosts a significant number of near-endemic birds. This rich diversity makes Tanzania a top destination for birdwatchers, seeking both widespread African birds and rare species found nowhere else on earth. Among the constellation of protected areas across Tanzania, a few stand out for their iconic status and the richness of experiences they offer. The Serengeti National Park, known worldwide, is a vast rolling savannah famed for the annual Great Migration. Each year, over a million wildebeest, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, thunder across the plains in search of fresh grazing, pursued by Africa’s top predators. Witnessing this natural spectacle is a bucket-list dream for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. To the southeast lies the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, home to the Ngorongoro Crater—an ancient volcanic caldera that hosts one of the densest concentrations of wildlife in Africa. Tarangire National Park, though sometimes overlooked, is renowned for its vast herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and seasonal migrations. During the dry season, the Tarangire River becomes the main water source for miles around, drawing animals in large numbers and creating prime opportunities for game viewing.
With its world-renowned national parks and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities, Tanzania stands as a testament to Africa’s wild beauty. Whether tracking the migration across the Serengeti, descending into the Ngorongoro Crater, or seeking out rare birds in remote forests, every journey into Tanzania’s wild places promises adventure, wonder, and a deeper connection with nature. Tanzania’s variety of species of birds, over 1000, vary in each location due to the nation’s geographic diversity. From mountain forest to tropical coast, every conceivable altitude range: deserts, open savannah grassland, lowland forest, bush and scrub, lakes and mudflats.
Best time of the year to visit
Choosing the right time to visit Tanzania can greatly enhance your birdwatching experience. From a birdwatching perspective the north-eastern regions of Tanzania, which include the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater national parks, are best visited during the wet season which runs from December through to April. Bird diversity is at its highest during this period and while the wet season is warmer and can be humid with occasional heavy rains, but these rarely disrupt birdwatching activities for long. This time of the year is also the best time to catch the famous wildebeest calving season in Ndutu. Birding in the dry season which runs from June to October is still productive although diversity is lower.
Zambia
Specials
Bocage’s Akalat, Anchieta’s Barbet, Black-backed Barbet, Chaplin’s Barbet, Miombo Pied Barbet, Blue-breasted Bee-eater, Böhm’s Bee-eater, African Broadbill, Southern Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane,African Spotted Creeper, Red-capped Crombec, Western Banded Snake Eagle, Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Chestnut-headed Flufftail, African Hobby, Black-cheeked Lovebird, Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Pitta, Miombo Scrub Robin, Racket-tailed Roller, Souza’s Shrike, Shoebill, Anchieta’s Sunbird, Palm-nut Vulture, Western Miombo Sunbird, Bar-winged Weaver
The country
In terms of Africa’s top birdwatching destinations Zambia ranks amongst the highest. In the region of 750 species have been recorded of which c. 470 are resident with the remainder comprised of intra-African and Palearctic migrants. What sets Zambia apart is the that it is without a doubt one of the best places for finding all of the south-central African endemics – despite having only one true endemic species in Chaplin’s Barbet, there are a plethora of near-endemics and species that otherwise only occur in Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – countries that are far less accessible to travelling birders.
Zambia can boast large tracts of pristine wilderness and protected areas – there are 19 national parks, covering nearly 9% of the country and in addition 35 game management areas accounting for a further 22%. Zambia boasts a multitude of different habitat types, each with its own unique avifaunal communities. Miombo woodland is the dominant habitat type, covering the vast majority of the country, and as it has little under-storey it is easy to walk through. In most areas these woodlands are interspersed with drainage lines leading into seasonal floodplains, which can be extremely productive when inundated. In the north-west of the country there are a multitude of forests, holding a number of bird species more characteristic of the Congo basin. In the north-east, several highland areas hold specials that are more typical of the Eastern Arc mountains of Tanzania.
Complementing the incredible birdwatching are the plethora of wildlife watching opportunities. Zambia’s national parks are a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a raw and authentic safari experience, far from the crowds. South Luangwa National Park is famed for its thriving populations of leopards, elephants, and buffalo, while Kafue’s vast wilderness shelters elusive creatures like sable antelope, wild dogs, and cheetahs. The Lower Zambezi National Park, with its riparian forests and floodplains, is one of Zambia’s most accessible and rewarding wildlife destinations. Together, these parks showcase Zambia’s untamed beauty and remarkable mammalian diversity. For birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts Zambia is a fantastic destination.
Best time of the year to visit
The best time of the year for birdwatching in Zambia is generally between late October and April, coinciding with the country’s rainy season. During these months, Zambia transforms into a lush, green paradise teeming with life with many migratory species arriving from the Palearctic and northern Africa, adding to the diversity of resident birds. Notable hotspots like South Luangwa, Kafue, and Lochinvar national parks offer exceptional sightings, including rare species such as the African pitta and shoebill stork. However, while the wet months provide the best diversity, birdwatching is enjoyable year-round in Zambia with the drier months, from May to September, offering clearer visibility as the vegetation thins and being the preferable time to view wildlife in addition to birds.
Zimbabwe
Specials
Chirinda Apalis, Whyte’s Barbet, Black-winged Bishop, Cabanis Bunting, Black-fronted Bush Shrike, Lemon-breasted Canary, Boulder Chat, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Black Coucal, Senegal Coucal, African Spotted Creeper, Red-faced Crimsonwing, Grey Cuckooshrike, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Lemon Dove, Square-tailed Drongo, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Cape Grassbird, Stripe-cheeked Greenbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Streaky-breasted Flufftail, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Collared Flycatcher, White-tailed Crested Flycatcher, Pallid Honeyguide, Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Southern Hyliota, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Grey-headed Parrot, African Olive Pigeon, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Wood Pipit, Swynnerton’s Robin, White-starred Robin, Lesser Seedcracker, Mottled Spinetail, Miombo Blue-eared Starling, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Bronzy Sunbird, Miombo Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Olive Sunbird, Variable Sunbird, Western Violet-backed Sunbird, Scarce Swift, Marsh Tchagra, Collared Palm Thrush, Orange Ground Thrush, Miombo Rock-thrush, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Cinnamon-breasted Tit, Miombo Tit, Palm-nut Vulture, Green-backed Woodpecker, Red-winged Warbler, Barratt’s Warbler, Broad-tailed Warbler, Moustached Grass Warbler, Robert’s Warbler, Yellow-bellied Waxbill, Yellow-mantled Widowbird
The country
At 390 624 km2 Zimbabwe is half the size of Texas and three times the size of England. The country is bounded by the Zambezi River to the west and north and the Limpopo River to the south where it shares a border with Mozambique and South Africa. Botswana and the dryness of the Kalahari Desert lie to the west. The majority of Zimbabwe lies on a savannah and miombo woodland dominated central plateau. In the southeast one drops into the lowveld and on to the border of South Africa and Mozambique. The Eastern Highlands on the border with Mozambique are home to the Vumba Mountain range which rise to 2592 masl and hold remnant patches of afromontane forest. To the west the miombo woodlands and grasslands of the central plateau give way to Vachellia dominated savannahs and Mopani dominated woodlands before grading into the Kalahari Desert in Botswana. Lake Kariba, a considerable man-made feature runs along the country’s northwestern border with Zambia.
Zimbabwe is a premier destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, offering an incredible diversity of habitats and over 650 recorded bird species. From the lush woodlands and wetlands of the Eastern Highlands to the iconic savannahs of Hwange National Park, the country teems with birds. Zimbabwe has no endemic bird species but does have several near endemics which can be found in the Eastern Highlands region of the country. Eight of the ten families endemic to the African mainland are represented. In addition to sublime birding Zimbabwe also has some fantastic opportunities for wildlife watching with the country is home to renowned reserves such as Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks, where elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and diverse antelope species .
Best time of the year to visit
The best time to go birding in Zimbabwe is during the summer months, which run from November through to March. At this time of the year the majority of Palearctic and intra-African migrants have arrived and resident species are conspicous in their summer breeding plumage and actively defending territories. The lush vegetation and abundance of insects create ideal conditions for birds, making sightings more frequent and diverse. The African Birdwatching Company expeditions to Zimbabwe are typically timed to coincide with this period of the year and specifically, the arrival of African Pitta with the onset of the rainy season. In contrast the best game viewing times are during the dry season, from May to October, when animals gather at water sources and the vegetation is not as thick with improved visibility.