birding...

Birding Hotspots

Birding hotspots abound throughout South Africa and birders are referred to Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa edited by Hugh Chittenden and published by Southern Book Publishers, Johannesburg in 1992 as well as Where to Watch Birds in Southern Africa by Aldo Berruti and Ian Sinclair published by C Struik, Cape Town in 1983. The hotspots listed below are merely representative of those in each Birding Region.

Pelagics

Pelagic trips are run out of various harbours in South Africa but,generally, Cape Town offers, by far, the best sea birding in South AfricaIn fact, is considered to be some of the best anywhere in the world. Thecold Benguela Current brings highly nutrient-rich waters up from thesouth, and the strong winds (predominately from the south-east) createan up welling that brings all the nutrients to the surface. This, inturn, sustains the phytoplankton that forms the basis of the marine foodchain. Pelagic fisheries thrive in the area, and discards from thetrawlers provide a constant food source for pelagic birds. There are around 85 species that have been recorded on South African pelagic trips including albatrosses, petrels, shearwaters, skuas and a whole host of other exciting birds. Day trips can produce in excess of 30 species with, particularly winter trips, providing the spectacle of some 30,000 individual birds. Added to this, there are a number of whale and dolphin species that are encountered as well as some other interesting marine wildlife.

Pelagic trips are spectacular to say the least and will provide one withmany cherished memories. If you are in South Africa, it should become apriority on your birding itinerary and should not be missed. For moreinformation on the seasonality of the various species, photographs and other general information regarding pelagic trips in South Africa, visit www.zestforbirds.co.za. Regular trips are offered out of Cape Town and Durban and occasionally trips are organised from Port Elizabeth. Interested birders should contact Trevor Hardaker hardaker@mweb.co.za or Anne Gray gray-ad@mweb.co.za for Cape Town trips and Athol Marchant athol@kznncs.org.za from Durban.

The Afromontane Forests - Approx. 1,000 km²

South African Afromontane forests are highly fragmented and scattered along the southern and eastern slopes of the Great Escarpment. With the exception of the fairly extensive forests around the coastal towns of George and Knysna and to the south of Port Elizabeth all are located more than 40 km inland. The southern forests are best accessed from Cape Town, Durban, George or Port Elizabeth. Johannesburg is the closest airport to the northern forests of Mpumalanga and the Northern Province. As is typical of mountainous areas everywhere the weather is rarely predictable except that it will be cold in winter. Summers are generally mild and evenings can be cool. Rain and mist can be expected throughout the year.

Some 120 species occur regularly in the Afromontane Forests. Nine of South Africa`s endemic species (two are endemic to the forests) and a further 15 species (eight of them are nearly endemic to these forests) endemic to southern Africa are found here. Birding hotspots include Grootvadersbos and the George-Knysna area in the Western Cape Province, Hogsback and Weza-Ingele forests in the Eastern Cape, Xumeni and Ntumeni in KwaZulu-Natal, the Barberton-Graskop-Blyde River Canyon area in Mpumalanga and Woodbush in the Northern Province.

The Bushveld - Area 385,799 km²

The Bushveld can basically be divided into two areas - the arid Bushveld of the Kalahari in the west and the moist (actually simply less arid) Bushveld in the east. It shares the Kalahari basin with the Karoo in the west and the north, but also extends into the lower lying area between the Great Escarpment and the East Coast Littoral in the east. The arid west is best accessed from Kimberley and Upington while the east and north is best accessed from Johannesburg. South Africa`s largest conservation areas - The Kruger and Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Parks and Pilanesberg and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves are situated in the Bushveld and most of the country`s remaining large mammal population is found here. For the most part summers are warm to hot and winters mild to cool. What rainfall there is falls during summer. Malaria can be a problem throughout the year in the moister east, but particularly in summer and prophylaxis and other precautions are recommended when visiting these areas.

Almost 550 species of birds occur regularly in the Bushveld. None of these are endemic to the South African Bushveld, but no fewer than 86 of the species endemic or nearly endemic to southern Africa as a whole can be found here. Birding hotspots are many in such a diverse area, but some of the best known ones include the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park in the Northern Cape and Kruger National Park in Mpumalanga and Northern Province. Other less well-known spots include Nylsvley and Langjan Nature Reserves in Northern Province, the area north of Pretoria in Gauteng Province, the Kimberley area and Witsand Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape and Loskop Dam Nature Reserve in Mpumalanga.

The East Coast Littoral

This area is made up of a mosaic of sub-tropical to tropical grassland, woodland and forest and not surprisingly has a high diversity of species. As the name implies it is a narrow strip stretching up the east coast of South Africa from north of Port Elizabeth to the South African-Mozambique border. The area is best accessed from Durban or Port Elizabeth. The climate is generally humid with hot, wet summers and warm winters. Malaria can be a problem in the areas north of the towns of Eshowe and Mtunzini and prophylaxis and other precautions are recommended when visiting these areas.

Nearly 430 regularly occurring species can be found in this narrow coastal strip. While no species are endemic to the South African portion itself, five species - Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergard`s Sunbird, Rudd`s Apalis, Lemon-breasted Canary and Woodwards Batis all have a very localised distribution in northern KwaZulu-Natal and southern Mozambique, occurring only marginally outside this area. Overall 38 species found here are endemic or nearly so to southern Africa. It is difficult to single out any particular birding hotspots - virtually the entire area is a hotspot. Mkuzi and Ndumo Game Reserves, the Greater St Lucia Wetland area (a World Heritage site); Mtunzini village, Ongoye, Ntumeni and Dhlinza Forests near Eshowe and Oribi Gorge near Port Shepstone are but a few that spring to mind.

The Fynbos - Area 59,282 km²

The Fynbos occurs on the coastal plain and southern mountain slopes in the southernmost part of the African continent. It stretches from north of St Helena Bay in the west to around Port Elizabeth in the east. The vegetation comprises mostly a macchia type of scrub and it is renowned for its botanical variety. It is best accessed from Cape Town, George or Port Elizabeth. Typically the climate consists of mild to warm, dry summers (wetter in the east) and cool, wet winters.

Some 270 species of birds occur regularly in the Fynbos. Eighteen of South Africa`s endemic birds (seven of them endemic to the Fynbos) and a further 54 southern African endemics or near endemics can be found here. While none are of the Fynbos endemics are considered to be Globally Threatened by the IUCN, three - Cape Rockjumper, Cape Siskin and Protea Canary - are listed as Near Threatened. Birding hotspots include the Cape Peninsula, the West Coast National Park, the Berg River Estuary and De Hoop Provincial Nature Reserve.

The Grassveld - Area 280,047 km²

South Africa's Grassveld is concentrated in the high lying interior plateau and is best accessed from Johannesburg or Durban. East London, Bloemfontein and Kimberley are other possibilities, particularly for the more arid western areas. The climate is typically mild to warm, wet summers and cold, frosty, dry winters with snow sometimes in the higher lying areas.

More than 400 species occur regularly in the Grassveld. Twenty-one, or more than half, of South Africa's endemic birds (12 of these are endemic to the Grassveld) and a further 64 southern African endemics or near endemics can be found in here. In common with grasslands throughout the world South Africa's grasslands are under huge pressure from human development programmes. As much as 80% of South Africa's grasslands have been put to the plough, planted to alien trees, covered by urban sprawl or swallowed up by huge open-cast pits. These threats are reflected in its bird life. Of the 12 Grassveld endemics 4 (Rudd's Lark, the county's only Critically Threatened species, Botha's Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit and Southern Bald Ibis) are listed as globally threatened and 5 (Blue Korhaan, Buff-streaked Chat, Orange-breasted Rockjumper, Mountain Pipit and Drakensberg Siskin) as Near Threatened by the IUCN.

Birding hotspots in the Grassveld include Wakkerstroom and Sani Pass (between South Africa and Lesotho) in the moist eastern area and Barberspan and the Bloemhof area in the arid west.

The Karoo - Area 369,946 km²

The Karoo stretches eastward from South Africa`s west coast, north of St Helena Bay across the southern portion of the Kalahari basin. The most arid parts are found in the north-west along the Namibian border, gradually becoming less arid to the east and south. It is best accessed from Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London, Kimberley or Upington. Generally summers are hot and dry with winters being cold and dry. What rain there is generally falls in spring and autumn and this is the best time for birding in this fascinating part of the country.

More than 300 species occur regularly in the Karoo. Eleven of South Africa`s endemic birds (two of them endemic to the Karoo) and a further 83 southern African endemics or near endemics can be found here. Of the two Karoo endemics one - Red Lark - is listed as Vulnerable on a global scale by the IUCN. Birding hotspots include the West Coast, Bushmanland, Namaqualand, the Karoo National Park and Karoopoort near the towns of Ceres and Worcester in the Western Cape.

Birds of Africa

A Complete Illustrated Field Guide to the Birds South of the Sahara Ian Sinclair and Peter Ryan 780 pages, 340 col plates, col illus. C Struik 2003
ISBN: 1868728579
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Newman's Birds of Southern Africa

Kenneth Newman Paperback - 510 pages ( 1 January, 1999) Southern Book Publishers
ISBN: 1868127575
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Photographic Guide to Birds of Prey of Southern, Central and East Africa

David Allan, Peter Hayman (Illustrator) Paperback - 144 pages ( 1 November, 1996) New Holland Publishers (UK)
ISBN: 1853689033
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Pocket-Guide to Southern African Birds

by Burger Cillie 156 pages, col photos, distrib maps. Ad. Donker / Jonathan Ball
ISBN: 171800
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Sasol Birds of Southern Africa (4th Edition)

The Region's Most Comprehensively Illustrated Guide by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey, Warwick Tarboton and Peter Ryan | 464 pages, colour plates, distribution maps | published by C Struik | Softcover | 2011 | Edition: 4
See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 9781770079250
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Southern African Birdfinder

Where to find 1400 bird species in southern Africa and Madagascar Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode and Jonathan Rossouw 456 pages, 80 col photos, 100 maps, pull-out route map. New Holland Publishers 2006
ISBN: 1868727254
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The Bradt Travel Guide: Southern African Wildlife

A Visitors Guide Mike Unwin Series: BRADT TRAVEL GUIDES 284 pages, col photos, maps. Bradt Travel Guides

See Fatbirder Review
ISBN: 1841620602
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The ESKOM Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland

Edited by Keith N Barnes 169 pages, maps. BirdLife South Africa
ISBN: 0620254998
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The Important Bird Areas of Southern Africa

Edited by Keith Barnes. 1998. (BirdLife South Africa, Johannesburg)
ISBN: 0620234237
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Watching Birds in Southern Africa

Kenneth Newman, Derek Soloman Paperback - 96 pages (1999) Southern Book Publishers
ISBN: 86424W 86426W
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2001 [August] - Wim Veraghtert

Report

Between July 2nd and August 3rd, we made a birding trip to South Africa, covering nearly the whole country. Participants on this four week trip were Jeroen Huyghe, Tom Goossens and Wim Veraghtert. The main aim of the tour was to see as many species as possible, focusing on the endemic species. Of course, much attention was paid to mammals as well...

2003 [December] - James Eaton - The Cape to Mkuzi

Report

We recorded around 440 species, of which a high majority were new to me, having not previously birded in Africa...

2003 [March] - Grand Tour - Southern Africa, Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho Mozambique Swaziland - Jos Stratford

Report

This report is based on the findings of two complementary trips to Southern Africa – a ten-week trip to the west of the sub-continent (Namibia and the Cape Province of South Africa) and a fifteen-week trip to the eastern half of the region (Botswana, the east of South Africa, Swaziland and Mozambique). The basic aim of the first trip was to cover Namibia in depth, attempting to pick up all the endemics and specialities, while also visiting most of the prime sites in the Western Cape, thereby also seeing the majority of the Cape`s special birds. The second trip had a rather different agenda – in addition to covering the eastern half of the sub-continent and thereby neatly supplementing the species seen in the west, it was also planned around a month of organised survey work in Botswana, covering both wetlands in the Okavango Delta and the south-east of the country...

2005 [November] - Chris Wormwell

Report

With easy access to pelagic birding off Cape Town, my passion for seabirds could be satiated and the large number of endemic land birds in the area made the Cape a must-visit. The next decision to be made was, should we just do the Cape area in our, albeit limiting, two weeks or perhaps include an area with different birdlife and animals? As Keren isn’t as keen on the birds as me, it was only fair that we included a visit to somewhere that would give us the drama of ‘big game’. Again the decision was a doddle. It had to be the Kruger National Park (KNP), arguably the best game park on the planet...

2006 [November] - John van der Woude

Report

Site guide etc...

2006 [November] - Kruger & Drakensberg

Report

...Unfortunately, there was no sign of the African Scops Owl despite searching possible roosting trees. After lunch, an hour's walk around camp produced further good views of Crested Barbet, African Black Flycatcher, Southern Black Tit, Violet-backed Starling, Diederik Cuckoo and Bennett's Woodpecker. At least one African Black Swift was amongst the large numbers of Little Swifts chittering overhead. The Sunset Drive (5pm - 8pm) produced good views of the 'usual' mammals, plus several pairs of Crowned Lapwings...

2006 [October] - Bo Beolens

Report

...the lanes around the village specifically to a spot where there are Broad-tailed Warbler which he taped out into the open for most of us to see; oddly Cape Grassbird also responded to the tape. In the area raptor sightings were confined to Yellow-billed and Black-shouldered Kites, Jackal Buzzard but we also saw our first Long-crested Eagles sitting on a telegraph pole close enough for photo silhouettes against the sky. In the fields there were also Fan-tailed, Red-collared and Long-tailed Widows, Cape Canary, White-throated Swallow, White-breasted Cormorant, Grey-crowned Crane and African Wattled Lapwing. He took us to a farm where he has regularly seen Black-bellied Korhaan and we got great views. Whilst looking for the Korhaan we also had a distant view of a magnificent Lanner Falcon...

2008 [February] - Ross Goode

Report

After arrival at O.R Tambo International airport we left the hustle and bustle of the city and headed toward the quiet country town of Wakkerstroom....

2009 [October] - David Hoddinott

Report

Our record breaking trip total of 523 species in 24 days reflects the immense birding potential of South Africa. Whilst the focus of the tour was certainly the rich assemblage of Southern African endemics, we did not neglect the amazing diversity of mammals...

2010 - [September-October] David & Amanda Mason - South Africa:- Cape to Kruger and beyond

Report

South Africa has been on our wish list for a number of years. It’s such a big place, so narrowing down an itinerary which would enable us to see lots of birds, wildlife, flowers and still find time to relax and enjoy our holiday was quite a challenge. Our original agenda centred around Cape Town and the Kruger National Park, but when we started looking at logistics it soon became clear, if we were to make the most of one trip, we would need to clock up some mileage and stay for at least a month...

2010 [October] - Charley Hesse

Report

Some highlights of our trip included: coming face to face with the adorable African Penguins at Simon’s Town, finding Cape Rockjumper at Sir Lowry’s Pass, watching Southern Right Whales basking close to the coast at De Hoop Nature Reserve, eating our breakfast in Wilderness with the gorgeous Knysna Turaco just a few feet away...

2010 [October] - Mark Finn & Geoff Crane

Report

...The vast majority of the Cape’s specialty birds were observed including the uncommon and declining African Penguin, Bank Cormorant, Cape Rockjumper, Black Harrier, Black and Denham’s Bustards, Blue Crane, Knysa Woodpecker, Namaqua and Victorin’s Warblers and Cape Grassbird...

2011 [August] - Lawson's Birding, Wildlife & Custom Safaris – Cape to Kalahari

Report

Our second day began with an early departure for Rooi Els on the far side of False Bay. Being a weekend the traffic was light and we drove all the way around the bay via Muizenberg to Gordon’s Bay, where we took the incredibly scenic (but what part of the Cape isn’t?) drive along the coast, with the mountains of the Kogelberg Range rising up steeply on our left and the clear waters of the Atlantic crashing against the rocks on our right. We had a coffee stop on the way and then made our way to the holiday hamlet of Rooi Els (Red Elder in English) where we began our search for the Cape’s most sought-after bird, the endemic Cape Rockjumper. We took a walk down the dirt road below the steep slopes and then set up the scope and waited while patiently scanning the rocks for the birds. After a little while we caught sight of one, which was soon joined by a second bird, and were thrilled to have success…

See the individual SA State Pages for more trip reports...

African Adrenalin

Tour Operator

A tour company (the site is not that good and not easy to navigate unless you already know exactly what you want to do) specialising in Southern African trips. They do do some specialised wildlife trips including one pelagic.

Aves Birding Tours

Tour Operator

Aves Birding Tours offers simply the ultimate in Birding. With 98 endemic and 62 near endemic bird species, it is no wonder that Southern Africa should be at the top of any international birder's list. More than 800 spectacular bird species to be seen whilst enjoying the rich botanical heritage, extensive wildlife and vast scenic beauty. The First World infrastructure, fine food and wine and great hospitality, makes it a must-visit destination.

Avian Leisure Tours

Tour Operator

Essentially our business is organising birding and wildlife tours throughout South Africa - tailored to individual interests and requirements: both fully guided and self drive trips or a combination of self drive & guides in certain places. Patrick has an in depth knowledge of the country and puts together itineraries that are optimised for an individual client's requirements - minimising distances required to travel in one day and using accommodation in or near to the best birding localities. We do not run set departure tours (unless on behalf of another tour operator). Our focus is on small groups (between 2 and 6 ideally). We also run a self catering birder friendly guest house in Cape Town which is a convenient place for birders to stay whilst in the Cape, but this does not necessarily have to be part of the birders itinerary...

Birding Africa

Tour Operator

Birding Africa is run by three Capetonian birders and naturalists, Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode and Peter Ryan, all based at the University of Cape Town`s Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. Callan and Claire are postgraduate research students, and have recently published an new birding site guide to Cape Town and beyond: Essential Birding - Western South Africa. Peter is a lecturer and researcher, and the author of numerous publications, most recently a new field guide to the birds of Afrotropics.

Birding Ecotours

Tour Operator

Birding Ecotours, a South African company, aims to provide world-wide birding experiences of superb quality, while contributing to environmental conservation and disadvantaged communities. Please contact us for detailed information, queries and quotations. We are affiliated to Cape Town (South Africa) based pelagic trips and we are happy to help you in every aspect of planning your birding holiday.

Birding Pal

Information

Local birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...

Birding Voyages

Tour Operator

Upon departure from Tristan da Cunha bound for Cape Town, RMS St. Helena will sail around Inaccessible and Nightingale Islands to view the abundant bird life and detour to the remote southern outpost of Gough Island, 200 miles to the south east.

BirdWatch Cape

Tour Operator

BirdWatch Cape specialises in birdwatching tours in Cape Town and the South African dry west and also acts as agents for birding tours in other parts of South Africa. Established in 1997, BirdWatch Cape has introduced over 500 visitors to South Africa to the diverse and interesting bird variety offered in the South African dry west. From Cape Town to the Kalahari, deep into the endemic rich Karoo and down to the forests of the Garden Route our aim is to optimise your visit to this fascinating and underrated part of the natural world...

Go Birding Safaris

Tour Operator

Birding tours in South Africa by Microbus.

Indicator Birding

Tour Operator

With over 20 years of birding experience throughout Southern Africa, Etienne Marais will be your host and guide, on a birding tour of note! Tours are designed to maximise your specific birding objectives, and you can be sure of a big list. Typically we make all arrangements, according to your requirements...

Lawsons

Tour Operator

As Southern Africa is so diverse, with a great number of vastly different habitats, the birdlife is considerable. This makes the sub-region a popular birdwatching destination with over 900 species on the list. Lawson`s plan and run tailormade guided birdwatching tours for small groups throughout the sub-region. Most trips are led by Peter Lawson who is a highly experienced specialist tour guide. His knowledge and ability at finding and identifying difficult species is well known by birders from various parts of the globe. When Peter is not available to personally lead tours we engage the services of other knowledgeable registered guides and we have a good reputation for our expertise. P O BOX 16849, NELSPRUIT, 1200 SOUTH AFRICA

Lifers and Twitchers Birding Tours

Tour Operator

We have been birding for over 20 years, an activity that has given us much pleasure, especially in South Africa where even those who have been birding for many years can go to a new region and clock up more “lifers”. The South African climate is generally warm, so birding is pleasant even in the early mornings and evenings. Having been involved in the South African travel/tourism industry for many years and, being keen outdoors people, we have developed an excellent knowledge of the country’s natural history (including birds) and know which regions and places will give tourists the best possible nature-based experience...

Merlan Adventure Tours

Tour Operator

The people of the region carry a proud heritage of endeavour, wealth and traditions and the cultural diversity of it`s tribal and western civilizations are united to celebrate the African Century. The wildlife of our subcontinent is legendary and this, combined with our scenic beauty and cultural heritage makes Southern Africa a place of renewal and a sanctuary for the soul.

NtabaTours

Tour Operator

Birding tours across S Africa...

Rockjumper

Tour Operator

Our tours are intended for birders who wish to spend most or all of their holiday time birding. To optimise the increased bird activity in the cooler morning hours, an average day on tour usually begins before sunrise and frequently ends well after sunset with a night drive in search of nocturnal birds and mammals, although we often take a rest during the heat of the day. We try, where possible, to divide the day`s activities into optional sections, allowing participants greater freedom and flexibility. Whilst the hours are often rigorous, most Rockjumper tours are not physically strenuous, requiring no more than moderate fitness. Less focused itineraries can be planned for groups who wish to concentrate on the cultural or other wildlife aspect of the countries in which we offer tours (although in no way are these ignored on our standard itineraries.)

SA Tours & Safaris Ltd

Tour Operator

We design travel and safari packages into all the national parks and game reserves in Southern Africa. This includes birding tours and packages...

Safariwise

Tour Operator

SafariWise is an eco-tourism operator based in South Africa. We have been operating specialised and personal guided and self-drive tours throughout southern Africa since 1992...

Shoebill Tours

Tour Operator

specialist birding trips in Zambia, Botswana and South Africa...

South African Tours

Tour Operator

Specialised guided birding to Zululand, kwaZuluNatal. An area of diverse habitats hosting 700 plus species of birds, and 750 tree species

Tropical Birding

Tour Operator

We are an innovative and rapidly-growing company offering superb birding tours to many tropical destinations throughout the world. One of the things that sets us apart is our commitment to protecting the same birds that we love to show our clients. We are running several tours in conjuction with BirdLife International where we will donate half, or in a few cases ALL of the profits to bird conservation!

Zest for Birds

Tour Operator

We specialise in extended birding tours throughout South Africa as well as guided birding day trips in the Western Cape targeting all the endemic and near endemic species. These trips are designed either to maximise the number of species our client can see or to chase their specific target birds. All trips are led by highly experienced guides to ensure you get the most out of the time you have available.

Accipiters of Southern Africa

Website

Dedicated to the Goshawks, Sparrowhawks and related species of Southern Africa…

Africa - Birds & Birding Magazine

Website

Apparently the magazine is Light Years better than the website. It costs about $40/yr to subscribe to this magazine.

BirdLife South Africa Avitourism - Birding Routes

Website

The objective of BirdLife South Africa’s avitourism division is to provide domestic and international birders with a one-stop resource to enjoying birding in South Africa. The avitourism division is however not only an information provider. Under the umbrellas of the different birding routes we have become involved in a number of different conservation and community initiatives with the aim of having a positive impact upon the environments and communities that we work in...

Birds of Southern Africa

Website

South Africa is home to more than 500 bird species of which only a few can be presented in this travel guide. Among them are migratory birds like the African Hoopoe, minute nectar birds like the Collared Sunbird, colourful Redbreasted Robins like the Green Twinspot, roller birds like the Lilac-Breasted Roller, innumerable birds of prey like the Martial Eagle, exotic cranes like the Crowned Crane...

Birds of Southern Africa

Website

Photos of some of the larger birds.

Birdwatching info for Southern Africa

Website

A very good developing site - worth dipping into.
PLANNED CONTENTS OF THIS SITE - CURRENT ISSUES Preparing for Birding Big Day? What`s new - recent additions. What is bird watching? - birding skills and types of birder. Southern African Birds A guide to the birds of the region, including specials, photographs and checklists. Birding links - finding birder information - regional organisations, links and worldwide web resources. Where to watch birds in Southern Africa - best birding places, trip reports & site checklists. Bird watching resources - Fieldguides, Birdsound products, software and links to on-line shopping. Birder Travel - Guides, Tour Companies & travel information.

Bushwillow

Website

What started as a dream and a love for the outdoors became a reality for Carole and Mike Bridgeford when they first opened the doors of Bushwillow - in February 1990. The shops, named after the combretum family of trees, are nature conservation retail outlets closely associated with the Endangered Wildlife Trust, to which a proportion of sales are donated. Over and above Endangered Wildlife Trust regalia, the Bushwillow outlets sell all items associated with birding and animal watching, including field books, videos, tapes and CDs. There`s an excellent range of outdoor clothing and a large selection of gift items. We also stock Birdlife SA regalia. Bushwillow - run by people who enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors! Browse around and become part of the Bushwillow experience.

Pictures of South African Wildlife

Website

Another site with some terrific bird pictures

South African Birding

Website

This site is about birds and birding in South Africa and the Southern African region, including Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland, Lesotho, and Zambia. The region`s best birding sites are featured under Birding Spots, together with birding resources under Bird guides, tours and Accommodation. The latest rare bird sightings are posted on our Twitchers Tales page, What`s On highlights major events, and Birding Organisations puts you in touch with other birders and organisations working towards bird conservation. Some stunning pictures too!

Southern African Bird Atlas Project 2

Website

Mapping the distribution and abundance of birds in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland...

Southern African Birds

Website

Welcome to Birdz, my South African Amateur Bird Photo page. The aim of this site is to try and assemble photographs of every South African bird species…

Webcam at SA Game Reserve

Website

Live streaming video of Flamingos...

Zest for Birds

Website

This site's aim is to provide an up to date resource centre which will appeal to all birders, whether you are a beginner starting out and hoping to find out more about this fascinating pastime or an avid twitcher working on augmenting your life list. We will provide general information on both land based and pelagic birding and will also keep you up to date with all the latest news and views of the birding world.

Zululand Birding Route

Website

A unique self-guided birding route in Southern Zululand. The Zululand Birding Route offers a range of great birding localities, with expert local guides and diverse accommodation.