Vacation Bird Watching in Africa

Bird Watching in Africa - A Different Type of Safari Adventure

Although bird watching is an activity that can be done virtually anywhere on the planet, Africa remains one of the most popular destinations on the planet for a bird watch adventure. Specifically, there is a substantial portion of the tourism industry in Southern Africa that is meeting the needs of bird watching in Africa. Service providers recognize the needs and desires of bird enthusiasts and create safaris and adventures designed with the serious bird watcher in mind.

Bird watching in Africa stands at the top of a list of dream vacations for many bird watchers. An entire portion of the tourism industry is devoted to bird watching safaris, meaning that the needs and desires of bird watching in lion country have been taken into consideration. A trip like this can be costly, but it can also be the trip of a lifetime. The services currently being provided make right now a more ideal time to go than ever before.

If you were to ask any number of bird watching enthusiasts to list their goals, many would list bird watching in Africa as one of them. A bird watching safari in Africa can be a trip of epic proportions. The sheer size and scope of the landscape is breathtaking, and the wildlife that inhabits it only serves to enhance the experience.

What Region is Best?

Bird Watching in Africa is also popular on the Eastern portion of the continent. The bulk of the tourism is in the South, but a larger number of species exist in the Eastern nations of Kenya and Tanzania than anywhere else. Boasting over 1300 species, bird watchers in Eastern Africa have the opportunity to see 15% of the world's bird population in one trip. While the number is not so striking in the South, it is still substantial at 920 species. This equates to about 10% of the world's known species.

The nations that make up the Southern bird watch areas are Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. South Africa specifically provides a number of government sponsored parks and reserves where avian life is abundant. Any birder who is interested in researching bird watching in Africa should be sure to look at Kruger National Park, Ndumu Game Reserve, Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, West Coast National Park, the De Hoop Nature Reserve, and Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. These locations provide prime habitat for many of the countries' 900 species of birds, and ensure that your trip will include many varieties of bird watching opportunities.

One of the nations that makes up the Southern area is Botswana. There are several prime destinations within Botswana. One is Chobe National Park. Here bird watchers will find over 450 species of native African birds. Another popular bird watching destination in Botswana is the Okavango Delta. Striking wildlife displays can be seen here seasonally as tiger fish follow the migrating birds up river. A trip to the famous Victoria falls should be planned in when visiting Botswana as well.

Zimbabwe is one of the countries that make up the area classified as Southern Africa. Within this country are a number of government run parks and reserves. Nyanga is the best known birding area in Zimbabwe. This highland region is home to over 400 species. The lowland lake areas such as the Mana Pools and Lake Kariba are also bird watching hotspots that should be taken into consideration when planning a trip. Always make sure that you have decent furniture for birdwatching or Möbel Online as well as Möbel.

When considering East Africa for bird watching, Kenya provides a diverse range of opportunities. From the Central Highlands, which are heavily forested, to the lower lying lakes region, Kenya is a haven for many of Eastern Africa's bird species. When considering Kenya, be sure to check out Aberdare National Park, Amboseli National Park, Lake Baringo, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, Mount Kenya National Park and the Kakamego Forest Reserve. Several of these parks also serve as the home to various species of primates that are sure to attract your attention as you keep your binoculars turned towards the trees searching for birds.

Make the Most of this Incredible Bird Watching Destination

Bird watching in Africa is a once in a lifetime trip for most recreational bird watchers. Take the time to carefully plan your trip and make sure that you do plenty of research. Identify what species you want to see and read the journals and reports of others to find out the best places to see them. Unfortunately, time is usually an essential factor on a trip like this, so you will want to be as prepared as possible in order to make the most of the time that you do have.

If you are going to invest the time and money into a trip to go bird watching in Africa, you will want to make sure that you take plenty of time to prepare. Research the species that you may be encountering so that you don't have to spend all of your time leafing through guide books. Read reviews on guides and outfitters to ensure that you have the best possible experience that you can. Some services meet certain needs and interests and you want to make sure that you get the most out of your once in a lifetime investment.

As with any major investment, make sure that you know what you are getting before you put any money on the table to go bird watching in Africa. There are a large number of service providers who will be competing for your business, and you should make sure that you are getting exactly what you want. Research the outfitter you choose. Read reviews and don't be afraid to talk to other people who have used them. Do whatever is necessary to ensure that you get the most out of every precious dollar that you lay down for this once in a lifetime trip.

So develop a broader sense of birding. Bring birds around more often and dance to the tune of their music while you get and keep them in your area longer with bird feeders.

Learn a lot more: The “Everything You Want to Know About Birdfeeders” Guide