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BIRDS & BIRDING
IN SOUTH AFRICA
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Birds
There is a rich diversity of bird life in
Southern Africa. More than 850 bird species, of which
about 130 species are endemic, can be found in South Africa alone. This
definitely makes a trip to South Africa and Southern Africa as
a whole, worthwhile for any casual birdwatcher or serious
birder.
Birding Destinations
South Africa has a variety of top birding destinations.
These include the Kruger National Park, Northern KwaZulu-Natal
(coastal and inland areas), Drakensberg (mountain areas),
wetlands such as Nylsvlei and Wakkerstroom and the wetlands
area near Memel in the Free State Province.
Besides these areas there are the Western Cape coastal
region, the Kalahari region, and indigenous forests
in the Eastern Cape and near Magoebaskloof and Houtbosdorp
in the Limpopo Province. Other areas that can be visited
include the Marakele National Park, the Waterberg Biosphere
and the Soutpansberg area in the Limpopo Province.
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Click on the thumbnails to view the larger images.
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Boat Trips
There are also ocean-going boat trips, for viewing
of pelagic seabirds, while a few other areas can also
be visited for specific endemic species. Boat trips
on rivers and dams can also be arranged when looking
for inland waterbirds, geese, ducks and wading birds.
Best Time of the Year
The birding is seasonal and the quality of the birding
will differ, depending on the time of the year. Spring
to late summer (September to March) is the best time
for birding in South Africa with peak viewing in midsummer
(December and January).
It is possible to spot a few
hundred bird species in a single visit, depending
on the time of year, the route taken and the areas
visited. |
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© 2003-2008
Wildlife South Africa CC - All Rights Reserved - Disclaimer.
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