South Africa is known the all over the world for its abundance of wildlife, not least of all its many birds. In fact, there is an established avi-tourism industry that invites birding enthusiasts from all over the world to indulge in top-class bird-watching.
The sheer variety of birdlife in South Africa is impressive; made up of typical African birds, migrants, and Endemic Birds. Visitors can join up with a formal birding tour group or can explore the country and its species on their own. Of the approximate 850 recorded bird species in the country, around 725 are resident birds (or, at least, annual visitors). An impressive 50 avian species can only be found in South Africa, giving birders a prime opportunity to spot something very special. There are many intra-African migrant birds that hail from across the globe. Some have their origins in China, Europe and even the Arctic and Antarctic. Notable endemic varieties include the Black Oystercatcher, Blue Crane, Cape Parrot, Cape Vulture, Forest Canary, Ground Woodpecker, Jackal Buzzard, Knysna Turaco, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Protea Seedeater, Southern Bald Ibis, Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk, White backed Moosebird, and the Yellow-breasted Pipit.
Avian enthusiasts are often lured to South Africa by the variety of endemics and endangered bird species. The endemic species can be found throughout the countryside and landscapes of this country; through grasslands, mountains and even dry desert regions.
Thanks to the abundance of excellent South African hotels and accommodation facilities, as well as an established transport infrastructure (including international car hire companies), South Africa is proving to be one of the world’s top birding hotspots.
South Africa boasts a multitude of nature reserves and game reserves like the Kruger National Park are home to an extraordinary array of wildlife, including many bird species. Many of these cater specifically to keen bird-watchers to make their experience as rewarding as possible. Added facilities in these parks and reserves may comprise bird hides, trails through their natural habitat, information sheets and experienced guides that are equipped to find more elusive species and point them out to visitors.
Nature loving tourists are well-rewarded when they visit this country, and are reminded to bring their binoculars and identification aids.
