Africa trips for avid twitchers

Erongo Wilderness Lodge should be high on the list of those visiting Namibia for a birding holiday. The rocky landscape is home to a surprising proliferation of avifauna, including several near endemics and exploring the area on foot is a great way to spot them.

Okonjima boasts birdlife typical of Namibia's Central Highlands. The guided or self-guided walks pass by a variety of watering points, including dams, lakes and even bird-baths – making a lovely addition to a Namibian birdwatching break.

Tafika guides are knowledgeable birders. Highlights of the area include flocks of crowned cranes during the dry season, a yellow-billed stork colony May–July, carmine bee-eaters Sep–Oct, and Pel's fishing owl all year round, making this a great spot for birdwatching in Zambia.

While birdwatching in Nyerere National Park on our last visit to Impala Camp we spotted malachite kingfishers and regal African fish eagles. We were also fortunate enough to see dozens of carmine bee-eaters building their nests in the river’s banks.

Although Cornerstone is a town B&B it is a great stop on a self-drive, birdwatching tour of Namibia. Walvis Bay Lagoon with its plentiful waterfowl is just a short drive away while Swakopmund itself is a perfect base for a guided birdwatching tour.

Drives from Lagoon Camp cover riverine, savannah and mopane-dominated areas – while boat trips bring great views over papyrus reedbeds. Colonies of carmine bee-eaters may enhance your birdwatching from mid-September to early December.

For birdwatching in Namibia, the guided and self-guided walks around Okonjima can be excellent. The lodge itself also has a variety of watering points, bird-baths, dams and lakes that help to attract the local birdlife.

Nkwail has first-rate guides who know their birds very well – even the more obscure species. The superb location will also appeal when planning a birdwatching holiday in Zambia, as Nkwali overlooks the Luangwa River.

The environment at Kwara Camp is incredibly diverse resulting in superb birdwatching. Seasonal floodplains and wooded islands surround camp while papyrus-lined waterways, lagoons, mopane woodland and scrub savannah are all easily accessible.

The main deck at Kaingo and your private deck looking over the Luangwa River are great spots for birdwatching in Zambia. Between September and October, you can spot thousands of carmine bee-eaters from a special hide located below a nest site in the riverbank.

Situated in the huge, remote Kwando Concession of the Linyanti, Lebala Camp has access to mopane forests, lush riverine forest and open floodplains attracting an incredible range of bird species. Raptors such as eagles and vultures thrive here.

Beside the river, with bush, open plains and salt pans nearby, Nsefu is a great location for birdwatching in Zambia. Knowledgeable guides, flocks of crowned cranes in the dry season, and yellow-billed storks during the rains are a bonus.

Nyerere National Park is a good park for to visit on a birdwatching trip to Tanzania. During our visit in 2019 we saw white-fronted bee-eater, a beautiful hoopoe, a bat hawk, crested guinea fowl, a Verreaux eagle owl and a vibrant red bishop.

Visitors at Ongava Lodge benefit from the prolific birdlife on the Ongava Reserve and neighbouring Etosha National Park. Over 340 species have been recorded, including local specials: Namaqua sandgrouse, double-banded courser and yellow-bellied eremomela.

The waterhole hide at Mwamba Bushcamp, or the private veranda outside each chalet, are great spots for birdwatching in Zambia. Thousands of carmine bee-eaters can also be seen from the camp's hide, below the nearby riverbank, between Sep – Oct.

Ongava Tented Camp, on the Ongava Reserve and close to Etosha National Park, is a fantastic place for birdwatching in Namibia. Local specials include Namaqua sandgrouse, short-toed rock thrush, acacia pied barbet and yellow-bellied eremomela.

Little Vumbura is a first-rate camp for birdwatching in Botswana. From shallow and deepwater floodplains and channels to dense, shady woodlands, our sightings have included swallowtail bee-eaters, Pels fishing owls, white-backed ducks, brown firefinches, slaty egret and rufus-bellied herons.

Ruaha's position at the centre of Tanzania, north of Selous but south of most of Tanzania's other parks, gives it an interested cross section of birds; a fascinating park for birdwatching in Tanzania.

With special species such as the red-winged pratincole, Verraux's eagle, Pel's fishing owl and the stunning narina trogon, which visits in the summer (Oct–Apr), Chongwe River Camp is a great location for birdwatching in Zambia.

The Emakoko stands out on any Kenya bird trip, firstly for its great viewpoint, from which more than 50 birds can be seen, overlooking Nairobi National Park. Then the park itself offers excellent birding with more than 500 recorded species.

Ruaha's position at the centre of Tanzania gives it an interesting cross section of birds – and makes it a fascinating park for birdwatching in Tanzania. Early-morning bird-walks are a very popular activity at the camp to catch the dawn chorus with a guide before breakfast.

Ruaha National Park has an extraordinary diversity of birds, with over 580 different species recorded, making Kwihala a good choice for birdwatching in Tanzania. Mid-November to March is a great time for keen birdwatchers to visit this park, and the knowledgeable guides are a real asset. The woodland around camp is a magnet for birds and it’s a great location to spot purple-crested turaco.

Overlooking a verdant lagoon, Big Lagoon Camp is in a great location for birds, with first-rate guides who know their birdlife. Even sitting in the main area or on the shaded deck with some binoculars provides a great opportunity for birdwatching in Zambia.

Even though the central Kalahari is largely a semi-desert it is home to a surprisingly high number of bird species. The best time of year for birding is the summer when the rain falls and resident birds are joined by migratory species.

Chiawa is a particularly good camp for birdwatching in Zambia: it's great for water and land birds, with favourites including ospreys, eagle owls, kingfishers and carmine bee-eaters. Boating, walks and a wildlife hide give different perspectives, and the camp has expert guides.

Hwange National Park offers a good range of habitats which attracts a large number of resident and migratory birds. With some of the best guides in the park Camp Hwange is an excellent option for your birdwatching safari in Zimbabwe.

Approximately 345 species have been recorded in the Chitabe concession, comprising both resident and migratory birds. Raptors are abundant and thrive here. Of particular note on Chitabe are breeding wattled crane and slaty egret.

Namibia's Mundulea Reserve has excellent guiding and some first-class birding. The environment ranges from kopjes to open plains, with a good variety of birds such as Rueppell's parrot, paradise flycatchers and plenty of raptors.

With a wonderful location on the river, birdwatching around Siwandu is great. The guides are knowledgeable and there’s a wide variety of species. We had no problems sighting European rollers, hoopoes, fish eagles and hammerkops, amongst many others.

Nyerere National Park is a great park for a wide variety of bird species. When we were here last, we saw different species of kingfisher, hornbills and a great deal more. The Sand Rivers hide is a fantastic place to camp out for a few hours and observe these birds.

Relatively near the Okavango's main channel, Nxamaseri Lodge makes an excellent choice for a birdwatching holiday in the Okavango Delta, with a deep-water lagoon environment.

Kanana offers motorboat access to an enormous heronry where, from mid-July onwards, many migratory waterbirds come to nest. With yellow-billed, open-billed and marabou storks, reed cormorants, pink-backed pelicans, grey herons and sacred ibis, it’s a superb opportunity for birdwatchers in Botswana.

Luangwa River Camp stands on a bend in the Luangwa River near several lagoons. These varied environments are within easy reach, making this a great camp for birdwatching in Zambia. There are numerous species including spoonbills, raptors, bee-eaters and rollers.

Mchenja Bushcamp stands beside the Luangwa River, and near several large lagoons – so has several different environments within easy reach. The birding here is good; with water birds and many dry-country species. On one of our short visits we saw flocks and solitary yellow-billed storks, fish eagles, white-fronted bee-eaters, kingfishers and many others.

Most visitors to Etosha National Park are drawn by the chance to see Namibia's lager wildlife. However, guided 4WD safaris into the park combined with a small hide at the lodge make Mushara Outpost a good pick for a birding trip to Namibia too.

Selinda Camp's location on the Selinda Spillway is an excellent place for birdwatching. Many waterbird species, like cranes, herons, kingfishers and cormorants, can be viewed here and eagle and vulture populations are healthy.

The guides at Mwaleshi are consistently top-notch for birdwatching. Most flora and fauna are common to the whole Luangwa Valley, but specials include the white-winged starling, the chestnut-mantled sparrow weaver and the yellow-throated longclaw.

Namibia's Coast with its cold, fertile waters is rich with birdlife. With access to the Sperrgebiet Recreation Area and the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip to Halifax Island, the Nest Hotel is a convenient base for birdwatching.

Your Kenyan birdwatching holiday can begin in the camp itself, with unusual and rare species (bush pipit, northern white-crowned shrike, white-headed buffalo weaver, pygmy falcon and eagles) seen in the trees and nearby spring.

Tarangire National Park is the best park for birdwatching in Tanzania. Avid bird watchers will enjoy sitting in the central mess tent at Oliver's where you might spot flycatchers, superb starlings, morning thrushes, and even a pair of yellow-winged bats.

Ruaha National Park is a paradise for birdwatching in Tanzania. More than 580 species have been recorded in the park and visitors could well spot a hundred or so different species in a single day. Ikuka’s lofty location is perfect to watch raptors soaring above the plains.

Birding is outstanding at Duma Tau. There is a diversity of habitats which in turn attracts a variety of species ranging from waterbirds to the drier mopane woodland species. The Savute Channel has a high concentration of eagles and raptors.

Knowledgeable guides and a stunning location within deep, shady riparian forest beside the Zambezi River make Vundu Camp a great spot for birdwatching in Zimbabwe. Come here to see bee-eater colonies, kingfishers and plenty of raptors.

Walvis Bay is a popular destination for birdwatching in Namibia. Many species can be seen in the Walvis Bay area, ranging from Namibia’s endemic Dune Larks to the migrant Ruddy Turnstones and resident Damara Turns To Make.

Sausage Tree is great for birdwatching in Zambia, with land and water birds seen from game drives, walks, canoeing and from the camp itself. Our best sightings included goliath herons, giant kingfishers, carmine bee-eaters, open-billed stork and tropical boubou.

Highly knowledgeable guides and a mix of wet and dry environments makes Linyanti Bush Camp an excellent addition to a birdwatching holiday. We noted a particularly wide variety of raptors and owls, in addition to bee-eaters and kingfishers.

With over 490 species in the Kafue, this park is great for bird-watching in Zambia. Combine that with the excellent guides at Musekese and you are likely to have a superb birding experience.

For many, the draw of the Etosha Heights Reserve is the chance to see some of Namibia's larger animals. However, with a superb split-level hide and expert guides, Safarihoek Lodge also offers some very rewarding birdwatching.

Ranging from open floodplains to dense mopane bushveld, Vumbura Plains has wonderful birding opportunities all year round. Species you are likely to encounter include wattled crane, slaty egret, chirping cisticola and possibly rosy-throated longclaw.

Machaba Camp is located in the Khwai Community Reserve. The camp is built in riverine forest on the edge of the Khwai River. The Moremi Game Reserve, the floodplains of the Khwai River and mature woodland are all home to a good variety of species.

Visit Kgalagadi on your South Africa birdwatching break to see over 250 species of bird, and two-thirds of Southern African raptor species. More colourful varieties include lilac-breasted rollers, crimson-breasted shrikes and the African hoopoe.

Situated in the heart of the Okavango Delta the birding at Xigera is superb all year round. Pel's fishing-owl is regularly seen, with other specials including wattled crane, slaty egret, fan-tailed widowbird and pinkbacked pelican.

Keen birders will be delighted with the area, which has hundreds of northern species as well as those ranging across Kenya, and Palearctic migrants. Local specialities include rosy-patched bush-shrikes, vulturine guinea-fowls and impressive range of raptors, including black eagles, attracted by the area's rocky outcrops.

On the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. The river’s permanent water and accompanying vegetation provides sanctuary from the surrounding desert, making this a top spot for birdwatching in Namibia.

Namibia's largest wetland area with conservation status, Nkasa Rupara National Park boasts more species of bird than anywhere else in the country. Nkasa Lupala is ideally located for birdwatching be it on foot, by vehicle or by boat.

The guides here are real experts on the birdlife, and the Selous is a great area for birdwatching in Tanzania. With waterbirds in the floodplains and lakes around the Rufiji River and dry-country raptors in the Beho Beho Hills, there’s good variety here.

Heading out fly-camping gives you the option of exploring deeper into the park to find a wider variety of bird-life. Whilst birdwatching in Nyerere National Park you may see a range of birds, from malachite kingfishers to African fish eagles.

Set in seven hectares of land, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge makes a good base for birdwatching in Rwanda. Just walking through the gardens affords the opportunity to see many species of birds, including some endemic to the Albertine Rift. There is a local ornithologist available if you wish to have a guide.

The relatively green oasis of the Waterberg Plateau supports over 200 bird species – including Namibia's only breeding colony of Cape vultures, a highlight for any birdwatcher. Of the lodges in this area, Waterberg Wilderness Lodge is perhaps our favourite.

A trip with the Schoeman family is perhaps the ultimate way to see Namibia. Flying around with an expert guide you will experience some of Namibia’s birdwatching highlights in a variety of habitats, from desert, to coast, to riverine forest.

Robin Pope Safari guides are generally very knowledgeable about the varied birdlife of the area.

Kenya birdwatching is good here for the variety of habitats in the vicinity. Birders will enjoy the privacy of the tent veranda areas with uninterrupted views across the rocky valley of the Talek River.

Situated just outside Amboseli National Park, Tortilis offers quick access into Kitirua Conservancy with 400-plus bird species. The Amboseli ecosytem’s marshes provide ideal habitats, while the terraces around the camp offer great spots to watch birds.

Kwandwe Game Reserve is well known among birders as it’s home to many endangered species like black stork and of course blue crane, South Africa’s national bird after which the reserve was named: ‘Kwandwe’ means ‘place of the blue crane’ in Xhosa.

Located on the banks of the Selinda Spillway the camp offers a good mix of waterbirds and woodland species. The camp offers an honorary "membership" into the "111 Club", an honour bestowed for those who see 111 or more species during their stay.

Jacana Camp would be a key part of a birding trip to Botswana, with species including Pel's fishing owl, wattled crane, saddle-billed stork, African darter, reed cormorant, slaty egret, and goliath and rufous-bellied herons.

Birding is outstanding here ranging from Okavango species to the drier mopane woodland species. The Savute Channel has a high concentration of eagles and raptors and this area is internationally recognised as an Important Bird Area.

Kwandwe is an attractive destination for South Africa birdwatching as the guiding is good and it is home to many key species like black storks, martial eagles and the stunning blue cranes, South Africa’s national bird, after which the reserve was named.

Birding at Ongava Reserve and Etosha make a great addition to a Namibia birdwatching break, with over 300 species of bird, including the violet wood-hoopoe, bare-cheeked babbler, red-necked falcon and Carp's tit.

Ichingo is on a lush island between the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, and this is a top Namibia birdwatching destination. Some of the Okavango's specials are found here, and highly unusual species like the rock pratincoles, found in bubbling rapids.

South Luangwa’s birding is varied and the guides on these mobile safaris are often "best in class", so you can expect them to be very knowledgeable about the birds, the plants, the animals, and almost everything else in the ecosystem.

Hosting many African birds including the last breeding colony of Cape vultures in the Western Cape, De Hoop is fantastic for birdwatching in South Africa. Spot ostrich, African harrier-hawk, wading birds, etc. on guided walks around the De Hoop Opstal's vlei and coast.

The Chobe Riverfront is not just about the 'big stuff': it's also a superb destination for birdwatching. Over 450 species of birds have been seen in Chobe, including African skimmers, found between about October and March.

The Savuti Marshes are renowned for birdlife densities, particularly from mid-December to March, when flocks of yellow-billed storks, African spoonbills and pink-backed pelicans make this a great time for birdwatching in Botswana.

Nyungwe Forest is arguably the most important location for birders in Rwanda, with over 300 species recorded here including 27 Albertine Rift endemics. Head out with a specialist bird guide from Nyungwe House and look for the Gret Blue Turaco and Rockefeller's sunbird among others.

One of only a few camps located inside Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, Nambwa Tented Lodge is well placed for visitors to this top birdwatching location, whose diverse range of habitats includes reed-fringed waterways and mature woodlands.

With its lush lawns and verandas overlooking a busy birdbath, Lewa Safari Camp offers great birdwatching from the camp itself. The hide overlooks a waterhole, where mammals and birds regularly drink, and bush walks give birding a new perspective.

Having a variety of habitats on its doorstep Mapula Lodge is a superb camp for birding. Over the years, we have spotted dwarf bittern, wattled crane, saddle-billed stork, brown snake eagle, Meyer's parrot and lesser grey shrike.

Potato Bush is great for birdwatching in Zambia, with land and water birds seen from drives, walks and canoeing. When last there, our best sightings included goliath herons, giant kingfishers, a Gabar goshawk and numerous fish eagles.

When the plains flood (Dec-June) there are high densities of water-birds; crowned cranes are often seen dancing! Endemics such as Chaplin's barbet and unusual species like Lady Ross's turaco are highlights of the wooded areas for birders in Zambia.

Zarafa Camp is situated close to the Zibadianja Lagoon which is known for its colony of African Skimmers. Each tent comes with its own pair of Swarovski binoculars - a massive boon for anyone with a keen interest in birds.

Duba Plains is located deep in the Okavango among a matrix of palm-dotted islands, floodplains and woodland. The birdlife here is rich and varied with good numbers of typical Okavango specials such as Pel's Fishing Owl, Slaty Egret and Wattled Crane.

Meru National Park will appeal to those on a Kenya birdwatching holiday for its more than 300 recorded bird species, including Pel’s fishing owl. Low visitor numbers and leisurely safari drives mean you can take your time to seek out the birdlife.

A wide variety of habitats can be found at Augrabies Falls, including riverine vegetation, reedbeds, cliffs, acacia thickets and rocky scrubland. Thus, the park has over 180 species and will appeal to those on a birdwatching holiday in South Africa.

As part of a birding trip to South Africa the Kglagadi Transfrontier Park offers the chance to see 264 species of bird. Both resident and migrant species can be found here, and it is also great for raptors.

Located within extensive floodplain areas, the birding at Pom Pom Camp offers is excellent opportunities for birding in Botswana. Water-associated birds are a feature here and sightings may include wattled crane, Pel's fishing owlDickinson’s kestrel, African palm swifts, slaty and black egrets and black coucals.

Dry-country and waterbirds found in this diverse area.

Anabezi's wildlife-rich location and knowledgeable guides make it a great camp for birdwatching in Zambia. Birds can be seen from drives, walks and canoes. Our best sightings have included goliath herons, paradise flycatcher, black-headed and African golden oriole, Pels-fishing owl, African green pigeon and numerous African fish eagles.

Luangwa Safari House makes a very good stop for keen birdwatchers. The safari guides at Luangwa Safari House are knowledgeable birders and the house stands in a lovely location surrounded by tall old trees, with great views across a lagoon to the hills beyond.

The vast diversity of the fynbos vegetation at Grootbos attracts a real range of birds, making this is a good stop as part of a trip focusing on birdwatching in South Africa. Expect plenty of colourful sunbirds, Cape sugarbirds, black harriers and kestrels and many others.

Nyerere National Park is a great area for birdwatching in Tanzania - and these fly-camps deep in the bush, combined with walks around the fly-camp area, allow you to really experience Nyerere National Park and get to know the birdlife there.

Renowned Maasai birding guide Wilson ole Kasaine (one of the best birding guides in Africa) is on hand as one of the camp’s guides here, and with over 200 bird species in the camp's private Selenkay Conservancy, this is a great place for birdwatching in Kenya.

Birdwatchers in the Seychelles will enjoy Sans Souci for seeking out some of the Seychelles' endemic birds. These include the blue pigeon, Seychelles kestrel and Seychelles scops owl. A pair of barn owls also visit regularly in the evening.

The fertile soils around Mombo make for nutrient-rich vegetation resulting in excellent birding. With so much game around, vultures abound and birds of prey also find easy pickings whilst the wetter extremities have a different set of species again.

The varied habitat around Bilimungwe, including areas of forest and numerous waterholes, means the birdlife is varied and prolific, great for birdwatching in Zambia. With the help of our guide we were able to spot jacanas, grey crowned cranes, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.

A mixture of miombo woodland, riverine forest and plentiful lagoons means there is varied and prolific birdlife, making the area a great spot for birdwatching in Zambia. On our last visit we saw juvenile saddle-billed storks, several kingfisher species and numerous waterfowl.

Zambia’s Kafue National Park is home to nearly 500 different bird species, and so a trip here is perfect for those wishing to partake in some serious bird-watching. The critically endangered wattled cranes are a highlight.

Ruaha's position at the centre of Tanzania, west of the Selous Game Reserve and south of most of Tanzania' other parks, gives it an interesting cross-section of birds - and makes it a fascinating park for birdwatching in Tanzania.

Kasanka is particularly good for birdwatching in Zambia as it's on the edge of the Central African rainforests, and has many species in common with that ecosystem.

Bird Island is a real highlight of birdwatching in the Seychelles. Vast numbers of birds nest on the island… including over a million ground-nesting sooty terns. Noddys and other species are around all the time – prepare to be amazed by their fearless nature!

Located in the Jao Concesion, birding is exceptional at Pelo Camp. Birds typical of wetlands such as wattled crane and lesser jacana are found on the eastern side, with the western drier areas hosting woodland species such as Dickinson Kestrel.

Nature walks and kayak trips around Mumbo Island are great addition to a birdwatching break in Malawi. From the tiny and colourful paradise flycatcher to the large African harrier hawk there is a great range of birds to be seen here.

With 300 species of birds reported (52 of these being raptors) Polentswa is a haven for birdwatching in South Africa. Furthermore, a bird hide inside the camp’s concession offers the ideal location for birding.

The varied vegetation types around Amanzi, plus its wildlife-rich location and knowledgeable guides, make it a great camp for birdwatching in Zambia. Birds can be seen from drives, walks and canoes. Our best sightings have included goliath herons, paradise flycatcher, malachite kingfisher, Pels fishing owl and numerous African fish eagles.

Shoebill Island Camp is an absolutely superb spot for birdwatchers, with over 430 globally significant migratory & resident bird species found in the Bangweulu Wetlands. 10% of the global population of Wattled cranes strut along the plains, whilst White cheeked bee-eaters, Rufous bellied herons, Lesser and Greater swamp warblers, Gallinule, a profusion of waterfowl and of course the wonderful shoebills, all make for great avian sightings!

Lake Kariba and Matusadona National Park are a birding paradise and certainly a highlight on any Zimbabwean birdwatching itinerary. Stay at Musango Safari Camp, where the breadth of owner Steve Edward’s knowledge and that of his guiding team further enhance the experience.

Lake Naivasha is a beautiful spot for birdwatching. Dozens of woodland, garden and water-loving species can be seen in and around the lodge grounds, while slightly further afield, at the Green Crater Lake, Lake Oloiden (both satellites of Lake Naivasha) and Hell's Gate National Park, you can encounter hundreds more.

Grootbos is a great place for birdwatching in South Africa. The variety of flora lends itself to plenty of bird species including a real range of sunbirds, Cape sugarbirds, black harriers, Cape bulbuls, kites and kestrels as well as many others.

This two-day walking experience traverses the Naboisho and Olare Motorogi conservancies, and includes the Seketa Valley. Diverse birdlife can be seen across this landscape and, being on foot, you’ll enjoy intimate observations of the bush.

Over 360 bird species have been recorded in the Serengeti’s western corridor; and six are endemic to the Serengeti Plains. The black-headed gonolek, silverbird, Fischer’s lovebird and grey-breasted spurfowl will particularly appeal to birdwatchers in Tanzania.

Birdwatching in camp is excellent, especially around the tall Warburgia (elephant pepper trees) trees. There is a good variety of raptors in the area and the rare Usambiro barbet can be seen around camp.

As part of your birdwatching holiday in Mozambique’s Quirimbas Archipelago it is possible to head out with a professional guide for a birding walk - many coastal wading species can be seen at low tide right in front of the lodge.

The diverse habitats around Chief's Camp attract over 450 bird species, from waterbirds to woodland varieties. Mokoro excursions offer close appraoches to African jacana and pied kingfisher, whilst woodland species are seen on 4WD activities.

You'll find good safari guides at Chongwe River House and a superb location. From the foothills of the escarpment in one direction, to the great Zambezi River in the other – you'll find quite a range of different environments, and some very prolific birdlife.

Pelican Point Lodge is a secluded base for part of a Namibia birdwatching holiday. Come for flocks of sea-birds, including damara terns, cormorants and pelicans – and nearby perhaps flamingos in the protected Walvis Bay Wetlands.

The simple Chintheche Inn, owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris, is a relaxed beach lodge on the western shore of Lake Malawi. This northern part of the Malawi lakeshore is very green and lush, dotted with fishing villages and with endless sandy beaches.

Great birding in this lush Malawi reserve

Mombo is a birder's paradise. Chief’s Island has dry-country birds, whilst surrounding waterways are home to fish eagles and a variety of kingfishers, waders, darters, egrets, herons. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a Pel's fishing owl!

Jao Camp offers superb birding, include wetland specialities such as yellow-billed and woolly-necked storks, hadeda ibis, painted snipe, slaty and black egret, sacred ibis, wattled crane, goliath heron and Pel's fishing owl.

Noteworthy for species of raptors and owls, plenty of water birds and a range of land birds such as ground hornbill and colourful Acacia pied barbets. The camp also has great guides and a mix of wet and dry environments for birding.

Akagera is a bird rich area with over 450 savannah and water birds recorded here. It is one of the best places in East Africa to observe papyrus endemics. Head out on a boat safari to try and spot the papyrus gonolek or the highly elusive shoebill.

A variety of environments including three major rivers, the Chilojo cliffs and a network of water pans allows Gonarezhou National Park support a rich variety of birdlife making Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge a fantastic option for birdwatching in Zimbabwe.

From November onwards, Fanjove receives hundreds of migratory birds to the island, which will be a fascinating site for any keen birder in Tanzania.

The birdlife around Rubondo Island Camp is excellent, making this one of the best places for birdwatching in Tanzania. Boat trips are particularly special, with the appropriately named Bird Island particularly impressive: numerous storks, fish eagles, African darters and egrets.

A stunning location on the banks of the Zambezi River and some of Mana pools best guides make Little Vundu a great spot for birdwatching in Zimbabwe. Highlights include bee-eater colonies, kingfishers and plenty of raptors.

Embracing parts of five biomes, River Bend’s concession is home to an incredible 300 African bird species – the nearby Addo Park hosts even 400 species. All guides at the lodge are trained birders who can take you on a private birding trip.

Addo Main Camp appeals to birders in South Africa due to its bird hide which overlooks a little wetland. Look out here for 200 bird species reported in this section of the park. The whole park hosts over 400 bird species.

Interesting montagne species in the forests here

The Zambezi River is the life blood of Mana Pools, attracting all manner of life. Floating down river in a canoe or exploring inland on foot with an expert guide on the Mana Canoe Trail is a spectacular way to enjoy some of Zimbabwe's best birding.

Being on a lush island between the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, Cascade is a top Namibia birdwatching destination. Some of the Okavango's specials are found nearby, as well as highly unusual species like the rock pratincoles, which frequent the rapids.

Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park is a superb spot for birdwatching. While Kavinga isn’t located on the main Zambezi River, the area’s varied habitat, combined with an eye-level hide and a longer season than most of Mana’s camps, makes it an interesting option for birders.

Deep within the remote Nkasa Rupara National Park, close to the Linyanti River, Jackalberry Tented Camp is a great location for birdwatching in Namibia. A variety of activities allow guests to explore the park’s varied habitats in search of avifauna.

The Mahango Core Area’s varied habitats support the largest variety of avian species in Namibia, making it a perfect place for birdwatching. While Shametu River Lodge isn't the closest camp to Mahango, it is one of our favourites in this area.

The terrain surrounding 4 Rivers is home to a wide variety of vegetation making this camp an ideal location for birdwatchers in Botswana to see many of the Okavango’s almost 450 species of birdlife.

Located on the banks of the seasonal Selinda Spillway the camp offers a great mix of waterbirds and woodland species, with plenty of raptors always around in this very wild area.

The Quirimbas Archipelago doesn't have the density of species that you'll often find in mainland Africa, but the birdwatching at Ulumbwa River and Ibo Island is particularly good, with many coastal wading species seen.

Lilongwe Nature Sanctuary is near to Heuglins - a highlight on a birdwatching break in Malawi. There are opportunities to see the olive sunbird, Livingstone's loerie, finfoot and the red-throated twin spot.

Fynbos Ridge is a lovely spot for birding in South Africa, with 85 different bird species identified on the property. Look out in particular for the Knysna woodpecker, which is endemic to the Plettenberg Bay area.

Deep in Namibia's Bwabwata National Park, Kazile Island Lodge sits on a private island in the Kwando River: a must for birders. Scan the surrounding wetland or the towering mangosteen trees from the comfort of your room, or explore on a guided walk, drive or boat trip.

Tumbili Cliff Lodge is an ideal location for birdwatching, with more than 470 species having been recorded in the area. Lake Baringo is also the location where the world record 24-hour bird count was established (342 species) by ornithologist Terry Stevenson in 1986. Many guests here can be seen stalking the grounds with binoculars and big lenses.

Mutinondo is a great spot for birdwatching in Zambia, home to 362 species including many that are absent from lower-lying areas. The reserve is designated an Important Birding Area, and attracts rarities such as the chestnut-headed flufftail.

Nyerere National Park is a classic area for birdwatching in Tanzania, from the waterbirds found in the lakes and floodplains that surround the Rufiji River, to the dry-country raptors in the hills to the north.

Kwandwe Game Reserve is a popular destination for birding, as it’s home to many endangered species like black stork, martial eagle and of course blue crane, South Africa’s national bird after which Kwandwe was named; it means place of the blue crane in Xhosa.

Shimba Lodge is excellent for a birdwatching trip in Kenya: a pair of fish eagles lives around the waterhole and regularly pose on the branches opposite to engage in their discordant duets, or swoop over the lake to grab a fish.

Island Camp Baringo is an outstanding spot for birding. The lake has long held the world record for the most birds recorded in a 24-hour period - 342 species. Water birds and dry-country birds can all be seen quite easily in this area and your breakfasts in camp are interrupted by a delightful procession of avian visitors to nearby trees and bushes and right onto your table.

Explore Kwandwe Reserve’s rich birdlife from the exclusive-use Melton Manor - with a private guide and the possibility to schedule your meals around your activities. Resident African birds include martial eagle, black harrier and the endangered black stork and blue crane.

North Island may be of special interest to birdwatchers in the Seychelles for the 25 endangered Seychelles white-eye which were reintroduced here in 2007. There are now about 60; the world population is only about 300!

Tangala has its own nice, quiet spot on the Zambezi. This makes it an excellent and fairly undisturbed place for birdwatching in Zambia; the boat trips from here are also excellent.

With a range of environments from the forests to the lake, you may see lots of species which are absent from lower-lying areas of Zambia. Good spot for those on a Zambia birdwatching holiday wishing to explore a more remote area.

Whilst perhaps not the spot for unique species sightings, the sheer volume of birds inhabiting the river banks near Chobe Water Villas makes it a great spot for birdwatching in Namibia.