Africa trips for avid twitchers
Africa is a fantastic continent for a birdwatching holiday, as the range of environments make for a hugely diverse bird population. The geographical range is vast, with montane forests, wetlands, marshes, deserts and coastlines on both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans.
With a range of African and country-specific endemics, as well as migrant birds which visit to breed and ‘summer’ in the southern hemisphere, birdwatching in Africa is packed full of variety. In many areas, hundreds of species have been recorded in a single day. We can help twitchers after a specific rarity too.
We have bird-watchers among our the Expert Africa team and often put together many tailor-made trips for travellers who want to go on an ornithologically focused holiday, so can advise you on the best lodges and areas for your birding interests.
Our top birdwatching safaris
Incredible biodiversity, raucous colonies and coveted rareities. Get inspired for your birdwatching holiday in Africa.
Pangolin Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$7,380 - US$13,710 per person
Kwara Camp
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.
Lebala Camp
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.
Lagoon Camp
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.
Reedbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$16,840 - US$34,050 per person
Mombo Camp
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.
Vumbura Plains
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.
Zarafa Camp
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.
Bushbuck Safari
8 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$12,250 - US$26,620 per person
Chitabe Lediba
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.
Little Vumbura
Little Vumbura is a first-rate camp for birdwatching, offering environments that range from shallow and deepwater floodplains and channels to dense, shady woodlands. Our sightings have included pygmy geese, slaty egret and a variety of owls.
DumaTau
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.
Jackal Fly-in Safari
8 days • 2 locations
DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
US$7,740 - US$9,960 per person
Beho Beho
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.
Ikuka Safari Camp
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.
Honey Badger Safari
6 days • 2 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$5,560 - US$8,300 per person
Kwara Camp
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.
Tau Pan Camp
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.
Steenbok Safari
9 days • 3 locations
MAUN AIRPORT TO MAUN AIRPORT
US$6,720 - US$11,410 per person
Savute Under Canvas
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.
Pelo Camp
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.
Machaba Camp
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.
Boehm's Zebra Safari
7 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
US$7,410 - US$9,140 per person
Kaingo Camp
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.
Mwamba Bushcamp
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.
Robin Pope Walking Safari
7 days • 3 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
US$6,500 - US$7,870 per person
Nkwali
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.
Nsefu
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.
Robin Pope mobile
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.
Dragonfish Island Holiday
4 days • 1 location
MAHÉ AIRPORT TO MAHÉ AIRPORT
US$18,120 - US$25,340 per person
North Island
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!
Greater Bushbaby Safari
8 days • 2 locations
LUSAKA AIRPORT TO LUSAKA AIRPORT
US$9,400 - US$12,260 per person
Chongwe River House
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.
Luangwa Safari House
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.
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Birdwatching holidays in Africa
Browse trip ideas by country.

Botswana
Much of northern Botswana consists of vast tracts of untouched wilderness with plenty of wildlife...

Kenya
Kenya is a prime destination for a birdwatching holiday at any time of year. Tremendous geographical ...

Malawi
Malawi has a number of species which are rare in the rest of Southern Africa, and birdwatching ...

Mozambique
Mozambique stretches over 2000km from north to south. It is a lush and varied country, and birding ...

Namibia
The best time for bird watching in Namibia is during the rains - typically between around November ...

Rwanda
Birdwatching in Rwanda is somewhat overlooked in favour of gorilla-trekking trips. However, birdlife ...

Seychelles
The Seychelles is a disparate group of islands - some granitic; some coralline - scattered around ...

South Africa
South Africa has the highest number of endemic bird species in mainland Africa. Birding in the ...

Tanzania
With a range of endemic bird species, Tanzania is a great location for a birdwatching holiday. ...

Zambia
Birdwatching in Zambia will reveal a mix of south, east and even central African birds. Birdlife ...

Zimbabwe
Whilst Zimbabwe doesn't have any endemics, it's still great for bird watching. A Zimbabwe holiday ...
Africa trips to appeal to many different interests
Click below for ideas, then call us to discuss what you want.
We will design a trip perfectly for you, around your interests.

Beach holidays
Discover Africa's coast and tropical islands.

Cultural experiences
Get an insight into Africa's cultures and history.

Diving & snorkelling
Find captivating marine life beneath the waves

Family holidays
Hand-picked camps for an incredible family safari.

Honeymoons
Romantic safaris and castaway island retreats.

Luxury
First-class service, scenic vistas and unparalleled comfort await you during these carefully selected luxury holidays.

Photography holidays
Great holidays to suit the keen photographer.

Private villas & houses
Enjoy Africa with just your friends & family

Riding holidays
Explore Africa's wilderness on horseback.

Solo Travel
Trip ideas ideally suited for a solo traveller.

Walking
Explore Africa's most scenic trails on foot.

Walking safaris
Explore Africa's untouched wildernesses on foot.

Wellbeing
Wellness escapes in stunning locations

Wildlife safaris
These trips include hard-hitting game and fascinatingly elusive species alike, as well as superb guiding and a variety of diverse ecosystems.
