Botswana is a relatively unspoiled paradise of wild adventures waiting to happen and there’s no doubt that safaris are one of the best things to do in Botswana. Wildlife abounds in the unspoiled wilderness areas of the country and the birdlife is prolific with around 500 species in attendance.
Animal and avian habits in Botswana range from the arid Kalahari to the lush Okavango, so it’s not surprise that you’ll find many birds of many a different feather in this part of the world. The untamed regions of this lush country are a twitchers paradise - here’s where to go and what to expect on your Botswana birding safari.
Okavango Delta
The Delta is Botswana’s prime destination for birding and wildlife safaris. An abundance of water and food sources mean you’ll find plenty of Botswana birds to concentrate your binoculars on.
October to February is the best time to visit the Okavango. You can explore your surroundings on novel mokoro trips or game drives and walks, which almost always yield awesome sightings.
Some of the birds to look out for in this part of the world include the slaty egret, lesser jacana and the coppery-tailed coucal. Critically endangered wattled crane thrive in this environment, fish eagles voice their unmistakable call overhead, and malachite kingfishers flicker in the lush riverine vegetation.
Other notable species found here include the African green pigeon, bateleur and hamerkop.
Selinda Spillway
Nestled alongside the panhandle of the delta and the Linyanti swamps, the floodplains of the Selinda Spillway are one of Botswana’s most untamed destinations.
The area abounds with birds of every shape and size from the diminutive half-collared kingfisher to domineering ostrich. From August to November, you’ll find migrating carmine bee eaters in abundance, the pied kingfisher is common year round and cranes, storks and herons are to be found wherever the water flows.
Other interesting species you’ll encounter in the Selinda Spillway include Bradfield’s hornbill, collared palm thrush and wattled crane.
Kalahari
Once you’ve ticked all the water birds off your list, head for the Central Kalahari Game Reserve for a look at some of the country’s less colourful species. This arid area is the domain of the San bushmen, black-maned lions and birds-a-plenty.
Keep your eyes peeled for African classics like helmeted guinea fowl, secretary bird and the lilac-breasted roller. The tawny eagle, crowned lapwing, white-backed vulture and shaft-tailed whydah add to the excitement.
More Things to do in Botswana
If you’d like to experience the best that Botswana has to offer, get in touch. We’ll help you plan an exciting itinerary filled with the best things to do in Botswana.
