Kruger National Park, South Africa
South Africa has plenty of excellent sites for birding. The unique ‘fynbos’ habitat at the Cape is the only place in the world where you can see species such as the Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird. The riverine forests and marshes of KwaZulu Natal host much wanted species such as Crowned Eagle, Livingstone’s Turaco and African Broadbill. Reserves in the central part of the country are also good for a number of interesting grassland species such as koorhans and a wealth of larks. However, if a birdwatcher on his or her first trip to Africa had to pick just one site for watching birds in South Africa, they couldn’t go wrong with visiting Kruger National Park.
One of the most famous parks in the world, the status of Kruger as a must see place for wildlife observation is well earned. It’s probably the most reliable place on Earth to see the “Big Five” of Africa, visitors have a good chance at seeing a Cheetah and they will see more African Elephants than they had ever imagined. Oh, and the birds are pretty good too. In fact, the birding is so good that birdwatchers will probably get sore arms from constantly using their binoculars. In Kruger Park, not only are there always birds in sight, but many of them are nothing short of spectacular.
Hulking Southern Ground-Hornbills stalk the grass until slowly taking to the air on massive white wings. Secretary Birds also walk through the grasslands on long, spindly legs while vultures, Marabou Storks and Black-necked Storks soar high overhead. Raptors in general are also common and easy to see in the savannah habitats of Kruger National Park. Birdwatchers will surely be witness to the graceful, aerial antics of Bateleur Eagles and they might also get lucky enough to see a massive Martial Eagle catch a guineafowl or small antelope. As for smaller birds, there are plenty of colourful barbets, starlings, parrots, mousebirds and turacos to watch as well. Most of these birds are pretty easy to find and see because the park lacks dense evergreen forest. Because of this, a scan with binoculars or a spotting scope often reveals birds such as eagles, shrikes, storks and others as they perch in the tops of Baobab trees.
With such a wealth of birds and wildlife, one might expect this national park to be difficult to visit. Fortunately for world birders, nothing could be further from the truth. Many areas of the park are meant to be visited on self driven tours, some areas are open to hiking, and there are plenty of accommodations, ranging from basic camps to luxurious lodges. Tours can of course also be taken and these provide the best chance for visiting birdwatchers to see the “big five” and connect with the “big six”. The lesser known “big six” is composed of the following spectacular bird species: Southern Ground-Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Martial Eagle, Pel’s Fishing-Owl and the Saddle-billed Stork. You have a fair chance of getting these on your own in Kruger National Park, but it will probably take a guide to see that fishing-owl.
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