Enjoy spectacular birding in Africa`s greatest wilderness areas – Botswana…..

There are so many areas to see:

- the bird-rich Chobe River, Chobe National Park and surrounding forests
- the world-famous Okavango Delta, the finest wetland in Southern Africa
- the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and Kalahari Desert
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve

There is a strong possibility that you will also see big game, as the top birding areas are in game country too. There are many specialist bird guides in Botswana to escort you on your birding safari. Many various modes are available for your birding safari in Botswana, namely by boat, by mokoro, on foot and in 4×4 safari vehicles.

577 bird species including over 500 regularly occurring species are found in Botswana, so this country is a `must see` on any birders itinerary.
There are no endemic bird species in Botswana, but populations of globally threatened Wattled Crane and Slaty Egret are of international importance.
East of the Makgadikgadi Pans, lies Sowa Pan and when flooded attracts significant numbers of Lesser and Greater Flamingos.

Best time for birding in Botswana – there is no bad time of the year to visit Botswana.
The most productive time of the year in which to see birds (when the number of bird species is at its highest with migratory species having arrived in Botswana and resident species are in breeding plumage) is late November to March. Over 150 different species may be recorded in a day at this time.
Birding in the dry months is still good as certain species of woodland birds, in particular the passerines, having completed their breeding during the rainy season, form multi-species “bird parties” which forage together.

Various birding safaris you can participate in are:-

Accommodated private lodge/camp safari.

You will participate on safari with a professional guide who is not a specialist birder. You will also be with other people who are not necessarily birders. The emphasis of the safari is on game drives and boat trips and will be on general game viewing as well as birding.

A birding-lodge tour with a specialist bird guide.
This will involve flying in a light aircraft from one lodge to another. Once at the lodges/private camp, birding is done in 4×4 vehicles, in boats or on foot. Emphasis will be on the birding and then general game viewing.

A birding tour led by a specialist bird guide driving to and between lodges/private camps.
These privately-run lodges and camps are of a high standard. This option will more cross-country driving time on the road than flying from lodge to lodge. This type of travel allows you to fully appreciate the subtle changes in the environment as you move from one area to the next.

Allow our Africa experts to plan your birding adventure in Botswana. We have many safari options and we are flexible to cater for your specific requirements.
Below are some sample itineraries for your perusal.