Tucked away in the bush of South Africa, away from city streets and lights, are more than 850 species of birds. This vast array of birdlife varies greatly in size, colour, and behaviour – making the nation a bird enthusiast’s dream. While increasing business opportunities draw more and more international executives to South Africa, even greater numbers of tourists are flocking to the nation because of the abundant wildlife and birdlife this African hub has to offer.

In the Drakensberg region alone, a bird watcher can site nearly 300 species of birds, some of which are endangered species. One such bird is the Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier. These incredible predatory birds have been spotted flying as high as an altitude of 24,000 feet. Their wing span is nearly ten feet wide, and the speed at which these giant birds move make them a breath-taking sight to take in. They are most famous for not only their size but their methods of obtaining sustenance. After flying to insurmountable heights, the Bearded Vulture purposefully drops the bones of his prey so that the impact of hitting the ground breaks the bones, exposing the marrow that makes up about ninety percent of their diets; this vulture has therefore also earned the nickname “bone-breaker”.

The Tembe Elephant Park in KwaZulu-Natal has far more wildlife than elephants to see. Home to almost 350 species of birds, this is the place to see a variety of migratory birds. The Steppe Eagle for example migrates every winter all the way from Eastern Europe to the bottom of the African continent to enjoy the comfortable warm climates of the savannas. These beautiful creatures feast mainly on the carcasses of dead animals but also enjoy feeding on partridges, rabbits and rodents. While vacationing in the Tembe Elephant Park, bird watchers will also enjoy glimpses of the African Marsh-harrier and the Lemon-breasted Canary which prefer dwelling near the swamplands.

The Mpumalanga province of South Africa also boasts a diverse arrangement of endemic and endangered birds. Situated in the eastern part of the nation, between the borders of Swaziland and Mozambique, is the Wakkerstroom birding site where you can find the endemic Yellow-breasted Pipit. This highly sought-after bird has remained quite elusive because the cost of seeing one will usually call for many hours in a chilly mist of grassland. The prize is therefore most rewarding. It’s best for bird watchers to take guides along when exploring the Wakkerstroom birding site because much of the land is private property on which bird guides have been given the necessary clearance.

The Birds of Eden aviary is a must-see for any bird-watcher visiting the Western Cape province of South Africa. Located on the famous Garden Route, this site has been declared the largest free-flight aviary in the world and happens to be home to South Africa’s national bird, the endangered Blue Crane. This is the only crane in existence without a spot of red on his coat which cranes normally use to keep predators away. Unlike any other crane, the Blue Crane expands the feathers on his head while hissing and dancing violently to scare away any enemies.

When bird watching, remember to wear dull-coloured clothing that will easily blend in with nature as well as tighter-fitting clothing that will enable you to move silently through the bush. Leech socks and boots are a wise choice to keep the insects away if you’ll be trekking through the woods. After finding a good spot, be as still as possible in order to make your presence hidden; this is the best way to spot birdlife you would have otherwise missed. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars behind, and you may want to take a guide with you if you’re unfamiliar to the area and/or local birdlife. The warm months, September to March, is the best part of the year to bird watch in South Africa. For more interesting articles on nature and eco-tourism visit the Kondowe site.

Tags: bird watching, bushveld, holiday, nature reserve