World Tour: Take stock of africa's top five bird watching locations!
Birds are not just for birds. They are a fascinating and diverse group of animals, and they often do not receive the attention they deserve compared to mammals in Africa. However, once you take the time to look at some of the smaller animals while you travel the wild, you'll realize the importance of birds because they will attract your attention, color, diversity, and behavior.
Ngorongoro Heights, Tanzania
The Ngorongoro Heights region is a mecca for bird watching in Africa. The main reason for this is the huge diversity of more than 500 species of birds that can be found here. The area has many different habitats, including high-altitude forests, dry savannas, soda lakes, grasslands, and rocky cliffs. Each of these habitats has its own special bird compliments, and thanks to this high ()) – high oasis is rather isolated in northern Tanzania, it contains a large number of endemic and near-endemic species (endemic species are species found only in specific species areas). The flamingos that inhabit Lake Magadi (a large lake on the ground of the crater) are a real attraction for birds. Combine these with high altitude features,
It is worth mentioning (Jackson's Widow, Little Flamingo, Hildebrand's Francolin, Tacazze Sunbird): More than 500
Serengeti Ecosystem, Tanzania
The Serengeti ecosystem is vast and full of life. With an enviable total of over 500 species of birds, this incredible park is at the top of many, and even interest in birds is high. Even if you're not a bird, at the end of your Serengeti tour, you'll be captivated by the variety of colors and behaviors on display! There are always birds to see here, so during the quieter period when the game starts, you can enjoy focusing on the small things. Most senior guides will tell you that they really enjoy observing the variety of birds. Around the Serengeti, the top species to look for include the Grey-crowned Helmet Berau (a very localized crowd), the black-bellied bust (champagne bird) and its spectacular courtship show, and Fischer's lovebird (an amazing colorful parrot threatened by the pet trade).
It is worth mentioning: (reddish-brown Weaver, silver bird, grey-crowned helmet Berau, Egyptian vulture, gray starling, Fischer's love bird): more than 500 species
Okavango Delta, Botswana
The Okavango Delta is one of the largest wetland ecosystems in Africa. Its location in the Kalahari Desert makes this swamp as attractive as birds and large animals. The intersection of habitats between arid semi-deserts and lush marshlands has led to more than 400 species of birds recorded here. While looking for the elusive pel's fishing owl, take a boat trip across the Papyrus Strait and the African Osprey around, making it an unforgettable experience for self-proclaimed birds and non-birds alike! Many of the small islands are home to smaller, colorful birds such as fondues and waxbirds. On the water' surface, the African pygmy goose (actually a duck) and two jacana species inhabit between water lilies, providing some fantastic photo opportunities.
It is worth mentioning: (Rose-throated dragon, pel's fishing owl, hobby crane, African pygmy goose, brown fire finch): more than 400 species
Boondi's difficult-to-traverse forests, Uganda
Bwindi's hard-to-traverse forest is one of the harder places to see birds (as the name suggests), but if you persevere, then the reward is there. Dense rainforest vegetation often hides bright birds that often inhabit it – species that are bright enough to fight low light levels for display. However, safari activities on the edge of the bwindi are a great way to see these special birds. The Albertine Rift Valley is a branch of the Great Rift Valley of East Africa that is characterized by isolated mountainous areas. These provide some unique habitat for birds, and as such, there are 25 species of birds endemic to the Aberdeen Rift Valley. For anyone interested in indulging their other senses, the echo of this little bird calling around the forest is a symphony of ears. They are African soundtracks.
It is worth mentioning: (African geese, black hummingbirds, ruwenzori apalis, blue-headed sunbirds): more than 350 species
Zululand, South Africa
South Africa is one of the worldview bird hotspots with more than 1,000 species – around 10% of the world's birds! Zululand, located at the northeast corner of South Africa's coastline, has the chance to see about a third of the sa birds. The Grand Kruger region received an honorable mention for having more birds here, but the Zuluran contains some very special and interesting birds. Aptly named ornate bush Berau, with its bright red throat and greenish-yellow body, is a true birdwatcher. The pink twin is a small bird that hides in the bushes most of the time, but it is highly sought after in the bird watching world. The forests of Zululand are home to African monkey hunting crowned eagles,
It is worth mentioning: (francolin with top decoration, gorgeous shrike, harlequin quail, pink twins, wide-billed rollers): more than 340 kinds
Julian Carter-Manning is the co-founder and MD of Hello Zebra Safaris. Yellow Zebra Safaris is an award-winning luxury and adventure tourism company that specializes in 'African Safaris'.