What It Is
Specialized bird-focused excursions with expert ornithologist guides. Early starts, hides, and specific habitats targeted.
Visual Reference
Shoebill stork in papyrus swamp with birder photographing from distance
Best For
Birders; listers; photographers wanting avian subjects; nature enthusiasts
Consider Skipping If
Those impatient with extended waits; pure Big Five focus
Want to include dedicated birding safari in your safari?
Tell us what matters most to you
Best Season
Nov-Apr for migrants; year-round for residents
What to Know
Early starts; patience required; specialist guides cost more
Trade-Offs
What You Gain
Expert identification; access to specialties; builds impressive species list
What You Trade Away
Less mammal focus; requires patience; niche interest
Where Available
Dedicated Birding Safari is available in 9 destinations:
TanzaniaOver 1,100 species—Lake Manyara flamingos, Tarangire, Ngorongoro CraterKenyaLake Nakuru flamingos, Lake Naivasha, Lake Baringo, Kakamega ForestBotswanaOver 500 species—Delta, Chobe, Makgadikgadi flamingos in summerSouth AfricaOver 850 species—Kruger, iSimangaliso Wetland, DrakensbergZimbabweOver 670 species—Mana Pools, Matobo (raptors), Eastern HighlandsZambiaOver 750 species—South Luangwa (carmine bee-eaters), Liuwa Plain, Bangweulu Wetlands (shoebill)RwandaOver 700 species—Nyungwe (Albertine Rift endemics), AkageraUgandaOver 1,000 species—Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Mabamba Swamp for shoebillNamibiaCoastal flamingos, Etosha, Caprivi Strip