Birding - Kruger National Park
Bird watching in the Kruger National Park is without a doubt one of the most rewarding experiences awaiting any avid or social birder. When last counted the Kruger Park’s bird list was standing on 517 species, and since then several more new species have been recorded.
Birding can be good in both the summer and winter months although most would suggest a vist in the summer months of October to March when migratory birds arrive increasing the species diversiy. The joy of birding in the winter are the ‘bird parties’ traveling together. Once located one of these bird parties can contain as many as 20 different species, and with food being more scarce birds are also more likely to tolerate human presence, coming closer and allowing for better views and photographic opportunities.
The Kruger Park is home to Africa’s biggest and smallest bird, the African Ostrich and the Grey Penduline Tit. Wherever you decide to stay there will always be a particular species to be seen in the area, or which the camp may be known for. The following is a list of the various camps in the Kruger Park and which species each camp is better known for as well as rarities that have been sighted at these camps in the past.
Crocodile Bridge -
Typical species: Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, White-browed Robin Chat
Uncommon and rare species: Pink-throated Twinspot, Black-throated Wattle-eye
Berg en Dal -
Typical species: Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Black-headed Oriole, Natal Francolin
Uncommon and rare species: Grey-headed Kingfisher, Eleonora’s Falcon, Orange-winged Pytilia (1 recording), Brown-backed Honeybird
Lower Sabie -
Typical species: Grey-headed Bushshrike, Marico Sunbird, African Dusky Flycatcher, African Green Pigeon
Uncommon and rare species: Long-crested Eagle, Purple Heron, Black-throated Wattle-eye
Pretoriuskop Camp -
Typical species: Brown-headed Parrot, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Purple-crested Turaco
Uncommon and rare species: Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Cape Batis, Cuckoo Hawk
Skukuza Camp -
Typical species: Black-collared Barbet, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Ashy Flycatcher, Bronze Mannikin
Uncommon and rare species: Grey Waxbill, Eurasian Hobby, Gorgeous Bushshrike, African Finfoot
Satara Camp -
Typical species: Ground-scraper Thrush, Bennett’s Woodpecker, African Scops Owl, Southern Black Tit
Uncommon and rare species: Eastern Nicator, Grey-backed Sparrowlark, Larklike Bunting
Orpen Camp -
Typical species: Collared Sunbird, White-crested Helmet Shrike, Yellow-breasted Apalis
Uncommon and rare species: Southern Hyliota (1 record from outside the camp)
Olifants Camp -
Typical species: Red-winged Starling, Dark-capped Bulbul, Yellow-bellied Greenbul
Uncommon and rare species: Pel’s Fishing Owl
Letaba Camp -
Typical species: Kurrichane Thrush, Barred Owlet, White-browed Robin Chat, African Mourning Dove
Uncommon and rare species: European Nightjar, Green-capped Eremomela, Collared Pratincole
Mopane Camp -
Typical species: White-breasted Cormorant, African Pied Wagtail, Stierling’s Wren Warbler, Golden-breasted Bunting
Uncommon and rare species: White-backed Night Heron, Barred Long-tailed Cuckoo, Caspian Plover
Shingwedzi Camp -
Typical species: Red-capped Robin Chat, Saddle-billed Stork, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Black Flycatcher
Uncomon and rare species: Collared Palm-thrush, Bat Hawk, Green-capped Eremomela
Punda Maria Camp -
Typical species: African Paradise Flycatcher, Black Cuckooshrike, Eastern Nicator, Black-throated Wattle-eye
Uncommon and rare species: Dickinson’s Kestrel, White-breasted Cuckooshrike, Arnot’s Chat, Grey-headed Parrot, Bohms and Mottled Spinetail’s
Rare or uncommon species are recorded in the park every year. Keep an eye-out because you never know what you might stumble upon.
If you have seen anything unusual or would like to share special sightings with us then please feel free to respond to this article.
Keep looking up!
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