Augrabies Falls National Park is an excellent birding destination with more than 180 species included on the official checklist. It is especially good for , with being the star attraction as it breeds on the cliffs of the gorge. Several specials are , including and the . The self-guided Dassie Trail offers great bird-watching opportunities on foot. are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = most of the global population is resident in South Africa- Alpine swift
- Black stork
- Black swift
- Black-chested prinia
- Cape bunting
- Cinnamon-breasted warbler (NE)
- Common kestrel
- Double-banded courser
- Double-banded sandgrouse
- Dusky sunbird
- Fairy flycatcher (NE)
- Karoo bustard
- Karoo chat
- Ludwig’s bustard
- Mountain wheatear
- Namaqua sandgrouse
- Namaqua warbler (NE)
- Pale-winged starling
- Peregrine falcon
- Plain martin
- Pririt batis
- Pygmy falcon
- Red-billed firefinch
- Rosy-faced lovebird
- Short-toed rock thrush
- Verreaux’s eagle
Best Time for Bird Watching
Although it can get extremely hot from November to April, often uncomfortably so between December and February, this is ultimately the best time for birding in Augrabies Falls. It’s then that birds are present in addition to species. For hiking, wildlife viewing and just enjoying the spectacular environment, the milder winter months (May to September) are optimal.