Camdeboo has more than 225 birds on its checklist. A good mix of typical Karoo and Eastern Region species has been recorded as well as important populations of threatened species such as the elegant blue crane. Nqweba Dam is a great place for waterbirds, while the wildlife-viewing area will offer some grassland species. The rugged mountain area of Desolation Valley is excellent for raptors. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa(NE) near-endemic = lives in South Africa and neighboring countries
- Blue crane
- Brown-hooded kingfisher
- Cape weaver (E)
- Cardinal woodpecker
- Common kestrel
- Diederik cuckoo
- Double-banded courser
- Grey-winged francolin (NE)
- Karoo bustard (NE)
- Karoo prinia (NE)
- Karoo scrub robin (NE)
- Lesser honeyguide
- Levaillant’s cisticola
- Long-billed crombec
- Namaqua dove
- Northern black korhaan (E)
- Pale chanting goshawk
- Piping cisticola
- South African shelduck
- Southern anteater chat
- Southern tchagra (NE)
- Speckled mousebird
- Swee waxbill (NE)
- Tit-babbler
Best Time for Bird Watching
Although good throughout the year, bird watching is at its prime during the months of November through April, when the migratory birds from northern Africa and Europe have arrived.