Karoo National Park is one of the best birding spots in the Great Karoo. Its bird list of over 200 species includes many Karoo specials, such as Karoo bustard and Karoo long-billed lark. As is often the case, the best birding is in and around the campsite – take a stroll out there even if you’re not camping. Also look out for the Verreaux’s eagle soaring over the cliffs. The bird shelter at the dam is an excellent place to add some waders to your list. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = lives in South Africa and neighboring countries- Acacia pied barbet
- African rock pipit
- African red-eyed bulbul
- Black stork
- Booted eagle
- Cape robin-chat
- Chat flycatcher
- Chestnut-vented warbler
- Cinnamon-breasted warbler (NE)
- Common swift
- Dusky sunbird
- Karoo eremomela (NE)
- Karoo bustard (NE)
- Karoo long-billed lark (NE)
- Karoo scrub robin (NE)
- Layard’s tit-babbler
- Ludwig’s bustard
- Namaqua warbler (NE)
- Pale-winged starling
- Pririt batis
- Red-headed finch
- Rufous-eared warbler
- Short-toed rock thrush
- Sickle-winged chat
- South African shelduck
- Tractrac chat
- Verreaux’s eagle
- Yellow-bellied eremomela
Best Time for Bird Watching
November to April is when migrants are present, so this is, ultimately, the best time for bird watching. This is, however, the hottest time of year and the heat can be extreme. It’s cooler from May to September, and a visit during this period makes for a more pleasant overall experience.