​Birds – Katavi NP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Bradt guidebooks to African destinations, including the guide to Tanzania.

Philip is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Philip is the author of the Bradt guidebook to Tanzania.

Katavi is mainly visited in the Dry season, which isn't the best time for birding, but the rivers harbor a large concentration of water-associated birds throughout the year. Particularly common are herons, plovers, spoonbills, African openbills and groups of stork including yellow-billed and saddle-billed stork. Raptors are well represented, with the fish eagle, bateleur and white-backed vulture being very common. Over 400 species have been recorded, and migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Katavi NP
› ‹
African fish eagle
Common
African openbill
Common
Lilac-breasted roller
Common
Pink-backed pelican
Common
Yellow-billed stork
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

Facts & Figures

Birds in Katavi NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

The birdlife in Katavi is good year-round, but at its best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are nesting and are in breeding plumage. The rains usually arrive in November and last until early June. For birding specifically, November to March is the best time. The problem, however, is that many roads become hard to travel after continuous rain. As a result, most camps are closed from March to May. For wildlife viewing, the middle and end of the Dry season (June-October) is considerably better.

Want To Visit Katavi NP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Katavi NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr