​Birds – Kgalagadi TP

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

The Kgalagadi has an impressive bird checklist of just over 300 species, but only 102 of those are resident. The park is renowned for its birds of prey, with 46 species recorded. Some of the raptors you can expect to see are black-chested snake eagle, bateleur, white-backed and lappet-faced vulture and tawny eagle. Sociable weavers often share their enormous nests with pygmy falcons. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Kgalagadi TP
› ‹
Crimson-breasted shrike
Common
Pale chanting goshawk
Common
Secretary bird
Occasional
Sociable weaver
Common
Swallow-tailed bee-eater
Common

Birding Rating

Birding Specials –Treats for Avid Birders

(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa
(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kgalagadi TP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Bird watching in Kgalagadi is always good, but especially so from November to April, when you can observe migrant birds, as well as resident species. The midday heat can be extreme at this time, however, so it is important to plan accordingly. The cooler winter months, from May to September, offer the best overall climatic conditions.

Want to Visit Kgalagadi TP?

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Kgalagadi TP
Bird Species
300+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr