Birding Rating
Expert Rating - Birding
User Rating - Birding
Bird Species
Over
species
Migratory Birds
November
to
April
Birds of Okavango Delta
More than 400 bird species have been recorded in the delta. With a constant water presence, this is a prime birding destination, especially for waders and other water-loving species. Birding tends to be productive because walking is one of the main activities in the delta, and the guides are knowledgeable. Sliding through the channels in a mokoro (dugout canoe) is a great way to get close to many species, such as malachite kingfisher and African jacana.
Notable birds
African fish eagleCommon
BateleurCommon
Green pigeonCommon
HamerkopCommon
Saddle-billed stork Common
Slaty egretRare
Birding specials – Treats for avid birders
(E) = endemic to Botswana & (NE) = near endemic to Botswana
(E) = endemic to Botswana & (NE) = near endemic to Botswana
- Black coucal See photos
- Black-breasted snake eagle See photos
- Coppery-tailed coucal See photos
- Fulvous duck See photos
- Great swamp warbler See photos
- Lesser jacana See photos
- Martial eagle See photos
- Pel's fishing owl See photos
- Pink-throated longclaw See photos
- Pygmy goose See photos
- Red-eyed bulbul See photos
- Senegal coucal See photos
- Slaty egret See photos
- Swamp boubou See photos
- Wattled crane See photos
- White-rumped babbler See photos
Best time for bird watching
The Okavango Delta is excellent for bird watching throughout the year, but the ideal time is in the Wet season, from November to April, when summer migrants swoop into the delta. April might be the best compromise, as from January to March many areas become inaccessible. Otherwise, it is essential to choose your lodge within the delta carefully. Wildlife viewing is better during the dry months from July to October.
The Okavango Delta is excellent for bird watching throughout the year, but the ideal time is in the Wet season, from November to April, when summer migrants swoop into the delta. April might be the best compromise, as from January to March many areas become inaccessible. Otherwise, it is essential to choose your lodge within the delta carefully. Wildlife viewing is better during the dry months from July to October.
Best parks for birding – including birding rating
Birdlife is especially rich in the northern parks, where permanent water is present. The other semi-arid parks still offer reasonable birding and the opportunity to see dry-country specials.
