With 400-plus species recorded, Phinda Private Game Reserve is an excellent birding destination. The rare is home to several birds with limited national distribution, notably , , and Neergaard’s sunbird. These species, together with the gorgeous , are quite easily seen in the grounds of Phinda Forest Lodge, a favorite with birders. Dedicated bird-watching excursions can be arranged, and many guides at Phinda are expert birders. are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African broadbill
- African cuckoo hawk
- African finfoot
- Black coucal
- Collared pratincole
- Dwarf bittern
- Eastern nicator
- Gorgeous bush-shrike
- Green twinspot
- Lemon-breasted canary
- Narina trogon
- Neergaard’s sunbird
- Palm-nut vulture
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Pink-throated twinspot
- Rudd’s apalis
- Southern banded snake eagle
- Stierling’s wren-warbler
- Swamp nightjar
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching is a good experience year-round in Phinda, since many of the most alluring species are . However, the best time for seeing the widest variety of birds is from November to April, when from the northern hemisphere are present. The dry winter months from May to September are when general wildlife viewing is at its best.