With over 250 species recorded, Shamwari is an excellent birding destination. However, as in many private reserves, birding tends to be overlooked with checking off flagship species like the Big Five being the main emphasis. Sharing game drives with other people that might not share a birding interest could be frustrating. In that case, it is advisable to book private wildlife drives. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(E) endemic = only lives in South Africa(NE) near-endemic = lives in South Africa and neighboring countries
- African darter
- African fish eagle
- African spoonbill
- Black harrier
- Black-winged kite
- Bokmakierie
- Booted eagle
- Cape starling
- Cape weaver
- Familiar chat
- Karoo scrub robin (NE)
- Knysna woodpecker (E)
- Malachite kingfisher
- Northern black korhaan (E)
- Pale chanting goshawk
- Red-billed oxpecker
- Secretary bird
- Sombre greenbul
- South African shelduck
- Southern anteater chat
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching is good throughout the year, but at its best from November to April, when the migrants from north Africa and Europe are present.