​Birds – Addo Elephant NP

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’.

Addo Elephant Park has grown in size over the years to include several sections with different habitats. This has led to an impressive bird checklist of over 400 species, including several endemics unique to South Africa. Bird Island, which can be visited only by special arrangement, is home to the world’s largest colony of cape gannets and a huge colony of African penguins. Migratory birds are present from November to April.

Notable Birds in Addo Elephant NP
› ‹
Black-headed heron
Common
Cape starling
Common
Capped wheatear
Locally common
Chinspot batis
Common
Jackal buzzard
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 Addo Elephant NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr

Best Time for Bird Watching

Addo Elephant’s bird watching is best during the migratory season, when birds from Europe and north Africa are present (November to April), although it’s generally good year-round.

Want To Visit Addo Elephant NP?

10 Addo Elephant Safaris

Birding Rating

Facts & Figures

Birds in Addo Elephant NP
Bird Species
400+
Migratory Birds
Nov to Apr