Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Botswana.
With 615 recorded species, Botswana is a superb birding destination. It doesn’t have endemic species (birds that only occur in Botswana), but several have quite small home ranges. The country’s extraordinarily diverse habitat ranges from Delta wetlands to the arid salt lakes and bushland of the Kalahari: both waterbirds and dry-country specials can be seen. Great numbers of migratory birds are present from November to April, especially in the country’s north.
Notable Birds in Botswana
Common
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Endemic & Near-endemic Birds
Botswana has no endemic birds.(NE) near-endemic = also lives in neighboring countries
Other Birding Specials–Treats for Avid Birders
Facts & Figures
Best Time for Bird Watching
Birding in Botswana is excellent year-round, but best from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe and northern Africa are present. At this time, many resident bird species are also nesting and in breeding plumage. This coincides with the Wet season (November to March) and parts of the country may be difficult to access from January to March because of the rains. Some lodges also close during this period. For general wildlife viewing, the Dry season (April to October) is better.
Best Parks for Birding –Includes Birding Rating
Birdlife is particularly rich in the northern parks, especially Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, where permanent water is present. The semi-arid parks, such as Central Kalahari Game Reserve, provide the chance to see dry-country specials.
- Okavango Delta 4.6/5 140 Birding Ratings
- Moremi GR 4.5/5 87 Birding Ratings
- Chobe NP 4.5/5 163 Birding Ratings
- Central Kalahari GR 3.9/5 36 Birding Ratings
- Makgadikgadi Pans NP 3.7/5 33 Birding Ratings
Recommended Birding Books
Want To Visit Botswana?
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Facts & Figures
