When booking a safari in a "Big 5" game reserve, most people set their sights on mammals—whether it's tracking a predator or witnessing a large herd of elephants. And rightly so! But since animals roam freely in the wild, there are no guarantees that they’ll be where you want them, when you want them. So, what do we do to stay entertained when the big mammals aren’t showing up? We turn our attention to the birds.
Birding isn’t usually at the top of most safari-goers’ priorities, but it absolutely should be! By paying closer attention to birds, a good game drive can turn into an exceptional one. Here’s why:
A Chance to See Something New
South Africa alone is home to over 800 recorded bird species, with nearly 1,000 species across Southern Africa. With such incredible diversity, there’s always something new to discover.
Appeals to the Inner “Collector”
Many birdwatchers keep lists, ticking off species as they see them. This taps into the collector’s instinct in all of us. There’s nothing quite like spotting a bird for the first time (a “lifer”), marking it off on your list, and watching your species count climb. And if you’re lucky enough to spot a rare bird, the bragging rights among fellow birders are unbeatable. A good birding app where you can collect them on is called 'Roberts 2', definitely recommended if you are a keen birder on a safari. My list at the moment stands on 415 individuals, but always looking in ways to expand the list.
A Fun Puzzle to Solve
When you come across an unfamiliar bird, identifying it becomes an exciting challenge. Flipping through bird books, comparing markings, and spotting subtle differences turn the experience into a real-life puzzle—sometimes against the clock before the bird flies away!
A Photographer’s Dream
If you enjoy photography, birds can be the perfect subject. Take the Lilac-Breasted Roller, for example. When the light hits just right, its plumage reveals up to eight different colors. These birds often perch near roads, waiting for insects to cross open spaces, and they are typically quite tolerant of vehicles—making them South Africa’s most photographed bird.
Unique Interactions in the Wild
Birds offer fascinating glimpses into nature’s intricate social systems. The White-Crested Helmetshrike, for instance, lives in family groups where an alpha male and female are the only ones to breed. The rest of the group assists with nest-building, incubation, and feeding. When it's time to swap incubation duties, the flock gathers in the nesting tree, pretending to forage while the birds switch places—tricking potential predators into losing track of the nest’s location and keeping their young safe.
So next time you’re on safari and things seem a little quiet on the big game front, grab your binoculars, pick up a bird book, and start pointing out birds to your guide. You may just spot something extraordinary to add to your life list.
Fair warning, though—birding can be highly addictive!
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