Image taken by one of our clients Gary Harwyn

With various types of eco-systems throughout southern Africa, birding is an absolute delight. From watering holes to cracked mud plains, and vast lagoons to the African bush, birds of all shapes, colors, and sizes can be found while on safari. And for the bird-lover at heart, a private bird watching safari with a bird safari guide specialist is the ultimate treat.

While on a private birding safari, you’ll spend all of your time in search of birds rather than larger game, and be able to get at close range to these exotic birds for the ultimate photographs. On your private birding safari, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide helping you spot the birds and providing you with an infinite amount of facts and tidbits about each species.

Where to go: Although birding throughout all of southern and eastern Africa is exceptional, some of the best places to enjoy a birding safari are Zambia and Mauritius.

Comprised of a handful of varying terrains, including riverine woodland, mopane forests, lagoons, and escarpments, Zambia is a lush haven for nearly 740 species of birds, and is the perfect place to take a walking safari catered to bird viewing. Unlike a traditional game drive where the sound of the motor can easily scare away the birds and muffle their calls, a walking safari enables you to hear all of the birds singing and chattering in the silence of the woodlands.

Mauritius is another prime location to enjoy a private birding safari. With a tropical climate, Mauritius is home to a variety of exotic bird species, many which are endemic to the island, including the elusive pink pigeon. Other rare species that call this island home include the pic-pic, echo parakeet (the rarest parrot in the world), the cuckoo shrike, the olive white-eye, and more.

Image taken by one of our clients, Gary Harwyn

When to go: Although bird viewing is wonderful year-round, the months between November and March yield some of the best birding sights and sounds. As millions of migratory birds flock to Africa from Europe and Asia and residential birds are in lush breeding plumage during these months, the floodplains and rivers of Africa fill with all types of birds, sounds, and colorful visions. Some bird species to see near the water, to name a very few, include warblers, storks, swallows, waders, and other water-dwelling birds.

Other species of birds you’ll see throughout the year include various species of heron, eagle, king fisher, stork, bee-eater, hornbill, dove, and much, much more.

What to bring: For walking safaris, you want to be sure that you are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes and are not holding any excessive amount of photography equipment. Too much equipment can slow you down and tire you quickly, and often, when taking too much time to set up equipment, a shot can be lost. We suggest bringing a pair of binoculars, a journal or recording device, a high definition camera with a strap and good lens, and perhaps even a small, portable tripod.

How to prepare: Before embarking on your exciting birding safari, it would behoove you to purchase a book or two on prominent bird species found throughout the region you are visiting. Brushing up on your bird facts and pictures before venturing out into the woodlands and other terrain can help you better spot species and know what to look for in their behavior.

**More images below, which were taken by one of our clients, Gary Harwyn:

Have you always dreamed about experiencing the ultimate birding safari?

African Fish Eagle

by Mark Homann, certified safari guide

One of Africa’s most striking and easily recognizable eagles is the African fish eagle. Similar in its appearance to America’s Bald Eagle, the fish eagle’s white mantle, head, and breast are offset by a chestnut abdomen and black under parts. These birds have a hauntingly beautiful call that is synonyms with Africa’s wild places and can be seen on African safari tours. With long claws that allow them to grasp fish, they are almost always found near water and are masters at fishing. Their broad wings help them to soar in the lightest breeze, and provide maximum power to lift fish out of the water.

The African fish eagle catches most of its fish between 5 to 12 inches in the water and has been known to catch fish as heavy as itself at about 8 pounds—although it’s more likely to catch fish smaller than this. Short fishing trips are conducted from a perch or on the wing. They will locate fish by sight although there is evidence that they can also find their prey from splashing sounds. While mainly a fish eating bird, they have been recorded hunting flamingoes and feeding on carrion.

These birds will often call in duet as a way to maintain their pair bond and mark their territories.  They are most vocal during the mating season when the male will fly high above his mate and then dive back down towards her. As he approaches her, she will turn on her back offering her talons to his.

Nesting in tall trees in the canopy, the African fish eagle’s nest is a flat-topped structure that’s about 45 inches deep and 60 inches across. One to three white eggs, occasionally marked with red, are laid and then incubated by both the male and female for a period of approximately 45 days.  Occasionally, two chicks will leave the nest but the survival of only one is the norm. The nestlings begin to leave the nest within 75 days and will not gain their adult plumage until they are 5 years-old.

What animal would you want to see us spotlight? Let us know in our comments section.