Bird Watching in Africa
A signature tip we offer to those taking a trip to Africa for the first time: “Always be open and aware of your surroundings because some of the most spectacular animals and visions are hidden in plain sight.”
One of the best places to look for animals and observe Africa’s natural beauty is right above your head. With a variety of exotic birds and animals sitting in the treetops, it can be extremely easy to drive or walk right past them.
Here are three tips to ensure you see everything there is to see in the African treetops and sky while on your African family safari or honeymoon safari:
1. Listen:
It’s easy to allow the cheerful symphony of bird songs to act as your safari background music, but it’s essential to actively listen to the nearby sounds and songs of nature if you want to find as many birds as possible. If you don’t truly listen to your surroundings, you may miss out on observing an unusual array of hundreds of bird species–some of the most riveting visions in Africa.
If you choose to go on a bird watching safari or tour, it’s important to keep in mind that bird watching requires more than your eyes. Stop to listen to the sounds of the bush and allow your eyes to follow what you hear. You may find that your ears do most of the work when trying to detect the location of birds.
Because many countries in Africa contain upwards of 500 species of birds each, birds surround you at almost every moment while you’re on an African safari tour. Also, birds can be seen from the comfort of your private veranda or even perched on your veranda.
So, if you’re a bird watching fanatic, you’ll find that Africa is your ultimate paradise.
Africa safari tour
2. Keep your eyes and head moving:
Remaining focused on the area straight in front of you will only yield a few magnificent sights. The key to enhancing your safari experience is to observe your surroundings in panoramic fashion. Move your eyes and head slowly, surveying the land to your left, to your right, and behind you. Tilt your head upwards for a look into the lush treetops and branches. You may be surprised to find some of Africa’s most wonderful creatures observing you from above. From leopards to monkeys, and birds to reptiles, African trees hold many exotic creatures that can only be seen through attentive observation and surveying.
3. Find relaxation in the velvety night sky:
One of the best times to look above while on your Africa safari vacation is during the night. When the sun sets on the horizon and a cool, dark blanket covers the sky, an incredible display of brilliant stars can be seen from your private veranda or the comfort of a romantic dinner for two outside. It’s as if the night sky comes to life. And, instead of seeing individual constellations, the whole sky seems to be filled with stars–incomparable to any other place on earth.
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Funny, this applies to us Africans as well. We miss so much of the beauty that’s around us. I once stayed at a friend’s place, out of town, and the trees were vibrant with weaverbirds. The sound was heavenly!
And the night skies are best in the villages/upcountry without the pollution. Beautiful clear skies.
Yes Jeremiah, the sounds of the weaver birds are truly extraordinary!! And you are absolutely right regarding the night sky in the villages–they are truly magnificent and much clearer than the more populated cities.
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