Birding in Botswana has quickly become an essential part of the safari experience—one that draws not only the dedicated bird enthusiasts but also casual nature lovers. With its stunning diversity of birds, vibrant colours, unique shapes, and fascinating behaviours, Botswana offers a birdwatching experience that rivals any other in Africa. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-timer, it’s hard not to be captivated by the sheer abundance and beauty of the avian life that thrives here.

But how can you, as a birder, make the most of your time in this birding paradise? Here are a few key tips to help you maximise your birding experience in Botswana.

1. Choose the Right Season for Birding

The season you visit can dramatically affect your birding experience in Botswana. For optimal birdwatching, the green season (from November to March) is your best bet. This is when the rainy season transforms the landscape into a lush, vibrant haven, attracting migratory birds from all over the world. During these months, you’ll encounter a wealth of bird species, from brightly coloured bee-eaters and hornbills to the rare and elusive raptors.

Migratory species like the European Rollers  are at their peak during this time, making for excellent birding opportunities. The green season also offers photographers a unique advantage: the lush vegetation which creates the perfect backdrop for capturing stunning bird portraits, although often the cloudy skies require some creative work from the photographer. 

However, it's worth noting that if you're particularly keen on seeing large wildlife, the dry season (May to October) might be a better fit. While birdlife is still abundant, the focus during this time often shifts more toward big game sightings.

2. Pick Your Birding Destination

Botswana is home to a wide variety of habitats, each offering different birding opportunities. The Okavango Delta is arguably the country's birding hotspot, with its intricate network of waterways and lush floodplains attracting a staggering variety of species. Here, you'll find everything from elusive pelicans to the striking African Fish Eagle perched on the reeds.

Other notable destinations for birding in Botswana include:

• Chobe National Park: A fantastic spot for birding along the Chobe River, especially for raptors and the endangered African Skimmer.
• Makgadikgadi Salt Pans: This semi-arid landscape offers excellent opportunities to spot migratory waders, especially during the wet season.
• Nxai Pan National Park: Known for its salt pans, this area offers sightings of birds that prefer drier, more open environments, such as the Secretarybird and Kori Bustard.

Incorporating these different habitats into your itinerary will give you a well-rounded birding experience and increase your chances of spotting a wider variety of species.

3. Specialist Guides Make All the Difference

When booking your birding safari, it's crucial to communicate your interest in birdwatching. Many safari operators offer specialised birding tours with expert guides who are not only passionate about birds but are also highly skilled at spotting and identifying species. These guides know the best times and locations for bird sightings, and they’re equipped with the knowledge to teach you about bird behaviour, migration patterns, and the ecological importance of different species.

Specifying that you're particularly interested in birds when making your booking ensures that you’ll be assigned a guide with in-depth expertise in avian life. This will greatly enhance your experience, as they’ll be able to help you identify birds both by sight and sound, providing you with a much richer, more informative safari.

4. Opt for a Private Vehicle (If Possible)

If your budget allows, it’s worth considering booking a private vehicle for your safari. While many safari experiences are conducted in shared vehicles, having a private vehicle gives you the freedom to focus on birding without worrying about the other guests’ interests. Birding often requires patience, as you'll need time to observe and photograph species, especially the more elusive ones.

With a private vehicle, you can ask the guide to stop and linger over a particular bird sighting or take a detour to check out an area with promising potential—without feeling rushed. This ensures that you get the most out of each sighting, whether you're tracking a bird's flight patterns or snapping the perfect shot.

5. Invest in Your Own Birding Gear

While most safari camps will provide shared birding books and binoculars, investing in your own pair of high-quality binoculars and a Southern Africa bird guidebook will significantly enhance your experience. Having your own equipment means you’ll be ready to go at a moment’s notice, and you won’t have to worry about sharing with other guests during your game drive.

A good pair of binoculars allows you to get a closer view of distant birds, helping you appreciate their intricate plumage and behaviours. Meanwhile, a field guide can assist you in identifying unfamiliar species on the spot, providing you with more context and making each sighting that much more rewarding.

6. Practice Patience and Observation

Birding is often a slow-paced, meditative activity. It requires patience and an observant eye. Many birds in Botswana are adept at hiding among the trees or reeds, so it’s important to remain calm and allow your guide to lead the way. Your guide will likely know where to look, but you can also enhance your birding skills by staying alert, scanning the sky, and listening for calls.

Sometimes, the most rewarding sightings are the ones that require you to pause, wait, and observe. Whether it’s a pair of lilac-breasted rollers in flight or a raptor soaring high overhead, patience is key.

7. Capture the Moments

If you’re a bird photographer, Botswana offers endless opportunities to capture stunning shots. The vibrant colours of the birds, especially against the green landscape of the rainy season, make for incredible photos. However, it’s important to remember that good bird photography requires not just the right equipment but also the right technique.

Invest in a telephoto lens, as many of the birds you'll encounter will be distant or perched high in trees. Additionally, understand your camera settings—having a fast shutter speed will help freeze motion, while a wide aperture can help you blur the background, making the birds stand out in sharp focus.

So, pack your binoculars, grab your field guide, and prepare to discover the avian wonders of Botswana—it's a birdwatcher’s paradise waiting to be explored!