With its tropical climate, the Kruger Lowveld is a birding destination of note. Various birding habitats can be found within the region, which contribute to the diversity of birdlife. Such habitats include grassland, forest, wetland and mountain habitats.
Kruger National Park
The region’s greatest number of bird species can be found within this vast ecological area. These include shrikes, rollers, raptors and of course the largest bird, the ostrich.
Blyde River Canyon
The canyon spans over 20m in length and is a habitat for a wide variety of bird species such as the Taita Falcon, the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the Half-collared kingfisher.
Blue Swallow Natural Heritage Site
Located in Kaapsehoop, is mainly grassland and rocky outcrops which is the perfect habitat for bush Blackcap and the Olive Bush-shrike. This site once held the largest Blue Swallow population in Mpumalanga.
Songimvelo Nature Reserve
With the highest know diversity in plant species, Songimvelo Nature Reserve also supports over 300 species within the reserve. The different terrain is home to the Southern Bal Ibis and the Black-winged Lapwing.
Make use of one of the region’s community bird guides who are experts on the terrain and are highly trained and knowledgeable on where special bird species can be found. Local communities play a huge role in conservation which helps in its preservation. For local community guides in our area https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/