Birdwatching is something I have been passionate about since I was young and is a hobby I find very rewarding. South Africa’s biodiversity makes it one of the world's best birdwatching destinations, offering an incredible variety of habitats and more than 1000 recorded bird species. Its diverse landscapes offer grasslands, forests, mountains and wetlands that attract an incredible abundance and variety of birds in some of the most spectacular scenery.

Through a combination of research and personal experience, here is my list of South Africa’s best birding destinations, the ones that really deserve a place on your travel itinerary.

1. Kruger National Park

Not many places rival the Kruger National Park for wildlife, and that includes birds. With more than 500 bird species, Kruger is one of Africa’s absolute best bird-watching destinations.

Birds to look for:

• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Saddle-billed Stork
• Martial Eagle
• Lilac-breasted Roller
• Bateleur
• African Fish Eagle

The summer months (October to March) are particularly rewarding, as many migratory birds arrive and breeding plumage is at its most colourful.

2. West Coast National Park

Located just over an hour from Cape Town, West Coast National Park is known for its lagoons, wetlands and seasonal wildflowers which attract visitors from around the world.

The park attracts thousands of migratory shorebirds each summer, making it one of the best places for coastal birdwatching in South Africa. There are also some well-placed bird hides where you can sit in peace for hours on end, taking in the tranquil setting and keeping a close eye on the flocks of birds that come and go.

Highlights include:

• Greater Flamingo
• Lesser Flamingo
• African Oystercatcher
• Curlew Sandpiper
• Grey Plover
• Caspian Tern

The nearby Langebaan Lagoon is especially productive during migration season.

3. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden

Birding doesn't always require travelling deep into the wilderness. Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, nestled against Table Mountain, is one of Cape Town's best birding locations, especially for seeing nectar-feeding birds. The surrounding scenic beauty doesn’t hurt either.

Common sightings:

• Cape Sugarbird
• Orange-breasted Sunbird
• Southern Double-collared Sunbird
• Swee Waxbill
• African Dusky Flycatcher

For photographers, the flowering proteas provide stunning natural perches for sunbirds and sugarbirds.

4. iSimangaliso Wetland Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers wetlands, estuaries, forests and coastal habitats all in one beautiful location.

With over 520 bird species, it is one of South Africa's most abundant birding areas.

Look out for:

• African Pygmy Goose
• Pel's Fishing Owl
• Palm-nut Vulture
• Narina Trogon
• Purple-crested Turaco

5. Wakkerstroom

Often regarded as South Africa's birding capital, Wakkerstroom is famous for its grassland species and rare endemic birds.

Birders travel from around the world to find species such as:

• Rudd's Lark
• Botha's Lark
• Blue Korhaan
• Secretarybird
• Grey Crowned Crane

The area's open grasslands make bird spotting particularly enjoyable.

6. Blyde River Canyon

The dramatic cliffs of the Blyde River Canyon create ideal conditions for raptors, a birding highlight of this area. 

Here you may encounter:

• Cape Vulture
• Verreaux's Eagle
• African Black Swift
• Rock Kestrel

The canyon's spectacular scenery add another element to any birding trip here. I’d advise taking a boat trip along the river for an all immersive experience.

7. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Most famous for its rhinos, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is also an outstanding birdwatching destination.

More than 340 bird species have been recorded, including:

• African Crowned Eagle
• White-backed Vulture
• Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill
• Purple-crested Turaco
• Trumpeter Hornbill

Its varied habitats provide excellent year-round birding opportunities along with beautiful scenery.

8. De Hoop Nature Reserve

Located along the Western Cape coast, De Hoop Nature Reserve is a scenic mix of fynbos, wetlands and coastline.

Regular sightings include:

• Blue Crane
• Denham's Bustard
• Black Harrier
• Cape Vulture
• African Black Oystercatcher

The reserve is also renowned for whale watching during winter, making it an all round excellent destination for nature lovers.

Drawing Southern Africa’s Birds

I've always loved drawing birds, and one of my long term goals is to draw as many of Southern Africa's incredible bird species as possible. Along the way, I've learned a huge amount about the birds that call this region home. Spending an approximate 12 to 15 hours on each drawing allows me to study every feather, colour and feature in close up detail, giving me an even greater appreciation for South Africa’s birds. I hope these drawings inspire others to notice and appreciate them too.