When most people think of an African safari, they imagine lions, elephants, leopards and rhinos. But Africa is also home to some of the most extraordinary birdlife on Earth. From prehistoric giants stalking papyrus swamps to brilliantly coloured rollers lighting up the savannah, these birds are every bit as memorable as the Big Five.
Whether you’re an avid birder or simply enjoy spectacular wildlife, these are the birds you should hope to encounter on your next African safari.
1. Shoebill (Balaeniceps rex)
Short Description
The Shoebill is one of the world’s most unusual birds, standing over 1.2 metres tall with an enormous shoe-shaped bill and an almost dinosaur-like appearance.
Why it is Special
- Often considered Africa’s ultimate birding prize.
- Can stand completely motionless for over an hour while hunting.
- Feeds mainly on lungfish and large fish.
- One of the most photogenic birds in Africa.
Best Countries & Months
- Uganda (Mabamba Swamp)
- Zambia (Bangweulu Wetlands)
- South Sudan
Best time: June to September and December to February.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Estimated fewer than 8,000 mature individuals remain in the wild.
2. Secretarybird (Sagittarius serpentarius)
Short Description
A tall bird of prey with long legs that hunts by walking through grasslands.
Why it is Special
- Famous for hunting and killing venomous snakes.
- Can deliver incredibly powerful kicks.
- One of Africa’s most distinctive raptors.
Best Countries & Months
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Botswana
- South Africa
Best time: June to October.
Conservation Status
Endangered
Numbers have declined rapidly due to habitat loss.
3. Southern Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri)
Short Description
Africa’s largest hornbill, recognised by its striking red facial skin and booming calls.
Why it is Special
- Lives in close family groups.
- Can live over 50 years.
- Plays an important role in African folklore.
Best Countries & Months
- South Africa
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
- Zambia
Best time: May to October.
Conservation Status
Vulnerable
Threatened by habitat loss and collisions with powerlines.
4. Lilac-breasted Roller (Coracias caudatus)
Short Description
Perhaps Africa’s most colourful bird, displaying brilliant shades of blue, lilac, turquoise and green.
Why it is Special
- Spectacular aerial courtship displays.
- A favourite among wildlife photographers.
- Commonly seen perched on acacia trees.
Best Countries & Months
- Kenya
- Tanzania
- Botswana
- Namibia
- South Africa
Best time: June to October.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Populations remain stable across much of Africa.
5. Kori Bustard (Ardeotis kori)
Short Description
The world’s heaviest bird capable of flight.
Why it is Special
- Males may weigh over 18 kg.
- Famous for their elaborate breeding displays.
- A true giant of the African plains.
Best Countries & Months
- Namibia
- Botswana
- Tanzania
- Kenya
Best time: May to October.
Conservation Status
Near Threatened
Declining due to hunting and habitat degradation.
6. African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer)
Short Description
Africa’s iconic fishing eagle, recognised by its striking white head and haunting call.
Why it is Special
- Often called “The Voice of Africa.”
- Exceptional fishing skills.
- Symbol of wilderness across the continent.
Best Countries & Months
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Uganda
Best time: All year.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Still widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa.
7. Pel’s Fishing Owl (Scotopelia peli)
Short Description
A massive nocturnal owl that specialises in catching fish.
Why it is Special
- Extremely elusive.
- Highly prized by experienced birders.
- Rarely seen during daytime.
Best Countries & Months
- Botswana
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
Best time: July to October.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Although uncommon, populations remain relatively stable.
8. Southern Carmine Bee-eater (Merops nubicoides)
Short Description
A dazzling crimson bird that nests in huge colonies along riverbanks.
Why it is Special
- Thousands gather together to breed.
- Among Africa’s most colourful birds.
- Performs spectacular aerial insect hunting.
Best Countries & Months
- Zambia
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
Best time: August to November.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Populations remain healthy.
9. Great Blue Turaco (Corythaeola cristata)
Short Description
Africa’s largest turaco with vibrant blue and green plumage and an impressive crest.
Why it is Special
- Looks almost prehistoric.
- Restricted to Central African rainforests.
- One of Uganda’s most sought-after birds.
Best Countries & Months
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
Best time: December to February and June to August.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Still widespread in suitable forest habitat.
10. Saddle-billed Stork (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis)
Short Description
One of Africa’s tallest and most elegant wetland birds.
Why it is Special
- Instantly recognisable by its brightly coloured bill.
- Impressive wingspan exceeding 2.5 metres.
- Often seen hunting fish and frogs.
Best Countries & Months
- Botswana
- South Africa
- Zambia
- Tanzania
Best time: May to October.
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Populations remain stable across much of Africa.
Honourable Mentions
African Crowned Eagle
- Special: Africa’s most powerful forest eagle.
- Best countries: South Africa, Uganda, Kenya.
- Best months: Year-round.
- Status: Near Threatened.
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill
- Special: Northern relative of the Southern Ground Hornbill.
- Best countries: Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania.
- Best months: June to October.
- Status: Vulnerable.
Pennant-winged Nightjar
- Special: Breeding males grow astonishing ribbon-like wing feathers.
- Best countries: Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe.
- Best months: November to March.
- Status: Least Concern.
Blue Crane
- Special: South Africa’s national bird.
- Best countries: South Africa.
- Best months: Year-round.
- Status: Vulnerable.
Rüppell’s Korhaan
- Special: A striking bustard largely restricted to Namibia’s desert landscapes.
- Best countries: Namibia.
- Best months: April to October.
- Status: Least Concern.
Narina Trogon
- Special: One of Africa’s most beautiful forest birds with brilliant green and crimson plumage.
- Best countries: South Africa, Uganda, Tanzania.
- Best months: October to March.
- Status: Least Concern.
African Pitta
- Special: Often described as Africa’s “holy grail” bird thanks to its brilliant colours and elusive nature.
- Best countries: Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique.
- Best months: November to January.
- Status: Least Concern.
Plan Your African Birding Safari
Africa offers some of the finest birdwatching anywhere in the world, whether you’re hoping to photograph a prehistoric Shoebill in Uganda, witness thousands of Carmine Bee-eaters along the Luangwa River, or hear the unforgettable call of an African Fish Eagle echo across the Okavango Delta.
At eyeseeAfrica, we design tailor-made luxury safaris that combine exceptional wildlife viewing with the continent’s best birding destinations. Whether your dream is a specialist birding expedition or a classic safari with incredible birdlife along the way, we’ll create an itinerary perfectly suited to your interests.
Ready to discover Africa’s most remarkable birds? Contact eyeseeAfrica today and let us plan your unforgettable birding safari.
