Bird-Watching at Silvan

Are you looking forward to getting a stunning bird photograph but can't decide on where to go bird-watching in Southern Africa? Well, a little bird whispered to me that Silvan Safari is the ideal spot to make your dream come true. Silvan means “Spirit of the Trees”, which means our various habitats attract a wide array of different species to the Sabi Sand.

The intricate balance of nature comes alive as our knowledgeable guides share their expertise

Bird Diversity: A World of Feathers

How many bird species are there to potentially see, and how many are in the world? Well, the world figures vary between 9,000 and 11,000 bird species, depending on the source of information, as scientific research on these prehistoric dinosaurs (Aves) classifications is ongoing.

South Africa has over 800 bird species, and we're privileged here in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve to have more than 400 species.

A woodland kingfisher perched gracefully on a branch – just one of over 400 bird species calling the Sabi Sand home

Beyond the Big 5: A Birder's Paradise

Even though we have all the Big 5 animals to see on safari at Silvan, our safaris are more than just Big 5 viewing excursions. Silvan guides are well versed and very knowledgeable in the functioning of the entire ecological system of the Sabi Sand, including birding, amongst other environmental aspects found here in the Greater Kruger National Park.

Two tawny eagles perform an elegant aerial dance, showcasing the grace and majesty of these incredible raptors

Avian Gems of the Sabi Sand

When coming to Sabi Sand, the most beautiful and well-known bird is arguably the lilac-breasted roller, which gets all the attention due to its striking, vivid colours. But which birds are harder to spot in the Kruger National Park? My favourite bird to look for on safari is the purple-crested turaco, and it’s luckily not the most difficult bird to find!

Some of the rare birds at Silvan include the brown-headed parrot, kori bustard, martial eagle, bateleur, lappet-faced vulture, Pel’s fishing owl, saddle-billed stork, southern ground hornbill and other rare migrants such as the pallid harrier.

Typically, most guests that visit the Sabi Sand tend to focus on finding the Big 5, but our guides here at Silvan Safari will accommodate birders on safari. The best time for bird watching in Sabi Sand is throughout the year. However, migratory birds are present from October to April.

The purple-crested turaco, with its vivid colours, is my absolute favourite bird to spot on safari, Image Credit: Matt Burke

Tailor Your Birding Safari

If you have your heart set on a birding safari, we can make it happen! We recommend that you book a private vehicle so that you'll be able to experience the bush with one of our bird specialist guides. You will then be able to spend most of your time on game drives, spotting and identifying all the birds on your bucket list.

Let's make your birding safari dreams come true.