Try bird watching in Kruger National Park and add a new dimension to your safari. There are over 3 times more bird species in the game reserve than there are mammals. So, you’ll see birds without even trying đ
They’re in the bush, at rest camps and at picnic spots scavenging for food.
They’re swimming in the lakes, wading in the dams and walking along the riverbanks.
One of the best places for watching birds though, is at a bird hide. Kruger National Park has set up these special observation platforms overlooking rivers, lakes and dams.
So what makes bird hides so good for watching birds? The observation platforms let you see birds without them seeing you! Birds will come and go as they please and won’t be frightened away by people coming to watch them.
The hides all overlook places where the bird life as well as other animals come to drink. Sit for hours and watch the birds until your heart’s content. The bird hides are:
Bird hide | Location |
Bateleur | Bateleur Rest Camp |
Biyamiti | Biyamiti Rest Camp |
Gardenia | Near Malelane Rest Camp |
Kanniedood | South-east of Shingwedzi Camp |
Lake Panic | Near Skukuza Rest Camp |
Matambeni | North-west of Letaba Rest Camp on the northern bank of Letaba River |
Nthandanyathi | South-east of Lower Sabie Rest Camp |
Nyawutsi | Half way between Mopani and Shingwedzi Rest Camps, near Grootvlei Dam |
Pioneer Dam | Near Mopani Rest Camp |
Ratel Pan | 4km (2.5 miles) north of Timbavati Picnic Site |
Sable Dam | 10km (6.2 miles) from Phalaborwa Gate |
Shimuwini | Shimuwini Rest Camp |
Shipandani | 3km (1.9 miles) south of Mopani Rest Camp on the Tsendze River |
Sirheni | Sirheni Rest Camp |
Sweni | 5km (3.1 miles) from Nâwanetsi Picnic Site |
Talamati | Talamati Rest Camp |
Tamboti | Tamboti Rest Camp |
If you’re really keen and don’t mind having a very rustic night, you can stay overnight in two of the bird hides, Sable Hide and Shipandani Hide.
Staying there will let you watch the sun set and rise and the animals that come and go with it. You’ll also hear the sounds of the night really close by!
 The overnight bird hides have limited amenities and no electricity. You’ll get a mattress, but you might have to bring your own bedding as well as cooking utensils, cutlery and plates. There is a BBQ grid, but you’ll have to bring all your own firewood, matches, food and water. You must be prepared for it!
If you’re going birding in Kruger National Park, make sure you have binoculars with you. They’ll help you see the fine details of a bird so you can identify it. Check what you’ve seen in a bird guide then mark the bird off your bird checklist.
And don’t forget your camera! There are plenty of bird watching chances in Kruger National Park which make for great bird photos.