Birding Botswana - Safaris in Botswana
Immature Martial Eagle - G. Reed
Country Information
Total Area: 600,370 (sq km) 231,803 (sq mi)
Population: 1,815,508
Currency: Pula (BWP)
Capital City: Gaberone
Independence: 30 September, 1966
Important Bird Areas
: 13 (covering 130,000 sq km)
Click here to view detailed country and IBA information
Birding Botswana
Because it's our home we are pretty biased about birding in Botswana and although there are no endemic bird species it is still one of the most amazing birding holiday destinations. Over 37% of Botswana is protected wilderness, an enormous expanse of pristine habitat which has allowed nature to thrive without encroachment. Because of our tiny human population, only 1.6 million people in a country the size of France (or Texas), we don't have the human pressure on natural resources that plagues a number of Africa countries. Birding in Botswana also combines an incredible wildlife experience with the captivating birding. In parks such as Moremi and Chobe our birding is punctuated by regular sightings of elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard and a number of large herbivores.
Botswana's Birding Hotspots
Botswana's Birding hotspots cover some diverse habitats ranging from the arid Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to the lush green papyrus-lined channels of the Okavango Panhandle. Other birding highlights in Botswana are Lake Ngami, the incomparable Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Savuti Marsh (now with water for the first time in 30 years), Savuti Channel, Chobe National Park, Nata Bird Sanctuary and Kazuma Pan. All of our birdwatching holidays are designed to make the most of these diverse habitats and to ensure that you get an extraordinary birding experience.
Botswana Specials:
Slaty Egret, Rufous-bellied Heron, Wattled Crane, Pel's Fishing Owl, African Skimmer, Rock Pratincole, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Pallid Harrier, Red-faced Cisticola, Collared Palm-thrush, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Great Swamp Warbler, Great Bittern, Brown Firefinch, Black-faced Babbler, Sharp-tailed Starling, Garganey (rare).
Scheduled Birding Trips in Botswana 2010/11
17 Day Livingstone Birding Trail - MUB/MUB - Full Itinerary
Departures: 29 Nov 2010, 06 Feb 2011, 08 Mar 2011, 03 Apr 2011, 5 Dec 2011
Letaka Safaris operate a large number of scheduled departure safaris in Botswana which are not birding specific and are more of focused on general natural history. These safaris are generally between 6 and 11 days long which makes them an excellent add-on to a Namibian or Zimbabwean self-drive holiday. To see details of these itineraries please visit www.letakasafaris.com
