Botswana is a birdwatcher’s paradise, offering a wide variety of habitats that support over 580 bird species.

From the Okavango Delta to the Chobe National Park, there are plenty of opportunities to see some of the most beautiful and rare birds in the world. Here are some of the best birdwatching spots in Botswana:

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland delta systems in the world and is home to a diverse range of birdlife. The delta’s permanent and seasonal waterways provide a habitat for a variety of water birds, including pelicans, storks, egrets, herons, and ducks. The delta is also home to the elusive Pel’s fishing owl, as well as the endangered wattled crane.

Chobe National Park

The Chobe River attracts a large number of water birds, including African skimmers, pied kingfishers, and malachite kingfishers. The park is also home to the beautiful carmine bee-eater, which nests in large colonies in the riverbanks. The park’s woodland habitats support a variety of raptors, including the bateleur eagle, African hawk-eagle, and martial eagle.

Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast salt pan complex that supports a unique set of bird species adapted to the arid environment. The pans attract large flocks of flamingos, as well as raptors such as the pale chanting goshawk and the greater kestrel.

Nxai Pan National Park

Nxai Pan is known for its large baobab trees and is home to a variety of bird species, including kori bustards, ostriches, and secretary birds. The park is also a good place to see the sociable weaver, which constructs large communal nests in the trees.

Gaborone Game Reserve

Located in the capital city of Gaborone, this reserve is a great place to see a variety of bird species, including the southern pied babbler, the southern yellow-billed hornbill, and the red-billed francolin.

Botswana offers an incredible birdwatching experience, and with its stunning landscapes and diverse habitats, it is no wonder that it is considered one of the best birdwatching destinations in the world. Whether you are an avid birder or a nature enthusiast, Botswana’s birdlife will leave you in awe.