south africa
HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OF MY TRIP ?
As with any birding trip , advance planning is essential : check out the various field guides to ensure that you ’ re visiting each location at the best time of year , and make a target list of birds you want to see , to save time in the field .
If you ’ re not on an organised birding or wildlife tour , it ’ s well worth hiring a bird guide for a day or two — they ’ ll know the best places to see the most sought-after species and save you time .
Binoculars are essential . Be prepared to pay a reasonable sum for a pair that will last a lifetime , and test them before buying . For general bird and wildlife-watching , a pair of 8x30s or 10x40s are usually the best
Birdwatching on safari with a specialist guide
choice , being light enough for a whole day in the field , but powerful enough to get good views . A telescope is optional : remember that you ’ ll also need a tripod , which adds weight and cost .
Many birders now carry bridge cameras , which have very good zooms , and can be used to take photos of any mystery birds so you can identify them later at your leisure .
Alternatively , the Merlin Bird ID app — free from Cornell University — is very good at identifying birds , either visually or by sound . And a good field guide ( see page 35 ) is also essential ; some can now be downloaded as apps .
ESSENTIALS
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When to go : Spring ( September to November ) is the best time to visit , when temperatures aren ’ t too hot . Currency : South African Rand ( ZAR ) Language : English is widely spoken and understood . There are 11 other official languages , the most common of which are Xhosa , Zulu and Afrikaans . Getting around : The roads are
generally good and rental cars widely available . Four-wheel drives are essential in more remote or mountainous areas but aren ’ t required for the Kruger National Park or the Western Cape game reserves .
BOOK IT NOW
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Explore South Africa and Madagascar on a 17-day sailing aboard Silver Muse and get a US $ 300 shipboard credit per person as a complimentary gift from our agency . The world ’ s most discerning travellers appreciate the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations on Silversea . Depart Mahé , Seychelles on January 6 , 2026 .
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To book your trip to South Africa , contact our travel agency . image : alamy ; illustration : lis watkins
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