Stunning Birds to Spot on Safari

Published on: 21/07/2025

Photo title: Hornbill

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Photo Credits: Sarah Kingdom

If you haven’t yet seen the classic film Out of Africa, do yourself a favour and watch it—if only for that unforgettable moment when Robert Redford's yellow biplane sweeps low over Kenya’s Lake Nakuru, sending a cloud of flamingos into the sky. That scene offers just a glimpse of how magnificent birdwatching in Africa can be. With over 2,300 species recorded on the continent—around two-thirds of which are endemic—Africa is nothing short of a birdwatching paradise.

Don’t let the word “twitcher” put you off. You don’t need to be a binocular-toting bird nerd to enjoy birdwatching on safari. Whether you’re a first-time visitor looking for lions and leopards or a returning traveller drawn by Africa’s quieter charms, the birdlife is sure to surprise and delight. In fact, for many travellers, the birds turn out to be the most unexpectedly memorable part of the trip.

Here’s a roundup of some of the most stunning and iconic birds to keep an eye out for on safari.

1. Hornbills
Africa hosts 23 of the world’s 54 hornbill species, from the comical red-billed hornbill (aka “Zazu” in The Lion King) to the massive southern ground hornbill, which strolls the savannah like a solemn undertaker. Hornbills are known for their large, curved bills and unusual breeding habits—females often seal themselves inside tree cavities with mud while nesting, fed by their mates through a narrow slit.

2. Weaver Birds
Africa is home to dozens of species of weavers—masked, village, sociable, and buffalo weavers, just to name a few. These birds are best known for their architectural prowess. Males painstakingly weave intricate nests from grass and reeds to woo potential mates. If the female isn’t impressed, the nest gets torn down and the male starts over. The sociable weaver even constructs enormous communal nests—some weighing over a ton—that house entire colonies for generations. Weaver nests often hang from acacia branches or telephone wires like living ornaments, especially in southern Africa.
(Fun fact: Weavers are the only bird species known to tie knots.)

3. African Fish Eagles
Often dubbed "the voice of Africa" due to their haunting call, African fish eagles are a common sight near rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Instantly recognisable by their white heads and chests contrasting with dark brown wings, they are skilled hunters. Using their strong talons, they swoop down to snatch fish from just below the water's surface. However, they’re opportunistic and will also eat carrion or steal prey from other birds, particularly from herons and kingfishers.

4. Helmeted Guineafowl
Guineafowl are safari stalwarts, often seen shuffling across dusty tracks in small flocks. Their black-and-white speckled plumage, cobalt-blue necks, and bony “helmets” make them easy to identify. While they might not seem glamorous, their comical antics and distinctive calls (“buck-wheat! buck-wheat!”) endear them to many safari-goers. They play an important ecological role, too, controlling insect populations.

Photo title: Helmeted Guineafowl

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Photo Credits: Sarah Kingdom

5. Vultures
The clean-up crew of the African bush, vultures are vital to the ecosystem. Africa is home to 11 species of vultures, many of which are now endangered due to poisoning and habitat loss. Watching vultures descend on a carcass is a raw and fascinating spectacle. Among the most striking are:
Hooded vultures – Slight and scruffy, but efficient scavengers often found around human settlements.
Lappet-faced vultures – Africa’s largest vultures, distinguished by their massive beaks and pink, wrinkled heads.
Bearded vultures (Lammergeiers) – Specialised feeders that drop bones from great heights to access the marrow inside.
The presence of vultures often signals a nearby predator kill, and safari guides will watch the skies for circling vultures as a clue.

6. Kingfishers
Kingfishers are a staple along African waterways. While species like the Giant kingfisher impress with their size, it’s often the Malachite kingfisher, a jewel-toned bird just five inches tall, that steals the show. With its shimmering blue feathers, orange belly, and a dagger-like red bill, Malachite kingfishers dart like out over ponds and rivers, feeding on small fish, frogs, and aquatic insects.

7. Lilac-Breasted Roller
Arguably the most photographed bird in Africa, the lilac-breasted roller flaunts a rainbow of colours: turquoise, lilac, green, and royal blue. Found perched on acacia trees or fence posts, it hunts insects and small reptiles. During mating season, males perform acrobatic dives with loud trills to impress potential mates. This showy bird is so iconic, it’s the national bird of Kenya and Botswana.

8. Bee-Eaters
With names as pretty as their plumage, bee-eaters are agile, insect-loving birds found across Africa. The Carmine bee-eater, with its vivid pink-red body and greenish-blue crown, is a crowd favourite. Nesting in riverbanks in massive colonies, they create an extraordinary visual display as they swoop and dive for flying insects. Other notable species include the little bee-eater and the white-fronted bee-eater, both seen perched on exposed branches, ready to launch.

9. Grey Crowned Cranes
One of the most regal birds on the continent, the Grey crowned crane is best known for its golden “crown” of stiff feathers. These elegant birds are commonly seen in East and Southern Africa’s wetlands and grasslands. The crane’s elaborate courtship dance involves head-bobbing, wing-flapping, and dramatic leaps. It’s the national bird of Uganda and is featured on the country’s coat of arms.

10. Turacos
Turacos are Africa-exclusive and come in a variety of striking species. The grey go-away bird, named for its nasal ‘go-away’ call, is common in dry woodlands. More vibrant are the Ross’s turaco and the white-cheeked turaco, with electric green and purple feathers. Unlike many birds, turacos contain unique copper-based pigments that give them their bright colours, not just reflective light, but actual pigmentation.

12. Oxpeckers
Always entertaining, oxpeckers are often seen riding on the backs of large mammals like buffalo, rhinos, or giraffes. There are two species, the Red-billed and Yellow-billed oxpecker. These birds feed on ticks, parasites, and dead skin, but will also occasionally peck at open wounds to feed on blood. Though their relationship with hosts is generally mutualistic, it’s not always as harmless as it appears.

Bonus Tip: Take Binoculars
No birding safari is complete without a decent pair of binoculars. A good set will allow you to admire plumage detail, catch shy species in the canopy, and enjoy raptors soaring high overhead. Most safari vehicles provide them, but bringing your own ensures you never miss a moment.

Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a first-time safari-goer, the birdlife of Africa is not to be missed. From delicate kingfishers to dramatic vultures, birds add colour, sound, and movement to the safari landscape. They can turn a quiet morning drive into a moment of wonder and give you stories to take home that go far beyond the Big Five.

Sarah Kingdom

Travel writer, mountain guide, yoga teacher, trail runner and mother, Sarah Kingdom was born and brought up in Sydney, Australia. Coming to Africa at 21 she fell in love with the continent and stayed. Sarah guides on Kilimanjaro several times a year, and has lost count of how many times she has stood on the roof of Africa. She has climbed and guided around the world and now spends most of her time visiting remote places in Africa. When she is not traveling she runs a cattle ranch in Zambia with her husband.

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Stunning Birds to Spot on Safari

Sarah Kingdom