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For those who find their pulse quickens at the call of a rare bird, and whose idea of a perfect vista includes binoculars and a well-thumbed field guide, you've come to the right place. At Mahlatini, we understand that birding, or twitching as some affectionately call it, is more than just a hobby—it's a passion that takes you to the most breathtaking corners of our planet.
From the remote wetlands of Botswana to the cloud forests of Sri Lanka, Mahlatini offers access to some of the world’s most extraordinary habitats—home to thousands of bird species, both common and critically rare.
Whether you're a seasoned birder with a life list to tick off, or a family looking to instill a love of nature in younger generations, these are the finest birdwatching journeys across Africa, Asia, and beyond.
Allow us to curate your next unforgettable avian adventure, blending luxurious stays with unparalleled birdwatching opportunities that cater to all levels of interest and expertise. Many of our partner lodges across Africa and beyond provide in-house ornithologists or birding-specific guides, so you can expect early morning starts, dedicated hides, and tailored experiences for both photographers and birding purists.
Planning your first or fifth birdwatching holiday? Speak to a Mahlatini Travel Expert for tailored advice and suggested destinations based on your target sightings.
1. Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
This lush UNESCO World Heritage Site is best known for gorilla trekking, but it’s equally rich in rare birdlife. Home to 23 Albertine Rift endemics, you’ll have a chance to spot a host of rare species.
Birds you can see:
- African green broadbill
- Handsome francolin
- Shoebill
- Grauer’s (African green) warbler
- Rwenzori turaco
- Shelley’s crimsonwing
Where to stay:
- Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp – A luxurious, eco-conscious base with birding walks directly from camp.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Ultimate Uganda Escape Holiday
Combine with: A trip to Mabamba Swamp to track the Shoebill on a private canoe.
2. Okavango Delta’s Wetland Wonders
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for over 450 species. Glide silently through papyrus-fringed waterways and floodplains in a traditional mokoro, spotting jacanas and bee-eaters en route.
Birds you can see:
- Wattled crane
- African fish eagle
- Pel's fishing owl
- African jacana
- Lesser jacana
Where to stay:
- Vumbura Plains – Ideal for families and birders alike, with private guides and mokoro access.
- Nxabega Okavango Tented Camp – A tented camp, offering guided walks, providing intimate encounters with the Pel’s fishing owl.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Luxury Botswana Family Safari
Combine with: A desert contrast in the Kalahari to seek out the burchell’s courser and kori bustard.
3. Namibia’s Desert Birds & Dunes
Namibia’s arid beauty offers surprising avian encounters—from the Rüppell's korhaan to flocks of rosy-faced lovebirds in the early morning light.
Birds you can see:
- Gray’s lark
- Burchell’s courser
- Karoo chat
- Monteiro’s hornbill
- Bare-cheeked babbler
Where to stay:
- Little Kulala near Sossusvlei – Ideal for adventure seekers keen on everything from guided hikes to quad biking and bird watching
- Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp – A luxury lodge offering guided walks ideal for birding in striking landscapes.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Luxury Namibia Fly in Safari
Combine with: A visit to Etosha National Park for encounters with the Bare-cheeked babbler, the Yellow-billed oxpecker, and Africa’s largest, the Lappet-faced vulture.
4. Zambia’s Big Game & Big Birds
Zambia’s renowned walking safaris offer immersive birdwatching from the ground up. One of Africa’s most sought-after birds, the prehistoric-looking shoebill stork, is the crown jewel of Zambia’s Bangweulu Wetlands, and a private walking safari offers the opportunity for it to be spotted.
Birds you can see:
- Lilian's lovebirds
- Southern carmine bee-eaters
- Pel's owl
- Goliath heron
- Ground hornbill
- Martial eagle
Where to stay:
- Kapamba Bushcamp – Set on the banks of the Kapamba river, this camp is surrounded by some of the park's richest wildlife.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Highlights of Zambia Safari Holiday
Combine with: A stop in Lower Zambezi for kingfishers and raptors along the water’s edge.
5. Sri Lanka’s Sinharaja & Horton Plains
Sri Lanka is a paradise for endemic species, many of which you'll find within the lush rainforests, cloud forests and wetlands. Perhaps the most sought-after highland endemic, the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, is best seen at dawn near streams.
Birds you can see:
- Sri Lanka blue magpie
- Red-faced malkoha
- Green-billed coucal
- Serendib scops owl
Where to stay:
- Jetwing Vil Uyana – A tranquil retreat in the cultural triangle with on-site wetlands, perfect for early morning birding safaris.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Sri Lanka’s Wildlife & Culture
Combine with: Yala National Park for leopard sightings and coastal species.
6. Madagascar’s Island Endemics
With over 100 bird species found nowhere else on Earth, Madagascar is a twitcher’s paradise. Seek out the Ground roller and Vangas in the eastern rainforests, or spot waders and shorebirds along the coast.
Birds you can see:
- Velvet asity
- Blue coua
- Nuthatch vanga
- Humblot’s heron
- Madagascar long-eared owl
- Subdesert mesite
- Short-legged ground-roller
Where to stay:
- Mandrare River Camp – Ideal for those seeking expert guides and a gateway to southern dry forest species.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Madagascar Rainforest, Culture and Beach
Combine with: Andasibe-Mantadia National Park for lemur and bird double sightings.
7. India’s National Parks
From Keoladeo Ghana’s wetland wonders to the dry deciduous forests of Ranthambore, and the serene foothills of the Himalayas, India offers startling diversity. In the South, immerse yourself in the lush landscapes and rich birdlife of the Western Ghats, where you can hope to spot rare endemics, and the elusive Nilgiri wood pigeon.
Birds you can see:
- Indian pitta
- Himalayan monal
- Sarus crane
- Painted stork
- Malabar trogon
- Greater adjutant
- Jerdon’s courser
- Forest owlet
Where to stay:
- SUJÁN Sher Bagh – A luxury tented camp near Ranthambore with both tiger and birding safaris.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Luxury Solo Golden Triangle, Rajasthan and Safari Holiday
Combine with: A visit to Tadoba Tiger Reserve for close encounters with tigers, leopards, sloth bears, gaur (Indian bison) and more wildlife.
8. Seychelles’ Seabirds & Endemics
The Seychelles is a dream destination for birdwatchers and barefoot luxury. It is home to tropical island endemics, rare seabirds, and some of the most critically endangered species on the planet. Its remote granitic and coralline islands host 12 endemic bird species, several important breeding colonies, and protected nature reserves that make birding here iconic.
Birds you can see:
- Seychelles paradise flycatcher
- White tern
- Seychelles magpie-robin
- Seychelles warbler
- Seychelles scops owl (or "Syer")
- Sooty tern
Where to stay:
- North Island – An exclusive conservation-focused island escape.
Customise your own journey, starting here: Ultimate Style Cape, Kruger and Seychelles Private Island Holiday
Combine with: Island-hopping to Cousin or Aride for day excursions with conservation guides.
Ready to Take Flight?
Whether you're a seasoned twitcher with a long list of target species, a bird enthusiast who wants to introduce your family to the quiet magic of birding, or a curious birdwatching beginner, Mahlatini’s travel experts are here to help you build tailormade birdwatching holidays.
Booking with Mahlatini provides the peace of mind that comes with working alongside a trusted, award-winning travel operator. From 24/7 on-the-ground support and seamless itinerary planning to expert destination knowledge and financial protection, we take care of every detail—so all you have to focus on is the call of the wild.
Your adventure deserves more than guesswork. Let us help you plan with confidence, travel safely, and experience the world’s most extraordinary birding destinations in style.
Explore our meticulously designed itineraries or use our travel planner to create a bespoke journey tailored to your interests and desires.
