Welcome to Slaty Birding

About me

My name is Puso Dimapo

I am a specialist bird guide with deep roots in Botswana’s landscapes and birdlife. I grew up on a small farmland just 25 kilometers from Gaborone, an area blessed with fascinating near-endemic bird species like Short-clawed Lark, Karoo Thrush, Bushveld Pipit and many others. Like many children, I first admired birds with curiosity and even playful mischief, but as I grew older, my appreciation matured into a lifelong passion for nature.

My journey into guiding truly began during my university years, where I pursued a BA (Hons) in Tourism Management. This course opened my eyes to the world of hospitality, travel, and conservation, and it was here that my love for the natural world took flight. After completing my studies, I went through professional guiding training and soon discovered my true calling in birding, something I pursued for more than ten years.

Bird guiding became more than a profession for me, it became a way to connect people with the hidden beauty of Botswana. Specializing in birding allows me to focus on a unique and rewarding niche, one that celebrates the incredible diversity of birdlife found across our wetlands, savannas, and woodlands.

Yet, while our primary objective is birding, we cannot ignore the fact that Botswana is one of Africa’s most blessed safari destinations. The country offers some of the world’s last remaining wildernesses, from the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, the wildlife-rich Chobe, and the remote Central Kalahari. Its landscapes are alive with abundant wildlife, great herds of elephants, big iconic cats, and a richness of species that makes every journey unforgettable.

Birds themselves often guide us deeper into these encounters. They are nature’s true storytellers, sometimes alerting us to the presence of predators, leading us toward big game, or simply adding color and music to every safari moment. This is why guiding in Botswana naturally extends beyond birding. It becomes an immersive journey into the full spectrum of wildlife and wilderness experiences.

After guiding many guests for many safari companies across Botswana, I noticed a common thread, travelers began requesting me directly after our shared safaris. Their encouragement, combined with my vision to create a bird-focused safari company that still embraces the whole essence of Botswana, led me to establish Slaty Birding Destinations.

Inspired by the elusive near-endemic Slaty Egret, my company is dedicated to showcasing the beauty of Botswana through expert-led birding safaris that also celebrate the country’s extraordinary wildlife and landscapes. At Slaty Birding Destinations, my mission is to share the joy and wonder of birds while opening doors to Botswana’s untouched wilderness, crafting experiences that are as enriching as they are unforgettable.