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Southern Botswana
Discover the hidden birding gems of southern and south-eastern Botswana on this 5-day safari. From the wetlands of Gaborone Dam to the rolling woodlands of Lobatse and the cultural hills of Manyana, this journey blends birdwatching with wildlife encounters and local heritage. Expect to see near-endemic species like the Karoo Thrush and Short-clawed Lark, alongside colorful finches, waterfowl, and raptors. Fully customizable to your preferences, this trip is perfect for both dedicated birders and nature enthusiasts who want to experience Botswana’s incredible biodiversity beyond
the usual safari trails.
This 5-day birding safari offers a rewarding introduction to Botswana’s southern and south-eastern birding hotspots. Expect to record over 180 species while also enjoying encounters with the country’s incredible wildlife. While our primary focus is birding, we embrace the fact that Botswana is blessed with some of Africa’s finest wilderness areas, meaning every outing has the potential for surprises, from raptors alerting us to predators to bird calls guiding us to larger mammals. The itinerary is fully customizable to client preferences, whether you want an itinerary focused purely on birding, a combination of birding and big-game safaris, or the inclusion of cultural and photographic experiences, we tailor the journey to your needs.
Recommended itinerary:
Day 1 – Arrival in Gaborone and Urban Birding
Your journey begins in Gaborone, where we ease into the adventure with relaxed birding at the Gaborone Game Reserve. This urban sanctuary is home to a wonderful mix of species such as the Southern Pied Babbler, Black-chested Prinia, and the ever-sociable, Red-billed Oxpecker, alongside the near endemic Short-Clawed Lark, Karoo Thrush etc. In the evening, we head to Kgale Hill, a perfect sundowner spot, where you may encounter the striking Mocking Cliff-Chat or a Rock Kestrel against the backdrop of the setting sun and the majestic Verreaux’s Egale or Black eagle nesting
in Kgale Hills. Overnight in Gaborone.
Day 2 – Gaborone Dam and Mokolodi Nature Reserve
We start the morning at Gaborone Dam, a wetland haven where African Fish Eagles patrol the skies, Reed Cormorants dry their wings, and migrant waders forage along the shallows. From here, we continue to Mokolodi Nature Reserve, where the acacia woodlands host species such as Bearded Woodpecker, Crested Francolin, and White-browed Scrub-Robin, while raptors like the Brown Snake-Eagle often circle overhead. The reserve also holds a good range of mammals, including giraffe, zebra, and kudu, making it a well-rounded bird and wildlife experience. Overnight in Gaborone.
Day 3 – Lobatse and Goodhope Woodlands
After breakfast, we head south to Lobatse, one of Botswana’s best areas for the elusive Bushveld Pipit, a near-endemic that makes this day particularly special. Alongside it, we may encounter Capped Wheatear, Chestnut-vented Warbler, and Sabota Lark, all characteristic of the region. In the afternoon, we move toward the Goodhope woodlands, a thornveld landscape alive with the calls of Black-crowned Tchagra, Brubru, and the ever-watchful Southern Fiscal, Secretary Bird occasionally seen hunting for rats and mice. Overnight in the Lobatse/Goodhope area.
Day 4 – Mogobane Dam Wetlands
The wetlands of Mogobane Dam await us this morning. Recognized as an Important Bird Area, this site is famous for sightings of the regions herionry in Southern Botswana, with hundreds of egrets breeding on the reeds in the dam. Other highlights include the dainty African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Squacco Heron, and elegant Black-winged Stilts, with the possibility of migrant waders in season. In the afternoon, we bird along the Ntlhantlhe River system, where woodland species such as Ashy Tit, Southern, Yellow-billed Hornbill, Stripped Kingfisher and Marico Sunbird bring
variety to the day’s list. Overnight in Gaborone.
Day 5 – Cultural Birding and Departure
On our final day, we blend birding with a touch of culture. The Gabane Hills and Manyana village provide scenic landscapes and cultural heritage, including rock paintings, while also offering excellent birding. Here we can expect colorful species such as the Violet-eared Waxbill, Jameson’s Firefinch, Green-winged Pytilia, Eastern Clapper Lark, South African Mocking Cliff- Chart and the melodious White- throated Robin-Chat. In the afternoon, depending on guest preference, we can revisit our favorite hotspot or add a short wildlife safari before returning to Gaborone for
departure.
Puso Dimapo