Hwange is the ultimate birder's paradise

Aug 29, 2024

If you love birdwatching, then Hwange is basically birding heaven! Here, where the landscape is so varied that you get a mix of everything - arid Kalahari sands, lush teak woodlands and those serene waterholes that make birdwatching a breeze - you’ll find an impressive range of species. It’s the ultimate birding playground with over 400 bird types in this region alone.

Start your journey at the numerous pans scattered across the park (these spots are where the action is)..! There’s a high chance you’ll get to see the impressive Southern Ground - Hornbill, which is hard to miss with its big, bold morphology. And keep an eye out for the Bradfield Hornbill - this one’s protected, so spotting it feels like a real win.




The list of avian residents is long and diverse. Look out for the Yellow-billed Oxpecker and the striking Woolly-necked Stork. If you’re lucky, you might spot the Burchell’s Sandgrouse or the Kori Bustard strutting through the grasslands. And if you’re keen to see more rare species, the Black-winged and Collared Pratincoles or the elusive Secretarybird might make a surprise appearance as well.

Venture beyond the waterholes and into acacia and woodland areas and you might find the Southern White-crowned Shrike and the vibrant Crimson-breasted Shrike. Remember to keep an ear out for the Southern Pied Babbler and the African Red-eyed Bulbul as they can often be seen darting through the underbrush in this area. And for those who enjoy the challenge of finding elusive species, the Barred Wren-warbler and Sterling's Wren-warbler are intriguing finds.

Don’t forget to look up though! The skies are home to some impressive raptors like the Tawny and Bateleur Eagles often dominate the sky with their majestic presence, while the mighty Martial Eagle adds a touch of grandeur. You might spot the Southern Pale Chanting-goshawk gliding silently or catch a flash of the agile Red-necked Falcon and Dickinson’s Kestrel in swift flight. If you're particularly lucky.., the elusive African Hobby might also swoop by. Vultures and Marabou Storks frequently circle, especially around lion kills, adding a bit of drama to your birding escapade.

One of our favourite species, as we’ve seen them strutting around the Gwango concession for over a decade, are the Grey Crown Cranes. They remain a pair for life and although they do hybernate, we always are so excited to welcome them back. Over the years, we’ve seen many of their chicks hatched here.




Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, Hwange’s diverse habitat and abundant birdlife offer an unforgettable experience. Grab your binoculars, bring along your favourite Gwango guides and get ready to add to your sighting some of Hwange’s notable birds (you might even catch sight of a lifer).