The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, known for its remarkable wildlife, is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. This vast, diverse landscape supports over 360 bird species, making it an ideal destination for both avid birders and nature enthusiasts alike. The region’s varied habitats, including savannah, woodland, and riverine areas, provide the perfect environment for a wide range of birds, from the vibrant kingfishers to the majestic raptors.
One of the highlights of birdwatching in the Timbavati is the chance to see some of the iconic birds that are often associated with the African bush. The Lilac-breasted Roller, with its stunning array of colours, is a sight to behold as it flits from tree to tree.
Equally captivating is the Saddle-billed Stork, with its striking red, black, and yellow bill, is a rare and beautiful sight in the Timbavati, often seen wading gracefully through the wetlands in search of food.
Another treat for bird enthusiasts is the opportunity to spot various species of eagle and vultures, including the powerful Martial Eagle, which is the largest of Africa’s eagles as well as various vulture species, including the majestic White-backed Vulture and the impressive Lappet-faced Vulture,
In addition to these more prominent species, the Timbavati is home to a myriad of smaller, equally fascinating birds. The colourful bee-eaters, weavers, honrbills and sunbirds add splashes of colour and liveliness to the bush, while the elusive owls and nightjars provide excitement for those who venture out on night drives.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the Timbavati offers endless opportunities to experience the rich avian life of the African bush. Bring your binoculars, keep your eyes peeled, and get ready to be amazed by the incredible diversity of birds that call this region home.
Below is a list of some of the birds that if you are lucky might be able to spot during your stay with us.
| African Fish Eagle | Black Heron | Greater Honeyguide |
| African Grey Hornbill | Black-shouldered Kite | Greater Painted-snipe |
| African Green Pigeon | Black-bellied Bustard | Ground Woodpecker |
| African Harrier Hawk | Blacksmith Lapwing | Helmeted Guineafowl |
| African Hoopoe | Broad-billed Roller | Hamerkop |
| African Jacana | Burchell’s Coucal | Kori Bustard |
| African Paradise Flycatcher | Cape Glossy Starling | Lappet-faced Vulture |
| African Pygmy Kingfisher | Crested Barbet | Lesser Honeyguide |
| African Scops Owl | Crowned Lapwing | Lilac-breasted Roller |
| African Spoonbill | Double-banded Sandgrouse | Little Bee-eater |
| Bearded Woodpecker | Egyptian Goose | Marabou Stork |
| Barn Owl | Emerald-spotted Wood Dove | Martial Eagle |
| Bateleur Eagle | Goliath Heron | Pearl-spotted Owlet |
| Broad-billed Roller | Golden-tailed Woodpecker | Pied Kingfisher |
| Brown Snake Eagle | Greater Blue-eared Starling | Purple Roller |
| Burchell’s Coucal | Greater Honeyguide | Red-billed Hornbill |
| Cape Glossy Starling | Greater Painted-snipe | Red-billed Oxpecker |
| Crested Barbet | Ground Woodpecker | Red-billed Quelea |
| Crowned Lapwing | Hamerkop | Red-crested Korhaan |
| Double-banded Sandgrouse | Helmeted Guineafowl | Saddle-billed Stork |
| Egyptian Goose | Kori Bustard | Secretarybird |
| Emerald-spotted Wood Dove | Lappet-faced Vulture | Southern Ground Hornbill |
| Goliath Heron | Lesser Honeyguide | Southern Masked Weaver |
| Golden-tailed Woodpecker | Lilac-breasted Roller | Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill |
| Greater Blue-eared Starling | Little Bee-eater | Spotted Eagle-Owl |
| Greater Honeyguide | Marabou Stork | Spur-winged Goose |
| Grey Heron | Martial Eagle | Tawny Eagle |
| Grey-headed Kingfisher | Pearl-spotted Owlet | Temminck’s Courser |
| Ground Woodpecker | Pied Kingfisher | Three-banded Plover |
| Hamerkop | Purple Roller | Verreaux’s Eagle |
| Helmeted Guineafowl | Red-billed Hornbill | White-backed Vulture |
| Kori Bustard | Red-billed Oxpecker | White-bellied Bustard |
| Lappet-faced Vulture | Red-billed Quelea | White-crowned Lapwing |
| Lesser Honeyguide | Red-crested Korhaan | White-fronted Bee-eater |
| Lilac-breasted Roller | Saddle-billed Stork | White-browed Scrub Robin |
| Little Bee-eater | Secretarybird | White-faced Whistling Duck |
| Marabou Stork | Southern Ground Hornbill | Woodland Kingfisher |
| Martial Eagle | Southern Masked Weaver | Yellow-billed Hornbill |
| Pearl-spotted Owlet | Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill | Yellow-billed Stork |
| Pied Kingfisher | Spotted Eagle-Owl | |
| Purple Roller | Spur-winged Goose |