If you’re heading to The Outpost or Pel’s Post, don’t forget your binoculars – and your smartphone. Tucked away in the far northern reaches of the Kruger National Park, in the Makuleke private concession – a region known as Pafuri – this wild, remote corner of South Africa is a birding paradise.
Why birders love this region
Makuleke is the most biodiverse area of the Kruger, home to approximately 80% of all the species found in the Park. It is known for its lush floodplains, towering baobabs, fever and ana tree forests, natural pans and verdant riverine woodlands; a series of breathtaking landscapes that support a rich variety of birdlife. It borders both Zimbabwe and Mozambique, creating a unique ecological junction that attracts an incredible number of bird species, including rarities and migratory visitors. Because this area is private and exclusive, you’re more likely to enjoy peaceful birding with no crowds or traffic; just birdsong and wilderness.
What can you expect to see?
With over 400 recorded species, this region is a dream come true for the die hard birder as well as more casual twitchers. Here are five standout species to look out for:
1. Racket–Tailed Roller
2. Pel’s Fishing Owl
3. Three Banded Courser
4. Arnot’s Chat
5. Bhom’s (Bat-Like) Spinetail or Mottled Spintail
6. Allen’s Gallinule
Whether you’re a first-time birder or a seasoned lister, you’ll want a good app to help identify, track, and learn more about the birds you spot. Here are three of the best:
Our top birding app picks
1. Merlin Bird ID (Free)
Developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this is a fantastic free app for identifying birds by photo or sound. It’s user-friendly, even for beginners, and allows you to download regional bird packs.
🔗 merlin.allaboutbirds.org
2. Roberts Bird Guide 2 (Paid)
A favourite among South African birders, this app is incredibly detailed. It features over 1,000 species, bird calls, distribution maps, and the ability to log your sightings. Great for more experienced users who want robust field guide info at their fingertips.
🔗 sabirding.co.za/roberts-apps
3. eBird (Free)
Also from the Cornell Lab, this app is geared toward serious birders who love to track sightings and contribute to citizen science. You can log your list, see local hotspots, and compare with other sightings in the region.
🔗 ebird.org
Whether you’re lounging on your deck at Pel’s Post or out on a morning drive from The Outpost, these apps can turn every chirp and flutter into a fascinating discovery. So download your favourites, bring your birding checklist, and get ready for some of the best feathered encounters in Southern Africa.
Happy birding!
The Makuleke region offers a dramatically different experience from the more expeditious safaris you may find elsewhere – even further south in the Kruger National Park. Games drives are long and unhurried, taking in the extraordinary diversity of the landscape and allowing time for the appreciation of a huge variety of flora and fauna. It is a place that invites curiosity and an open mind – a place for those with an adventurous spirit. Read more »