Birding in Madikwe Game Reserve

Enjoy birding in Madikwe Game Reserve, South Africa. There are over 350 bird species - ranging from the colourful Lilac-breasted Roller to Owls, Storks, Eagles, Guinea Fowls or the largest flying bird in the world: the Kori Bustard. 

My latest mission was to scout for birds in Madikwe Game Reserve. That worked out very well on my last Game Drive with Riaan. It started with two Lilac-breasted Rollers on a tree, continued with a “Flying Banana”, a Guinea Fowl sitting on a tree – and we even saw the largest flying bird in the world – the Kori Bustard. My favourite one is still the “Kamikaze Bird”. I also like the “Go-Away-Bird” (just because of its name).

Lilac-breasted Roller

Spot one of the most colourful birds in the world in Madikwe Game Reserve: The Lilac-breasted Roller. These birds are shimmering in the sunlight in hues of purple, aquamarine, green and yellow. They seem to be very hungry, too, as in almost every photo I took of them over the last weeks they had some food in their mouth.

“Kamikaze Bird” / “Suicide Bird” (Red-Crested Korhaan)

One of my favourite ones is the “Kamikaze Bird” – which is named after its mating display. It flies high up in the air, then closes its wings and then falls to the ground perpenticular. Only at the last moment it starts opening its wings again and glides/flies. It’s crazy what Males do because they think they have to impress a Female… I am still trying to film a Kamikaze Bird in action.

Guinea Fowl

In Madikwe Game Reserve you can also see Guinea Fowls with their blue and red head and white dots on their black feathers. Sometimes, you need to look a little higher as they might end up sitting on a tree – as in the photo.

Flying Banana (Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill)

I also spotted several “Flying Bananas” (Yellow-billed Hornbills). These birds are endemic to the dry savannas of southern Africa. Just look at their large bill then you know how they got their name.

Kori Bustard – largest flying bird in the world

The Kori Bustard is the largest/heaviest flying bird in the world – it is native to Africa. A Male Kori Bustard can be 0,70–1,20m tall and its wingspan between 2,30m to 2,75m wide. Male birds weigh between 7-18kg (on average around 11kg).

There is more to see on your birding safari in Madikwe Game Reserve: Weaver Birds are having their nests in the trees near the pool area at Rhulani Lodge. You can also spot Natal Franklins walking around or see some Owls on a tree. The array of birds is neverending. Enjoy birding at Rhulani Safari Lodge in Madikwe.

Content/Photos: Dagmar Roscher