Welcome to the Greater Limpopo Birding Routes

The Greater Limpopo Birding Route has been divided into four sub-routes:
Soutpansberg-Limpopo   |   Capricorn-Letaba   |   Waterberg-Nylsvlei   |   Kruger to Canyons

Greater Limpopo Overview

The Limpopo Province, with its vast unexplored areas and diverse habitats, offers one of the most exciting birding destinations in Southern Africa. Habitats range from vast tracts of montane grassland to afro-temperate forests, bushveld and wetlands.

The Eastern Escarpment (including Magoebaskloof) and the Soutpansberg mountain range create relief in the landscape which allows for the development of afro-temperate forests. The lowland rivers such as the Limpopo, Levubu and Letaba rivers form corridors for species normally associated with coastal forests. Nylsvley is one of the best known wetlands in South Africa and due to its importance for birds has been declared a RAMSAR site.

Many different kinds of woodland and bushveld types are found within the province hosting an incredible variety of birds.

There are a number of species that are easier to find in the Limpopo Province than in the rest of the country. These include Short-clawed Lark, Shelley's Francolin, Grey-headed Parrot, African Broadbill and Crested Guineafowl.

In addition to this, many Central and East African bird species reach their southern-most distribution here and thus will not be found anywhere else in the country. These include species such as Black-fronted Bushshrike, Arnot's Chat, Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, Racket-tailed Roller, Senegal Coucal and Tropical Boubou.

The province has three National Parks and numerous provincial and municipal reserves within its borders. Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe and Marakele National Parks are visited by hundreds of birdwatchers every year. Provincial Nature Reserves and Municipal Reserves are important sites for bird conservation. For example, Blouberg Nature Reserve is home to one of the largest Cape Vulture breeding colonies in Southern Africa and Polokwane Nature Reserve has healthy populations of Short-clawed Lark.

Because Limpopo Province has tracts of relatively unexplored habitats as well as its more famous sites, intrepid birders are fortunate to have the opportunity to make exciting discoveries wherever they venture.

This is an ideal destination for both the beginner and the experienced birder. The abundance of birds will always make a short trip to the region well worthwhile. The area boasts 35 Southern African endemics and 48 Southern African near endemics. Over 600 bird species have been recorded in the province, of which 420 are resident. The area offers pleasant and easy bird watching.

The GLBR grew out of the original 'Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route'. It now consists of four sub-routes:

Soutpansberg-Limpopo   |   Capricorn-Letaba   |   Waterberg-Nylsvlei   |   Kruger to Canyons

It is hoped that as time goes on more areas in the Limpopo Province will be added to the GLBR. Each sub-route is managed and updated by a committee in that area. The GLBR is managed by a Project Manager, employed by BirdLife South Africa.