November 3, 2026by mvhuyssteen

Birds of a feather

The extraordinary journeys of migratory birds

The great animal migrations of Africa are among the natural world’s most extraordinary spectacles. Every year, travellers visit the Serengeti to witness millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles moving across the plains in an age-old search for food and water.

Yet another remarkable migration unfolds above the open savannahs, along riverbanks and through the trees. As the seasons change, birds arrive in Africa from distant continents bringing their calls, colourful plumage and energy to the landscapes they visit.

These seasonal, sun-seeking, winged travellers can easily go unnoticed. But, take a moment to look and listen and a different kind of safari reveals itself: Birdsong at dawn, wings skimming the water, raptors circling high above and flocks displaying aerial agility.

Like the wildebeest migration, the movement of birds is driven by the seasons and the search for food, water and a safe place to breed.

A journey written in the skies

Every year, migratory birds fly thousands of kilometres. Some arrive in southern Africa from Europe and Asia to escape the cold winter, others move between African regions, following rainfall, water and the availability of food and suitable breeding grounds.

For insect-eating species, seasonal rains can be particularly important, providing an abundant food source to sustain adults and feed their young.

The timing and routes vary between species but, together, these movements are a remarkable cyclic exchange. Birds that have spent months elsewhere return to familiar habitats, while others enjoy a ‘stop-over’ in African wetlands, grasslands and waterways to rest before continuing their journey.

More than birdwatching

The arrival of migratory birds brings colour, movement and the opportunity to spot a rare species. But the annual appearance matters far more than the sightings. Birds play an important role in healthy ecosystems. They help regulate insect populations, disperse seeds and, in some cases, pollinate plants. Their presence and behaviour can also offer valuable clues about the condition of the habitats on which they depend.

Wetlands, rivers and floodplains provide vital feeding grounds and nesting sites, while grasslands and woodland offer different resources throughout the seasons. Protecting these landscapes is about safeguarding the interconnected habitats that allow wildlife to thrive across borders and continents.

Understanding this adds another dimension to the birding experience. Each sighting is part of a bigger story.

Water-wings

Few places bring this story to life quite like the Chobe River. Its waterways, reed beds and floodplains support an exceptional diversity of resident and migratory birdlife and, according to UNESCO, there are more than 450 species recorded in the wider Chobe region.

For guests of the Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis, the river itself becomes a viewing platform. From the deck of the Zambezi Queen, Chobe Princess or on a tender-boat excursion, birdlife can be observed against a constantly changing backdrop of water, woodland and open sky.

An African fish eagle’s unmistakable call may echo across the river, while kingfishers forage at the water’s edge. Look upwards and you may see flashes of colour as bee-eaters dart through the air, catching insects mid-flight.
Among the region’s most distinctive birds is the African skimmer with its unusual feeding technique that involves flying low over the water, skimming the surface with its longer lower bill to catch small fish.

The skimmer is an intra-African migrant: This means seasonal movements occur entirely within Africa. It breeds along major river systems (such as the Chobe and Zambezi Rivers) during the dry season and flies north toward the equatorial regions and Rift Valley Lakes when the southern river levels rise.

The birding experience extends beyond the migration. Seasonal visitors add to the river’s already rich birdlife, while changing water levels and breeding activity create different opportunities throughout the year.

Did you know: The white-backed night heron is a shy, elusive and scarcely seen bird
species along the Chobe River, making sightings all the more special.

Waterways and the Kalahari

At Feline Fields Vintage Camp by Mantis, situated along the Mbudi Channel within the Khwai River system, a wide variety of birdlife is attracted to the riverine woodland, open floodplains and scattered trees.

In the early morning, African jacanas may be seen stepping across lily pads, while white-fronted bee-eaters dart around bankside nests. Summer brings additional activity as migratory birds arrive. Woodland kingfishers return to breed, their vivid blue plumage and piercing calls adding to the soundscape. Carmine bee-eaters add brilliant flashes of red to the sky, while European rollers and other visitors take advantage of the food and nesting opportunities.

The story changes at Feline Fields Lodge by Mantis set in the semi-arid Kalahari. During drier months, bird activity is concentrated around waterholes, where resident species gather in the cooler hours. With the first summer rains, the thornveld turns green, insects emerge and temporary pans fill. Migratory birds soon follow, joining resident species in a landscape transformed.

The contrast with Khwai is striking. In the Kalahari, in particular, you see how quickly life responds once the rain returns.

Together, these landscapes show that there is no single way to experience African birdlife. Sightings may come from the abundance of a wetland, seasonal arrivals or the simple pleasure of watching a small bird go about its day.

Hidden in plain sight

Perched high in the Zuurberg Mountains in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, Mantis Hiddn in Addo is set within an 800-hectare private nature reserve. The area’s remarkable diversity of birdlife is due to the varied biomes, where fynbos and grassland give way to Albany Thicket and pockets of indigenous forest along the Witte River.

Here you may spot an impressive variety of birds, including the Knysna turaco, hornbills, black-headed orioles, red-billed woodhoopoes, olive bush shrikes, Cape batis and white-fronted bee-eaters.

African crowned eagles can be seen soaring overhead, while the elusive Narina trogon is a particularly special sight. Commonly found nesting in the dense wooden kloofs is the African paradise flycatcher, with its bright, striking appearance. Males are particularly eye-catching, with two long central sweeping tail feathers that can reach up to 30cm in length.

You don’t have to be an avid ‘twitcher’

Birding asks little of you, beyond being observant. Listen for the first calls before sunrise, watch for movement in the trees or look for a sudden flash of colour above the water. Ask your guide why a particular bird is here at this time of year, what it feeds on or where it might travel next. These small moments can change your experience: The river becomes more than a beautiful view, it’s a source of food, shelter and life.

For those who enjoy photography, the migration period offers additional opportunities to capture movement, colour and behaviour against some of Africa’s most beautiful backdrops.

A world connected by wings

Migratory birds remind us that nature knows no borders. Survival depends on a network of habitats across continents, from breeding grounds and feeding areas to the wetlands and riverbanks where they pause along the way. Each plays a part in the journey.

At Mantis, these encounters are an invitation to discover a destination beyond its most familiar sights. The Big Five may capture the imagination but take a moment to listen to the calls around you … and look up. You may discover that one of the continent’s most remarkable journeys is unfolding right above your head.

Birding experiences are offered year-round at Mantis Collection properties

What are our favourite birding experiences?

The Zambezi Queen Collection by Mantis in Namibia, Feline Fields Vintage Camp by Mantis and Feline Fields Lodge in Botswana, Mantis Hiddn in Addo and, for something completely different, Mantis St Helena.

Why do birds fly together in flocks?

Mainly for safety. A large group has many eyes to spot a predator early. While some birds feed with their heads down, others keep watch.

How does a flock confuse a predator?

When hundreds of birds twist and turn together, a hawk or falcon struggles to focus on any one bird. Scientists call this the confusion effect. A bird that looks different from the rest is easier to pick out, which is one reason flocks are often made up of similar-looking birds.

Why do some birds fly in a V-shape?

To save energy on long journeys. Each wingbeat creates a swirl of air, part of which moves upwards. A bird flying just behind and to the side of another catches this rising air and gets extra lift. A study on great white pelicans found that birds flying in formation had lower heart rates than those flying alone. Some birds even time their wingbeats to match the bird in front.

Do birds only flock with their own kind?

No. Many species stay with their own kind but mixed flocks are common, especially in African woodlands, where several species often forage together. Fork-tailed drongos are well known for raising the alarm when predators approach and other birds listen for their calls.