Maybe you’ve spotted the Big 5 – lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo - on your first few trips to the Kruger National Park, perhaps even more than once. Maybe you’ve even seen them all in one day. If you know your animals, you’re also familiar with the fascinating ‘Little 5’: ant-lion, leopard tortoise, rhino beetle, elephant shrew, buffalo weaver. Where the Big five were chosen to represent the species most desired in times of trophy-hunting, the little five are the species often overlooked, and mostly underrated, by tourists. However, unless you are a birder par excellence, we bet you can’t name the Birding Big 6 – the six species people most want to see at the Park. For the not-so-brilliant birders, we've made a list of the Big 6, and where you can find them:
Kori Bustard
Image credit: Michael Poliza
The grey and brown birds with black crests often wander around carrying bee-eaters, who pick off the insects off the bustard’s back. Find this grassland species at Crocodile Bridge, Lower Sabie and Satara.
Martial Eagle
Image credit: Clive Prior
One of the world’s most powerful avian predators, with a massive wingspan (reaching up to 260 cm) this eagle can be spotted at Satara, Parfuri, and Punda Maria.
Lappetfaced Vulture
Undoubtedly the most aggressive and powerful African vultures, other vultures will usually cede a carcass to the Lappet-faced Vulture because of its strength, size, and ability to tear through tough hide and muscle – almost like a hyena. They can be found at Satara, Parfuri, and Punda Maria.
Pel's Fishing Owl
Image credit: M. Oosthuizen
Fish and frogs make up the diet of this owl, which lends it its designation as a fisher. The species can be found in the riverine trees of the slow moving Luvuvhu River at Parfuri.
Saddle-billed Stork
The unusual appearance of the saddle-billed stork in flight, with its head drooping just below belly-height, makes it a dead giveaway for any avid birder. The Olifants River provides great views of this water bird.
Southern Ground Hornbill
The characteristic bright red throat and casqued bill of this bird make it an unmistakable sighting. The Mopane woodlands of Bateleur and the open grass of Punda Maria are both excellent spots for sightings.
Love birds but not sure how to photograph them correctly?
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Stanley Choi
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US
Dec 12, 2024
Dolan was terrific
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US
Dec 12, 2024
Great support and communication
I had great support from Lana, she has been helping to book the dream trip to Bostwana in a very efficient way. Great communication, very responsive and precise, could not wish for more. Highly recommend her.
Michael
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CZ
Dec 12, 2024
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Anja Mayer was extremely knowledgeable, patient, prompt with her responses to questions, and always very helpful. She was also a pleasure to work with. I would highly recommend to anyone that asks that Anja is the right person to contact if they are interested in travelling to South Africa or Botswana.
Lewis Warren
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US
Dec 12, 2024
Anja did a fabulous job!
Anja was knowledgeble, patient prompt with her responses to questions and always very helpful. In addition, it was a pleasure working with her. I would recommend her to anyone without any reservation.
Lewis Warren
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US
Dec 10, 2024
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to…
Mel du Toit was the perfect person to arrange and organize our trip!! She was on the ball, made sure everything was in place and travel arrangements secured! I highly recommend her!!
JUDITH ANN
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US
Dec 9, 2024
Great support from Shann
Shann made the booking experience seamless - provided very helpful information to ensure we fully understood what the experience would be like and made sure we felt safe with experiences we have booked.
SUE And Bryson STEIN
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AU
Dec 9, 2024
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Eduardo Rocha
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BR
Dec 7, 2024
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays…
Went through Newmarket travel and Hays travel ..information about flight changes hard to get..but on arrival the holiday was taken over Safari.com..amazing ..experience everything was fine tuned and the staff ..guides drivers fabulous and friendly ..lots of knowledge..lots of fun and the surprises they did was so lovely ...loved every minute ..Paris our guide was amazing..10/10 and Eric driver ..the waiters and waitress every and everyone in the hotels .smiling and friendly..Best holiday of my life
