Ornithologists and bird watchers alike are treated to an array of birdlife at Shamwari Private Game Reserve.
This malaria-free area of the Eastern Cape is home to a host of beautiful birds, from tiny feathered friends to majestic birds of prey.
View GalleryFlocks in Abundance
Shamwari Private Game Reserve has several bodies of water located throughout the reserve, which means it’s the ideal opportunity to catch sight of the teaming birdlife. Our rangers are knowledgeable on the various bird species residing in the reserve and will happily share their insights with guests. At the moment there are more than 275 different bird species at Shamwari for guests to spot.
Sightings at The Reserve
Speckled mousebird
Speckled mousebirds usually forage in the mid to upper canopy of trees, often in groups of
5-20 birds.
African paradise flycatcher
Males have two very long central tail streamer feathers during mating season, thus the bird
got its name from the resemblance of the birds-of-paradise.
Ant-eating chat
The ant-eating chat excavates a tunnel, often in the roof of an Aardvark burrow, in which a
nest of dry grass and roots is created.
African spoonbill
This long legged wading bird can easily be identified by its unique spoon-shaped bill.
Bokmakierie
The name of the Bokmakierie comes from its melodious call notes often uttered from the
top of a bush or tree.
Red-billed oxpecker
These birds only occur where there are animal hosts for the species of insects such as ticks,
that the birds eat.
Southern double-collared sunbird
Their diet mainly consists of nectar, which is drawn up after inserting their long curved bill
into the corolla tube of the flower.
Birds of The Region
There are an abundance of special birds that we are privileged to see at Shamwari. Specialist guides, who know the habits and habitats of these birds, will do their utmost to get you a sighting of these birds in their natural environment.
Sightings at The Reserve
Hamerkop
The shape of the Hamerkop’s head with a long bill and crest at the back is reminiscent of a hammer.
Pale Chanting Goshawks
A beautiful, medium-sized bird of prey, the Pale Chanting Goshawk chants tuneful whistling calls during mating season.
Martial eagle
The martial eagle is an incredibly powerful raptor and is crowned as the largest African eagle.
Turaco
The Turaco is the only bird that contains the pigment turacan and turacovaden which is the true green pigment.
Olive Bushshrike (Ruddy Form)
The Olive Bushshrike is part of the shrike family, and a group of species found in shrubs or open wood lands.
Secretary Birds
The Secretary Bird gets its name from its crest of long feathers that look like quills used by office workers.
Pack the Essentials
Whether you set out on a game drive, go on a guided walk or simply watch from your balcony, bird watching is such a relaxing activity. In order to get the most from your safari experience, we highly recommend that you come fully prepared with these items:
we highly recommend you bring
Binoculars
Bird reference book & personal notebook
Cameras and lenses
Warm clothing
Gallery
From tiny feathered friends to majestic birds of prey, we pride ourselves on the variety of bird species at Shamwari.
Book a stay at one of our lodges
For a bird watching paradise and haven, book your 5-star luxury accommodation at one of our lodges.
Eagles Crag
Exclusivity Inspired By Nature
Nestled deep in one of the valleys of Shamwari and surrounded by imposing mountain cliffs, Eagles Crag offers you ultimate luxury and privacy with breath-taking scenery, ideal for a romantic getaway.
Book Now
Long Lee Manor
Gracious Living Inspired By Nature
Shamwari's historic manor house, Long Lee Manor, is being renovated and the contiguous accommodation extensively rebuilt. The project will be completed by December 2019.
Book Now
Explorer Camp
Adventure Inspired By Nature
This unique back-to-nature walking experience is ideal for the more adventurous guest. This tented safari camp is located on a plateau set amongst the only basalt and granite extrusions on Shamwari.
Book Now