In Cape Town, bird watching has become a popular hobby over the years. The city is home to various bird populations (both land and sea species) that are sights to see! Whether you’re new to bird watching or a professional, we’re here to help you out. Explore the best bird-watching spots in the city to discover and catalogue various bird species!
Table of Contents
The list below is in no particular order. Each entry is equally celebrated for their achievements, and the sequence of names is arbitrary, not indicating any ranking or preference.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens 🦜
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. The garden intends to preserve South Africa’s rich and diverse flora (particularly indigenous fynbos), making it home to a wide range of Cape Town’s native fauna, especially birds! The tree canopy walkway winds above the area, giving guests a bird’s-eye view of the gardens and a great vantage point for bird watching.
The Cape Bird Club offers guided walks through Kirstenbosch for those unfamiliar with what to look for. If you’re on your own, keep a look out at the skies for raptor species! There are at least two families of spotted eagle owls, which you can spot at their daytime roosts. Birding field guides are available at the gift shop!
🔍Birds to look out for – Southern double-collard sunbird, Cape sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Olive Thrush, European honey buzzard, Karoo Prinia, Hadada ibis and more.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden Opening Hours: Friday to Wednesday, 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and Thursday, 8 am to 5 pm
Address: Rhodes Dr, Newlands, Cape Town
Website:https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/kirstenbosch/
Contact: 021 799 8783
Strandfontein Sewage Works 🦩
The Strandfontein Sewage Works is a 306-hectare site within the False Bay Nature Reserve, 30 minutes from Cape Town. The area has several ecosystems, including bushveld, reed beds, and grassland plains, home to over 200 bird species. Cape Town’s biggest water treatment plant is a haven for beginner and seasoned birders, from patrolling birds of prey to giant pelicans and vibrant pink flamingos. It is also an official RAMSAR site recognised as an international wetland conservation body.
This region has so much to offer beyond its variety of birds and natural beauty! You’ll encounter fascinating Wildlife like mongooses, snakes, and even the elusive caracals. To enjoy your exploration, having a car is a good idea since it can get pretty warm, and manoeuvring through the wetlands can be tricky. Drive slowly and take your time; stop often to enjoy the fantastic sights.
🔍Birds to look out for – Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Sacred Ibis, Little Stint, Little Rush Warblers, Cap Bulbul, Cape Weaver
Strandfontein Sewage Works, Opening Hours: 7.30 am to 6 pm
Address: Pelikan Park, Cape Town
Website:https://www.capetown.gov.za/FalseBayNatureReserve/
Contact: 021 400 9593
Rooi Els 🐦⬛
Rooi Els is a beloved birding spot about 90km from Cape Town, just outside Gordon’s Bay. It is most famous for its collection of unusual endemic bird species, especially the Cape Rockjumper. The site is a single-wide dirt road accessible for birding walks. Rooi Els has fynbos vegetation, coastal scenery, and rocky outcrops, providing habitat for several bird species, from seabirds like Cape Gannets to fynbos-loving Cape sugarbirds.
The best time for birding is in the early mornings. The small seaside town of Rooi Els is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, making it a perfect spot for a coastal stroll. It is also an excellent site for whale watching in the winter months.
🔍Birds to look out for – Ground Woodpecker, Cape Francolin, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Kelp Gull, Victorin’s Warbler.
Address: Rooi Els, Overberg District Municipality (off Route 44)
Cape Town Pelagics Boat Trip 🌊
If you’re particularly interested in Cape Town’s endemic and foreign sea birds, there are several seabirding boat cruises to choose from! Cape Town Pelagics provides a boat trip from Simon’s Town harbour, passing by Cape Point’s cliffs to the southwest off the continental shelf. This experience is especially great if you’re interested in Cape Town’s marine life tours because you might spot some dolphins and whales along the way.
If you’re interested in catching a glimpse of albatross species, penguins, the subantarctic skua, humpback whales, and more, this is the perfect trip for you! Don’t forget warm clothes for Cape Town’s chilly Atlantic Ocean breeze and a good set of binoculars.
🔍Birds to look out for – Albatross, Petrels, Prions, Shearwaters, Skuas.
Website:https://capetownpelagics.com/
Contact: 083 270 7452 (WhatsApp messages only)
Langebaan Lagoon 🎋
Langebaan is an incredible location that is recognised as an Important Bird Area. It is home to over 300 bird species and features a RAMSAR site dedicated to preserving the beautiful wetlands of the Cape! Langebaan Lagoon, located in the West Coast National Park, is particularly popular for its wader species.
Langebaan Lagoon has a unique ecosystem with salt marshes, mudflats, and vibrant fynbos vegetation, creating comfortable habitats for native and migratory birds. Because of its popularity among birders, the park strategically placed bird hides around the lagoon for unobtrusive viewing! It is best to visit the Geelbek hide site from low tide to get a good look at the lagoon waders. The optimal bird-watching timing is in the spring during the wildflower season or the summer for the migratory birds.
🔍Birds to look out for – Little Stint, Little Egret, Flamingo, White Pelican, South African Shelduck, Chestnut-banded Plover, Cape Spurfowl, Karoo Lark
Langebaan Lagoon, Opening Hours: September to March, 7 am to 7 pm and April to August, 7 am to 6 pm
Address: 1 Bree St, Langebaan
Website:https://www.sanparks.org/parks/west-coast
Contact: 022 772 2144
Paarl Bird Sanctuary 🦆
Paarl’s Bird Sanctuary is a renowned bird-watching location, attracting over 140 bird species. It is located around 60km from Cape Town and is considered one of the best birding sites for waterfowl. Viewing platforms are set around the area, giving bird watchers expansive views. This sanctuary is a prime spot for beginner birders who want a guaranteed log of the Cape’s waterbirds, such as African Fish Eagles and Purple Herons.
The Berg River runs through the sanctuary, enhancing its wetland vegetation and creating an enriching habitat for resident and migratory birds. Pathways and viewing spots around the sanctuary are well-maintained and accessible. The best time to visit would be in the summer months for the migratory birds, but it is still a great spot all year round. Paarl’s town centre is nearby if you’re interested in its other attractions.
🔍Birds to look out for – African Fish Eagle, Squacco Heron, White-faced Duck, African Snipe, Greater Flamingo
Paarl Bird Sanctuary Opening Hours: 7 am to 3 pm
Address: Drommedaris St, Paarl
Website:https://www.drakenstein.gov.za/sites/PaarlBirdSanctuary
Contact: 021 807 6307
World of Birds, Hout Bay 🐒
This one is perfect for absolute novice birdwatchers. World of Birds, set in Hout Bay Valley, is the largest bird park in Africa, with over 3000 birds and small animals across more than 400 species! This avian haven covers 4 hectares and offers encounters with several fascinating creatures (over and above the birds), such as monkeys and reptiles. World of Birds is home to foreign species, endemic birds and birds of prey.
The open-air aviaries are designed to mimic natural habitats and offer a leisurely stroll through! Visitors can surround themselves with free-flying birds, making it the perfect beginner birding experience. You can also catch a glimpse of playful squirrel monkeys (they might climb on you, so be cautious of personal belongings).
🔍Birds to look out for – Green-winged macaw, African Grey Parrot, Toco Toucan, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, Cape Sugarbird, Knysna Turaco
World of Birds, Opening Hours: 9 am to 5 pm
Address: Valley Road, Hout Bay, Cape Town
Website:https://worldofbirds.co.za/
Contact: 021 790 2730
Intaka Island 🏝️
Intaka Island is a sight to see with its combination of natural conservation and urban development, located 10km from Cape Town’s city centre. The word ‘Intaka’ means bird in Xhosa, showing the dedication of this 16-hectare wetlands area to bird and wildlife conservation. This sanctuary is home to 212 native plant species and over 120 species of birds. Bird watchers are catered to with two hides overlooking the wetland area, giving an expansive view of the reed beds!
The conservation area is divided into two halves: one consists of seasonal pans and strandveld bush, and the other is wholly artificial wetlands with marshes and a small lake. Each section supports a diverse variety of bird species. Visitors can trek the self-guided pathways or enquire for field ranger assistance, which can help beginners learn about Cape Town’s local bird and plant life.
🔍Birds to look out for – White-throated Swallows, Malachite Sunbirds, White-breasted Cormorants, Cape Canaries, Little Bittern, Cape Bulbul, Kingfishers
Intaka Island, Opening Hours: May to September, 7.30 am to 5.30 pm, and October to April, 7.30 am to 7 pm
Address: 2 Park Ln, Grand Central District, Century City, Cape Town
Website:https://intaka.co.za/
Contact: 021 552 6889
Cape Town Bird Watching Tips 📷
- Start Simple🌲
Begin your birding journey with Cape Town’s multitude of parks. Some of the city’s most beautiful birds are the most common! - Binocular Basics👁️
Having a designated pair of binoculars is integral! We recommend 8×42 binoculars, which provide a broader perspective for tracking moving birds and enough light for dim conditions. - Invest in a Field Guide📖
Get a bird field guide specific to Cape Town! You can find them at our local bookstores or nature reserve gift shops. - Timing and Attire Matter⏰
Cape Town’s birds are most active in the early morning or late afternoon, so ensure you’re dressed warmly for its chilly early mornings and afternoon breezes! Speaking of dressing, you should wear neutral, comfortable clothes that blend into your environment! - Respect the Wildlife 🦩
Avoid getting too close or playing recorded bird calls, as these can induce stress in the birds and disrupt their natural behaviours. - Get Involved!👥
Bird watching is a popular hobby, and there are dedicated Cape Town bird-watching and ornithology clubs. To better ingratiate yourself within the community, online platforms (such as BirdLasser or eBird) exist. Many reserves and clubs offer guided tours! - Catalogue📝
Keeping a notebook or journal of all your findings is an excellent idea for creating memories! Catalogue the dates, times, and photos of your sittings to reflect on your journey!
Cape Town’s bird-watching scene provides incredible opportunities to expand your bird catalogue, whether you’re just starting out or you’re a regular birdie watcher. The city’s diverse ecosystems, from wetlands to fynbos, make it a haven for bird life. By following our practical tips, respecting our wildlife and integrating into Cape Town’s welcoming birding community, you’re sure to elevate your birding experiences and create unforgettable memories.
