A Birding Safari in the Heart of the Waterberg
In March 2025, BirdLife South Africa and WildEarth Travel joined forces for the inaugural Welgevonden Birding Safari, a collaboration that proved, from the very first morning in the field, to be an outstanding success. Set within the dramatic, boulder-strewn landscape of South Africa's Waterberg region, Welgevonden Game Reserve delivered an experience that went far beyond a simple bird list. This was a safari that celebrated the full richness of one of the country's most spectacular wilderness ecosystems.
The safari was led by John Kinghorn, WildEarth presenter and BirdLife South Africa's Avitourism Project Manager, alongside Lucas Namanyane, a BirdLife South Africa Accredited (Community) Bird Guide and veteran of the organisation's avitourism training programme. Their complementary expertise, John's deep ornithological knowledge and on-screen experience paired with Lucas's invaluable local knowledge and expert identification skills, transformed every outing into a genuinely educational and memorable experience. Lucas's involvement was particularly meaningful, showcasing the long-term success of BirdLife South Africa's guide development initiatives and the lasting impact of its community conservation work.
Participants recorded an impressive 132 bird species across the reserve, with every single species seen exceptionally well. Yet what elevated this safari beyond a remarkable species count was the deliberate choice to slow down and engage with the Waterberg's broader biodiversity. Time was set aside for photographing the remarkable variety of butterfly species encountered throughout the reserve, and guests also took part in hands-on wildlife tracking sessions — quieter moments that added another layer of appreciation for the ecosystem's intricate beauty and deepened the connection to the bush in a way that a bird list alone never could.
Despite the safari's strong birding focus, Welgevonden also delivered unforgettable encounters with some of Africa's most iconic mammals. Guests enjoyed outstanding, unhindered sightings of both lion and leopard, adding an exhilarating dimension to an already extraordinary experience and serving as a reminder that the Waterberg is a world-class wildlife destination in every sense.
Why Welgevonden Belongs on Every Birder's Bucket List
The Waterberg Biosphere Reserve is one of South Africa's most ecologically significant and visually dramatic landscapes. Its rugged sandstone ridges, diverse woodland habitats, and permanent water sources create ideal conditions for exceptional birding year-round. Welgevonden Game Reserve, situated within this biosphere, is malaria-free and offers Big Five game alongside a bird list that consistently rewards both beginner and expert birders. For those searching for the best birding safaris in South Africa, the Waterberg region represents an increasingly important destination that combines accessibility, diversity, and authenticity in equal measure.
Beyond the exceptional wildlife experience, this inaugural safari also served as an important fundraiser in support of BirdLife South Africa's ongoing avitourism development and conservation livelihood work across the country. By joining this safari, guests contributed directly to training community guides, developing birding tourism routes, and creating sustainable conservation livelihoods — making every hour in the field count twice over. It was, in every respect, a truly spectacular start to what promises to be an enduring and impactful partnership between BirdLife South Africa and WildEarth Travel.
