Angola Birding Tour
Top birding in Africa!
Angola is a must-visit destination for birdwatchers, boasting incredible biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and a rich variety of bird species. With 960 recorded bird species, including 13 true endemics like the vibrant Red-crested Turaco and the rare Angola Cave Chat, this African gem offers an unforgettable birding experience. Add to that an array of near-endemics and localized species, and it’s clear why Angola ranks as one of Africa’s top birding hotspots.
Diverse Habitats for Exceptional Birdlife
Angola’s diverse ecosystems, from coastal plains and highland forests to savannas and escarpments, are teeming with birdlife. Highlights include:
- Kumbira Forest: A haven for endemics such as the charismatic Gabela Helmetshrike.
- Mount Moco: Home to the elusive Swierstra’s Francolin and other high-altitude specialties.
- Namib Desert: A unique landscape supporting regional avian treasures.
These habitats not only attract endemic species but also host a variety of regional specialties, making Angola a dream destination for birders seeking rare sightings.
A birding tour through Angola’s western regions promises breathtaking views of dramatic escarpments, lush forests, and open savannas. The combination of rare species and stunning natural beauty ensures an unforgettable and rewarding adventure.
For birders seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path destination, Angola offers a truly exceptional experience as one of Africa’s finest and most underexplored birding locations. Experience the magic of Angola’s birdlife. From endemic treasures to stunning landscapes, this destination is perfect for passionate birders and nature enthusiasts alike.
Let’s go birding in Angola!
| Safari starts and ends in Luanda | Hotel Accommodation |
| Duration | 17 Days |
| Departure dates | 19 August 2027 |
** This Angola Birding tour is also available to book as a PRIVATE GUIDED BIRDING TOUR
Top Birds
Braun’s Bushshrike, Gabela Bushshrike, Monteiro’s Bushshrike, Gabela Helmetshrike, White-headed Robin-Chat, Swierstra’s Spurfowl, Red-crested Turaco, White-fronted Wattle-eye, Pulitzer’s Longbill, Angola Slaty Flycatcher, Angola Cave Chat, Gabela Akalat, Bocage’s Sunbird, Angola Waxbill.
Highlights and top attractions
•Damengola Forest – premier birding destination, home to exceptional species, including the highly localized Braun’s Bushshrike.
•Kinjila – swamp forests near Calandula; prime spot for the elusive and striking White-headed Robin-Chat, a rare and localized bird rediscovered in the 1990s after being presumed extinct.
•Muxima – prime location in southeastern Kissama National Park to spot Angola’s unique endemics, including the elusive Gabela Helmetshrike.
•Kumbira forest – a key birding site in Angola, hosting several endemics largely confined to the central escarpment and is the only known site supporting significant populations of four of the five threatened endemic species of this habitat.
•Mount Namba – This seldom-explored hill range boasts some of the most pristine forest habitats along Angola’s escarpment, providing exceptional opportunities to spot highly sought-after species like Swierstra’s Spurfowl.
•Mount Moco – The highest peak in Angola, serving as a crucial habitat for endemic and range-restricted species such as Schalow’s Turaco.
•Tundavala – This striking landscape begins at around 2,300 meters above sea level and plunges steeply via the breathtaking Leba Pass into the lowlands. The White-bellied Barbet, recently rediscovered, is a thrilling highlight for birders exploring this remarkable region.
•Namib area – Among the oldest and driest deserts in the world, this ancient landscape is home to unique and specialized birdlife. Shaped by wind and time, its vast, rugged terrain sustains an extraordinary diversity of species adapted to its extreme environment.
Summary of day to day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Luanda to Uige |
| Day 2 | Quitexe, Damengola Forest |
| Day 3-4 | Kinjila |
| Day 5-6 | Cuanza River – Muxima |
| Day 7-9 | Kumbira forest |
| Day 10 | Kumbira Forest to Mount Moco – Mount Namba |
| Day 11 | Mount Moco |
| Day 12 | Mount Moco to Lubango |
| Day 13-14 | Tundavala |
| Day 15 | Namib area |
| Day 16 | Namib area, and travel to Luanda |
| Day 17 | Luanda departure |