My Favourite Bird Calls at Silvan Safari

Going on safari is a sensory experience – one that’s almost impossible to convey to those who haven’t witnessed it firsthand. The landscapes are breathtaking, and the wildlife often feels as if it’s performing on cue, each moment unfolding like a perfectly choreographed scene.

Nature’s performers set the stage

For the Love of Birding

As a passionate birder and someone fortunate enough to spend a great deal of time in the wild, the sounds of safari – particularly bird calls – shape my experience. Having recently returned from an unforgettable stay at Silvan Safari, I’d like to share something that resonated deeply with me during this trip.

Visiting Silvan in the height of summer was a first for me. While I’m well-acquainted with the area and have spent many summers in the bush, I was fascinated by the subtle yet striking changes around the lodge. The most noticeable? The birdlife.

Silvan is never short of avian activity, with trees alive with feathered friends flitting from branch to branch. But in summer, the lodge transforms into a showcase of movement and melody. The air hums with constant trills and tinkling notes, and every rustle in the foliage keeps my head on a swivel, eager to glimpse the hidden performers.

Birds: The Stars of the Show

Bird calls are like nature’s own symphony, and just like any concert, I have my favourites. Here are some of the most distinctive sounds you’ll hear at Silvan.

African Fish Eagle

The cry of the African fish eagle is iconic – a sound that defines the wild. Once you hear its distinctive call, you immediately know you’re in Africa. Every time I hear it, my instinct is to scan the sky, searching for the majestic silhouette soaring above the river.

When the African fish eagle calls, you know the wilderness has begun its song, Image Credit: Elias Msaya

Black-bellied Korhaan

Nicknamed the champagne bird, this ground-dwelling species has a call as unique as its name. It starts with a strange, frog-like squawk, followed by a brief silence, then a sudden pop – like the sound of a cork being released from a bottle. Watching the bird’s quirky movements as it calls only adds to the spectacle.

The champagne bird, quirky and charismatic, brings bubbly charm to the bush, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell

Woodland Kingfisher

Draped in electric blue, the woodland kingfisher doesn’t just look spectacular – it embodies summer in the Sabi Sand. Its piercing call fills the air, ringing out from the treetops.

They have an entertaining habit of calling and displaying right after landing, but despite their showmanship, they’re frustratingly camera-shy. No matter how carefully I prepare, they always seem to hop behind a leafy branch just as I press the shutter.

The elusive woodland kingfisher – a flash of colour and forever camera-shy, Image Credit: Elias Msaya

Fiery-necked nightjar

No night in the bush feels complete without the hauntingly beautiful call of the fiery-necked nightjar. It takes me straight back to childhood camping trips – sitting around a crackling fire under a sky thick with stars.

Its trilling, whistling song pierces the night, a sound that instantly makes me feel at home in the wild.

The comforting nocturnal serenade of the fiery-necked nightjar recalls nights under the stars, Image Credit: Brad Mitchell

Southern Ground Hornbill

Unmistakable in both size and presence, these long-legged birds command attention. Their deep, booming call echoes through the bush at dawn, a natural alarm clock signalling the start of the safari day. Despite their bold presence, they're sadly endangered, making every sighting at Silvan a privilege.

You should count yourself lucky if you see one of these amazing birds in the wild

Scops Owl

The calls of the tiny Scops owl bring me a sense of comfort. These nocturnal birds are pair-bonded, rarely straying far from one another.

Their soft, rhythmic chirps fill the night, a whispering conversation that carries on until dawn. Sitting by the fire, listening to their calls, is one of my favourite ways to end the day.

Night whispers shared between pair-bonded owls – a comforting lullaby

Best Ways to Enjoy Bird Calls at Silvan Safari

If you want to truly immerse yourself in Silvan’s birdlife, slow down and listen.

On Game Drives: When the vehicle stops, take a moment to tune into the sounds around you. You’ll be amazed at how much more you notice when you’re not just focused on what’s in sight.

Guided Birdwatching Walks: Silvan’s expert guides can take you on a walking safari dedicated to birding, pointing out the wide variety of species that call this landscape home.

Relaxed Lodge Viewing: Some of the best birdwatching happens when you’re simply sitting still. The private decks at Silvan, nestled along the Manyeleti River, provide the perfect vantage point. Whether you’re sipping coffee in the morning or unwinding with a G&T in the afternoon, the trees around the lodge are alive with movement. The team will happily provide bird books or recommend apps to help identify calls and species.

Slow down, and let the sounds of the bush wash over you

The Unforgettable Soundtrack of Nature

There’s something extraordinary about deepening your safari experience by engaging all your senses. It’s easy to focus on the sights – dramatic landscapes, iconic wildlife – but the sounds of the bush add a whole new dimension to the experience. Bird calls, in particular, bring the landscape to life in an unexpected way.

Silvan is a place where nature speaks, and if you take the time to listen, you’ll hear a world rich in rhythm and song. So if you ever see someone standing quietly on the deck, head tilted to the sky, lost in the melodies of the wild – come say hello. You might just discover your own favourite bird call in the process.