Bitou Birding Festival
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The Bitou Birding Festival returns from 23–30 October 2026. Website: www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za
#BitouBirdingFestival
Instagram: @bitou.birdingfest
Whether you're a seasoned birder or just getting started, the 2026 festival has something for everyone. *Immerse Yourself in the rich tapestry of birdlife of Plettenberg Bay at the Bitou Birding Festival*
September 27th - October 6th, 2024
Calling all birding enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned twitchers! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into exploring the rich diversity of birdlife across the many varied habitats of the Garden Route. Nestled in the scenic coastal region of Bitou, which includes Plettenberg Bay, Natures Valley, Wittedrift and Keurboomstrand along the picturesque Garden Route of the Western Cape, South Africa – the Bitou Birding Festival is bound to offer an unforgettable birding experience. Discover the Rich Avian Diversity of South Africa
South Africa boasts an impressive array of approximately 900 bird species, representing about 8% of the world’s avian diversity. Within the greater Plettenberg Bay area alone, our local birding club has documented almost 300 bird species, including 27 endemic or near-endemic treasures. This abundance of birdlife and the breath-taking landscape creates the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary birding exploration during the Bitou Birding Festival. Highlights of the Festival:
• Engaging expert talks on birding-related topics
• Navigate at your own pace on the self-drive birding route which will take you through diverse habitats.
• Join one of the various expert guided bird walks across various locations and habitats
• Wheelchair- friendly routes with universal accessibility.
• Experience unique birding activities such as netting, ringing, and recording with Dr. Mark Brown
• Embark on a birding canoe adventure along the Bitou River
• Venture into the open sea on pelagic birding excursions along the breath-taking coastline
• Rejuvenate with birding-centred wellness activities blending morning yoga and meditation with birdwatching
• Various children’s birding activities
• Admire stunning bird-inspired art and photography exhibitions
• Participate in fun-filled events including photo competitions, lucky draws, and social media contests
• Support our fine dining fundraiser dinner
Explore Diverse Habitats:
• Wetlands, rivers, and estuaries
• Fynbos habitats
• Afromontane forest biomes
• Urban areas and grasslands
• Coastal areas and pelagic zones
Build your own Birding adventure today! View our website for more information, to book your favourite birding activities, a list of local guides and a self drive route map with birding hot-spots to build your own birding adventure!
08/10/2026
Here are some photos from the Pelagic Birding expedition we joined earlier this year with dr. Mark Brown and Chanel Gemae Visser. It was an unbelievably productive outing - we saw: Kelp Gull, Shy Albatross, Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, White-chinned Petrel, Brown Skua, Southern Giant Petrel, Northern Giant Petrel, Sooty Shearwater, Manx Shearwater, Cape Gannet, Common Tern, Cape Cormorant and a Little Egret on the beach as we landed!
Although tickets for the 2 pelagic trips this year have already sold out - there are still some great activities you can join at this year's Bitou Birding Festival. There is a birding adventure for everyone.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GtGeM2k2i/
08/10/2026
These gardens at Kwendalo is a haven for many bird species and it is an absolute pleasure to explore the many avian treasures it has on offer. Come and experience it for yourself at the Bitou Birding Festival.
07/10/2026
Come for the birds. Stay for the pizza, prizes and bragging rights.
Gather your flock and join us for a fun Bird Quiz Night on the banks of the Bitou River.
Wednesday, 28 October 2026
17:30 for 18:00
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or still working out your pigeons from your plovers, this one’s for you. Expect feathered facts, curious questions, plenty of laughs and a little friendly competition, hosted by local birder Jarryd Dunn.
Come and enjoy a sundowner in this beautiful riverside setting before we kick off the quiz, then settle in for an entertaining evening with fellow birders, nature lovers and friends.
Pizza is included in your ticket price, and there are some exciting prizes waiting for the winning team.
Gather your birding brains, round up your team and come join the fun.
More info on our website • Tickets available through Quicket.
https://www.quicket.co.za/events/392725-bitou-birding-festival-2026-slow-down-look-up-reconnect/
06/10/2026
We are excited about the exciting things Safarisa.net has in the pipeline for this year's Bitou Birding Festival - watch this space.
The Bitou Birding Festival is coming to Plettenberg Bay from 23–30 October.
Join a week dedicated to birds, wildlife and the people who love them. Meet the birding community, chat to the SafariSA optics team, and enjoy a full programme of activities including expert talks, guided bird walks, and bird catch, ring and release experiences.
We’ll also be launching an online competition to win your very own pair of binoculars worth R13,000.
Entries will be opening soon, so make sure you’re following us and keep an eye on our pages for details on how to submit your entry.
Birding, learning, exploring and plenty to look forward to.
www.safarisa.net
What a lovely morning with Birdlife Plettenberg Bay. 💚
02/10/2026
Mindful Birding with Pierre Joubert
Take a breath. Listen a little longer. Notice what happens when you give nature your full attention. Pierre’s gentle, multi-sensory birding experience invites you to slow down and connect with the life around you.
Pierre is a qualified FGASA, Eco-Therapy and bird guide who loves helping people discover a deeper sense of wonder and gratitude in nature. This is birding for all your senses.
Click here to claim your Sponsored Listing.
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