This blog was written by Adam Cruickshank on 12 March 2025
A birdwatching holiday is the perfect way to explore incredible places while spotting some of the planet’s most sought-after birds. With so many amazing destinations, choosing where to go can be overwhelming. To help you plan your next trip, we’ve compiled a list of five must-visit countries for birders. Each offers a unique combination of spectacular species, breathtaking scenery, and cultural experiences.
Before we look at the countries we recommend, there are some things to consider before booking a birding tour to a specific country.
Six things to consider before booking a birdwatching tour
1. What are your birding goals
Before booking a birding holiday, you need to first identify your objectives—what is important to you and what is not. If your goal is to increase your life list, consider visiting countries with a high number of species, such as Colombia, Peru, or Indonesia. If you want to target endemic species, look for tours to countries like Australia, Brazil, or Madagascar. If you are interested in both birds and mammals, destinations like Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, India, and Brazil’s Pantanal offer excellent opportunities. By taking the time to clarify your priorities, you are more likely to choose a birdwatching tour that meets your specific needs and ensures you get the most out of the experience.
Madagascar, home to over 100 endemic bird species, offers unparalleled birding opportunities. Pictured here is the exquisite Madagascar Pygmy Kingfisher, a species found nowhere else on Earth.
2. Consider the tour’s physical demands
While many birding tours require minimal walking, some involve moderate to strenuous physical activity. For example, birding in Madagascar, home to unique birds, mammals, and plants found nowhere else on Earth, can sometimes be quite physically demanding, with a few strenuous walks and very early morning birding starts. Similarly, a birding tour in Papua New Guinea can demand a good level of physical fitness due to its steep slopes and rugged terrain.
While countries like Madagascar and Papua New Guinea offer once-in-a-lifetime birding opportunities, booking with a professional tour company ensures you experience these destinations safely and comfortably. Expert guides are familiar with the terrain, local wildlife, and necessary precautions, allowing you to focus on birdwatching while they handle the logistics and safety aspects. They also provide practical support, from arranging suitable accommodation to assisting with navigation and first aid, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable trip.
3. Group size and dynamics matter
When booking a birding holiday, consider the group size limits of different tour companies. Smaller groups provide a more intimate experience, better visibility at sightings, and more personalized attention from the guide. While larger group tours are often more affordable, they can make it harder to spot birds and may require more waiting time. If you prefer a quieter, more in-depth birding experience, opting for a small group tour is the best choice. Another option may be to book a personalized or bespoke birdwatching holiday and arrange a trip with family or even a group of friends. This means that you get to decide the size of the group and who you will get to do the trip with.
4. Check the expertise of the tour leader
A knowledgeable and personable tour leader can make a significant difference in your birding experience. Look for a bird holiday company with guides who are not only skilled birdwatchers but are also excellent with people. Before booking, visit the company’s website to learn more about their guides, read trip reports to see what birds they have recorded on past tours, and check online reviews to understand how previous participants rated their experience. Choosing an experienced guide ensures a more enjoyable and rewarding tour.
5. Choose the right time and season
Seasons play a major role in determining the success of a birding trip. Many species migrate, meaning that certain destinations are best visited during specific months. Additionally, weather conditions can significantly impact your experience—you don’t want unexpected rain or extreme heat to disrupt your tour.
For example, Costa Rica is one of the world’s top birdwatching destinations, offering year-round birding due to its diverse ecosystems. The best time for birding in Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, when bird activity is at its peak. Birdwatchers can spot iconic species like Resplendent Quetzal, Scarlet Macaw, and Snowcap (one of the world’s best hummingbirds) in Monteverde Cloud Forest, La Selva Biological Station, andCarara National Park.
Gartered Trogon is one of the spectacular species that can be seen on a bird tour to Costa Rica.
Professional bird tour companies typically schedule their set departure dates to align with the optimal birding seasons for each location. If you are concerned about the weather or need guidance on what to pack, be sure to check with the company before your trip to ensure you’re well-prepared.
6. Consider your budget
Budgeting is a key factor when booking a birding-oriented vacation, but it’s not just about the price—it’s about what you’re paying for. While some tours may seem cheaper at first glance, a closer look at group size, guide expertise, accommodations, and inclusions can reveal significant differences in value.
Sometimes, spending a little more ensures a better overall experience, from highly experienced guides to better lodging and smaller groups. Always compare what’s included in the price to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.
Once you’ve considered factors such as your birding goals, group size, tour logistics, and the best season to visit, it’s time to choose a destination that aligns with your preferences. While the world offers countless birding hotspots, some countries stand out for their exceptional bird diversity, unique species, and well-established birdwatching infrastructure. Below, we explore five incredible birdwatching destinations, each offering an unforgettable birding experience.
Five of the best countries for a birdwatching holiday
1. Colombia – rare birds, endemics and more
With an incredible 1,987 bird species, including 84 endemics, Colombia is a dream destination for any birdwatching holiday. As the country with the highest bird diversity in the world, it offers unparalleled opportunities to see masses of birds, including a good number of rare and endemic species.
Birding in Colombia takes you through a massive variety of habitats, from the Amazon rainforest and Andean cloud forest to high-altitude páramo and coastal mangrove. Some of the top species to look out for include the Santa Marta Parakeet, Yellow-eared Parrot, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Multicolored Tanager, Bogotá Rail, and Santa Marta Screech Owl.
The Santa Marta Parakeet is one of many endemic species you will have the chance to see in Colombia.
Must-visit birding hotspots include Montezuma Rainforest, the Santa Marta Mountains, and the Chocó region. A visit to the páramos near Bogota, provides the opportunity to see the rare Spectacled Bear. The best time of the year to visit the country is between November and the end of March.
For those looking to experience Neotropical birding at its best, Colombia is the ultimate starting point.
2. Papua New Guinea – home of birds-of-paradise
Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a birdwatching paradise, home to over 900 bird species, including 98 endemics. The country’s misty highlands, tropical rainforests, and remote islands make it one of the most exciting destinations for birders worldwide.
One of the highlights of visiting PNG is the opportunity to witness the spectacular displays of birds-of-paradise. Birders can see over 20 birds-of-paradise species, including the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, and King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise. Other highlights include monotypic species like the Blue-capped Ifrit, Wattled Ploughbill, and Mottled Berryhunter, as well as stunning pittas, bowerbirds, and the dazzling Flame Bowerbird.
The best time to visit Papua New Guinea for birding is during the dry season between April and October. Although this is the most comfortable time for birding, it’s still important to take precautions against the sun and occasional rain, as weather conditions can be unpredictable year-round.
3. Uganda – Africa’s birding jewel
Uganda is one of Africa’s top destinations for a birdwatching holiday, boasting 1,093 bird species across its diverse landscapes, from lush forests and open savannas to vast wetlands. The country’s bird diversity, warm hospitality, and breathtaking scenery make it a must-visit destination.
One of Uganda’s biggest drawcards is the chance to see the rare Shoebill, particularly at Mabamba Swamp. The country is also home to Albertine Rift endemics such as the Rwenzori Turaco, Regal Sunbird, Green-breasted Pitta, Grauer’s Broadbill, and the exceptionally rare Shelley’s Crimsonwing.
No visit to Uganda is complete without a trip to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where birding can be combined with an Eastern (Mountain) Gorilla trek. Other must-visit birding hotspots include Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, and Kibale National Parks, where you can also spot iconic African wildlife like lions, elephants, and chimpanzees.
Uganda offers fantastic bird and wildlife viewing year-round, but the best time to visit is between June and September, when conditions are most favourable for birding.
4. India – A birding and cultural treasure trove
India is a top destination for a birdwatching holiday, with nearly 1,350 bird species, including 80 endemics. Its vast range of habitats, from the snow-capped Himalayas and lush tropical forests to vast deserts and expansive wetlands, ensures year-round birding opportunities.
Some of the most sought-after species include Great Indian Bustard, Forest Owlet, Malabar Whistling Thrush, White-naped Woodpecker, Painted Spurfowl, and Bugun Liocichla. India is also home to four biodiversity hotspots and 75 Ramsar-listed wetlands, offering endless opportunities for birders.
Bengal Tiger seen on a recent tour to northern India.
Top birding destinations include Kaziranga National Park, the Western Ghats, the Andaman Islands, and the Chambal River. Additionally, birders can experience thrilling encounters with Bengal Tigers, Fishing Cat, Asiatic Lions, Indian Rhinoceros, and Snow Leopard in national parks like Jim Corbett and Gir.
A visit to India is more than just a birdwatching experience—it’s a journey into a land of ancient traditions, vibrant cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. From the spiritual ghats of Varanasi to the majestic palaces of Rajasthan, travelers can immerse themselves in a rich cultural heritage that enhances every aspect of their adventure.
5. Australia – A birdwatcher’s paradise
Australia is a must-visit for any birdwatching holiday, home to an impressive 989 bird species, including an incredible 363 endemics. Despite being the flattest and driest inhabited continent on Earth, the country still offers incredible diversity. From tropical rainforests to vast deserts and rugged coastlines, the country’s diverse landscapes create the perfect habitat for an array of unique bird species.
Top birding locations include Queensland’s rainforests, the Outback, Tasmania, and the wetlands of the Northern Territory, offering birders a wealth of opportunities. Some of the most sought-after birds include the Superb Lyrebird, Southern Cassowary, Gouldian Finch, Orange-bellied Parrot, and Plains-wanderer.
Australia also offers incredible seabird watching along its extensive coastline, with species like albatrosses, penguins, and migratory shorebirds. Beyond birds, visitors can encounter iconic wildlife such as kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, making it a well-rounded nature destination.
Plan your ultimate birdwatching holiday with Birding Ecotours
Birding Ecotours offers worldwide birdwatching tours led by expert guides who excel in both birding and people skills. Whether you’re looking for a set-departure or a custom birding tour, our enthusiastic team is ready to bring your dream trip to life.
Rather than focusing on the lowest prices, we prioritize offering the highest-quality birding tours with the smallest possible group sizes. This ensures you receive the best service, enjoy a more personalized experience, and maximize your chances of incredible sightings.
No matter where you choose to go, a birdwatching holiday offers an incredible opportunity to experience nature, discover rare birds, and immerse yourself in different cultures. If you’re ready to embark on a birdwatching trip, get in touch with us at [email protected].
