2024 has been quite the birding year for Londolozi. The Chorister Robin-Chat, newly listed on the reserve’s birding records, became a resident over the winter months, delighting both guides and twitchers alike. And recently, a Narina Trogon’s unexpected visit to camp added to the excitement, offering a rare encounter with its stunning colours. With the arrival of spring and the first rains, the bush is preparing to welcome back a host of avian travellers returning from their winter havens.

A rare encounter with such a beautiful bird. A Narina Trogon surprises many with a visit to camp.

As insects start to buzz, frogs call from hidden spots, and animals large and small begin to enjoy the fresh vegetation of the new season, migratory birds that spent months away in distant parts of the world return to the bush. Their vibrant colours and cheerful songs breathe life back into the landscape. From the dazzling European Bee-eaters to the striking Woodland Kingfishers, these travellers remind us of nature’s wonders and mark the start of a new season. Personally, this time of year is always special to me, as Londolozi transforms into a temporary sanctuary for these seasonal visitors.

As the days shorten and temperatures cool in northern Africa and Europe, birds begin their long journeys southward. Here at Londolozi, spring brings the start of the rainy season, when lush greenery and abundant insect activity create a welcoming environment for the mostly insectivorous migratory birds. While many species are returning to breed and take advantage of the seasonal bounty, some resident birds are also donning their fresh breeding plumage, adding even more vibrance to the bush.

Although the landscape may still appear dry, anticipation is already building. The distinct call of the Red-chested Cuckoo, “piet-my-vrou,” echoes across the riverines, joined by the calls of Klaas’ and Levaillant’s Cuckoos. The return of the Broad-billed Roller and the recorded sightings of European Bee-eaters signal that summer is approaching. Yet, a few species have not yet arrived, and we eagerly await their return—especially those that embark on epic journeys covering thousands of kilometres across continents to reach their seasonal home here in Southern Africa.

Among the most remarkable of these returning species are the Steppe Eagle, White Stork, and Barn Swallow, whose migrations span incredible distances.

The Steppe Eagle

The Steppe Eagle is one of the biggest migratory birds that return to Southern Africa in the summer time. They are one of the non breeding migrants.

The Steppe Eagle’s journey begins in the vast grasslands of Central Asia, where it takes flight each year to escape the harsh winters of Russia. Crossing mountain ranges like the Himalayas and traversing endless deserts, the eagle relies on thermal currents to glide for thousands of kilometres, conserving energy over its long voyage. After weeks of travel, it reaches Southern Africa, including the Sabi Sand Nature Reserve, where it finds plentiful prey to sustain it through our warm summer months. As the season draws to a close, the eagle will follow its ancient migratory path back north, completing a round-trip journey that spans continents.

The White Stork

A white stork forages for some food in the soft afternoon light.

Every year, White Storks embark on an epic migration, leaving behind their breeding grounds in Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia as summer fades. Like the Steppe Eagle, the White Stork uses thermal currents to soar over vast distances, funnelling through migration hotspots like the Strait of Gibraltar—a narrow strip of sea that separates Morocco from Spain. Their journey spans deserts, savannahs, and roughly 10,000 kilometres, bringing them to Southern Africa’s grasslands and wetlands, where they find ample food to sustain them through the summer. Come spring in the northern hemisphere, they will retrace their path to their breeding grounds, completing the cycle.

The Barn Swallow

A large gathering of Barn Swallows flock together before their return flight back to their northern breeding grounds at the start of this year.

As the days shorten in Europe and Asia, Barn Swallows take to the skies on an incredible migration to Southern Africa. These small yet resilient birds cover approximately 9,000 kilometres each way, navigating diverse landscapes, including the challenging stretch over the Mediterranean. Along the route, they pause to feed on insects, building strength for the next leg of their journey. When they finally arrive in Southern Africa’s wetlands and fields, they gather in flocks, replenishing their energy for the season ahead. As autumn approaches, they will make the long journey back, completing an adventure that totals around 18,000 kilometres.

In the coming weeks, I eagerly await the return of more migratory birds as they light up the bush once again with their vibrant colours and melodic songs. The seasonal transformation they bring is a reminder of nature’s enduring cycles and the magic that each new arrival carries.