The Southern Ground Hornbill is a marvelous bird that is native to different regions throughout Africa. It is big, has bright-colored plumage and a unique call. These hornbills preferentially inhabit the woodland and the savannahs of the Sub-Saharan region of Africa. One of their natural home grounds is the Kruger National Park. Kruger is a game reserve with different habitats of wildlife including the Southern Ground Hornbill. You can easily find hornbills perched on trees or foraging in the savannah.
Below are the three top places in Kruger, where wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers can encounter these magnificent birds. You can find a lot of information on national parks at https://nationalparksassociation.org.
Satara Rest Camp Area
It is a prime location to watch the Southern Ground hornbill. Satara Rest Camp Area is located in the central region of Kruger National Park. There is a large area occupied by the open savannah and dry woodland, which is suitable for the habitat of these birds. The Satara area is a rich source of beetles, grasshoppers and other invertebrate foods which definitely makes it an attractive feeding area for the hornbills.
The hornbills can be easily seen in the Satara region along the well-maintained dirt roads in the early morning or late afternoon. They have a sharp beak, which is used to dig into the grass and soil searching for food. You can also enjoy other wildlife including elephants, buffalos and various antelope species. Many birdwatchers enjoy the expansiveness of this open region because the Southern Ground Hornbills are not shy about displaying themselves or their splendid feathers from a considerable distance.
Lower Sabie Rest Camp Area
Another hotspot for watching the Southern Ground Hornbills is located in the southern part of Kruger – the Lower Sabie area. The camp is situated on the banks of the Sabie River surrounded by Riverine forests, open woodlands and grasslands, creating a diverse ecosystem. There is an abundance of wildlife including the Southern Ground Hornbill thriving here because the environment is suitable for nesting and food sources.
You can spot hornbills along the riverbanks and open plains near the camp foraging for food. Birdwatchers can enjoy sighting other avian life including raptors, kingfishers, and waterfalls. Wildlife enthusiasts can encounter other magnificent species including crocodiles, leopards, and lions. Tourists interested in experiencing Kruger’s wildlife to its fullest must visit the Lower Sabie area.
Mopani Rest Camp Area
In the northern part of Kruger National Park lies the Mopani Rest Camp. It offers a different but equally rewarding chance to watch the Southern Ground Hornbills. The region has dense Mopane woodlands and open savannahs, ideal for hornbills. The savannahs in the central and southern parts of Kruger are more open and attract hornbills. Nevertheless, Mopani has a blend of terrain that entices hornbills, especially where the grassland and the woodland meet.
The hornbills are active in early mornings or late afternoons. You can find them along the roads leading to and from the camp foraging on the ground for small prey or insects in the undergrowth. The Mopani area has fewer tourists, so is an excellent location for wildlife enthusiasts to enjoy a more calm and off-the-beaten-path experience. They also get to encounter other thrilling wildlife including zebras, giraffes, and various predators.
Conclusion
Kruger National Park with its vast and varied ecosystem creates a rich environment for the remarkable birds – the Southern Ground Hornbills. Birdwatchers can look forward to memorable encounters in the open savannahs of Satara, riverine landscapes of Lower Sabie and the woodland plains of Mopani.