Before You Spend a Cent on a Birding Tour, Read This

Terek Sandpiper photographed by Adam Cruickshank

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Let me start with a disclaimer: While I run The Birding Life, I also work as the Marketing Manager for Birding Ecotours, an international bird tour company. A few months ago, I wrote a blog for the Birding Ecotours website where I shared what I believe are five of the best destinations for birding holidays.

As part of that article, I also outlined seven important things to consider when booking a birding tour. I thought these tips would be useful to our Daily Birder readers, so, without going full salesman on you, here are seven things to think about when planning your next birding trip:

1. What’s Your Budget?

This is the best place to start. We all dream of seeing spectacular birds in exotic places, but it’s essential to be realistic about what you can afford. While I help market some incredible birding tours, I’ll admit that many of them are outside my personal budget, at least for now. Some destinations are worth saving up for, while others might offer great birding at a lower cost. And don’t just chase the cheapest deal, look at what’s included and whether you’re getting real value for your money.

2. What Do You Want to Get Out of the Trip?

This is a crucial question, and the answer can completely shape your experience. Do you want to add new lifers to your bird list? Take better bird photographs? Travel with friends? Enjoy immersive wildlife experiences beyond just ticking boxes? The clearer your goals, the easier it will be to find a birding tour that delivers on your expectations.

3. Check the Group Size

Larger groups may offer lower prices, but they often mean less personal attention and more competition for views. Smaller birding tours create a more intimate experience, with better chances for sightings, questions, and connection with the guide. If your budget allows, you may even want to consider a private birding tour with friends or family.

4. How Physically Demanding Is the Tour?

Everyone’s fitness levels are different, and so are birding trips. Some involve long hikes in hot climates, while others are slower-paced or vehicle-based. Make sure to ask how far you’ll be walking, what the terrain is like, and how long the days are. Not all destinations are suitable for those with mobility or health limitations.

5. Are the Guides Experienced and Personable?

A good guide will increase your chances of seeing your target species and help you learn more about bird calls and behavior. But expertise alone isn’t enough, you want someone who’s also great with people. Read reviews, ask questions, and choose a company with guides who are both skilled and easy to travel with.

6. Are the Guides Properly Qualified?

This one’s important. Sadly, some people lead tours without the necessary qualifications or legal compliance. In South Africa, for example, guides need formal qualifications, up-to-date First Aid certification, and a valid PDP to drive. Make sure the company and its guides meet all legal and insurance requirements, your safety and peace of mind depend on it.

7. Is the Timing Right?

Timing is everything in birding. Migration patterns, breeding seasons, and local weather all affect your chances of success. Professional birding tour companies typically schedule their set departures to coincide with the best seasons for bird activity. Always check when a destination is at its birding best before booking.

If you’d like to explore some of the best birding destinations in the world and dig deeper into these tips, I encourage you to check out the original article here.

I hope this helps as you look to spread your wings and plan your next birding adventure. And if you’d like help booking a dream birding tour that ticks all seven of these boxes, feel free to email me at adam@birdingecotours.com. You won’t get a copy-and-paste response, I’ll help you find a tour that’s truly right for you.

No matter which birds are on your wishlist or where in the world you’d like to go, Birding Ecotours has the perfect tour for you. From small-group adventures to custom-made itineraries, their expertly guided trips are designed to turn your birding dreams into reality. Visit www.birdingecotours.com or email info@birdingecotours.com to start planning your dream trip.

Book a stay at Nibela Lake Lodge. Nestled in an ancient sand forest on the banks of Lake St Lucia, the lodge offers world-class accommodation and exceptional birding opportunities. Besides the longclaw, you can look forward to species like Narina Trogon, Green Malkoha, African Broadbill, Pink-throated Twinspot, and Gorgeous Bushshrike. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a passionate beginner, Nibela is the ideal spot to relax, recharge, and add some lifers to your list.