Species guide · Rarity
Where to see southern ground hornbills
Turkey-sized, black and red-faced, with a booming call that carries for kilometres before dawn, the southern ground hornbill is one of Africa's most striking birds. It lives in close family groups and is threatened across much of its range, which makes every sighting count.
Quick answer
Greater Kruger and the Pafuri region in South Africa are among the best places to see southern ground hornbills, along with South Luangwa and Kafue in Zambia and Hwange and Mana Pools in Zimbabwe. They can be seen all year, walking in family groups through open woodland and grassland, and are easiest to find in the dry season, May to October.
Best regionGreater Kruger and Pafuri
Best timeMay to October
StatusThreatened
The best places to look
South Africa
Greater Kruger and Pafuri
Family groups are regularly seen on drives, and Pafuri pairs them with northern Kruger's other bird specials.
Zambia
South Luangwa and Kafue
Open woodland and floodplain edges, often seen walking in groups.
Zimbabwe
Hwange and Mana Pools
Good numbers in both parks, sometimes seen on walking safaris.
When to go
| Months | Chances | Why |
|---|---|---|
| May to October | Best | Dry season: shorter grass makes the groups easier to spot. |
| November to April | Good | Breeding season and summer migrants make birding excellent, though cover is thicker. |
Tips from the field
- Listen for the deep booming call at dawn; guides use it to find groups.
- Tell your guide it is on your list, as groups range widely.
- Pair with Pel's fishing owl and racket-tailed roller in Pafuri.
Questions travellers ask
Why are ground hornbills endangered?
Habitat loss, persecution and slow breeding. Groups raise only one chick every few years.
How big is a southern ground hornbill?
About a metre tall (over 3 feet), roughly the size of a turkey.
Can you see them in Kruger?
Yes. Greater Kruger is one of the best places in South Africa to see them.
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