The Panhandle boasts spectacular, year round birding opportunities, with the absolute peak period occurring from September to February, when lower water levels mean feeding conditions are at their optimum and numerous migrants arrive. It is estimated that well over half of Botswana’s bird species can be seen in the area, with a large number of species generally spotted within the space of a short trip. Water birds are abundant of course, with kingfishers, storks, herons, fish eagles and bee eaters tending to catch the eye most readily. There are also rarities such as wattled crane, slaty egret and the legendary Pel’s fishing owl, which is more often seen than heard, but keen birders will be enchanted just to know that that it is within the vicinity!

Birding excursions can be enjoyed from Nxamaseri in a variety of forms, including boat trips and relaxing mokoro excursions. For real enthusiasts, night boat trips are a must, with rare and less sociable species emerging to be easily picked out with a spotlight by your guide. Then there are guided walks on the islands amidst the lush waterways, which are both an effective way of finding the more timid, forest dwelling birds, and an intriguing overview of the topography of the area.