Botswana’s national bird is the kgori (Setswana) or kori bustard and we are proud that a number of these birds call Limpopo-Lipadi their home. The kgori is the largest (and heaviest) flying bird native to Africa, weighing up to 12,5kg. While they are found throughout southern Africa, they are most common in Botswana and Namibia. In our reserve, we are lucky to come across this special bird quite regularly. Although you may not be able to see it from the photo, this is a very large bird, making it all the more remarkable to see it lift off in flight.
Kori bustards spend up to 70% of their time on the ground. Walking slowly, they forage by picking at the ground with their bills. They are most active during the first and last hours of daylight, which also happens to be the times when we usually go out for game drives. The best place to find this amazing bird in the reserve, is around the Middle Plains. So, if you haven’t already come across one (or two), try your luck there on your next visit!
