JOHN KINGHORN, AVITOURISM PROJECT MANAGER
Phindile Ntshangase is a familiar presence around St Lucia, a popular KwaZulu-Natal birding hotspot.
South Africa’s skies are alive with colour, song and the rustle of wings. Beneath this beauty lies an industry of immense value: avitourism, a cornerstone of the ecotourism sector and a vital contributor to the national economy. In fact, South Africa is considered one of the world’s top birding destinations, drawing international visitors eager to see everything from the spectacular Narina Trogon to endemic rockjumpers and sugarbirds. These travellers don’t just take photographs; they bring essential revenue to local communities, support small businesses and create jobs in regions where opportunities are scarce. Within this thriving sector lies a story of both challenge and triumph – the story of women in avitourism.
BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project is dedicated to nurturing talent in the bird guiding industry through its training programme for bird guides. This initiative provides aspiring guides with the skills, knowledge and accreditation to lead world-class birding experiences, all while supporting conservation and community development. But within this programme there is a sobering reality: out of the many accredited guides nationwide, only nine are women.
And yet, what a remarkable nine they are. Each one has crossed barriers and risen above societal expectations to become a force in conservation, education and tourism. Each is a community leader and role model for young people and has become a skilled ambassador for South Africa’s birds and their habitats.
Dolly Khanye spends most of her time birding around Memel in the Free State, where she loves visiting Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve and its surroundings.
Coupled with this, women often bring qualities to guiding that resonate with both domestic and international tourists. They show empathy and listen attentively, enriching the guests’ experience. Many can weave storytelling into science, transforming a bird sighting into a moment of connection and wonder. These skills, combined with exceptional bird knowledge and field craft, result in memorable experiences that linger long after the binoculars have been packed away.
But their journeys have not been without challenge. Women in guiding often face a double burden; they work in an industry still dominated by men and have to navigate societal expectations around family, safety and mobility. For some, operating in remote areas brings additional layers of complexity, from logistical barriers to cultural perceptions. And yet they persist. They adapt. They innovate. They find allies, mentors and one another. And they prove that resilience can be as vital a tool as any field guide or pair of binoculars.
The impact of BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project on these women cannot be overstated. By training, mentoring and recognising them as professionals, the project not only builds technical skill, but also fosters confidence and career longevity. It creates opportunities where there were none, and in doing so shapes ambassadors for both tourism and conservation. Each booking they secure, each tour they lead and each guest they inspire becomes part of a much bigger story – one where the economic and ecological benefits ripple far beyond the immediate encounter.
Birding on the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk is always rewarding, especially in the company of BirdLife South Africa’s experienced accredited birding guides, as John Kinghorn (far left) discovered. With him are (left to right) Thabile Mthiyane, Mabuyi Zungu, Nomusa Ntuli and Lethu Nxele.
The global appetite for responsible and sustainable travel that supports local communities is growing and birding is perfectly positioned to meet it. Birders are among the most conscientious and engaged of all ecotourists, often staying longer, travelling further and spending more than the average visitor. They seek authenticity, sustainability and a meaningful connection with the environments they explore, which is exactly what these nine guides deliver.
Yet if South Africa is to remain competitive in the global birding market, we must ensure that avitourism reflects the diversity and talent of the nation itself. This means not just celebrating the women already succeeding, but actively creating pathways for more to join them. Expanding training opportunities, increasing visibility and fostering an environment of safety and support will be critical to closing the gender gap. BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project is leading that charge. By investing in guides, especially female guides, we are also investing in communities, conservation, sustainable travel and the future of ecotourism in South Africa. Every trip booked with one of our accredited birding guides helps safeguard our natural heritage while empowering those who protect it daily.
How can you support and join in celebrating the remarkable impact these nine women are making? Simply book your birding adventure with one of them! You can also support our efforts by donating or entering into a partnership with us. Your contribution strengthens the network that is elevating women, growing communities and ensuring our birds remain a living treasure for generations to come.
In the words of one of our remarkable guides: ‘Every bird I show a guest is a reminder that I am not just telling a story; I am part of one.’ Let’s ensure that story continues to soar.
