The Gaborone area provides the birder with variety of species and habitats to explore, and gives one an opportunity to pick up a number of typical bushveld species, including several Kalahari specials. Depending on rainfall, a full midsummer day birding could yield anything up to 230 species. The following sites can easily be visited in a day and are well worth the effort if you are passing through or have a day to spend in Gaborone. An early start to any birding day is essential, particularly in summer, where mid-day temperatures often climb into the forties. Notwane is dominated by Acacia and Terminalia woodland and is easily accessible by car.
Numerous roads lead to many parts of the suburb, but walking provides the best results.
Some of the interesting species that you can expect in the early hours of the morning include Pearlspotted and Barn Owl and Rufouscheeked Nightjar. A pair of Giant Eagle owls nest on the Notwane River, and can be heard calling in late summer. After dawn, Scimitarbilled Woodhoopoe, Pied Barbet, Ashy Tit, Brubru, Great Sparrow, Marico Sunbird, Crimsonbreased Shrike, Whitebacked Mousebird, Titbabbler and Jacobin Cuckoo as well as both Kalahari and Whitebrowed Robins are common and may be heard calling. The Rattling Cisticola and Marico Flycatcher are particularly common, the latter being identified by its white underparts and contrasting darker upperparts. Acacia thickets are particularly productive for many of the smaller species.