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South Africa - Flock to Marion - Sani Pass pre-tour extension

© Bokmakierie by Adam Riley

Embark on a thrilling birding expedition to the famed Sani Pass, the highest mountain pass anywhere in South Africa where the rugged beauty of the Drakensberg Range meets the high Lesotho Plateau. With a blend of modern convenience and untamed wilderness, this journey promises an unforgettable encounters with several of South Africa’s most sought-after near-endemic species. Top among these are the Drakensburg Rockjumper and Gurney’s Sugarbirds, each belonging to endemic bird families. Other notable targets will include the little-known Mountain Pipit, Sentinel Rock-thrush, endangered Cape Parrot, Orange Ground Thrush, Bush Blackcap, Barratt’s Warbler, Cape and Bearded Vultures, and Drakensburg Siskin. Join us for a short tour that will leave a lasting impression on both novice and seasoned birdwatchers alike!

Top Birds

Blue Crane, Denham's Bustard, Southern Bald Ibis, Cape & Bearded Vultures, Black Harrier, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Gurney's Sugarbird, Bush Blackcap, Ground Woodpecker, African Rock Pipit, Cape Longclaw, Knysna Turaco, Cape Parrot, Olive Bushshrike, Bokmakierie, Layard's Warbler, Orange Ground Thrush, Cape & Sentinel Rock Thrushes, Buff-streaked Chat, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Drakensberg Siskin, Forest Canary. 

Top Mammals

Grey Rhebok, Common Eland, Springhare, Slogget's Ice Rat. 

Habitats Covered

mist-belt forests, high-elevation grasslands, mountains, wetlands. 

Expected Climate

Subtropical conditions with chances for rain. Cool in the highlands. 

Max Group Size

6 with 1 Rockjumper tour leader

Tour Pace & Walking

Relaxed. 

Accommodation

Excellent

Ease of Birding

Easy

Number of Species Expected

150+

Other Attractions

Sani Pass into Lesotho, excellent scenery

Photographic Opportunities

Good but time limited

What our clients say about us

Daniel Danckwerts
AC & MJ, South Africa 2019

Thanks to Rynart Bezuidenhout and Daniel Danckwerts for an unforgettable tour. Their effort to give us the very best experience was sublime. Not only was our ambition to see the wanted birds, animals and nature much more than fulfilled – our competent, friendly and openminded guides also managed to give a perspective into the life and culture in South Africa of today. This we appreciate a lot.

Glen Valentine
RH & SH, South Africa 2021

First, compliments to whoever came up with the concept of this tour. It seems unusual, even unique. This was a second choice for us because COVID restrictions postponed our tour to Cape, Kruger, and the Victoria Falls extension. The inclusion of the wine tastings seemed whimsical but it was genius. It’s as if we had 2 different vacations, back-to-back, and both memorable. We suspect that logistics for this tour were especially challenging. Glen was more than up to the task, every booking was right on time and of excellent quality. Rockjumper is a class act! We had some really memorable sightings and wildlife experiences due to Glen’s knowledge and diligence. We also appreciate that besides the birds and big mammals he gave us lots of information on habitat, environmental challenges, and especially for Suna and me, knowledge of plants. We walk around our California neighbourhood and notice all the imported African plants growing in our yards! We felt the timing was good too. It was late spring in the fynbos with many flowers still showing, and we were able to see many migrant birds down from the north.

Gregory de Klerk
CS - South Africa

We‘ve had a fantastic time in Cape Town so far, please express our gratitude to Greg again as well for the great time we had with him.

Keith Valentine
TD, South Africa 2018

Keith Valentine is a great guide and his knowledge of the birds and their calls was just amazing.

David Hoddinott
G, South Africa Mega

I would like to add my thanks to you, Crystal, and all the other people associated with Rockjumper for making this the best birding tour in which I have participated. David's leadership was superb as our trip bird count shows. I would be happy to go with Rockjumper on future trips. Thanks again for your assistance during the Mega South Africa trip.

South Africa - Flock to Marion - Sani Pass pre-tour extension 2025

21 Jan 2025 - 24 Jan 2025 (4 days)

ZAR20,950 - 2 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Daniel Danckwerts

Tour price (Per person): ZAR20,950 * USD1,133 * GBP905 * EUR1,051 * AUD1,714

Single Supplement: ZAR1,150 * USD62 * GBP50 * EUR58 * AUD94

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