With several global birding tour companies to choose from selecting the right company, and importantly the right tour, is imperative.

In short Rockjumpers birding tours are designed to give you a smooth, well-supported, and genuinely high-quality birding experience anywhere in the world.

Below is what sets us apart:

1. Global expertise, proven over decades

Founded in 1998, Rockjumper has over 25 years of experience and operates in more than 120 countries. This means:

• tours are carefully researched and refined over time
• logistics are well tested
• you benefit from deep destination knowledge

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2. Exceptional guides

Our tour leaders are one of our biggest strengths:

• highly experienced birders and naturalists
• excellent at finding and identifying species
• skilled at managing group dynamics and keeping things enjoyable
• experienced handling of logistics

Our Tour Leaders don’t just find birds; they help you understand and enjoy the whole ecosystem.

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3. Thoughtfully designed tours

Every itinerary is carefully planned which means that you:

• maximise your time in the field
• get to enjoy exceptional birding opportunities
• experience comfortable pacing
• have realistic expectations about travel times and conditions

We are honest about what a trip involves, whether it’s relaxed and comfortable or more adventurous and remote.

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4. Strong support before, during and after your trip

From the moment you book, you are supported with:

• clear pre-departure guidance (flights, visa information, packing, health, etc.)
• responsive office support
• experienced leaders on the ground

At Rockjumper we aim to remove the uncertainty so that you can travel with confidence

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5. Passion for conservation and responsible travel

We are deeply committed to:

• protecting habitats and species
• supporting local communities
• promoting ethical birding practices

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6. A tour style for every traveller

Not everyone wants the same experience. Due to our size and experience Rockjumper offers the widest variety of tour types in the industry. We offer:

• Relaxed Tours – slower pace, more comfort
• Classic Tours – well-balanced birding trips
• Mega Tours – for serious listers
• Birds & More Tours – for birders with broader interests
• Bird Photography Tours – get images of as many birds as possible
• Wildlife Tours – Primarily focus on mammals
• Tailor-made trips – can be birding or mammal focused to any of the destinations we cover

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7. A genuinely shared experience

Birding is best when shared. Our tours are designed so:

• everyone gets good views and opportunities
• group dynamics are managed carefully
• the experience is enjoyable, not competitive

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A simple way to think about it is if you are looking for:

• expert guidance
• reliable organisation
• excellent birding
• and a supportive, friendly environment

Rockjumper is a very strong choice for you.

A scheduled tour becomes confirmed when the tour reaches the minimum number of guests needed to operate the tour.

The booking process:

• You submit your booking form and pay a deposit
• Rockjumper reviews and processes the booking
• Once you receive the official “Booking Confirmation” email, your place on the tour is confirmed and the contract is in place

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Why this matters

• Before confirmation, there is no guarantee that the tour will operate
• After confirmation, standard booking terms (including cancellation conditions) apply
• This is also when you can confidently proceed with flights and further planning

The primary focus of Rockjumper tours is birding. This involves finding, observing, and enjoying birds in their natural habitats.

It is, however, a bit more than just ticking species off a list. The experience is designed around:

High-quality birding

• Maximising sightings of key and endemic species
• Using expert knowledge to locate difficult birds
• Ensuring everyone in the group gets good views whenever possible

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A broader nature experience

While birds are the priority, we also appreciate:

• mammals, reptiles, and other wildlife
• habitats and ecosystems
• the natural environment overall

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A shared, enjoyable experience

• Birding is done as a group, with good etiquette and cooperation
• The aim is for everyone to enjoy the experience, not just the most experienced birders
• Guides help balance pace, visibility, and group dynamics

In simple terms the goal is to give you the best possible birding experience in each destination while keeping the trip enjoyable, well-paced, and memorable.

Yes, we have many photographers joining our tours, but it largely depends on what kind of photography experience you’re looking for.

Our typical birding tours are focused on finding and seeing as many birds as possible, so:

• time on a bird may be limited (especially if it’s rare or moving)
• lighting and positioning aren’t always ideal
• the pace can be quite active

That said:

• you will often get great opportunities if a species is being cooperative
• guides will do their best to help everyone get views (and often photos)

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If photography is your priority, then you will be much better suited to our:

Bird Photography Tours

These are specifically designed for photographers, with:

• more time spent on key species
• attention to light, angles, and backgrounds
• smaller groups where possible
• a slower, more deliberate pace

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A simple way to choose

• “I enjoy photography alongside birding” then a regular tour is absolutely fine
• “Photography is my main goal” then choose a Bird Photography Tour

Yes, they certainly can, but it really depends on their interests and expectations.

When it works well a non-birding partner will usually enjoy the tour if they:

• enjoy nature, wildlife, and being outdoors
• are happy with early starts and time in the field
• like travelling with a friendly, like-minded group

Even if they’re not focused on birds, they’ll still experience:

• beautiful landscapes
• other wildlife (mammals, reptiles, scenery)
• interesting destinations and cultures

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Things to be aware of

Birding tours are quite focused, so:

• days often start early (to catch peak bird activity)
• there will often be periods when we will be standing quietly or walking slowly
• some tours involve long drives, visits to remote areas and occasionally simple accommodations

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If your partner prefers a broader experience, we would strongly suggest:

Birds & More Tours
Wildlife Tours
Relaxed Tours

These are designed to:

• include scenery, culture, and general wildlife
• have a more comfortable pace
• be enjoyable for both birders and non-birders

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Another option if you prefer complete flexibility would be to contact our tailormade department to set up a private tour or else contact Birding Direct where you can tailor a tour directly with a local guide or agent to balance birding and non-birding interests

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Simple guidance

• Some interest in birding? You will likely enjoy a standard tour. Your interest levels will determine whether you select a classic/comprehensive tour, relaxed tour, birds & more tour etc.
• Little interest in birding? Consider our Wildlife tours or contact our Tailormade department

Yes, we often include non-birding elements on our tours, but the extent depends on the tour style and the country being visited.

On standard birding tours the primary focus is always birding, but we often include:

• scenic viewpoints and landscapes
• interesting wildlife beyond birds (mammals, reptiles, etc.)
• occasional cultural or historical stops where they fit naturally into the itinerary

These are usually secondary to the birding, rather than the main focus.

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Tours with a stronger “non-birding” element

If you’re specifically looking for a broader experience, we offer tours designed for that:

Birds & More Tours

• A balance of birding plus culture, scenery, food, or wine
• Ideal for mixed-interest travellers or couples

Wildlife Tours

• Are primarily mammal focused with little time, if any, spent looking at birds
• Can be broadly termed ‘General Natural History’ tours

Relaxed Tours

• Slower pace, more comfort
• More time to enjoy surroundings beyond just birding

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Honest expectation

We won’t include non-birding activities if they compromise the birding experience, but where possible, we build in highlights that enrich the trip.

A typical day on a Rockjumper tour is structured around the best times for bird activity, while still keeping things comfortable and enjoyable.

Here’s what you can generally expect:

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Early morning starts (often the most important time)

• On most tours we usually start early, often around sunrise
• This is when birds are most active and vocal
• Typically, you head straight into the field (forest, savanna, wetlands, etc.)
• Depending on the tour and destination you will either have breakfast before departing for the day or else you will take a packed breakfast with you

This is often the most productive and exciting part of the day

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Late morning birding

• Continue birding at key sites
• The pace is usually a bit more relaxed as activity slows

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Lunch & midday rest

• Lunch is either at a lodge/restaurant or packed in the field
• Depending on the destination, or the tour type, lunch can sometimes be followed by a short rest. Sometimes we will travel to the next location or else simply continue birding if conditions are likely to be productive

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Afternoon session

• Continue birding at the site if productive and planned
• If we have had a break, then birding resumes as activity picks up again
• This may include:
  • new habitats
  • scenic stops
  • or travel with birding along the way

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Evening / optional night activities

• Dinner is usually either at your accommodation or at a local restaurant
• On some tours we will have the opportunity for:
  • night birding (owls, nightjars, frogmouths etc.)
  • spotlighting for mammals

On most tours night activities are optional unless logistics dictate otherwise

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Overnight

• Accommodation ranges from comfortable to more basic, depending on the destination
• Your guide will usually brief you on the next day’s plan

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The overall feel

• Well-paced but purposeful
• A balance of focused birding and downtime
• Flexible. Guides adjust plans based on weather, sightings, and group energy

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Honest expectation

• Most days can be quite full and active, especially on serious birding tours
• Others are more relaxed, particularly on Relaxed or Birds & More tours where the overall pace is slower, super early morning starts are at a minimum and we typically get to accommodations before it gets dark.

Our tours range from easy paced to quite adventurous. They are not all “hard core”, but some certainly can be.

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The key point

Rockjumper offers a wide spectrum of difficulty levels, so you can choose what suits you.

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Easier / more comfortable tours are ideal if you prefer a gentler experience and typically include our Relaxed tours:

• Comfortable accommodation
• Good roads and infrastructure
• Shorter walks, mostly easy terrain

These are often described as easy to moderate

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Moderate tours offer a balance between comfort and adventure:

• Some longer days or walks
• Occasional rough roads
• A mix of comfortable and simpler lodges

This is where many of our classic tours sit

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Adventurous tours are for those that are happy with a bit more of a challenge:

• Early starts and long days
• Hot, humid, or remote environments
• Basic accommodation in some areas
• More walking, sometimes on uneven terrain

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Challenging / expedition-style tours are the most “hard core”:

• Remote locations with limited infrastructure
• Basic or rustic accommodation
• Long travel days and demanding conditions
• Weather, altitude, or logistics can add difficulty

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Honest reassurance

• We clearly describe the difficulty and comfort level for every tour
• You’re never expected to join something beyond your comfort level
• Our guides are very good at pacing things and looking after the group

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Simple way to think about it

• Prefer comfort and ease? There are plenty of great options
• Enjoy adventure and challenge? We have those options too (mostly under our mega tours)

A typical Rockjumper group is small to medium-sized, designed to give everyone a good experience without feeling crowded.

• Our Small Group tours are limited to 6 participants maximum
• Most tours run with 6 to 8 participants, occasionally up to 10
• Some tours may go up to 12 participants and even 14 on some cruises
• Many tours also have 2 guides when the group goes above 8 participants

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Why this works well

• Everyone gets good views of birds (important for both birding and photography)
• Easier movement on trails and at birding sites
• A more personal, friendly group atmosphere
• Guides can give more individual attention

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Honest expectation

• You won’t be in a large bus-style group
• But it’s also not a private tour unless you specifically request one

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In simple terms our tours are small enough to be personal, but large enough to be social and practical

Yes, we absolutely do. In fact, we place a lot of importance on birding etiquette to ensure everyone enjoys the experience.

Why it matters

On a Rockjumper tour, you are sharing:

• birds and wildlife
• space (often narrow trails or hides)
• equipment like spotting scopes

Good etiquette helps ensure:

• everyone gets fair views
• birds are not disturbed
• the group experience stays positive

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Key etiquette guidelines

Trail behaviour

• Walk quietly and avoid overtaking the leader
• Rotate positions so everyone gets a fair chance at the front

Scope sharing

• Keep your first look brief so others can also get a chance to see the bird
• Step well aside once you’ve had a view
• Be patient, everyone will get a turn

Noise levels

• Keep talking to a minimum while birding
• This helps both the guide (to hear calls) and the group

Playback use

• Only used by the guide, and in a responsible, limited way
• Never near nests or in a way that stresses birds

Group awareness

• Be considerate of others’ views and space
• Avoid rushing or pushing for position

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These guidelines are there to:

• protect the birds and their habitats
• ensure fairness within the group
• create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere for everyone

Rockjumper leaders will gently guide the group on this throughout the tour

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Reassurance

Even if you’re new to group birding, there’s nothing to worry about. Your tour leader will explain everything clearly at the start, and the group quickly falls into a natural rhythm.

Rockjumper uses a wide range of accommodations, carefully chosen to suit the destination and give you the best overall experience.

In general, most tours use:

• comfortable hotels and lodges that are en suite (have private bathrooms)
• clean, reliable, and well-located properties

In many destinations, the standard is comfortable to very comfortable

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It does vary by destination and because we bird in some remote and exciting places, accommodation can change depending on where you are:

We also typically use the best accommodation based on proximity to the best birding sites. Sometimes the best available can be quite simple.

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What we generally avoid

• Basic camping is rare on our tours. When we do camp (for example on some Bhutan tours) it is typically more of a ‘glamping’ experience with hot showers, stand-up tents, sleeping cots and other comforts.
• We aim to provide a bed, proper shelter, and reasonable comfort wherever possible

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How we choose accommodation

We prioritise:

• proximity to key birding sites (less travel time)
• safety and cleanliness
• reliability and practicality
• overall experience, not just luxury

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Honest expectation

• You won’t be roughing it unnecessarily
• But in some top birding areas, comfort may be secondary to location

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Simple summary

“As comfortable as possible for the location, ranging from good hotels to simple lodges in remote areas.”

What transport do we use?

We use safe, appropriate vehicles for each destination, typically:

• Minibuses or small coaches (most common)
• 4×4 vehicles (for rough or remote areas)
• Boats (for wetlands, rivers, or pelagic trips)
• Occasional domestic flights where needed
• Trains for linking sites that are otherwise difficult to reach through other modes of transport

The exact vehicle depends on the country and terrain, but it’s always chosen to balance comfort, access to good birding sites and safety

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Are they safe?

Yes, safety is a top priority on all Rockjumper tours.

• We use reputable, licensed local operators
• Vehicles are suitable for local road conditions
• Drivers are experienced and familiar with the routes
• Your tour leader oversees logistics and day-to-day decisions

In many destinations, road conditions can vary (from excellent highways to rough tracks), but we plan routes carefully and adjust as needed.

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Honest expectations

• In developed regions transport is typically comfortable and straightforward
• In remote or adventurous destinations roads may be bumpy, and travel can be slower or more basic

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Comfort level

• Most tours are comfortable and well-paced
• On more adventurous trips, expect:
  • longer drives
  • occasional rough roads
  • simpler vehicles as these can sometimes be all that is available

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Simple summary

“We use safe, reliable transport suited to each destination that is comfortable where possible, practical where necessary.”

If a tour doesn’t fill, there are a couple of possible outcomes, but we handle this carefully and communicate clearly.

1. The tour may still run (guaranteed departures)

Some tours are marked as guaranteed:

• These will run regardless of group size
• Even with a small group, your departure is secure

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2. The tour may be cancelled

If a tour doesn’t reach the minimum number of participants:

• Rockjumper may cancel the tour
• This decision is usually made well in advance, not last minute

What happens if it’s cancelled?

• You will be offered a full refund, or
• The option to transfer to another tour

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3. We may offer a small group supplement option

Is presented if only a few people are signed up:

• Offered before cancelling a trip outright
• Is an additional fee charged for a small group size
• The decision to continue with the tour lies with each guest and:
  • if everyone agrees to the supplement charged then the tour will go ahead
  • if everyone doesn’t agree then the tour will be cancelled and you will receive a full refund
  •  the small group supplement charge falls away should the tour reach the originally stated minimum group size

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4. Alternative solutions

Where possible, we may:

• Suggest a similar tour on different dates
• Offer an alternative destination
• Help you find a suitable option that still meets your goals

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Reassurance

• We aim to avoid cancellations wherever possible
• Many popular tours do run regularly
• You’ll always be kept informed so you can plan with confidence

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Practical tip

If you’re concerned about this then look for tours marked as “guaranteed departure” or those that are already well booked

We put a lot of effort into planning and guiding tours so that expectations are clear and realistic from the start. That said, travel can be unpredictable, and experiences can vary.

If something doesn’t meet your expectations the best first step is always to speak to your tour leader during the tour. They are there to help and can often:

• adjust pacing where possible
• address specific concerns
• clarify what’s realistic for the destination

Many issues can be resolved quickly once they’re raised.

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After the tour

If you still feel the tour didn’t meet expectations:

• You are encouraged to provide feedback to the Rockjumper office
• We take all feedback seriously and review it carefully

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Important context

It’s worth keeping in mind:

• Birding tours depend on wildlife, weather, and local conditions and these elements can’t be controlled
• We don’t guarantee specific sightings
• Some destinations are naturally more remote or challenging, and comfort levels reflect that

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Our approach

We aim to be:

• honest upfront about what to expect
• supportive during the tour
• responsive afterwards

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Simple summary

“If something isn’t right, tell us and we will do our best to address it during the tour. We take all feedback seriously afterwards.”

Yes, absolutely, we can help arrange pre- and post-tour extensions for you through our dedicated tailormade department or our sister company Birding Direct.

We regularly help guests add:

• Extra nights before or after the tour
• Additional birding days in nearby areas
• Sightseeing or relaxation extensions (national parks, cultural sites, etc.)
• Seamless connections between tours

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How it works

• Simply let us know what you’d like to do, and we will suggest suitable options based on your destination and timing. We can then help coordinate the logistics, so everything fits smoothly with your main tour

Many guests choose to:

• arrive a day or two early to recover from travel
• stay on afterwards to explore more of the country at a relaxed pace or for additional target species

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Flexible alternative

If you’re looking for something more customised or private then Birding Direct can be a great option for tailor-made extensions, often with more flexibility in pace and budget

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Reassurance

We aim to make extensions:

• easy to arrange
• well-integrated with your tour
• stress-free from a logistics point of view

Yes, we absolutely do. In fact, tailor-made travel is an important part of what we offer and is our fastest growing department.

Tailor-made (private) tours

We can design a fully customised trip based on your preferences, including:

• destination(s) and timing
• target bird species or regions
• pace and comfort level
• group size (solo, couple, or private group)

These are ideal if you want something more personal or specific than a scheduled tour as you can customize the:

• Birding intensity (from relaxed to very focused)
• Accommodation level (comfortable to more adventurous)
• Trip length and routing
• Combination trips (e.g. birding + wildlife + culture)

Private/custom tours are especially good if you:

• prefer flexibility and independence
• have specific target species or goals
• want to travel with just your partner or friends
• need specific dates that don’t match scheduled departures

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Birding Direct option

We also offer Birding Direct, which:

• connects you with trusted local operators and birding guides
• is often more flexible and cost-effective
• works very well for shorter or simpler private trips

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Reassurance

Whether it’s a fully guided Rockjumper tour or a Birding Direct arrangement, we ensure:

• reliable logistics
• experienced guides
• a smooth, well-supported experience

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Simple summary

“Yes, Rockjumper can design a private, customised birding trip tailored exactly to your interests and schedule.”

Yes, in many cases, even if a destination isn’t currently on our scheduled tour list, we can often:

• design a custom itinerary specifically for you
• arrange expert guides and logistics
• build a trip around your target species, timing, and preferences

This is done through our tailor-made department

How it works

• You tell us where you’d like to go and what you’re hoping to see
• We assess feasibility (guides, logistics, safety, seasonality)
• If viable, we will design a fully customised trip for you

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When this works best

• You have a specific destination or species in mind
• You’re happy with a private tour setup

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Alternative option

If a full Rockjumper-led tour isn’t practical for that destination then Birding Direct can often arrange:

• trusted local guides
• flexible, shorter, or more budget-conscious trips

Please note that there are a few cases where we may not be able to operate a tour. This would usually be due to limited infrastructure or safety concerns or to places without reliable local partners

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Simple answer

“Yes, if it’s feasible, we can design a custom tour to destinations beyond our scheduled programme.”

Essentially, we don’t offer fully unguided tours in the traditional sense.

How Rockjumper operates

Our core product is:

• guided tours led by expert birding leaders
• carefully managed itineraries with full support on the ground

This is what ensures the high-quality experience we’re known for.

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The closest option to “unguided”

If you’re looking for more independence, we recommend Birding Direct as this offers:

• access to trusted local birding operators
• more flexible, private arrangements
• the ability to travel at your own pace

You’ll still have a local guide, but:

• it’s more customisable
• less structured than a scheduled Rockjumper tour

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Why we don’t do fully unguided tours

Birding in many of our destinations involves:

• specialist knowledge of sites and species
• logistics in remote areas
• language and access challenges

Having a guide makes a huge difference to success and safety.

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Simple summary

“We don’t offer completely unguided tours, but Birding Direct provides a flexible, semi-independent alternative with local expertise.”

Yes, we can certainly help with flights, but it’s important to understand how that works.

What we do

• We can advise on flight timing and routing
• We let you know:
  • which airport to arrive at
  • recommended arrival/departure times
  • any internal flights linked to the tour

This ensures you connect smoothly with the start of the tour start and depart the country when the tour ends

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What we don’t usually do

• We don’t typically book international flights for you directly
• Most clients prefer to:
  • use their own travel agent, or
  • book flights themselves online

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Exceptions

We usually assist with:

• domestic or internal flights that are part of the tour logistics
• these would be clearly outlined in your itinerary or invoice

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Practical advice

• Wait until your tour is confirmed before booking flights
• Always check:
  • arrival time requirements
  • baggage limits (often around 20kg checked, 8kg hand luggage)

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Reassurance

We’ll make sure you know exactly:

• where to be
• when to arrive
• and how everything fits together

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Simple summary

“We guide you on flights and logistics, but you usually book your own international flights.”