Pink Throated Twinspot by Wade Lee, Saffron-crowned Tanager by Dušan Brinkhuizen, Great Barbet by Lev Frid, Orangutan by Adam Riley

Greetings from all of us here at Rockjumper.

From the misty highlands of Papua New Guinea to the ancient landscapes of Ethiopia, and from Brazil’s endemic-rich forests to the lush habitats of Borneo, our tours this year have continued to deliver exciting birding experiences across the globe.

Our dedication to providing top quality birding tours remains as strong as ever. In this edition of our newsletter, we are pleased to introduce a selection of new tours and destinations, including Micronesia, a weeklong immersion at a single lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon, and a special Relaxed Philippines tour, alongside refined itineraries in Southeast Asia, South America and Africa. We are also expanding our portfolio of Relaxed Tours and Bird Photo Tours in response to growing interest while our Tailor-made department continues to flourish and is our fastest growing division. The team have been especially active designing personalized birding and wildlife focused adventures to suit every interest and schedule.

Within this newsletter, you will find highlights from recent tours, updates from our global team, news from our sister companies, trips with our conservation partners, feedback from guests who have joined us in the field and much more.

We trust you will enjoy reading these updates and that they may inspire your own birding plans in the months ahead.

Thank you for your time and as always, your support. We hope you enjoy our latest news and updates.

Yours in birding,
Team Rockjumper

TEAM NEWS

Welcome to The Team

Jan Pienaar grew up in the flatlands of the northern Free State, pretty much in the centre of South Africa. From a very young age, he yearned to be outdoors, a yearning he took full advantage of when visiting his grandparents on their farm in northern KwaZulu-Natal. After completing his schooling, a chance sighting of an opportunity to work in the bush set him on his path to a career in guiding. Having spent the majority of his 23-year career based at some of Southern Africa’s most prestigious lodges, he has gained an intimate knowledge and understanding of Southern Africa’s fauna and flora, and thoroughly enjoys sharing this with anyone who joins him in exploring these natural wonders.

Jan worked for Rockjumper for several years as a full-time tour leader and it’s great to have him back again, where he brings specialist expertise to many of our Africa tours.

Welcome to Tyler Davis, who will be joining the Rockjumper team as a part-time tour leader. Tyler began guiding professionally immediately after graduating university in 2007, fulfilling a childhood dream inspired by the naturalists and guides he experienced as a kid infatuated with the natural world. Tyler spent the next 15 years in tourism and hospitality, including 6+ years running a luxury safari lodge in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. Now living in the San Juan Islands in Washington State, his incurably itchy feet and irrepressible love for birds and birding mean he is always eager for new adventures and opportunities to share his passion with others.

Greg de Klerk will be familiar to many of you in his role as a full-time tour leader for Rockjumper, having been part of the team for 10 years. While Greg will still be leading tours he will also be extending his expertise, as a tour consultant, to our rapidly expanding Tailormade department.

A warm welcome to Alida Botha, who has joined our Finance & South Africa Office Admin teams. Alida is a proud ‘dog mom’ to three energetic pups and loves spending time gardening, going for walks, and exploring new hiking trails.

We are delighted to share some wonderful news, tour leader Forrest Rowland and his family have welcomed a new addition. Their baby son, Arden, arrived recently, and we extend our warm congratulations to Forrest, his partner, and the entire Rowland family.

Candice Completes Her Second Comrades Marathon

The Comrades Marathon is an ultramarathon of approximately 88 kilometers (55 mi) which is run annually in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa between the cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It is the world’s largest and oldest ultramarathon race.

The direction of the race alternates each year between the “up” run (87.6 km) starting from Durban (elevation: 101 metres (331 ft)) and the “down” run (89.98 km) starting from Pietermaritzburg (elevation: 921 metres (3,022 ft)). Candice not only completed this ultramarathon, but was awarded the Back to Back medal for completing two consecutive Comrades Ultra marathons, one “Up run’ and one “Down run” as a novice. Well done Candice!

FESTIVALS

Godwit Days

We were delighted to participate in Godwit Days, held at the peak of spring migration on California’s spectacular Redwood Coast. This festival celebrates the thousands of shorebirds gathering along Humboldt Bay’s expansive mudflats, while also offering opportunities to explore the Klamath bioregion’s redwood forests, wild river valleys, and rocky ocean shores. Highlights for birders included Northern Spotted Owl, Marbled Murrelet, Western Snowy Plover, Black Oystercatcher, Ruffed Grouse, and other North Coast specialties, making this event a true showcase of northwest California’s rich birdlife.

Hilton Arts Festival

Rockjumper also participated in the Hilton Arts Festival, South Africa’s premier showcase of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and culture. Hosted annually at Hilton College in KwaZulu-Natal, this festival draws thousands of visitors for a weekend of world-class performances, art exhibitions, and artisanal markets.

In addition to the cultural program, the festival’s setting in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands provided a wonderful backdrop from which to lead exciting birding walks and drives. Highlights of which included encounters with South African endemics like Southern Tchagra as well as a range of special species like Half-collared Kingfisher and even a Brown House Snake!

Our team engaged with a diverse audience of art enthusiasts, families, and travelers, sharing how birding and wildlife journeys complement the region’s rich cultural and natural heritage. The Hilton Arts Festival continues to be a vibrant platform for connecting with local and international communities, and we were proud to showcase Rockjumper’s global portfolio in such a dynamic environment.

Alida and Bianca at the stand
Southern Tchagra by Reece Dodd
FeatherFest

Earlier this year, Forrest Rowland exhibited Rockjumper at FeatherFest in Galveston, Texas, one of the premier birding festivals in the Gulf region. With its combination of migration hotspots and coastal birding opportunities, the event provided an excellent platform to meet North American birders. We look forward to returning for next year’s edition.

Forrest Rowland at FeatherFest
Global Birdfair 2025

Team Rockjumper was proud to attend Global Birdfair 2025 this July in Rutland, UK. It is the largest international gathering of birders, conservationists, and tour operators. This premier event brought together exhibitors from around the world, representing birding destinations across every continent. Visitors explored hundreds of stands featuring tour companies, conservation NGOs, artists, authors, optics manufacturers, and field equipment suppliers, making it the true global marketplace for birding and nature travel.

Highlights included keynote lectures, expert panel discussions, film screenings, and a wide range of workshops covering bird identification, fieldcraft, conservation, and storytelling. The Birdfair’s famous auction once again raised significant funds for international conservation projects, underscoring the event’s vital role as both a celebration of birding and a driver of global conservation efforts.

Rockjumper’s team was on hand to share our latest itineraries, including expanded Birding Direct offerings and specialty wildlife tours. We had the opportunity to meet many of our friends, partners, and loyal clients in person, while also welcoming new birders eager to explore the world with us. Global Birdfair remains a key platform for Rockjumper to connect with the international birding community and to highlight our ongoing commitment to conservation and world-class birding experiences.

Rockjumper stand at Global Birdfair
Cape May Spring & Fall Festivals

Forrest Rowland was once again at hand to represent Rockjumper at the Cape May Spring Festival in New Jersey, a gathering renowned for its exceptional migration birding and rich ornithological community. We are pleased to confirm that we will also be present at the Fall Festival, continuing our engagement with birders and conservation groups in this iconic destination.

Forrest will be back again for the Fall Festival so mark your calendars: 2025 Cape May Fall Festival, October 16 – 19. We look forward to seeing you there.

NEW TOURS

Brazil – Northeast (Relaxed)

06 – 21 Jul 2027 (16 days)

Tour Price: BRL42,950 (USD7,825)

Tour Leader: Lev Frid

Northeast Brazil is well know as an endemic hotspot featuring some of the most sought-after birds on our planet such as Lear’s Macaw, Pink-legged Graveteiro, Hooded Visorbearer and Araripe Manakin. It is however also well known for its long drives and far-flung sites and is typically only offered as a mega style option. On this brand new Relaxed tour we have carefully selected the very best sites offering a selection of NE Brazil’s most cherished endemics, opening up this stunning location to every birder.

Top Birds: Lear’s (Indigo) Macaw, Araripe Manakin, Grey-breasted Parakeet, Ceara Gnateater, Pygmy Nightjar, White-browed Guan, White-browed Antpitta, Great Xenops, Bahia Spinetail, Hooded Visorbearer, Sincorá Antwren, Grey-backed Tachuri, Pink-legged Graveteiro, Crescent-chested Puffbird

Araripe Manakin by Lev Frid
Zigzag Heron by Adam Riley

Ecuador – Amazon Birding & Wildlife Escape I

16 – 22 Aug 2026 (7 days)

Tour Price: USD3,495

Tour Leader: Local Leader

Nestled in the heart of Ecuador’s Amazon Basin, Sacha Lodge offers incredible access to one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. With just over 600 species recorded in the area, it is a premier destination for birders seeking both sheer diversity and a chance at several iconic South American species. Our tour is designed to explore the mosaic of micro-habitats that make up the Upper Amazon biome, ranging from varzea and terra firme forest to oxbow lakes and both a canopy tower and canopy walkway – maximizing our chances of encountering a remarkable array of avian life. This is a unique offering, where you can enjoy a week-long stay at a single lodge that just happens to be located in a birding paradise!

Top Birds: Harpy Eagle, Hoatzin, Agami & Zigzag Herons, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Sungrebe, Scarlet, Blue-and-yellow, Chestnut-fronted & Red-bellied Macaws, Wire-crested Thorntail, Gould’s Jewelfront

Peru – Manu Road (Relaxed)

05 – 16 Sep 2027 (12 days)

Tour Price: USD6,700

Tour Leaders: Amanda Guercio & Local Leader

Peru is one of the world’s top destinations for wildlife enthusiasts, combining breathtaking landscapes with incredible biodiversity. Stretching from the snow-capped Andes to the vast Amazon Rainforest, the country offers a rich tapestry of ecosystems, cultures, and experiences.

Birding along the Manu Road is widely regarded as one of the premier birding experiences on the planet and our brand new Relaxed tour gets you into the heart of this famous birding location for a rich experience where we’ll take the time to appreciate all it has to offer. We’ll descend the eastern Andean slopes, birding through temperate zones, montane cloud forest and Andean foothills, with chances to see an incredible variety of exceptional species. Highlights may include Cerulean-capped and Yungas Manakins, Rufous-capped Thornbill, Crested and Golden-headed Quetzals, Blue-banded Toucanet, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Inca Flycatcher, Saffron-crowned Tanager, Golden-eyed Flowerpiercer, and Peruvian Piedtail. We will also visit an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek, where numerous males sometimes congregate to perform their strange mating ritual. Optional night birding in this area might yield uncommon species such as Napo and Rufescent Screech Owls, Rufous-banded Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar, and possibly even Andean Potoo. Recent improvements to the road as well as the establishment of several new feeding stations and photography blinds have improved both access and enjoyment of this iconic road.

Top Birds: Giant Hummingbird, Bearded Mountaineer, Andean Hillstar, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Purple-backed Thornbill, Rufous-crested Coquette, Koepcke’s Hermit, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Military & Blue-headed Macaws, Cerulean-capped, Fiery-capped & Round-tailed Manakins

Crested Quetzal by Dušan Brinkhuizen
Grass-green Tanager by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Peru – Abra Malaga & Machu Picchu Extension (Relaxed)

16 – 21 Sep 2027 (6 days)

Tour Price: USD4,400

Tour Leader: Amanda Guercio

A full day up the mighty Abra Malaga will take our breath away, quite literally!

The remnant patches of Polylepis Forest host both Tawny and endemic White-browed Tit-Spinetails, the exhibitionist Stripe-headed Antpitta, endemic Junín Canastero, Puna Tapaculo, Ash-breasted Tit-Tyrant, Blue-mantled Thornbill, and Red-rumped Bush Tyrant.

We complete this part of the tour by visiting several Incan archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley, including Sacsayhuaman, Qenko, Pisac, Moray, Lago Huaypo, Ollantaytambo, and perhaps the most famous tourist site in the world, Machu Picchu. Here, we have very good opportunities to find the localized endemic Inca Wren, alongside other avian treats such as Chestnut-breasted Mountain Finch, Bearded Mountaineer, and Parodi’s Hemispingus.

Top Birds: Scaled Metaltail, Green-and-white Hummingbird, Giant Conebill, Tit-like Dacnis, Golden-collared, Rust-and-yellow & Beryl-spangled Tanagers, Parodi’s Hemispingus, Marcapata & Creamy-crested Spinetails, Torrent Duck; White-capped Dipper, Glacier Finch, Moustached & Black-throated Flowerpiercers, Plushcap

Laos – Bare-faced Bulbul & Sooty Babbler Extension

18 – 21 Mar 2027 (4 days)

Tour Price: THB58,000 (USD1,782)

Tour Leader: Greg de Klerk

Our short extension to Laos targets the country’s one endemic species, the recently discovered Bare-faced Bulbul, as well as several other rare and range-restricted species in the karst limestone forests such as Sooty Babbler, Limestone Leaf Warbler and Red-collared Woodpecker.

Top Birds: Bare-faced Bulbul, Sooty Babbler, Red-collared Woodpecker, Limestone Leaf Warbler, Banded Bay Cuckoo, Green-billed Malkoha, Red-headed Trogon, Blue-eared & Green-eared Barbets, Great Iora, Grey-eyed & Stripe-throated Bulbuls, White-rumped Shama, Streaked Wren-Babbler, Hill Blue Flycatcher, Purple-naped Spiderhunter

Bare-faced Bulbul by Uthai Treesucon
Great Argus by Glen Valentine

Malaysia – Rainforest Birds & Mammals (Relaxed)

09 – 19 Jul 2027 (11 days)

Tour Price: USD6,800

Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth

Our tours to Peninsular Malaysia and the province of Sabah on Borneo have long been some of our most popular in all of Asia. The region is well developed and offers a splendid array of wildlife, quality birding, excellent facilities, and first-class infrastructure.

On this Relaxed style tour we have selected the very best birding and wildlife sites that Malaysia has to offer while slowing down the pace and making it a more relaxed experience overall. We immerse ourselves in the wildlife zones and with nature all around us we will enjoy the sheer variety on offer.

Top Birds: Great Argus, Mountain & Malayan Peacock-Pheasants, Ferruginous Partridge, Silver-breasted, Black-and-yellow, Black-and-red, Banded & Green Broadbills, Sultan Tit, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Rail-babbler, Malayan Banded & Garnet Pittas, Fire-tufted Barbet, Crested Jayshrike, Rhinoceros Hornbill

Borneo – Rainforest Birds & Mammals (Relaxed)

19 – 31 Jul 2027 (13 days)

Tour Price: USD7,900

Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth

This Relaxed tour can be taken as a stand alone trip or combined with our Relaxed Malaysia tour for 3 weeks of pulsating birding and wildlife viewing. Borneo offers an assortment of desirable birds and mammals and we can expect to see some incredible creatures on this tour, including Bornean Orangutan, North Bornean Gibbon, Colugo (Sunda Flying Lemur), Mouse-Deers, nocturnal flying squirrels, palm civets, and if we are lucky, Bornean Pygmy Elephant or Leopard Cat! Join us for what is sure to be an awesome, exotic blend of fabulous birds, mammals, and amazing scenery!

Top Birds: Bornean Bristlehead, Crested Jayshrike, Bornean Crested Fireback, Whitehead’s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter, Whitehead’s, Diard’s, Red-naped & Scarlet-rumped Trogons, Blue-headed and Black-crowned Pittas, Storm’s Stork, Green Broadbill, Rufous-collared kingfisher, Sabah Partridge, White-fronted Falconet, Golden-naped Barbet

Blue-headed Pitta by David Hoddinott
Visayan Broadbill by David Hoddinott

The Philippines – Luzon, Visayan & Palawan Endemics (Relaxed)

16 – 29 May 2026 (14 days)

Tour Price: USD4,995

Tour Leader: Daniel Danckwerts

Often regarded as one of the tougher destinations to explore we are very excited about our new Relaxed tour offering, which we believe opens up the destination to all birders. We focus on the easier islands to access and have removed the tough hikes, focusing primarily on a rich selection of Philippines endemics. Amazingly we could encounter up to 100 endemics on this 2-week itinerary! Some of the specials include the likes of Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Rough-crested and Scale-feathered Malkoha, Rufous Coucal, Coleto, Flaming Sunbird, and the sensational Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove. White sandy beaches and extensive coral reefs form a spectacular backdrop to our birding in some locations, and just on Palawan alone we could encounter nearly 30 endemics, like the mound-building Philippine Megapode, Philippine Pitta, the incredibly beautiful Blue Paradise Flycatcher, Spot-throated and Red-headed Flamebacks, Palawan Frogmouth, and Palawan Hornbill.

Top Birds: Hooded, Whiskered, Azure-breasted & Philippine Pittas, Samar, Palawan & Visayan Hornbills, Philippine Trogon, Visayan Broadbill, Luzon, Spot-throated & Red-headed Flamebacks, Coleto, Red-vented Cockatoo, Rough-crested Malkoha, Northern Silvery and Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Pink-bellied Imperial Pigeon, Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove, Blue Paradise Flycatcher

Micronesia – Endemics of the Caroline & Northern Mariana Islands

02 – 19 Jul 2027 (18 days)

Tour Price: USD10,500

Tour Leader: Stephan Lorenz

The tiny, remote islands (some 600 in total) that make up the Federated States of Micronesia, along with the island nation of Palau, have long remained off most birders’ radar. A combination of challenging logistics, the need for special permissions from local landowners to access key birding sites, and limited research into species diversity and genetics has contributed to the region receiving only a handful of birding visitors.

We are, however, thrilled to announce our inaugural Endemics of Micronesia tour! By venturing to these remote lands, characterized by pristine beaches, lush forests, unspoiled coral reefs, and glistening turquoise seas, you’ll have the best possible chance of seeing every endemic and near-endemic bird species found in Micronesia.

Top Birds – Caroline Islands: Pohnpei Kingfisher, Pohnpei Lorikeet, Yap Monarch, Micronesian Myzomela, Pohnpei & Micronesian Rufous Fantails, Yap & Pohnpei Cicadabirds, Caroline Islands & White-throated Ground Doves, Kosrae & Purple-capped Fruit Doves

Top Birds – Palau: Giant, Dusky & Caroline Islands White-eyes, Palau Ground Dove, White-breasted Swallow, Micronesian Megapode, Palau Scops Owl, Palau Nightjar

Top Birds – Northern Marianas: Golden, Rota & Bridled White-eyes, Mariana Swiftlet, Mariana Fruit Dove, Micronesian Megapode, Mariana Kingfisher

Pohnpei Lorikeet by Jonathan Slifkin
Silver Pheasant by Adam Riley

Vietnam – South & Central (Relaxed) 

16 – 31 Jan 2027 (16 days) 

Tour Price: USD5,500

Tour Leader: Rob Williams

Vietnam is fast becoming one of Asia’s top birding destinations, offering a rich mix of Indochinese endemics, regional specialties, and charismatic mammals amid lush forests, highlands, and dramatic limestone scenery.

The tour starts in Ho Chi Minh City and heads to Cat Tien National Park, a biodiversity hotspot where we target standout species like Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-rumped Pitta, and the rare Orange-necked Partridge. Night walks may reveal owls, nightjars, and even Pygmy Slow Loris, while daytime sightings could include gibbons, doucs, and a variety of tropical birds.

We then explore the cooler highlands of Di Linh and Da Lat for sought-after endemics such as Collared Laughingthrush, Grey-crowned Crocias, and Vietnamese Cutia. These areas are known for mixed bird flocks, colorful sunbirds, and unique habitats.

Flying north to Da Nang, we visit Bach Ma National Park to search for Annam Partridge, Silver Pheasant, and the chance to see Red-shanked Douc and Yellow-cheeked Gibbon. Finally, we explore the karst forests of Phong Nha–Ke Bang, home to rare species like Sooty Babbler, Limestone Leaf Warbler, and Hatinh Langur.

With its combination of spectacular scenery, comfortable accommodations, and an outstanding suite of birds and mammals, this Relaxed tour is the perfect way to discover the natural wonders of Vietnam at a measured pace.

China – Yunnan Extension (Relaxed) 

16 – 21 Apr 2027 (6 days) 

Tour Price: USD3,300

Tour Leader: Lisle Gwynn

Yunnan Province boasts an impressive bird list of over 770 species, the highest of any province in China. Several species are restricted to this region and adjacent northern Myanmar and northeast India, making it a hotspot for bird endemism. The province offers a remarkable diversity of habitats, from warm subtropical forests in the lowlands and hills to cool temperate forests in the higher mountains.

Birding highlights include Giant Nuthatch and Yunnan Nuthatch, the stunning Scarlet-faced Liocichla, Red-tailed and Blue-winged Laughingthrushes, Chinese Babax, Chinese and Black-breasted Thrushes, Rusty-capped, Yellow-throated, Spectacled and Yunnan Fulvettas, Grey-headed and Brown-winged Parrotbills, Black-headed Greenfinch, Beautiful and Black-headed Sibias, Chinese Blue Flycatcher, Black-streaked Scimitar Babbler, Godlewski’s Bunting, and Black-bibbed Tit. With luck, we may also encounter the rare White-speckled Laughingthrush or even the elusive Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant.

Red-tailed Laughingthrush by Glen Valentine
Lady Amherst's Pheasant by Adam Riley

China – Sichuan Birding (Relaxed)

21 Apr – 03 May 2027 (13 days) 

Tour Price: USD5,700

Tour Leader: Lisle Gwynn

Sichuan is one of China’s premier birding destinations, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and remarkable diversity of avian specialties. We have been running tours into the region for many years but have decided to schedule a new Relaxed offering which will open this special region up to all birders. This itinerary explores several of the most productive regions of the eastern Tibetan Plateau and the Sichuan basin, covering lush subtropical forests, temperate montane woodland, and high-altitude grasslands.

Birding highlights include spectacular species such as Lady Amherst’s Pheasant, Chinese Monal, White Eared Pheasant, and the enigmatic Blood Pheasant. At Wawushan, we search for treasures like Emei Shan Liocichla, Golden-breasted Fulvetta, and Spotted Laughingthrush, alongside a variety of parrotbills including Grey-hooded and Three-toed Parrotbills. Wolong and Mengbishan provide chances for Firethroat, Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush and Three-banded Rosefinch, while the high grasslands near Ruoergai and Baxi Forest offer Sichuan Jay, White-browed Tit, Przevalski’s Finch, and a suite of Tibetan Plateau specialties such as Tibetan Snowcock and Snow Partridge. Additional highlights include Barred Laughingthrush, and flocks of rosefinches, accentors, and buntings.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Ecuador - Dušan Brinkhuizen

Our classic birding tour across Southern Ecuador was a wonderful adventure filled with diverse habitats, incredible scenery, and tons of memorable bird sightings.

Starting in the coastal lowlands, highlights included Horned Screamer, Roseate Spoonbill and Limpkin, among many other wetland species. As we ascended into the mighty Andes at El Cajas, we encountered high-altitude specialists like Mouse-colored Thistletail, Giant Conebill, Ecuadorian Hillstar and the endemic Violet-throated Metaltail. Visits to protected areas like Yunguilla, Cerro de Arcos and Cerro Acacana produced rare gems such as Blue-throated Hillstar, Pale-headed Brushfinch, and Chestnut-bellied Cotinga.

Despite rainy conditions, our team continued into the lush Amazonian foothills, where stunning species like Orange-throated Tanager, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Grey Tinamou, Lanceolated Monklet and Coppery-chested Jacamar were enjoyed fully. Hummingbirds and mixed-species flocks dominated at the Copalinga and Buenaventura reserves, while elusive targets like the Jocotoco Antpitta and Elegant Crescentchest offered suspense and surprise. The vast Tumbesian region including the Zapotillo Peninsula, added semi-deciduous and dry forest specials, including the rare Grey-headed Antbird, Blackish-headed Spinetail and Watkins’s Antpitta. The tour concluded along the Pacific coast, with a male Anthony’s Nightjar at dawn being a superb find. A large flock of erratic Sulphur-throated Finches was another big catch. Our final birding was done at the extensive salt pans of Salinas with many new coastal species added to our list, including highlights like Chilean Flamingo, Blue-footed Booby and Belcher’s Gull.

Blue-throated Hillstar by Dušan Brinkhuizen
Blue-footed Booby by Dušan Brinkhuizen
Hoatzin by Dušan Brinkhuizen
India - David Hoddinott
Red Panda by David Hoddinott
Satyr Tragopan by David Hoddinott

Our Red Panda Quest was a truly magnificent experience. We enjoyed wonderful sightings of these adoring mammals on five occasions and were treated to magnificent and extended views, all in the natural surroundings of lush montane forest, festooned with epiphytes and flowering Rhododendrons.

Added to this are some incredible birds including Blood Pheasant, magnificent Satyr Tragopan, numerous Kalij Pheasant, Himalayan Vulture, elusive Himalayan Owl, Great Barbet, striking Crimson-naped and Darjeeling Woodpeckers, impressive Yellow-billed Blue Magpie, Yellow-bellied Fantail, Rufous-vented, Grey-crested and Black-browed Tits, tiny Scaly-breasted Cupwing, confiding Grey-sided Bush Warbler, Chestnut-headed Tesia, Whistler’s and Chestnut-crowned Warblers, sought-after Fire-tailed Myzornis, Golden-breasted and White-browed Fulvettas, Brown and Black-throated Parrotbills and many more!

Our Western Himalayas tour was another fabulous adventure, taking us to the rarely visited and remote destinations of Munsiyari and Chaukori, in search of a host of Asia’s most desirable species, including the stunning Satyr Tragopan, metallic Himalayan Monal, Cheer, Kalij and Koklass Pheasants. Of the tantalizing list of potential species to be found here, we managed cracking views of Cheer Pheasant, Himalayan Monal and Variegated Laughingthrush amongst a plethora of other target species.

Added to this, we were treated to an unbelievable Tiger sighting! We found a male walking towards our vehicles and watched in awe at this magnificent cat. All the time, just our group at this sighting, and he ended up so close to our vehicles that you could almost touch him. It was truly a most memorable encounter and one I’m sure we’ll never forget!

Cheer Pheasant by David Hoddinott
Tiger by David Hoddinott
Great Barbet by David Hoddinott
Himalayan Owl by David Hoddinott
Cameroon - Glen Valentine

Cameroon, although less known in international birding circles than many other African countries, should undisputedly be placed in the continent’s top-five birding destinations. Having had some issues over the past decade, it has now, once again, opened up and remains a safe, accessible and simply magical birding destination.

White-crested Turaco by Glen Valentine

It is the home of a fine selection of the continent’s most attractive, charismatic and range-restricted rainforest and Guinea savanna species, it is undoubtedly one of the very best places in Africa to see legendary families such as Picathartes/Rockfowl and Egyptian Plover, never mind other important families like Dapple-throats, Hyliotas, Hylias, Nicators, African Broadbills, Turacos, Hamerkop, Wood Hoopoes, Wattle-eyes and Crombecs.

Glen Valentine and David Hoddinott were fortunate to lead two successive tours there earlier this year and what an amazing time they had! Some of the many mind-blowing birds encountered during these tours included the almost mythical Grey-necked Rockfowl/Picathartes, the monotypic Egyptian Plover, Standard-winged Nightjar, Bannerman’s & White-crested Turacos, Adamawa Turtle Dove, Grey Pratincole, Dwarf Bittern, Long-tailed Hawk, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Black-casqued & Eastern Long-tailed Hornbills, African Dwarf Kingfisher, Spotted Honeyguide, African Piculet, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Grey-headed Broadbill, White-spotted, Banded, Yellow-bellied and Black-necked Wattle-eyes, Yellow-breasted Boubou, Fiery-breasted & Green-breasted Bushshrikes, Rufous-bellied Helmetshrike, Rufous-vented & Bates’s Paradise Flycatchers, Mountain Saw-wing, Bangwa Forest Warbler, Green Longtail, Bamenda Apalis, White-tailed & Oriole Warblers, Mount Cameroon Speirops, Yellow-bellied & Violet-backed Hyliotas, Spotted Thrush Babbler, Grey-chested Babbler (in the rare and localised Dapplethroat family!), White-throated Mountain Babbler, White-collared & Neumann’s Starlings, Crossley’s Ground Thrush, Mountain Robin-Chat, Short-tailed Akalat, Cameroon Sunbird, Bannerman’s Weaver, Cassin’s Malimbe, Shelley’s & Grey-headed Olivebacks, Pale-fronted Nigrita, Yellow-winged Pytilia & Dybowski’s Twinspot to mention just a few!

Grey-necked Picathartes by Burt Zhang
Egyptian Plover by Glen Valentine
Shelley's Oliveback by David Hoddinott
Japan - Nigel Redman

A winter tour to Japan is one of Asia’s crown jewels. Ranging from cold, snowy conditions on Hokkaido in the north to warmer, less frozen climes in southern Kyushu and an almost subtropical climate in the southern islands, Japan offers a wide range of habitats as well as temperatures.

Our classic winter tour this year successfully targeted most of Japan’s resident endemics and near-endemics, including two races of the shy Copper Pheasant and the vulnerable Japanese Murrelet. Other highlights included the huge Blakiston’s Fish Owl, voted bird of the trip. But the big draw of a winter trip to Japan comes down to three groups of birds: ducks, cranes and eagles. There are few better places in the world to see wildfowl; we saw an incredible 32 species including some of the best-looking ducks in the world. Then there were five species of cranes, including many thousands of Hooded and White-naped Cranes on Kyushu, and hundreds of Red-crowned Cranes on Hokkaido and, finally, the spectacular views of hundreds of White-tailed and Steller’s Sea Eagles on Hokkaido. Mammals do not feature strongly in Japan, but the Japanese Macaques bathing in hot springs were a highlight, as was a delightful Sea Otter.

Copper Pheasant by Glen Valentine

On the extension to the southern islands of Japan, we managed to see all of the available endemics, and had exceptional views of them all. On Amami, the highlights included Ryukyu Robin, Amami Thrush, Lidth’s Jay, and no fewer than 17 Amami Woodcocks on a single night drive. On Okinawa, the highlights included several sightings of the fabulous Okinawa Rail and the critically endangered Okinawa Woodpecker. But perhaps the most notable experience was the flock of some 180,000 Baikal Teals on a single lake close to Tokyo. There are not many birds in the world that you can see in such numbers. There was little doubt that once again Japan had delivered.

Amami Woodcock by Glen Valentine
Okinawa Rail by Glen Valentine
Steller's Sea Eagle by Nigel Redman
Ghana - Paul Josop

Ghana is a breathtakingly vibrant destination, alive with culture, cuisine, dense rainforests, and an incredible diversity of birds, butterflies, and mammals. This carefully designed tour explored the country’s top birding and butterfly hotspots, offering a rare opportunity to experience its rich biodiversity across a variety of unique forest habitats. While forest birding can be challenging at times, there are abundant chances to spot some of West Africa’s most sought-after and elusive species, and our efforts were extremely successful.

The birding begins right around the capital, Accra, where it’s surprisingly easy to spot charismatic species such as Piapiac, Yellow-billed Shrike, Double-toothed Barbet, Western Plantain-eater, Senegal Thick-knee, Splendid Starling, and Splendid Sunbird, not to mention the incredible numbers of African Straw-coloured Fruit Bats that flood the skies at dusk!

Heading westward, we explored the lush rainforests of Kakum and Ankasa National Parks. At Kakum, an exhilarating canopy walkway high above the ancient trees provided the perfect vantage point for spectacular species like Western Long-tailed and Black-casqued Hornbills, Long-tailed Hawk, White-headed Wood Hoopoe, Rufous-sided Broadbill, Chocolate-backed Kingfisher, Blue-headed Wood Dove, and Fire-bellied and Melancholy Woodpeckers. Other forest gems like the tiny Tit Hylia, Sabine’s Puffback, Blue Cuckooshrike, White-breasted Nigrita, Violet-backed Hyliota, Red-headed Malimbe, and Yellow-billed Turaco were also enjoyed.

Aerial Boardwalk Kakum NP by Paul Josop

Ankasa’s pristine primary forest was a treat to bird. Highlights here include the elusive Red-billed Helmetshrike, Black-throated Coucal, Blue Malkoha, Red-billed Dwarf Hornbill, Blue-moustached and Black Bee-eaters, Yellow-spotted Barbet, Chestnut-breasted Nigrita, and the vibrant Blue-breasted, White-bellied, and Shining-blue Kingfishers.

Naturally a key focus is the Upper Guinea Forest Endemics, a true bucket-list for any serious birder! Key targets include Yellow-bearded Greenbul, Red-fronted Antpecker, Rufous-winged Illadopsis, White-necked Rockfowl, Sharpe’s Apalis, and Brown-cheeked Hornbill, each a jewel of this region and a thrilling sight.

Black Bee-eater by Paul Josop
Rock Praticole by Paul Josop
Red-fronted Antpecker by Paul Josop

Heading north, the landscape change was obvious, bringing about a whole new suite of birds. Northern Carmine and African Green Bee-eaters, Egyptian Plover, Rock Pratincole, Blue-throated Blue Swallow, Grasshopper Buzzard, Beaudouin’s Snake-Eagle, Brown-backed Woodpecker, Forbes’s Plover, Northern White-faced Owl and the striking Standard-winged Nightjar were all highlights while other special sightings included Fox Kestrel, Yellow-bellied Hyliota, Rock-loving Cisticola, Bruce’s Green Pigeon, White-throated Francolin, and even the elusive Abyssinian Ground Hornbill.

We had the best time in Ghana and I cannot recommend this trip more highly.

Kenya & Tanzania - Paul Josop
Mt Kenya by Paul Josop

We embarked on an unforgettable journey through East Africa’s legendary landscapes on our Kenya and Tanzania: Birds and Big Game safari, a spectacular adventure that brought us face-to-face with some of the continent’s most iconic wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

This expertly crafted trip placed us in the heart of the Great Migration, one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, as Common Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, and Common Eland thundered across the savannas. Along the way, we witnessed incredible predator sightings, from majestic Lions to elusive Leopards, all set against dramatic backdrops like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya.

From the shimmering lakes of the Great Rift Valley to sweeping grasslands and dry woodlands, we explored a stunning range of habitats teeming with life. We encountered the famed Big Five, Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, and Black Rhinoceros, along with an exciting variety of other mammals, including all three giraffe species (Masai, Reticulated, and Northern), the graceful Gerenuk, endangered Grevy’s Zebra, Beisa Oryx, Desert Warthog, and the diminutive Günther’s Dik-dik.

Golden-breasted Starling by Paul Josop
Grevy’s Zebra by Paul Josop
Gerenuk by Paul Josop

With sharp eyes and a bit of luck, we also spotted rarer mammals such as Serval, Caracal, African Wildcat, Bat-eared Fox, Striped Hyena, Lesser Galago, African Golden Wolf, and the quirky East African Springhare.

But this journey wasn’t just about the big game, East Africa was a birder’s paradise. As we traveled through a diverse array of ecosystems, we built an impressive bird list filled with raptors, waterbirds, and brilliantly colored passerines. Many species offered fantastic photographic opportunities, often at close range. Highlights included Secretarybird, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Eastern Chanting-Goshawk, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Palm-nut Vulture, Grey Crowned Crane, Lesser and Greater Flamingos, Greater Painted-Snipe, Baillon’s Crake, Marsh Sandpiper, Common and Somali Ostrich, Vulturine Guineafowl, Hartlaub’s Bustard, Yellow-necked and Grey-breasted Spurfowl, Woodland Kingfisher, Grey-crested Helmetshrike, Ashy Starling, Lichtenstein’s Sandgrouse, Three-banded Courser, Saddle-billed Stork, Olive Ibis, Goliath Heron, Red-and-yellow Barbet, Golden Pipit, Golden-breasted Starling, and Sharpe’s Longclaw.

Whether we were seasoned birders or first-time safari-goers, this tour delivered thrilling wildlife encounters, extraordinary birding, and a deep connection to the natural wonders of Kenya and Tanzania.

Ngorongoro Crater with Common Wildebeest and Plains Zebra by Paul Josop
Central Peru - Rob Williams
Inca Tern by Rob Williams
Black-spectacled Brushfinch by Rob Williams

Our Central Peru – Andean Endemics tour focuses on searching out the local endemics and rare Andean birds that can be found from the coast to the eastern foothills at the edge of the Amazon lowlands. This is an amazing tour crossing the high Andes. It is scenically one of the most spectacular I have ever had the privilege to guide!

Our most recent tour was a great success, and we found almost all our target birds, despite some unusually dry weather making things hard in the eastern cloud forests. Highlights included Panao Antpitta (a recent split and Rockjumper’s 10,000th bird species), the threatened Junin Grebe and the secretive Junin subspecies of Black Rail (considered by some a separate species), a suite of endemic tapaculos and antpittas, the sought-after Yellow-scarfed Tanager, rare nightbirds such as Cloud-forest Screech-Owl and Andean Potoo, Creamy-bellied Antwren, White-cheeked Cotinga and even several as yet undescribed species in the Mantaro valley. Additionally, we enjoyed more widespread Neotropical species such as Andean Condor and Humboldt Penguin.

In total we recorded 467 species and enjoyed a fabulous tour through a fascinating part of the world. If you want to see these birds, then this is a must-do tour, and I think we have found the most efficient and least demanding itinerary to see them.

This was immediately followed by the Iquitos tour, with some keen folks doing both trips back-to-back. Iquitos involves ten days based at just two lodges and a city hotel, which is used as a base to explore the diversity of the area around the city of Iquitos. The main rivers here form a biogeographic divide and we took time to visit areas both north and south of the Amazon and east and west of the Napo rivers. We explored Terre Firme and Várzea forests as well as lakes and rivers and more specialized habitats of the river islands and white sand forests. We recorded 395 species including many of the specialties of the region, and all the river island specialists. Perhaps the highlights for many were the two rare cracids; we had scope views of a calling Nocturnal Curassow at night and in the flooded forests off the Yanayacu river we enjoyed watching the threatened Wattled Curassow calling at dawn.

Junin Grebe by Rob Williams
Torrent Duck by Rob Williams
Nocturnal Curassow by Rob Williams
Philippines - Adam Walleyn

Our 28-day journey through the Philippines was a great success, with many memorable moments and connections with some of the world’s most incredible and rare bird species.

Our trip got off to a fantastic start on Mt. Kitanglad, where we had a great experience with not one, but two Philippine Eagles. One was a distant but clear view, and then a second one soared directly over us, carrying prey. This was a truly remarkable moment. We also had a successful sighting of a Giant Scops Owl and a rare Wattled Broadbill, which has been very difficult to find in recent years. We also enjoyed excellent views of both Azure-breasted Pitta and Blue-capped Kingfisher at the same location.

Palawan Peacock-Pheasant by David Hoddinott
Wattled Broadbill by Warwick Board

On Luzon, one of the highlights was finding a massive Philippine Eagle Owl. We also had a close look at a North Philippine Dwarf Kingfisher and a Luzon Bleeding Heart that walked directly toward us. Our search for the tiny Luzon Scops Owl was successful, with a great view of the bird.

Palawan gave us some fantastic highlights, including great views of both Philippine and Hooded Pittas. We also visited a newly opened hide where we saw a female Palawan Peacock-Pheasant and, with patience, a male. We also had a memorable encounter with a family of Falcated Wren-Babblers.

The Visayan Islands were equally productive. On Negros, a male Visayan Spotted Wood Kingfisher was seen at close range. We also had a close encounter with the rarely seen Dimorphic Dwarf Kingfisher. On our final island, Bohol, we had views of a family of Visayan Broadbills. The tour concluded with a sighting of a Ruddy Kingfisher, which meant we had successfully seen every single kingfisher species in the Philippines.

Philippine Trogon by Simon Walkley
Ruddy Kingfisher by David Hoddinott
Falcated Wren-Babbler by Forrest Rowland

TAILOR-MADE TOURS (HIGHLIGHTS)

Tailor-made Indonesia with Lev Frid

This Rockjumper tailor-made tour through Flores, Bali, and West Papua combined relaxed birding, photography, and unforgettable wildlife encounters, most notably, the legendary Komodo Dragon.

We began in Flores, taking a speedboat to Komodo Island for fantastic views of the giant lizards, along with the endangered Yellow-crested Cockatoo. Flores also delivered key endemics like Flores Monarch and Ornate Pitta.

On Bali, visits to Bali Barat National Park, hides, and feeders offered excellent photographic opportunities with iconic species including Bali Starling, Javan Banded Pitta, Javan Kingfisher, and the dazzling Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher.

We wrapped up in West Papua, where birding was more demanding but ultimately rewarding. Highlights included Twelve-wired and King Birds-of-Paradise, Palm Cockatoo, Black Lory, Blyth’s Hornbill, and Brown-headed Crow. The tour’s most magical moment came on Waigeo, watching a breathtaking male Wilson’s Bird-of-Paradise meticulously clean his court while simultaneously offering incredible views.

From dragon-filled islands to vibrant rainforest canopies, this journey showcased Indonesia’s wild wonders in full color. If you’re looking for rare birds, iconic wildlife, and world-class photography in one unforgettable trip, Indonesia is calling.

Komodo Dragon by Lev Frid
Bali Starling by Lev Frid
Wilson’s Bird-of-paradise by Lev Frid
Javan Banded Pitta by Lev Frid
Tailor-made Cameroon with David Hoddinott

Our Cameroonian adventure began in Douala, where coastal wetlands around La Digue offered a fantastic introduction to the region’s birdlife. Notable sightings included African Pygmy Goose, Allen’s Gallinule, Greater Painted-snipe, Grey Parrot, and four species of sunbird, including the striking Carmelite.

From here, we flew north to Garoua, making a stop at Poli to enjoy excellent views of the highly localized Chad Firefinch, Lavender Waxbill, and Heuglin’s Wheatear. We then headed to Benoue National Park, where vast savannas and woodlands produced an impressive species list. Highlights included the elegant Egyptian Plover, Violet Turaco, Bat Hawk, Bearded Barbet, and the elusive Oriole Warbler.

Our next destination, Ngaoundaba Ranch, nestled in a mix of gallery forest and Guinea savanna, was a clear favourite. Over two days, we encountered a remarkable range of sought-after species including Hartlaub’s Duck, Standard-winged Nightjar, Ross’s Turaco, Red-headed Lovebird, Bamenda Apalis, and the exceptionally rare Emin’s Shrike.

Returning to Douala, we journeyed southwest to Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West Africa. The ascent through lush montane forest rewarded us with sightings of Cameroon Olive Pigeon, Mount Cameroon Speirops, Cameroon Sunbird, Grey-chested Babbler, and White-tailed Warbler – all endemics or near-endemics shared with Nigeria.

We continued to Mount Kupe and Bokassi, biodiversity hotspots rich in localized specials. Here, we enjoyed views of Bar-tailed Trogon, African Piculet, Grey-headed Broadbill, and the shy Crossley’s Ground Thrush. Other standouts included Ursula’s Sunbird, Southern Hyliota, and White-throated Mountain Babbler.

Grey-necked Rockfowl by David Hoddinott

In the Bamenda Highlands, we explored fragile forest remnants that still shelter endangered species. Highlights included Bannerman’s Turaco, Bannerman’s Weaver, Banded Wattle-eye, Orange-tufted Sunbird, Bangwa Forest Warbler, and Ruwenzori Hill Babbler which provided a stark reminder of the region’s critical conservation needs.

Our route then took us to the Sanaga River, where we enjoyed stunning views of Grey Pratincole and the boldly marked Black-bellied Seedcracker.

The grand finale unfolded in Campo Ma’an National Park, a lowland rainforest brimming with avian gems. We based ourselves comfortably near the park, making for a much-improved experience. Star species included Grey-necked Rockfowl, Sjostedt’s Barred Owlet, Bare-cheeked Trogon, Shining-blue Kingfisher, Rachel’s Malimbe, and the ultra-rare Black-eared Ground Thrush (seen by the leader). Other memorable sightings were flocks of Great Blue Turaco, various hornbills including Eastern Long-tailed, and a wealth of greenbuls, flycatchers, and sunbirds.

This tailor-made tour offered a superb overview of Cameroon’s avifauna, from coastal wetlands to arid savannas, misty highlands, and lush tropical forests, delivering unforgettable birding and a remarkable number of regional endemics and rarities in a single journey.

Tailor-made Uganda: Forest Rarities & Rift Endemics with Daniel Danckwerts

This tailor-made journey through Uganda delivered exceptional birding across the Albertine Rift and surrounding forests, blending rare endemics, iconic species, and unforgettable moments in one of Africa’s richest birding destinations.

We enjoyed outstanding views of 18 Albertine Rift endemics, including specialties like Grauer’s Broadbill, Archer’s Ground Robin, Rwenzori Batis, Dwarf Honeyguide, and Dusky Crimsonwing, with another two species heard. One of the tour’s top highlights came early, with a Green-breasted Pitta located swiftly and observed displaying for half an hour. We also had remarkably close views of the legendary Shoebill, an encounter not soon forgotten.

A rare, clear sighting of the elusive Grey-chested Babbler (part of the difficult to locate Dapplethroat & Allies family) near Mubwindi Swamp added to the excitement. In total, we tallied 541 bird species and 45 mammals, reflecting the incredible biodiversity packed into Uganda’s varied landscapes.

With its mix of sought-after endemics, classic African megafauna, and lush scenery, Uganda offers a birding experience like no other. Now’s the time to explore it for yourself.

Swamp Nightjar by Daniel Danckwerts
Great Blue Turaco by Daniel Danckwerts
African Finfoot by Daniel Danckwerts
Abyssinian Ground Hornbill by Daniel Danckwerts
Tailor-made Bhutan with Greg de Klerk

As incredible as the birding was, it was the feeling of Bhutan that left the deepest impression, A country where spiritual values and a deep respect for nature shape everyday life. Guided by the principle of Gross National Happiness, Bhutan feels less like a place chasing progress and more like one that’s chosen a different path; quiet, balanced, and deeply intentional. We were fortunate to be able to wander through multiple Dzongs, where crimson-robed monks moved silently through shadowy halls, and we also joined the crowds at the Punakha Tshechu, one of the country’s most beautiful festivals, surrounded by hundreds of locals gathered in bright traditional dress, the atmosphere was one of joy and reverence.

This trip gave us everything we could’ve hoped for: rare birds, rich culture, and countless moments to create a lifetimes worth of memories.

Himalayan Monal by Greg de Klerk
Beautiful Nuthatch by Greg de Klerk

Tucked away in the Eastern Himalayas, the Land of the Thunder Dragon manages to feel both wildly remote and warmly familiar. It’s a place where mist curls through ancient forests, prayer flags flutter over rushing rivers, and some of the Himalayas’ most beautiful and elusive birds provide a spectacle.

Our recent Tailormade trip to Bhutan was one of those rare journeys where everything just clicked. The birding was phenomenal from the very beginning. We managed to tick off most of the Himalayan specialties we’d hoped for, including some true showstoppers: the final few Black-necked Cranes foraging in golden marshes, a critically endangered White-bellied Heron at relatively close quarters, the scintillating Himalayan Monal sauntering through the grounds of a high altitude Monastery, a pair of confiding Beautiful Nuthatch which foraged systematically on a tree less than 16ft from us, and the brilliant Satyr Tragopan, which gave us only a brief, frustrating, but ultimately electrifying glimpse, while not forgetting the monotypic Ibisbill foraging in the boulder-strewn rivers of Paro.

But it wasn’t all about the flamboyant species. Some of the most rewarding moments came from tracking the forest skulkers, those reclusive birds that vanish as fast as they appear behind a wall of dense scrub. We had excellent views of Rufous-capped Babblers, Rufous-throated Wren-Babblers, Black-faced Warblers, and the cute Scaly-breasted Cupwing. Every one of them felt like a prize earned with patience and persistence. And then came the bird none of us truly expected: the Collared Treepie. While touted as a possibility, this Rare, striking species appeared suddenly causing a minor moment of pandemonium having caught the entire group off guard but leaving us buzzing for the rest of the day.

Tailor-made Bhutan with Julian Parsons

Our 15-day Tailormade journey through the Buddhist Kingdom of Bhutan was nothing short of extraordinary. Traversing pristine forests, alpine ridges, and secluded valleys, we immersed ourselves in the country’s awe-inspiring natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Avian highlights came in spectacular form: glowing views of Himalayan Monal, Satyr Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Ibisbill, Ward’s Trogon, White-bellied Heron, Himalayan Cutia, and the jewel-like Fire-tailed Myzornis. A lively soundtrack of Laughingthrushes and encounters with Bhutan’s critically endangered wildlife further underscored the nation’s ecological treasure trove.

Equally memorable was the warmth and grace of the Bhutanese people. Their deep-rooted Buddhist traditions, centered on harmony between people and nature, left a lasting impression and elevated the journey beyond just birding.

This tour proves that Bhutan is a destination where rare birds, pristine landscapes, and spiritual depth come together.

Rufous-necked Hornbill by Julian Parsons
Himalayan Monal by Julian Parsons
Satyr Tragopan by Julian Parsons
Bar-throated Minla by Julian Parsons
Tailor-made Ecuador Birding Mega Tour with Dušan Brinkhuizen

Our epic Tailormade tour across Ecuador highlighted the country’s extraordinary biodiversity, covering a wide range of ecosystems, from high-altitude Andean lakes to the lush Chocó lowland rainforests. The tour delivered thrilling, up-close encounters with a dazzling array of birdlife with the final tally soaring to an astonishing 822 species.

Highlights included rare and range-restricted species such as the Long-wattled Umbrellabird, El Oro Parakeet, Buff-fronted Owl, and the recently described Blue-throated Hillstar. A major highlight was observing the Sapayoa, a key target and the only member of the monotypic family Sapayoidae.

El Oro Parakeet by Dušan Brinkhuizen
Buff-fronted Owl by Dušan Brinkhuizen

We encountered several spectacular mixed-species flocks, including one with the elusive Orange-throated Tanager. Feeding stations were another highlight and alive with the glittering brilliance of iridescent hummingbirds. We also spent time carefully luring out reclusive antpittas including Giant, Crescent-faced, and Jocotoco, from their shadowy haunts while a California Gull was a surprise find and represented only the second record for South America.

Another unforgettable moment and ultimate highlight came in the form of a sought-after mammal, a prolonged and awe-inspiring encounter with a Spectacled Bear.

From misty cloud forest trails to lush jungle canopies, the journey delivered nonstop avian excitement, culminating in a wealth of unforgettable sightings. For anyone passionate about birds and biodiversity, Ecuador is simply unmissable.

Paradise-tamed by Daniel Danckwerts

Papua New Guinea doesn’t always enjoy the best reputation. Headlines often highlight its challenges, making it seem daunting for travelers. Yet my own experiences could not be more different. On tour after tour, I’ve been met with warmth, generosity, and a natural beauty that defies description.

For birders, PNG is a dream destination, and the reason is clear: the Birds-of-paradise. Few bird families embody the wonder of evolution so completely. Their plumes, colors, and dances are the result of millions of years of sexual selection, resulting in some of nature’s boldest experiments. One of the first experiences our guests typically have is visiting a Raggiana Bird-of-paradise lek. Multiple males gather on traditional lek sites, bursting into a frenzy of calls, wing-flaps, and blazing orange plumes. It is, without question, one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth. And it’s only the beginning. On my recent tour alone, we tallied 17 species of Birds-of-paradise, with at least 10 seen in full, unforgettable display.

The habitats that hold these treasures are just as remarkable as the birds themselves. We began in the lowlands, exploring swamp forests by boat as kingfishers and fruit doves entice us from the canopy. The air buzzed with cicadas, the forest thick with pandanus. From a shaded hide, we sat in the heavy heat waiting in hushed anticipation for one of PNG’s most breathtaking creatures, the Flame Bowerbird. When a blazing orange male finally arrived to attend to his bower, it felt like the forest itself had caught fire. This moment resonated as one of our top experiences, and was a reminder that in PNG, patience is always rewarded.

Stellars Lorikeet by Daniel Danckwerts
Raggiana Bird-of-paradise by Daniel Danckwerts
Flame Bowerbird by Daniel Danckwerts
Ribbon-tailed Astrapia by Daniel Danckwerts
Feline Owlet-nightjar by Daniel Danckwerts

Climbing higher, the hill forests grew cooler and greener. Pittas called invisibly from the undergrowth while jewel-babblers teased us with fleeting glimpses. Higher still, in the cloud forests, moss-draped trees vanished into mist across sweeping valleys. These highland forests are also home to some of PNG’s most remarkable Birds-of-paradise. On certain days we encountered as many as seven species, each more astonishing than the last. The Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, with its extravagant tail streamers, drifted like ribbons of silk through the canopy. Brown Sicklebills shattered the quiet moments with their astonishing machine-gun-like calls. The King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise flaunted its bizarre, wire-like head plumes; arguably the strangest ornaments in the bird world. And as if that weren’t enough, we were fortunate to have several encounters with the dazzling Blue Bird-of-paradise, considered by many to be the single most beautiful bird in the world.

And then there’s New Guinea’s evolutionary legacy. The island is home to seven endemic bird families, lineages found nowhere else on Earth. On this tour, we were treated to repeat views of representatives of each of these families across two sites in the highlands, a privilege few places can offer, including the unusual Wattled Ploughbill, the elusive Mottled Berryhunter, and charismatic Lesser Melampitta. Beyond them, the country brims with diversity in other groups too: pigeons and doves in a kaleidoscope of colors, an impressive array of kingfishers, parrots from tiny fig-parrots to bulky cockatoos, and honeyeaters filling nearly every ecological niche. Our days were matched by nights, as we ventured out after dark to search for the country’s unique nocturnal birds. The forests revealed owls, boobooks, and the eerie calls of owlet-nightjars, including the rarely seen Feline and Mountain Owlet-nightjars; little-known creatures that perfectly capture the sense of mystery that PNG delivers.

Papua New Guinea is raw, rugged, and utterly magical. It’s a land where biodiversity and culture collide, where every bend in the trail holds a surprise, and where nature still performs its greatest evolutionary theatre. For those willing to step beyond the headlines, PNG offers not just a birding trip but an experience of paradise itself, untamed, unforgettable, and unlike anywhere else on Earth.

King of Saxony Bird-of-paradise by Daniel Danckwerts
Lesser Melampitta by Daniel Danckwerts

MENTIONS

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Loyalty Programs

BACK-TO-BACK DISCOUNT

Any guests who sign up for two back-to-back tours, we will deduct US$300 off the total price.

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EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT

A 10% Early Bird Discount will be awarded to any guest who books one of the first spaces on a tour 12 months in advance.

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REFERRAL DISCOUNT

A US$400 discount voucher is awarded to any of our loyal guests who refer someone who has not travelled with us before, provided the referred person signs up for one of our scheduled departures.

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FIFTH TOUR DISCOUNT

Any guests who sign up for their 5th tour with us will be offered a 10% discount off the tour price, to a maximum value of US$1000.

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Shop Online

At Rockjumper we know that having the right gear for the destination is crucial. Whether it be comfortable clothing, birding accessories, binoculars, scopes or the most relevant field guides, we have you covered. Our friendly staff are always happy to weigh in with advice and you will find a number of handy items to enhance your travel experience.

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Birding Milestones

Listing is a much-loved passion for many and every year we see birders, from across the globe, breaking records or reaching exciting milestones. For some it may be a county list, a garden list, a national park or maybe even a country list that is their key focus. For global birders the world list is often of primary importance and while some take their listing more seriously than others it is always fun to reach a landmark total.

This time round we would like to congratulate Alasdair and Hedda Hunter who have both recently reached some impressive milestones on their world lists. Hedda crossed the 7000 species mark on a Rockjumper tour last year to Taiwan. David Hoddinott was the guide and heard about a single Baer’s Pochard that had been seen on a small reservoir, which the group visited en route to the Taipei airport. Thankfully there was good viewing from a raised dyke, and everyone got to enjoy scope views of this very special and highly endangered species. It also happened to be the final bird of the trip. How exciting! And a very special 7000th bird indeed!

Alasdair had to wait until earlier this year to lay eyes on his 8000th species, an eye-searing Tiny Cisticola, which he found in Kenya on a Birding Direct trip! Alasdair and Hedda have been some of Rockjumper’s longest standing supporters having done their first trip with us back in 2004 through South Africa. Alasdair has done over 50 Rockjumper tours while Hedda has done over 45 trips! Thank you, Alasdair, and Hedda for your unwavering support over two decades. We feel privileged to have been able to share so many birding memories with you both over the years. We also hope that you get to experience many more countries and the amazing birds and wildlife they hold.

Tiny Cisticola by Glen Valentine
Hedda and Alasdair Hunter & Merilyn Browne in Kenya
Scarlet-faced Liocichla by Lev Frid

Congratulations to Rockjumper Tour Leader Lev Frid on reaching 5000 on his world list! Earlier in the year, while on tour in Thailand, Lev encountered this stunning Scarlet-faced Liocichla on the Myanmar border that just so happened to be his 5000th species. What an awesome avian gem to reach this incredible milestone.

Well done Lev!

Mauritian Wildlife Foundation Partnership – Niki Stuart

‘Thanks to funding from Rockjumper Birding Tours, managed through I61 Foundation, the lighting and electrical wiring in Plaine Lievre (‘Camp’) Field station and outdoor communal areas – the heart of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s (MWF) onsite operations in the Black River Gorges National Park’s Macchabe forest will soon be upgraded. Additional funding from another generous co-funder, will also equip the Plaine Lievre Field Station with new solar panels replacing the outdated, rusted systems that currently provide only minimal lighting.

The Plaine Lievre Field Station plays a vital role in the restoration of two iconic bird species: the Pink Pigeon (Nesoenas mayeri) and the Echo Parakeet (Alexandrinus ‘Psittacula’ eques). Once on the brink of extinction – with fewer than 20 Pink Pigeons and just 8 known Echo Parakeets remaining – these endemic birds have seen intensive conservation work help populations rebound to approximately 600 and 700 individuals respectively. Much of this success stems from innovative breeding programs using carefully monitored nest boxes, a method that has made Mauritius internationally recognised for its conservation excellence.

The Macchabe Forest, home to the station, is one of Mauritius’ richest remaining natural habitats. Seven dedicated team members live onsite during the breeding season, enduring tough conditions with limited electricity – without refrigeration or freezer facilities. They practice strict environmental responsibility by minimizing waste and removing all refuse from the site.

MWF collaborates closely with the National Parks and Conservation Service (NPCS) and the station is located on state-owned land. Originally, conservation staff camped in tents at the site before a wooden house was constructed in 1996 by NPCS. MWF has equipped the field station with furniture, solar panels, water systems, and other living and work equipment.

Challenges remain. Manual data collection is still the norm, with records transferred from handwritten logs into electronic spreadsheets. An earlier attempt to shift to online systems didn’t materialise. Staff now hope for a mobile app solution to capture field data offline, then upload it securely when connected to Wi-Fi, when funding becomes available. Conservation work here is not without its difficulties. Inbreeding remains a risk, requiring meticulous management of genetic diversity. Meanwhile, local traffic and well-meaning public feeding are creating new threats, as Pink Pigeons are drawn to roads in search of water and food, leading to tragic road fatalities.

Still, the achievements are undeniable. It took 30 years for Echo Parakeets to fully adopt the provided nest boxes – a breakthrough that occurred only after captive-reared birds were reintroduced, demonstrating their use to wild populations. Today, over 110 breeding pairs thrive across 150 installed nests in the Black River Gorges.

The site visit was done alongside few members of MWF as well as two NPCS officers. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of sustained, responsible support for conservation. Thanks to the partnership between MWF, Rockjumper Birding Tours, I61 Foundation and other co-funders, the work at Macchabe continues to set an inspiring example for species recovery efforts worldwide.’

50mm Bright. 42mm Light.
ZEISS SFL 50 Binoculars

The ZEISS SFL 50 binoculars offer premium optics in an exceptionally lightweight and compact design, rivaling traditional 42mm models. Combining outstanding optical performance with portability, they are the perfect choice for those seeking optical excellence and convenience.

More information

Webinars

We have some excellent upcoming webinars to look forward to that include an overview of Mongolia by Nigel Redman, Birding Direct by Keith Valentine and all about our Tailor-made department by Daniel Danckwerts! Keep an eye out for our notification emails containing all the information on our latest webinars.

All of our webinars are uploaded to YouTube shortly after completion, feel free to browse through some of our most recent webinars here.

PARTNERS

Rockjumper is very proud of our affiliation with many fine organizations across the globe. Some of our affiliates might be new, like our partnership with the Houston Audubon Society, while others like BirdLife, ZEISS, the American Birding Association, African Bird Club and Oriental Bird Club are all organisations that we have proudly worked alongside for well over a decade. All of them are incredible ambassadors for conservation and we are well aligned given the conservation focus that so many of our tours feature.

Below is a list of upcoming tours that we are operating together with several of our partners. Each one has different objectives, but all highlight specific conservation topics and work being done in the respective locations.

American Birding Association (ABA) - South Africa

2 – 12 Dec 2025 Only 3 spaces available

This fantastic tour highlighting the biodiverse Cape region of South Africa coupled with Zululand’s rich diversity is sure to deliver an incredible birding and wildlife experience. In Zululand we will be based on a private game reserve that teems with birdlife and offers fabulous opportunities to see many classic African mammals. The American Birding Association is a standout supporter of conservation throughout the United States and contributes widely to bird and bird habitat conservation through their varied programs. This South Africa tour is just one of those avenues.

ZEISS - Ecuador

This specially crafted itinerary explores the threatened Choco forests of NW Ecuador where many stunning endemics can be found while an extension into the Amazon unlocks another world of beauty and diversity. Dušan Brinkhuizen, lead guide for the trip, is one of our most popular tour leaders and is also the current world record holder with his team for the most species seen in a single day. This record was set in Ecuador back in 2015. See the post here.

Ecuador – Northwestern Specialities – ZEISS joint-partnership

10 – 23 Nov 2026 (14 days)

Tour Price: USD6,750

Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Ecuador – Amazon Extension – ZEISS joint-partnership

23 – 28 Nov 2026 (6 days)

Tour Price: USD3,850

Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Oriental Bird Club - China, Sichuan

This guaranteed departure has been perennially successful and is one of the best regions on Earth to enjoy much-loved bird families like pheasants and parrotbills. We also stand excellent chances of seeing some great mammals including Red Panda. This is the second year in a row that we have offered this special fund-raising trip, together with the Oriental Bird Club, and just 3 spaces remain for next years departure. Join the tour today and help support some of the key projects across Asia, that are backed by the Oriental Bird Club.

China – Sichuan Birding – Oriental Bird Club sponsor

10 – 28 Apr 2026 (19 days)

Tour Price: USD6,795

Tour Leader: Rob Williams

Only 3 Spaces Available

African Bird Club - Kenya

This unique conservation tour focuses on several of Kenya’s key endemics and most threatened habitats. Iconic species include Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Kilifi Weaver, Amani Sunbird and the suite of endangered Taita Hills endemics – white-eye, thrush and apalis. The overall species list will be staggering in addition to the specials on show. Enjoy this trip while knowing that you are contributing to a worthwhile conservation cause.

Kenya – African Bird Club sponsor

02 – 11 Jun 2026 (10 days)

Tour Price: USD4,750

Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

BirdLife International Supporters Trips - Bulgaria & Greece

1 – 16 May 2026

Our partnership with BirdLife International has been wonderfully successful over the years and has included several amazing tours for their most valued supporters to places such as Spain, Romania, Indonesia’s Remote West Papuan Islands, Ghana and Ethiopia. Next year a unique Bulgaria and Greece experience awaits. The tour has been timed for maximum bird diversity and activity plus with spring in the air the countryside will be simply stunning. We are also working on a Thailand trip for BirdLife’s Supporters which will be timed for the end of 2026. Key targets include Spoon-billed Sandpiper and Nordmann’s Greenshank.

For more information please contact tailormade@rockjumper.com

Houston Audubon Society - Trinidad & Tobago

We are very excited about our brand-new partnership with the Houston Audubon Society. Their passion for conservation aligns with Rockjumper’s core values and since their founding in 1969 they have been a key conservation society for protecting birds and their habitats in the Greater Houston Gulf Coast region. We are delighted to announce our first conservation tour with them is to Trinidad & Tobago. Two stunning tropical islands in the West Indies that offer a fabulous introduction into the mouth-watering bird families of the neotropics.

Trinidad – Relaxed Tropical Island Birding –
Houston Audubon Society

15 – 22 Jul 2026 (8 days)

Tour Price: USD5,950

Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland

Tobago Extension – Relaxed Tropical Island Birding –
Houston Audubon Society

22 – 25 Jul 2026 (4 days)

Tour Price: USD1,950

Tour Leader: Forrest Rowland

Source: Wikipedia
Nigel Marven - Madagascar

TV personality Nigel Marven will be in Madagascar at the end of the year and joining him is Nigel Redman, another of our most popular leaders. This special tour of the 8th continent is bound to produce a plethora of amazing species including ground rollers, asities, vangas, mesites, tetrakas, couas and more. The group will also get to enjoy numerous species of lemurs (over 25 would be expected) plus many incredible frogs, chameleons, lizards, snakes, moths, butterflies, orchids, plants, trees, and fish. There are still 2 spaces remaining on this fabulous tour.

Madagascar – Comprehensive – Marven Tailormade

01 – 19 Nov 2025 (19 days)

Tour Price: USD11,050

Tour Leader: Nigel Redman

Only 2 Spaces Available

The Wildlife Society

Founded in 1936, The Wildlife Society is an international network of over 11,000 leaders in wildlife science, management and conservation who are dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship. We are thrilled to announce that we will be partnering with The Wildlife Society featuring two amazing experiences to Brazil and Ecuador in 2026.

Ecuador – Northern (Choco Cloud Forest & Eastern Andes):
The Wildlife Society

13 – 26 Jun 2026 (14 days)

Tour Price: USD6,950

Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Ecuador – Northern (Amazon Ext): The Wildlife Society

26 Jun – 04 Jul 2026 (9 days)

Tour Price: USD4,495

Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Brazil – Pantanal: The Wildlife Society

14 – 22 Sep 2026 (9 days)

Tour Price: BRL38,995 (USD7,028)

Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

BIRD ALERT NEWS!

Harpy Eagle
Harpy Eagle by Stuart Elsom

With immense power and an unmistakable presence, the Harpy Eagle remains one of the most sought-after species in the Neotropics. Our team has recently located an active nest site in Peru, offering a rare and reliable opportunity to see this iconic raptor in the wild for the remainder of the year.

Rail-babbler
Rail-Babbler by Liew Weng Keong

One of Southeast Asia’s most secretive and unusual species, the long-legged, small-headed Rail-babbler is a dream target for many birders. Our guides in the region have invested countless hours tracking it at known sites and occasionally set up makeshift hides, often with excellent success.

Horned Guan
Horned Guan by Adam Riley

Found only in the high peaks of Guatemala and neighbouring Chiapas, the Horned Guan is a striking and range-restricted member of the Cracid family. Its remote habitat and limited range make it a challenge to see, but our Guatemala team has pinpointed a site accessible almost entirely by vehicle. This is a welcome alternative to the notoriously steep hike usually required.

AviList is a newly launched, expert-driven global checklist that offers the most current and authoritative taxonomy of the world’s birds. Replacing the IOC as our standard, AviList aims to provide a single, consistent reference for ornithologists, birders, and conservationists alike. Developed through international collaboration, it addresses taxonomic controversies, highlights areas needing further research, and is freely available to all. As a living document, AviList will be updated annually to reflect the latest scientific findings, bringing clarity and cohesion to the ever-evolving world of bird classification. This fantastic resource now includes a total of 11,131 species, 19,879 subspecies, 2,376 genera, 252 families and 46 orders. https://www.avilist.org/

BIRD PHOTO TOURS

Blending the best of birding and photography, our Bird Photo Tours are designed for anyone with a passion for birds and a camera, regardless of gear or experience. These relaxed departures focus on meaningful photographic opportunities rather than chasing long species lists. The aim is to spend quality time in the field, capturing key targets and other wildlife as they appear. While we may make use of hides, feeders, or blinds, the pace remains flexible and focused on being out in the field, not fixed in one spot for extended periods.

Thailand – Bird Photography Tour

02 – 16 Nov 2025 (15 days)

Tour Price: THB199,500 (USD6,156)

Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Few places in Southeast Asia offer such a rewarding blend of bird diversity, habitat variety, and photographic opportunity as Thailand. From forested mountain peaks to tropical lowlands and coastal mudflats, this tour covers a wide range of landscapes ideal for bird photography. Along the way, you’ll also have the chance to experience Thailand’s rich cultural heritage, with visits to traditional temples and iconic landmarks.

Spoon-billed Sandpiper by Rob Williams
Red-shouldered Vanga by Glen Valentine

Madagascar – Bird Photography Tour

02 – 18 Oct 2025 (17 days)

Tour Price: USD7,795

Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Madagascar is home to some of the most distinctive bird and wildlife photography opportunities on Earth. Often called the “Eighth Continent,” this vast island has evolved in isolation, giving rise to five endemic bird families and an extraordinary range of unique species. This tour offers the chance to photograph standout birds alongside Madagascar’s famed lemurs, colourful chameleons, and unusual flora. With such a high level of endemism and growing environmental pressures, it is a destination best experienced sooner rather than later.

Sri Lanka – Bird Photography Tour

18 – 29 Nov 2025 (12 days)

Tour Price: USD3,995

Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Sri Lanka offers some of the finest bird photography in Asia, with the chance to see and photograph all of the island’s endemics on a single, well-planned trip. From misty highlands and terraced tea country to lowland rainforests and wildlife-rich national parks, the range of habitats supports an impressive diversity of birds and mammals. Add to this a rich cultural heritage, flavourful cuisine, and friendly atmosphere, and Sri Lanka becomes as rewarding to explore as it is to photograph.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie by Glen Valentine
Red-bellied Grackle by Carlos Bocos

Colombia – Bird Photography Tour

18 – 31 Oct 2026 (14 days)

Tour Price: USD7,695

Tour Leader: Lev Frid

With over 1,900 species, Colombia leads the world in bird diversity. This tour focuses on key photographic hotspots, including the Pacific slope forests of Las Tangaras, montane habitat above Jardín, the antpittas of Río Blanco, and the high-altitude paramo of Los Nevados del Ruiz. The tour ends in Cali, with access to the rich Chocó forests just outside the city.

KRUGER BIRDING & WILDLIFE CHALLENGE 2026

Date: 12 – 21 Feb 2026 (10 days)

Price: ZAR32,995.00 per person sharing (US$1775)

This unique and fun birding and wildlife challenge provides the opportunity to explore the world-famous Kruger National Park in north-eastern South Africa, from its remote north to its vast south. Not only will you get to experience amazing birding and wildlife viewing, but you will also be assisting in saving a special bird from imminent extinction. All proceeds raised will go directly to BirdLife South Africa for vital research and conservation work to protect one of Africa’s, and indeed the world’s, most endangered and little-known species – the White-winged Flufftail for which Rockjumper is the BirdLife Species Champion.

Southern Ground Hornbill by David Hoddinott
Red-crested Korhaan by Julian Parsons

In total, a maximum of 8 teams will take part in what will be a light-hearted, exciting competition where teams explore Kruger National Park from top to bottom, recording all the species of birds and mammals they encounter over an 8-day period. Each team of up to 9 participants will have its own open safari vehicle, professional safari driver guide, and experienced volunteer birding leader. Each team will be awarded a single point for every species of bird and mammal, regardless of the difficulty associated with locating the species, and the team with the highest score at the end of the 7 days will be crowned the Birding & Wildlife Champions of Kruger.

We will be exploring the length of Kruger from Punda Maria in the north to Berg-en-Dal in the south. The challenge will begin in Johannesburg, where we will enjoy a welcome dinner and a briefing. Thereafter, we will all transfer to Mopani and the challenge begins as we enter Kruger National Park. The challenge ultimately concludes in Berg-en-Dal for an epic final night of festivities and prize-giving.

Click here for more information or contact tailormade@rockjumper.com

Cheetah by Julian Parsons
African Wild Dog by Julian Parsons

ROCKJUMPER WILDLIFE TOURS

At Rockjumper, our passion for wildlife takes us far beyond birds. Rockjumper Wildlife Tours is dedicated to showcasing the planet’s most remarkable mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and iconic ecosystems, bringing you up close to the natural wonders that make each destination unique.

From tracking Bengal Tigers in India’s jungles to watching lemurs leap through Madagascar’s baobab groves, or searching for elusive Jaguars along Brazil’s Pantanal waterways, every Rockjumper Wildlife adventure offers encounters that stir the imagination and deepen your connection to the wild.

Our itineraries are designed not only to maximize sightings but also to highlight the stories behind them whether it’s learning about the conservation challenges facing Mountain Gorillas in Uganda, admiring the strange, otherworldly chameleons of Madagascar, or marveling at the sheer spectacle of African savannas teeming with elephant, lion, and cheetah.

Tusker of Amboseli NP by Paul Josop

Rockjumper Wildlife Tours are led by expert guides who combine scientific knowledge with a passion for storytelling, ensuring every journey is both educational and unforgettable. For those seeking something extra-special, we also offer combined tours that feature both birds and broader wildlife, creating a rich, all-encompassing experience of each region’s biodiversity.

With departures across six continents, Rockjumper Wildlife Tours invites you to join us in exploring the extraordinary, discovering the unexpected, and celebrating the wild wonders of our planet.

For more information, visit Rockjumper Wildlife website here.

Red Panda by David Hoddinott
Tiger by Lev Frid
Verreaux's Sifaka by Bobby Wilcox

MAY BIG DAY OVERVIEW

May Big Day 2025 saw our global team out exploring their backyards, on tour and generally just heading out birding!

We ended our weekend on a solid 893 species, including lists from a great spread of destinations from within the United States, Europe, South America, Africa and Asia!

Highlights included Grey-headed, Black, White-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers, Hazel Grouse, Ortolan Bunting and Grey Partridge, North of Helsinki from Tuomas.

Rob and David in Morocco’s Atlas Desert providing excellent species like Cream-coloured Courser, Spotted and Crowned Sandgrouse, Desert Sparrow, Greater Hoopoe-Lark, Atlas Flycatcher, Spectacled Warbler and many more.

Lory and Dusan in Quito
Our Global Team
Group with Cream-coloured Courser in view by Rob Williams

BIRDING DIRECT - EXCITING NEW REFERRAL PROGRAMME

Our expert guides cover all of the world’s great birding destinations.

Birding Direct is the only platform that gives you access to verified local guides in every major destination worldwide. We now proudly support over 220 expert local guides!

Birding Kinjila, Angola by Reece Dodd

Referral Discount Program

We’re excited to offer a special thank you to our loyal guests! If you refer someone who has never traveled with us before, and they book a Birding Direct tour, you’ll receive a $100 discount voucher as our way of saying thanks.

Here are the key details:

  • This program began in October 2024, so referrals made before this date will not qualify.
  • The referral discount only applies if you have previously travelled with Birding Direct;
  • Only bookings for tours of a minimum USD2,000 made directly with Birding Direct will qualify as referrals in terms of this policy;
  • The $100 voucher is issued once you notify us, within 1 month of your referred guest booking their first tour.
  • The voucher can be used towards the final tour invoice or as part of a tour deposit.
  • If other discounts are applied to a tour, the $100 voucher cannot be combined.
  • The voucher is refundable, transferable, and can be shared with someone else.
  • You can refer multiple guests and collect more than one voucher! However, only one $100 voucher can be applied per person on a single tour.
  • The voucher must be redeemed within two years from the date your referred guest starts their tour.
  • If the referred guest cancels their booking, the discount voucher will no longer be valid.

The best part? This program extends to our sister companies: ORYX Wildlife Safaris, Rockjumper Birding Tours, and Rockjumper Wildlife Tours. That means you may use your referral voucher for any of these companies tours.

Feel free to reach out with any questions – we’re here to help!

TESTIMONIALS

We had an excellent experience on the Colombia Remote trip, led by Stephan Lorenz. Stephan is an excellent guide. He is extremely knowledgeable, is very well organised and is attuned to the needs of various members of the group. We found virtually all the targets and Stephan is skilled in ensuring that all group members get a view. He also found and pointed out many more common and widespread species for the people in the group who were travelling to the area for the first time and had not seen many or any of the local species.

The accommodation was all very satisfactory and mostly comfortable. The vehicle was spacious enough for the group and our main driver, Alejandro, did a safe and very competent job.

This is the third trip we have done with Stephan, each in very different places, and in all of these he has proved be extremely good and a guide we would be very happy to travel with again.

And, the tour arrangements seemed to progress without major issues, apart from some delayed flights. We expect that there are always issues with a tour and when the customers don’t see anything going wrong, it is a tribute to the hard work of the leader and his team. Overall, a great job, again. – CL, Colombia

birding tour operator

Wow! What a dream of a trip! Our small group jelled very quickly and our 2 guides, Stu Elsom and Leo Patrial quickly felt like our best friends. Their guiding skills were excellent. They worked hard to ensure we all got views of the birds and helped some of our not so active members get the most of this magical trip. We also saw many non birds, Giant River Otters, many, many Cayman, Giant Anteater and , of course Jaguars!

The only downsides were the intense heat and the smoke from distant fires. Completely outside Rockjumper’s control. – GH, Brazil

Rob Williams raised the bar the Rockjumper Guides. He knew the birds! He worked well with the local guides. He practiced good crowd control. Rob was always upbeat. He kept the group moving! A GREAT added bonus was submittal of eBird Checklists for the whole tour. Rob’s credentials are outstanding. In the future, Rob Williams will be one of my preferred guides! – SM, Ethiopia

This tour exceeded our expectations. Tons of mammals, 830 bird species, and 26 long days of exploring the country. Leader Stratton was exceptional, by far the best leader we’ve had. Being from Kenya, he spoke Swahili, knew tons of people, and called friends to provide us access to some great birding experiences. He is incredibly knowledgeable, published, and well traveled. He was patient, made sure everyone saw the birds, and was truly a memorable and great leader. We learned a lot and will be looking to take tours where he is the leader.

By far the best part of the tour was at the end, at the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Given the land clearing and loss of habitat in other parts of Kenya, it’s important to keep this gem on the tour list. The birds found there were special and unique to the area.

Accommodations and food were what to be expected. In the less developed parts of Kenya, options were limited but known in advance. No surprises there. Box lunches were appreciated and we didn’t have to spend time driving to find a restaurant, such as they were.

All totaled, this tour exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend it. – CF, Kenya

WOW! The combination of exceptional birding and ample opportunities for snorkeling on pristine coral reefs made this the best trip ever. Glen Valentine and Paul Varney delivered bigtime on both endemic species and more common australasian birds. Their knowledge, patience, and grand sense of humor together with a great group of clients from six countries made this feel like a family expedition. Accommodations onboard the Indo Seamore were comfy, the food was ever so tasty and the crew’s hospitality was stellar. Benny and Chidi were absolutely amazing local guides. Mid-morning coffee breaks with chairs, coffee/tea, and treats including fresh donuts were a welcome respite from the intense birding – and were delivered whether we were walking the trans-Seram highway or in the midst of the rainforest. This was an unforgettable adventure that ranks right up there with my Antarctica expedition with Nat Geo! Thank you for fantastic planning and delivery. I can’t wait for my next Rockjumper adventure! – JH, Indonesia

birding tour operator

Mandy is an excellent leader. We’ve been on lots of rockjumper tours and she has the best people skills of any leader we’ve ever had. And her knowledge of the birds and history of the islands were amazing. We loved the trip. Amanda was a great addition with her great birding skills. They made a great team. Loved it – LT, Hawaii

An exceptionally well run tour from beginning to end. Finding all possible (and still extant) endemics on the Lesser Sundas, as well as almost 250 species of birds in just 20 days is testament to the quality of both the local (Martin) and international (Forrest) guides. Patience and professionalism paved the way for a smooth trip in which everyone got onto everything and actually got ahead of the game, allowing more time for the trickier species. Many species of butterfly, fish (snorkeling off Komodo Island), and a good few reptiles and mammals rounded out a fantastic and holistic nature experience in Nusa Tenggara Timur.

Terima Kasih! – WB, Indonesia

Our guide, Dusan Brinkhuizen, is incredibly knowledgeable about identifying birds, through their activites, songs, and habitats and if a bird is tough, he has strategies to help bring them in. His determination, integrity and patience was crucial to finding the tougher birds and he was always clear about his plans and focussing our energies towards a very successful birding tour. He is also very personable and delighted in keeping our tour interesting in many ways, for example through other nature aspects, food and culture. He has an upbeat and very pleasant manner that was another confidence builder with participants. We would highly recommend tours with Dusan. – SS, Peru

My wife and I have been on three Rockjumper tours (Columbia, Brazil and now Costa Rica), and they have all been outstanding. This most recent tour to Costa Rica was no exception. From a birding standpoint, the tour was truly wonderful, with well more than 300 species seen. Accommodations and food were first rate. Most importantly, however, I can’t say enough about our guides, who were absolutely fantastic in every way and went above and beyond to provide us with a memorable experience. Alex Alvarado is simply one of the best birders I have ever met, with ears and eyes and knowledge that are unbelievable. He was terrific at putting us on birds and sharing his knowledge and insights. He is also an extraordinary orchidologist and herpetologist. Going herping with him at night was an unexpected highlight! And I will not soon forget his infectious laugh. Our local Costa Rican guide, Jehudy (Jay) Carballo, was also a wonderfully talented and generous birder who also arranged and facilitated our tour with talent, care, conscientiousness, and admirable calm. It was most impressive that he was able to take such good care of each and every member of the group, making sure everyone had a wonderful tour. Lastly, our driver, Pablo Jimenez, was a joy to have with us for the whole tour. He was an outstanding driver, but he also helped group members with a whole variety of needs. Moreover, he turned out to be a highly talented bird photographer! Overall, this was a most enjoyable trip with excellent birding, and I would recommend it to anyone. I hope I will have the opportunity to go birding with Alex and Jay again sometime soon. – SB, Costa Rica

Rockjumper did everything it could to make this a wonderful tour. I was delighted to again bird with Nigel Redman. The accommodations far exceeded expectations and we always had excellent meals. All our hosts and their staff were friendly and helpful. – BW, Malawi