Huge congratulations to Alida Botha, who delivered her beautiful baby girl Evren Vianka Botha on 23rd June 2026.

On 4th July Candice Jack was at it again, successfully completing another destination marathon. This time it was the Knysna Forest Marathon which is set in the beautiful Knysna Forest, part of the widely acclaimed Garden Route, in South Africa’s Western Cape Province.

Visitors to our stand can browse our latest brochures, join exciting birding walks and drives, attend exciting talks, discuss upcoming departures, learn more about our Birding Direct and tailor-made travel options, and meet members of the Rockjumper team.

We look forward to sharing stories from the field, answering your questions, and introducing you to the incredible destinations and wildlife that make birding such a rewarding way to experience the world.

If you’re attending the Hilton Arts Festival, be sure to stop by and say hello. We look forward to meeting you there.

We covered the Lesser Antilles at an impressive pace on this incredible tour, efficiently securing a remarkable suite of island endemics across the region. Grenada set the tone with outstanding views of Grenada Dove at the nest, Grenada Wren, and Grenada Flycatcher, supported by excellent encounters with regional specialties such as the endemic subspecies of Lesser Antillean Tanager. St. Vincent and St. Lucia provided some of the most rewarding birding of the tour, as we worked through key targets including St. Vincent Wren, St. Vincent Amazon, and the notoriously elusive Whistling Warbler, followed by St. Lucia Wren, St. Lucia Thrasher, St. Lucia Warbler, and, after persistence, the highly sought-after St. Lucia Oriole. Martinique and Guadeloupe allowed for a smoother pace, with efficient success on Martinique Thrasher and Martinique Oriole, as well as Guadeloupe Woodpecker, Forest Thrush, and Plumbeous Warbler, alongside a variety of supporting species in excellent habitat.

Despite its increasing population and continued forest clearance, the Philippines continues to produce a bounty of amazing birds, most of which are endemic and found nowhere else on the planet! In fact, for many reasons, now is the time to visit! The combination of improved infrastructure, new sites for previously mythical species and the addition of a number of fabulous, game-changing hides/blinds/feeding stations dotted throughout the tour, combined with the fact that almost all of the country’s amazing endemics are still available and gettable currently makes The Philippines a must-visit birding destination. But, get there soon before it changes or disappears!

Everyone on the tour, including the biggest listers managed to acquire close to 200 lifers with the combination of the main tour and extension producing around 180 Philippines endemics, a target we always strive for but don’t always manage to achieve. In every respect, this was undoubtedly one of our most successful Philippines departures of all-time. Needless to say, highlights were plentiful with way too many to mention here but the following were just a few of the most memorable and prized species we managed to see during our four-week tour of six of the country’s larger islands: the regal Philippine Eagle, Palawan Peacock-Pheasant (a male, female and chick!), Philippine Duck, Scale-feathered and Rough-crested Malkohas, Cream-breasted Fruit Dove, Philippine Trogon, 7 endemic hornbills including the magnificent and rare Rufous Hornbill, Blue-capped and Spotted Wood Kingfishers, Red-headed Flameback, Red-vented Cockatoo, Philippine Falconet, 4 endemic racket-tails, Visayan Broadbill, Azure-breasted and Philippine Pittas, 6 endemic cuckooshrikes, 6 endemic fantails, Rufous and Blue Paradise Flycatchers, Flame-templed, Calabarzon and Visayan Babblers, Falcated and Striated Wren-babblers, Stripe-headed and Stripe-breasted Rhabdornis (Rhabdornis used to be in their own endemic family and might receive family status again soon!), Apo Myna, Coleto, the previously mythical Ashy Thrush, Mindanao Island Thrush, 4 endemic shamas, the very rare White-throated Jungle Flycatcher, an incredible 12 endemic flowerpeckers, 14 endemic sunbirds, Philippine and Palawan Fairy-bluebirds, Red-eared Parrotfinch, Cinnamon Ibon, White-cheeked Bullfinch, and a whopping 16 species of night-bird that included 2 frogmouths, 4 nightjars and 10 owls, while noteworthy mammals included Philippine Colugo (Flying Lemur), Philippine Tarsier, the almost unknown Philippine Tube-nosed Fruit Bat and a fine selection of impressive flying foxes. There’s no doubt The Philippines remains one of the planet’s very best birding destinations!

Our Western India tour began with a train journey from New Delhi to Jaipur, offering our first taste of India’s rich birdlife, including species such as Indian Grey Hornbill, Coppersmith Barbet, and White-throated Kingfisher all spotted from the train! In the late afternoon, a highlight came with the elusive Indian Spotted Creeper near Nechwa.

Tal Chhapar delivered exceptional birding, with high activity following overnight rain. We enjoyed close views of Spotted Owlets, Indian Scops Owl, and a variety of raptors and grassland species, alongside mammals such as Blackbuck and Blue Bull. Laggar Falcon was an absolute stunner! Wetlands and woodlands here added a wealth of passerines and waterbirds, quickly building an impressive species list. At Jorbeer near Bikaner, vast numbers of vultures and eagles created a dramatic spectacle, including Steppe and Eastern Imperial Eagles. Keechan provided memorable encounters with Demoiselle Cranes, while Desert National Park offered one of the tour’s biggest highlights: multiple close sightings of the magnificent Great Indian Bustard.

Mount Abu added forest specialties, including Green Avadavat, Jungle Bush Quail, and Indian Scimitar Babbler. Further west, the Little Rann of Kutch produced Indian Wild Ass, Sand Lark, and a regional rarity in Oriental Scops Owl. Bajana Creek impressed with pelicans, flamingos, and a wide diversity of waterbirds. Sykes’s Nightjar in the spotlight after dusk was another cracker! The Banni grasslands delivered one of the main targets, the monotypic Hypocolius, with excellent views of both males and females. Additional highlights included Indian Courser, Rufous-tailed Lark, Marshall’s Iora, and Barred Buttonquail, to name a few.

Coastal birding near Modhva featured Great Thick-knee and a rich mix of waders and gulls, while inland sites such as Rampar yielded gems like White-naped Tit and Sykes’s Lark. Throughout our journey, a remarkable diversity of habitats, from wetlands and grasslands to desert and forest, produced an outstanding range of species. With numerous rare and localized birds, memorable wildlife encounters, and consistently exciting birding, the tour proved to be an exceptional and highly rewarding experience.

The Forest Owlet extention east of Mumbai was a blast too, with numerous highlights including the endemic Forest Owlet, Malabar Parakeet, Indian Paradise Flycatcher and Indian Vulture!

Our Cameroon: Rockfowls & Rainforests Tour delivered an outstanding selection of West and Central African specialties across an impressive range of habitats. From the savannas of Benoué National Park to the montane forests of the Bamenda Highlands and the rainforests of the south, highlights included Egyptian Plover, Grey-headed Broadbill, Bannerman’s Turaco and the unforgettable White-necked Rockfowl, making for a truly rewarding exploration of one of Africa’s premier birding destinations.

Northern Cameroon produced exceptional birding, with Benoué National Park yielding Stone Partridge, Adamawa Turtle Dove, White-crowned Lapwing and excellent views of the remarkable Egyptian Plover along the Benoué River. The surrounding savannas and woodlands added a rich variety of raptors, bee-eaters and other sought-after species, while a night drive provided memorable encounters with the spectacular Golden Nightjar.

Our Guatemala: Specialities of Central America Tour delivered a superb collection of regional endemics, highland specialties, and unforgettable birding moments across some of the most scenic landscapes in Central America. Highlights included prolonged views of the endangered Horned Guan, a stunning male Resplendent Quetzal at eye level in cloud forest, the spectacular Ocellated Quail on the Cuchumatanes Plateau, and the highly localized Azure-rumped Tanager in the Pacific slope foothills. Other memorable sightings included Pink-headed Warbler, Rufous Sabrewing, Blue-throated Motmot, and Unspotted Saw-whet Owl, while volcanic scenery, traditional villages, and beautiful cloud forests added to the appeal of this outstanding tour.

We began in the highlands around Antigua and San Marcos, where hummingbird feeders and cloud forests produced excellent views of Rufous Sabrewing, Highland Guan, and a variety of regional specialties. A visit to the forests around Doña Elo delivered one of the tour’s defining moments when a magnificent male Resplendent Quetzal was found perched at close range, while nearby mixed flocks yielded Pink-headed Warbler and other colourful montane species.

The mountains around Sibinal and the Cuchumatanes Plateau proved equally rewarding. After considerable effort we connected with the endangered Horned Guan, one of the tour’s primary targets, while the unique high-altitude grasslands eventually rewarded us with remarkable views of the highly sought-after Ocellated Quail. Additional highlights included Goldman’s Warbler, Black-capped Siskin, and a memorable encounter with Fulvous Owl.

Our final days took us through the forests of Lake Atitlán and the productive coffee-growing landscapes of Tarrales Nature Reserve. Here we enjoyed excellent views of the rare Azure-rumped Tanager, along with Blue-throated Motmot, Grey-crowned Ground-Sparrow, and the endangered Yellow-naped Amazon. The tour concluded near Guatemala City with sightings of the scarce Golden-cheeked Warbler, providing a fitting finale to a wonderful exploration of one of Central America’s finest birding destinations.

The forests around Atta Lodge proved especially rewarding. Here we enjoyed repeated encounters with Black Curassow, Grey-winged Trumpeter, and White-winged Potoo, while the famous canopy walkway produced Purple-breasted Cotinga, Spangled Cotinga, and a remarkable supporting cast of canopy specialists. Further exploration revealed sought-after species such as Guianan Gnatcatcher, Fiery-tailed Awlbill, and Pelzeln’s Tody-Tyrant, adding to an already impressive list.

Our final days in the Rupununi savannas provided a fitting finale. The recovering population of Sun Parakeet showed beautifully around Karasabai, while gallery forests near the Brazilian border produced both Rio Branco Antbird and Hoary-throated Spinetail. Combined with close views of Giant Anteater, excellent savanna birding, and stunning wilderness landscapes, the tour concluded as a wonderful showcase of Guyana’s exceptional birds and wildlife.

Being quietly stalked through the forest by a remarkably confiding Copper Pheasant has to rank amongst my personal highlights from the tour, while the wonderful spread of southern island endemics added a completely different flavour to the journey. Seeing Okinawa Rail so well, together with the host of special birds across Amami and Okinawa, really reinforced just how diverse Japan is from north to south. Japan itself is also fascinating to travel through. The sheer orderliness, punctuality and quiet rigidity of daily life means everything just works. One domestic connection involved changing flights in barely twenty minutes and somehow the entire process still unfolded smoothly and calmly, which honestly feels like something only Japan could pull off. Somehow the country manages to feel both adventurous and incredibly easy to travel through at the same time.

We started with travel to the Yancheng wetland park, where a short walk yielded dozens of Red-crowned Cranes, lots of Oriental Storks, and the active Reed Parrotbills, among many other exciting species.

From Shanghai, we flew further south to Fujian, where we enjoyed a morning of woodland birding at Fuzhou Forest Park with plenty of thrilling sightings, including a Spotted Elachura out in the open to the delight of family listers in the group. The real highlight of this portion of the trip waited a bit further south, where we tracked out onto the midflats of Weitou Bay and found two Spoon-billed Sandpipers wandering towards us with the incoming tide.

From here, we traveled inland to the forest-clad mountains of Emei Feng. The forests here were cool and damp, but with perseverance, we eventually found a male Cabot’s Tragopan that fed contentedly in the road and allowed close approach. Further inland, around the village of Wuyuan, where we spent a late afternoon watching rare Scaly-sided Merganser dive for fish right in front of us in perfect light.

The tour concluded at one of the finest and most impressive birding sites in all of Asia, the immense wetlands around Poyang Lake. Here tens of thousands of birds gather during the winter months, including the majority of the world’s endangered Siberian Cranes. Other great finds here included Lesser White-fronted Geese, three other species of cranes, more than 100 Baer’s Pochards in one lake, and Chinese Gray Shrike. One couldn’t have asked for a better finish to an amazing tour!

Beginning on Chiloé Island, calm seas in the Gulf of Corcovado allowed us to enjoy outstanding storm-petrel viewing, while the island’s lush temperate forests added another dimension to the experience. From there, a charter flight took us to the remote Juan Fernandez archipelago, where endemic birds, dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich surrounding seas combined to create an unforgettable adventure.

The expedition reached its peak on Alejandro Selkirk Island, where a challenging hike through rugged terrain was rewarded with excellent views of Masafuera Rayadito. Combined with extraordinary seabird concentrations, remote island exploration and a true sense of discovery, the tour provided a fitting reminder of why the Juan Fernandez Islands remain one of South America’s most exciting birding destinations.

Southern Ethiopia proved equally rewarding. The remote grasslands and acacia savannas around Yabello yielded sought-after regional specialties such as Masked Lark and White-tailed Swallow, while nearby Arero Forest provided prolonged views of the magnificent Ruspoli’s Turaco. The unforgettable sight of several Stresemann’s Bushcrows perched in roadside acacias was a particular favourite among the group.

Our final days explored the dry country of Awash and the dramatic escarpments of Ankober before concluding at the rugged Gibe Gorge. Here, the discovery of Red-billed Pytilia provided a fitting finale to a tour packed with endemics, outstanding wildlife and some of the finest birding on the African continent.

We have some excellent upcoming webinars to look forward to that include a virtual birding tour of Senegal by David Hoddinott, and the Lesser Antilles by Lev Frid! Keep an eye out for our notification emails containing all the information on our latest webinars, including Rob Williams’s recent feature on NE Brazil.

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

One of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation’s most important conservation hubs, the Plaine Lievre Field Station, within the Black River Gorges National Park, an Important Bird Area for Africa, supports the recovery of two of Mauritius’ most iconic endemic birds, the Pink Pigeon and Echo Parakeet. Once on the brink of extinction, with fewer than ten Pink Pigeons and just eight known Echo Parakeets remaining, both species have made remarkable recoveries through decades of dedicated conservation. Situated within the important bird area of the Macchabe Forest, the station provides a base for field teams working throughout the breeding season. This year, the installation of a portable solar power system has greatly improved living and working conditions by providing reliable electricity for essential daily needs, enabling staff to spend more time in the field and continue the vital work that has made Mauritius a global conservation success story.

The ZEISS Conquest Apia 65 is the newest addition to the ZEISS observation optics family.

Designed for demanding outdoor use, it combines premium ZEISS optics and a remarkably compact design — making it an ideal companion for long days exploring nature.

With 20–50× magnification, you can scan wide landscapes to spot movement and then zoom in to observe wildlife in detail at distance.

Its 87% light transmission ensures bright, high-contrast images even in challenging lighting conditions such as dawn, dusk, or shadowed terrain.

And thanks to its compact construction and weight of just 1,350 g, the Conquest Apia 65 remains easy to carry during hikes, mountain excursions, or extended wildlife observation.

Our special China – Sichuan fundraiser tour in April was a tremendous success. Operated in support of the Oriental Bird Club and the important conservation work it undertakes, the tour was led by Rob Williams and visited many of Sichuan’s most celebrated birding sites. This is the second consecutive year that we have operated this special fundraising tour for the Oriental Bird Club, and we are delighted that it has once again proved to be such a rewarding experience while helping to support the club’s invaluable conservation initiatives. Below is a round-up of some of the tour’s many highlights.

Sichuan is undoubtedly one of China’s finest birding destinations, and this superb tour showcased the remarkable diversity of the province’s spectacular mountains, forests, alpine meadows, and high Tibetan Plateau. The tour was especially rewarding for China’s endemic and highly localised species, producing an exceptional collection of sought-after birds. Among the many highlights were Chinese Monal, Chinese Grouse, Sichuan Jay, Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush, Gold-fronted Fulvetta, Przewalski’s Finch, Spectacled Parrotbill, Chinese Red Panda, White Eared Pheasant, Tibetan Snowcock, Temminck’s Tragopan, Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Chinese Babax, Emei Shan Liocichla, and the remarkable Tawny Fish Owl.

The journey began around Chengdu before heading into the mountains of north-western Sichuan, where Baxi, Flower Lake, and the Tibetan Plateau delivered many of the region’s signature species, including Chinese Grouse, Black-necked Crane, Ground Tit, Przewalski’s Finch, Snowy-cheeked Laughingthrush, Sichuan Jay, Spectacled Parrotbill, and the striking Tibetan Snowcock.

Further south, the remote valleys around Lianghekou produced unforgettable encounters with Chinese Monal at point-blank range, together with Snow Partridge and spectacular flocks of Grandala. Labahe, Longcanggou, Wawushan, Wolong, and Tianshi provided an outstanding finale, adding specialties such as Gold-fronted Fulvetta, Temminck’s Tragopan, White Eared Pheasant, Golden and Lady Amherst’s Pheasants, Emei Shan Liocichla, Sichuan Jay, Alström’s Warbler, Chinese Babax, and several parrotbill species.

Mammal sightings were equally memorable and included Chinese Red Panda, Mainland Serow, Asiatic Black Bear tracks, Tibetan Gazelle, Grey Wolf, Hog Badger, and Masked Palm Civet making for an unforgettable exploration of one of Asia’s richest and most exciting birding regions.

What’s Next? Nicobar & Andaman Islands

The next fundraising tour for the Oriental Bird Club (OBC) is a unique offering to the remote Nicobar & Andaman Islands. Dates are 18th March to 1st April 2028 (15 days).

This exciting 15-day Andaman & Nicobar birding adventure has been specially designed for the Oriental Bird Club, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of India’s most remote and endemic-rich island groups. Beginning in Port Blair on South Andaman, the tour targets a superb suite of Andaman endemics and regional specialities in forest, wetland, mangrove and nocturnal habitats.

Early highlights may include Andaman Teal, Andaman Green Pigeon, Andaman Wood-Pigeon, Andaman Shama, Andaman Drongo, Andaman Woodpecker, Andaman Bulbul and the elusive Andaman Crake, while night birding could produce Hume’s Boobook, Andaman Boobook, Andaman Scops-Owl, Andaman Nightjar and the highly prized Andaman Masked Owl.

A major feature of the tour is the voyage south to Great Nicobar, with opportunities for pelagic species such as Flesh-footed Shearwater, Bridled Tern and both Great and Lesser Crested Terns. From the ship, we will also scan Kamorta for the much-wanted Nicobar Bulbul.

Seven full days on Great Nicobar give us time to search for some of the region’s most sought-after birds, including Nicobar Serpent-Eagle, Nicobar Jungle Flycatcher, Nicobar Imperial Pigeon, Nicobar Parakeet, Nicobar Hooded Pitta and the notoriously difficult Nicobar Megapode. Other possible highlights include Nicobar Pigeon, Blyth’s Paradise Flycatcher, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher and the endemic Nicobar Scops Owl, with a dedicated effort to find the mysterious, undescribed “Nicobar Crake.”

Remote, adventurous and rich in island endemism, this promises to be a truly memorable expedition

Our long-standing partnership with the African Bird Club, spanning more than two decades, has once again been a highlight of the year. Our special Kenya fundraising tour in June proved to be an outstanding success, with participants enjoying an exceptional selection of the country’s most sought-after endemic and range-restricted birds, alongside some of Africa’s rarest birds and mammals.

This compact 10-day itinerary focused on three of Kenya’s premier birding regions: the famous coastal forests of Arabuko-Sokoke, the isolated and highly fragmented forests of the Taita Hills, and the vast savannas of Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks. Together, these remarkable areas support an extraordinary concentration of localised species, and our group enjoyed exceptional success while recording an impressive 343 bird species in just 10 days.

Arabuko-Sokoke produced an outstanding collection of specials, including Sokoke Scops Owl, Sokoke Pipit, Amani Sunbird, Fischer’s Turaco, Green Tinkerbird, Chestnut-fronted Helmetshrike, and East Coast Akalat, while a nearby site delivered excellent views of the little-known Kilifi (formerly Clarke’s) Weaver. The Taita Hills then provided the much-anticipated trifecta of endemics: the Critically Endangered Taita Apalis, Endangered Taita Thrush, and Vulnerable Taita White-eye. Finally, the Tsavo ecosystem rounded off the tour in spectacular fashion with Heuglin’s Bustard (including a female with a chick), Somali Courser, Somali Bee-eater, Pringle’s Puffback, Scaly Chatterer, Golden Pipit, and even one of Africa’s rarest antelope, the magnificent Hirola.

What’s Next? Zambia 2027

Following the success of this year’s tour, we are already in discussions with the African Bird Club about another special fundraising departure, this time to Zambia. The proposed itinerary promises an exceptional selection of regional specialties, including Katanga and Tanzania Masked Weavers, Papyrus Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-headed Flufftail, Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Spot-breasted Ibis, Spotted Thrush-babbler, Oustalet’s Sunbird, and Bamboo Warbler.

Dates and other tour details will be announced as soon as they have been finalised.

Across the length of the park, from the far north to the southern reaches, the teams recorded an impressive 348 bird species and 36 mammal species. The results reflected not only the remarkable diversity of Kruger’s ecosystems, but also the effect of the widespread rains, which transformed the bushveld and created excellent conditions for migrants and wetland species.

The birding highlights were many. The near-endemic Lemon-breasted Canary was a firm favorite, while the wet conditions produced exceptional migrant activity, including sightings of rare Striped and Corn Crakes and numerous Dwarf Bitterns. A stray Black-winged Pratincole and Grey Cuckooshrike added a welcome element of surprise, while Pallid and Montagu’s Harriers, Bushveld Pipit and Southern Crested Guineafowl provided memorable moments for many teams.

Their prize, a premium pair of binoculars generously sponsored by ZEISS, was a fitting reward for precision, persistence and keen eyes in the field. The success of the event was made possible through the valued support of partners and donors including ZEISS, SANParks, Santa Nature Reserve care of the Mackenzie Foundation, Firefinch App, Ford Wildlife Foundation and Painted Wolf Wines.

Yet beyond the sightings and scores, the heart of the Kruger Birds and Wildlife Challenge remains conservation. The event raises vital funds (an incredible $12,000!) and awareness for the White-winged Flufftail, one of Africa’s rarest and most elusive waterbirds. With fewer than 2,000 mature individuals thought to remain globally, and its specialized wetland habitat under pressure from grazing, mining, drainage and disturbance, sustained conservation action is essential.

In bringing together birders, wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and partners, the Kruger Challenge once again showed how adventure and stewardship can work hand in hand. It was a race, yes, but more importantly, it was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together for species and places that need our support.

As we celebrate the success of Kruger, our conservation journey continues with the already-announced Ranthambore Challenge, another exciting event carrying the same spirit of adventure, teamwork and conservation purpose into one of India’s most remarkable wildlife landscapes.

Inspired by that success, we have been eager to apply the same model elsewhere: to identify another threatened species, build an exciting and accessible wildlife event around it, and channel the resulting energy, awareness and fundraising towards meaningful conservation outcomes. India, with its extraordinary biodiversity, deep conservation challenges and long-standing connection to Rockjumper, was the natural next step.

For this new Challenge, the species we have selected is the Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis).

Few birds are as elegant, distinctive or evocative of wild rivers as the Indian Skimmer. With its striking black-and-white plumage, vivid orange bill and remarkable feeding style, it is a bird that captures the imagination the moment one sees it slicing low across the water. Yet this beautiful species is in trouble. Listed as Endangered, the Indian Skimmer has a global population of fewer than 3,000 individuals. Its future is closely tied to the health of India’s river systems: dynamic, life-giving habitats that are among the most important ecosystems in the country, yet also among the most polluted, altered and degraded.

Of course, the Ranthambore Challenge is also designed to be a truly memorable travel experience. India is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations, a country of immense cultural richness and staggering ecological diversity. This itinerary has been carefully crafted to showcase some of northern India’s most rewarding birding, mammal-watching and cultural highlights, while maintaining the spirit of a challenge: shared purpose, shared excitement and shared contribution.

The journey begins in New Delhi, before heading to Sultanpur National Park, a superb introduction to Indian birding. With more than 300 species recorded, Sultanpur offers a rich mix of wetlands, Acacia woodland, cultivated fields, pastures and semi-desert habitats. Here, guests may encounter Painted and Black-necked Storks, Bar-headed Goose, Indian Spot-billed Duck, Red-naped Ibis, White-tailed Lapwing, White-throated Kingfisher, Indian Robin, Spotted Owlet, Purple Sunbird and a variety of raptors. It is the kind of place that quickly reminds visitors just how bird-rich India can be.

From there, the tour travels via Agra, home to one of the world’s most celebrated monuments: the Taj Mahal. This magnificent World Heritage Site, with its translucent white marble, perfect symmetry and extraordinary history, is an unforgettable cultural highlight. Nearby Agra Fort adds further depth to the experience, while even these iconic heritage sites can produce birds such as Brown Rock Chat, Dusky Crag Martin, Egyptian Vulture and River Lapwing along the Yamuna River.

The itinerary then continues to Bharatpur and the legendary Keoladeo National Park, one of India’s most famous wetland reserves. Known simply to many birders as Bharatpur, this remarkable sanctuary consists of shallow ponds, dykes, grasslands and woodland that attract large numbers of wintering waterfowl, waders, cranes and raptors. Guests can expect the possibility of Bar-headed Goose, Garganey, Northern Pintail, Ferruginous Duck, Oriental Darter, Painted Stork, Asian Openbill, Black-headed Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbill, Pheasant-tailed and Bronze-winged Jacanas, Sarus Crane and many more. Raptors such as Eastern Imperial, Greater Spotted, Steppe and Indian Spotted Eagles are also a major attraction.

The final major wildlife focus is Ranthambore National Park, one of India’s most celebrated reserves and among the finest places on Earth to search for Bengal Tiger. The park’s dry deciduous forest, lakes, valleys and ancient fort create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else. Here, guests will explore by open safari vehicle, watching for pugmarks in the dust, listening for alarm calls from Sambar, Chital, langurs and peafowl, and hoping for that electrifying moment when a Tiger emerges from the forest.

While Tiger is undoubtedly one of the great attractions, Ranthambore is also rich in birds and other wildlife. Painted Spurfowl, Jungle and Rock Bush Quail, White-naped Woodpecker, Indian Scops Owl, Yellow-footed Green Pigeon, Plum-headed Parakeet, Stork-billed Kingfisher, Sirkeer Malkoha, Tickell’s Blue Flycatcher, White-browed Fantail and Yellow-throated Sparrow are among the many possibilities. Rarer mammals may include Ruddy Mongoose, Jungle Cat, Leopard and Sloth Bear; adding further excitement to every drive.

A key aim of the Ranthambore Challenge is accessibility. Through our close relationships with partners on the ground and our long-established footprint in India, we have been able to negotiate favorable rates for the event. This allows us to price the Challenge as competitively as possible while still delivering a high-quality Rockjumper experience. By making the event more accessible, we hope to welcome a broad group of birders, wildlife enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers, thereby increasing both the fundraising potential and the exposure generated for the Indian Skimmer.

This is the essence of the Challenge model: exceptional wildlife travel with a purpose. Guests will not only enjoy some of India’s greatest birds, mammals, landscapes and cultural treasures, but will also be part of a focused conservation initiative designed to support a threatened species and the fragile river habitats it represents.

For those who joined or followed the Kruger Challenge, the Ranthambore Challenge offers a new opportunity to be part of the same inspiring movement. For those new to the concept, it is a chance to experience India in a meaningful way: to travel, bird, explore, learn and contribute.

The Indian Skimmer needs healthy rivers. Healthy rivers need visibility, protection and support. Through the Ranthambore Challenge, we hope to help provide all three.

Guests interested in joining the Ranthambore Challenge, learning more about the itinerary, or making a booking are encouraged to email tailormade@rockjumper.com for further details.

Nagaland provided a very different experience, with long hikes into remote mountain forests rewarded by sightings of several highly localised species. Naga Wren-Babbler was a particular highlight, while Spot-breasted Laughingthrush, Assam Laughingthrush, White-tailed Nuthatch, Grey Sibia, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, and Crested Finchbill further showcased the region’s unique avifauna.

The final stages of the journey took us into the Mishmi Hills and Namdapha National Park, areas that still feel wonderfully remote and largely unexplored. Endless cloud forests stretched across the mountains, creating one of the most spectacular landscapes of the entire trip. Here we encountered a succession of sought-after species including Mishmi Wren-Babbler, Gould’s Shortwing, Slender-billed Scimitar-Babbler, Rufous-bellied Niltava, Manipur Fulvetta, Green-tailed Sunbird, Blue Whistling Thrush, Ward’s Trogon, Blue-throated Barbet, Sultan Tit, Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher, Streaked Spiderhunter, and Collared Treepie.

Throughout the tour, the diversity was astonishing. In a single journey we explored river islands, tropical lowland forest, bamboo thickets, montane forest, cloud forest, alpine meadows, and snow-covered Himalayan passes. Each habitat delivered its own collection of special birds and memorable experiences.

Yet perhaps what many of us will remember most is the atmosphere of the adventure itself. Early starts, rough roads, simple lodges, changing weather, and long days in the field all became part of a shared experience. Whether watching a flock of Grandalas feeding at close range, listening to a Green Cochoa calling from the forest canopy, or simply admiring the vast mountain scenery, there was always a sense that we were exploring one of the world’s last great birding frontiers.

Northeastern India is not always an easy destination, but that is precisely what makes it so rewarding. Extraordinary birds, immense wilderness areas, fascinating cultures, and dramatic Himalayan scenery combine to create an experience unlike any other. For those fortunate enough to visit, it is a journey that lingers long in the memory and stands among the finest birding adventures anywhere in Asia.

A Day in the Eastern Himalayas of Bhutan – Paul Varney

April 15th, 2026 did not begin as we’d hoped. An early morning visit to a local feeding station promised several elusive laughingthrushes, but despite excellent views of Rufous-necked Laughingthrush and the beautiful Red-faced Liocichla, our main targets refused to appear. With road closures forcing a change of plans and reports of poor weather further ahead, disappointment was beginning to set in. As so often happens in birding though, the unexpected proved to be far better than the original plan.

Spending the morning along the Lower Lingmethang Road, the forests quickly came alive. Rufous-necked Hornbill, Crimson-naped Woodpecker, Great Barbet and Grey-sided Laughingthrush all showed well, while mixed feeding flocks produced Yellow-cheeked Tit, Chestnut-crowned Warbler, White-breasted Parrotbill, Rusty-fronted Barwing and the highly sought-after Himalayan Cutia. A roadside Yellow-throated Fulvetta posed beautifully in the open, while Green-tailed and Black-throated Sunbirds added flashes of colour throughout the morning.

After the road reopened, we climbed into higher elevations where a completely different suite of birds awaited us. A picturesque roadside lunch beside a mountain waterfall produced Little Forktail, Snowy-browed Flycatcher and Himalayan Bluetail almost immediately. The afternoon continued with White-browed Fulvetta, Hoary-throated Barwing, White-tailed Nuthatch, Mrs Gould’s Sunbird and a wonderful Collared Owlet mobbing flock before one of Bhutan’s true jewels appeared. A small group of Fire-tailed Myzornis gave superb views, their brilliant green plumage and fiery red tails making them one of the most memorable sightings of the trip.

As dusk settled over our camp at Sengor, the day still had one final surprise in store. The haunting calls of a Himalayan Owl drew us into the forest, where we enjoyed remarkably close views of this rarely seen species. It was the perfect ending to a day that had delivered a constant procession of eastern Himalayan specialities and reminded us that some of the finest birding experiences come when plans don’t quite go as expected.

And this was just one remarkable day. Throughout the tour we also encountered White-bellied Heron, one of the world’s rarest birds, spectacular pheasants including Himalayan Monal and Satyr Tragopan, Ward’s Trogon, Ibisbill and even the delightful Himalayan Red Panda. Bhutan continues to rank among the world’s premier birding destinations, where every day in the field holds the promise of something extraordinary.