Overview

From the ochre-coloured dunes of the Namib Desert to the lily-choked backwaters of the Okavango Panhandle, the flamingo-studded lagoons of Walvis Bay to the game-filled waterholes of Etosha and the breath-taking Victoria Falls, this tour provides incredible contrasts and an eco-tourism experience like no other!

This very popular overland safari is a birding and wildlife extravaganza, visiting some of the major highlights of three of Africa’s most remarkable countries, all offering vast areas of pristine wilderness. Birdlife abounds and we search for an impressive array of localized, as well as more widespread African species such as the sought-after Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Secretarybird, Pel’s Fishing Owl (one of ten possible owls!), Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, the huge Coppery-tailed Coucal, Rüppell’s Parrot, Monteiro’s Hornbill, Rockrunner, Violet Wood Hoopoe, Bare-cheeked and Black-faced Babblers, Rosy-faced Lovebird, White-tailed Shrike, Herero Chat, Dune and Gray’s Larks, Violet-eared Waxbill – and so much more besides!

What's more, we have time to observe mammals, large and small, ranging from elephant shrews to Africa Elephant, Fur Seals to Hippopotamus, as well as exciting range of charismatic African big game including the fabled ’Big 5’.

The spectacular and dramatic scenery, coupled with quality mammal viewing and exceptional birding, all combine to make this one of our most popular birding adventures!

Tour Facts Top Birds
Ludwig’s & Kori Bustards; Rüppell’s & Northern Black Korhaans; Secretarybird; Pel’s Fishing Owl; Hartlaub’s & Red-billed Spurfowls; Rüppell’s Parrot; Monteiro’s, Damara Red-billed & Bradfield's Hornbills; Rockrunner; Violet Wood Hoopoe; Bare-cheeked, Southern Pied & Black-faced Babblers; Rosy-faced Lovebird; White-tailed Shrike; Herero Chat; chances for Shelley’s & Copper Sunbirds; Dune & Gray's Larks; African Skimmer(seasonal); Slaty Egret; Wattled Crane; Rock Pratincole (seasonal); Chestnut-banded Plover; Damara Tern; Cape, Bank & Crowned Cormorants; Burchell's & Double-banded Coursers; African Oystercatcher; Bradfield's Swift; Bokmakierie; Rufous-eared Warbler; South African Shelduck; Orange River White-eye; Dusky Sunbird; Cape Vulture; thousands of Lesser & Greater Flamingos.
Top Mammals
The “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, Black and White Rhinoceroses, African Buffalo); Cheetah; Hartmann’s sub-species of Mountain Zebra; Plains Zebra; Common Warthog; Giraffe; Roan & Sable Antelope; Red Lechwe; Topi; Common Eland; Springbok; Meerkat; Honey Badger; Dassie Rat; Spotted-necked Otter; South African & Damara Ground Squirrels; African Wild Cat; Central African Large-spotted Genet.
Habitats Covered
coastal estuaries, broad-leaved woodland, riverine forest, floodplains, grass plains, papyrus swamps, mountains, gravel and sandy deserts
Expected Climate
temperatures are variable. Autumn/Winter (May to August) - can be warm during the day (reaching as much as 31°C / 88°F in the Caprivi). At night and in the early mornings it can, however, be very cold (as low as 5°C / 41°F in the central highlands of Namibia). Spring/Summer (September to April) - can be very high at this time of year, (reaching as much as 40°C / 104°F in the Caprivi).
Max Group Size
7 & 1 Rockjumper leader
Tour Pace & Walking
moderate pace, long drives, undemanding walks
Accommodation
comfortable hotels, national park bungalows and lodges
Ease of Birding
easy, open country birding
Number of Species Expected
375-425
Other Attractions
Namib sand dunes, Spitzkoppe, Etosha, Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls
Photographic Opportunities
excellent
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials

Thank you for a wonderful trip! Thank you, Andre Bernon, for all you did to make it so memorable!

Glen was very organised and knowledgeable. He gave clear directions as to what we would be doing the following day. He has a very calm and friendly manner. He has extremely good hearing and the ability to both hear the birds and point them out. He was very helpful to assist me when I did not see where the bird was. I would certainly like to travel with him again.

Greg is an excellent birder and worked hard to find as many species as possible, and also to make sure that everyone saw them. He was very genial company and took great care of everyone.

The tour was very enjoyable and interesting. Doug McCulloch's knowledge of his subject was encyclopaedic, and was as keen as mustard to share it and find us lots of birds.

This private tour, organised by Rockjumper, allowed us to visit some fantastic areas in the country. Our main focus was on birds, with Pel's Fishing Owl and Shoebill high on our "would like to see" lists. We saw both of them really well, along with another 56 lifers. The Shoebill sighting will remain in our memories for many years, as we waded through the marsh to see both adults close to the nest, plus a well-grown youngster! The overall Bird List totalled some 320 species, along with 47 species of mammal. Highlights of the mammal sightings included an hour spent with a hunting Leopard, a couple of Lionesses with five cubs, a Cheetah with six cubs and sightings of four different Serval. The pace of the tour was excellent and staying for three nights in a small number of sites gave us the opportunity to really explore the different habitats. The accommodation throughout was fantastic. David Hoddinott was a fantastic leader and was aptly supported by the local guides.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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