Our eastern South Africa birding and wildlife tours combine the great birds and mammals of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the teeming Zululand game reserves, the endemic-rich mist-belt forests and grasslands of the Natal Midlands and the lofty peaks of the magnificent Drakensberg. Target species include Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bateleur, Southern Bald Ibis, Bearded Vulture, Blue and Wattled Cranes, Blue Korhaan, Ground Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Rudd’s and Botha’s Larks, Spotted and Orange Ground Thrushes, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Gurney’s Sugarbird, the splendid Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Narina Trogon, Woodward’s Batis, Gorgeous and Olive Bushshrikes, Chorister Robin-Chat, Brown and Bearded Scrub Robins, Knysna and Livingstone's Turacos, Bush Blackcap and Rudd’s Apalis. Our chances of achieving the classic ‘Big Five’ (Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, African Buffalo and both Black & White Rhinoceroses) are excellent, while less common mammals include African Wild Dog, Cheetah and the endemic Black Wildebeest.

Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.

Top Birds

Blue, Wattled and Grey Crowned Cranes, Denham’s Bustard, Blue Korhaan, Southern Bald Ibis, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Bush Blackcap, Ground, Bennett's and Olive Woodpeckers, Rudd’s and Botha’s Larks, Knysna, Purple-crested and Livingstone’s Turacos, Chorister Robin-Chat, Drakensberg and Karoo Prinias, Grey Tit, Karoo and Olive Thrushes, Fairy Flycatcher, Layard's and Chestnut-vented Warblers, Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Gorgeous and Olive Bushshrikes, Spotted and Orange Ground Thrushes, Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrushes, Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s and Cape Batises, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler, Violet-eared, Grey and Black-faced Waxbills, Brown and Bearded Scrub Robins, Buff-streaked and Sickle-winged Chats, Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s, Scarlet-chested and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, Green Malkoha, Half-collared and Giant Kingfishers, Little and White-fronted Bee-eaters, Southern Boubou, Cape and Forest Canaries, Cape, Spectacled and Southern Brown-throated Weavers, Yellow-breasted Pipit.

Top Mammals

The ‘Big 5’(Lion, Leopard, African Elephant, African Buffalo and both Black & White Rhinoceroses), Meerkat, African Wild Dog, Black Wildebeest, Nyala, Cheetah, Giraffe, Greater Kudu, Plains Zebra, Warthog, Common Eland and Sloggett’s Vlei Rat, Hippopotamus.

Habitats Covered

dune and mist-belt forest, acacia savanna, high elevation and coastal grasslands, mountains, wetlands

Expected Climate

subtropical with chances for occasional rain, warm to hot in Kruger and Zululand, cooler in highlands, can be cold in winter

Max Group Size

8 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

moderate pace with undemanding walks, some long drives

Accommodation

comfortable guesthouses and lodges

Ease of Birding

easy

Number of Species Expected

320 - 380 (400 - 450 with extension)

Other Attractions

Kruger National Park, Sani Pass and Drakensberg Mountains, dramatic scenery, Zulu culture, Indian Ocean, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Photographic Opportunities

excellent

What our clients say about us

Heinz Ortmann
JH, Cape & Kruger II 2015

Heinz was incredible. His knowledge and personality were wonderful. What a wonderful young man! We had an incredible time.

André Bernon
K

Andre, our guide, has such an infectious nature, which had a huge positive effect on our stay. His incredible knowledge of birds was indeed humbling. A birder's paradise and a guide passionate about birds and nature - what more could one ask for?

David Hoddinott
NP, South Africa

It was a great pleasure to meet David Hoddinott, and a privilege really to spend time with such a great birder. Mine was a focussed trip around several species not seen in South Africa, and we saw all the birds, including a wonderful view of a male Buff-spotted Flufftail. David also found a few species where I had only had single sightings previously. We had to reschedule my trip at short notice and the Tailormade team at RJ were really helpful to ensure this section of our trip went ahead. Many thanks.

Gregory de Klerk
KB, Best of South Africa: Cape & Kruger I 2016

Since our trip left right after Easter, and the office was supposed to be closed, I REALLY appreciated Lorna responding to my questions in such a timely fashion. She was right there with answers. Accommodations were very very nice, esp Whale View Manor (within walking distance of penguins). The food was fabulous. Greg de Klerk is the best guide I’ve ever travelled with. He is very knowledgeable, kind, and has a great sense of humour. He did his best to make sure everyone saw as many birds as possible, and that we knew what we were seeing. He continually checked in with us, to make sure everyone was having a good time. He made a good trip into a great trip.

André Bernon
J

André our game ranger for the third time once again is impeccable! His eyesight is actually too good for words!

South Africa - Eastern IV 2024

20 Sep 2024 - 04 Oct 2024 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - 3 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD389 * GBP302 * EUR357 * AUD593

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2024

South Africa - Eastern V 2024

11 Oct 2024 - 25 Oct 2024 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - No Spaces Available

Wait List
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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD389 * GBP302 * EUR357 * AUD593

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension V 2024

South Africa - Eastern I 2025

10 Jan 2025 - 24 Jan 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD394 * GBP306 * EUR362 * AUD602

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension I 2025

South Africa - Eastern II 2025

31 Jan 2025 - 14 Feb 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD394 * GBP306 * EUR362 * AUD602

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension II 2025

South Africa - Eastern III 2025

21 Feb 2025 - 07 Mar 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD394 * GBP306 * EUR362 * AUD602

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension III 2025

South Africa - Eastern Bird Photography Tour 2025

27 Feb 2025 - 11 Mar 2025 (13 days)

ZAR78,950 - 4 Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

Tour price (Per person): ZAR78,950 * USD4,321 * GBP3,358 * EUR3,974 * AUD6,599

Single Supplement: ZAR7,250 * USD397 * GBP308 * EUR365 * AUD606

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern IV 2025

19 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD394 * GBP306 * EUR362 * AUD602

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2025

South Africa - Eastern V 2025

10 Oct 2025 - 24 Oct 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,375 * GBP3,400 * EUR4,024 * AUD6,683

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD394 * GBP306 * EUR362 * AUD602

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension V 2025

South Africa - Eastern I 2026

09 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026 (15 days)

ZAR83,100 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR83,100 * USD4,548 * GBP3,534 * EUR4,183 * AUD6,946

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern II 2026

30 Jan 2026 - 13 Feb 2026 (15 days)

ZAR83,100 - Spaces Available

Book Now
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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR83,100 * USD4,548 * GBP3,534 * EUR4,183 * AUD6,946

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern III 2026

20 Feb 2026 - 06 Mar 2026 (15 days)

ZAR83,100 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR83,100 * USD4,548 * GBP3,534 * EUR4,183 * AUD6,946

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern Bird Photography Tour 2026

31 May 2026 - 12 Jun 2026 (13 days)

ZAR82,500 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: David Hoddinott

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Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR82,500 * USD4,515 * GBP3,509 * EUR4,153 * AUD6,896

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern IV 2026

04 Sep 2026 - 18 Sep 2026 (15 days)

ZAR83,100 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR83,100 * USD4,548 * GBP3,534 * EUR4,183 * AUD6,946

Can be linked with:

South Africa - Eastern V 2026

09 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 (15 days)

ZAR83,100 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour price (Per person): ZAR83,100 * USD4,548 * GBP3,534 * EUR4,183 * AUD6,946

Can be linked with:

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