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

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

Greg de Klerk was one of the best guides I've had – EVER. Excellent with bird ID, calls and habitat. And probably just as important in a group setting, VERY good with people, fun, friendly and left no one out. I have heard good things about Rockjumper Tours for years and now I see why. Keep up the good work.

James Wade Lee
RB - South Africa 2024

Both Greg and Wade were amazing. Greg has a fantastic knowledge of the area and it's wildlife. He was always willing to add information and facts regarding the wildlife we observed. He managed the tour expertly and his enthusiasm was contagious. And Wade is flat out the best bird/wildlife finder that I have ever been around. Truly extraordinary. The trip was beyond my expectations.

André Bernon
JL, South Africa 2018

This was my first experience with Rockjumper - it far exceeded my expectations. In fact, it far exceeded my experiences with other tours. I don't know how anybody could have been better than Andre Bernon. He was always professional, organized, and I felt completely safe with his driving. His knowledge of birds, animal behavior, the country, the history, goes without saying - but really it was his personality that made the trip. I so enjoyed his sense of humor. I know it is an old-fashioned word, but he was a complete gentleman - showing respect and courtesy to everyone but always with a twinkle in his eye and ready to either hand out or be on the receiving end of a joke. We just plain had fun on this trip! When time and money allows, I would happily go on another trip with him.

Gregory de Klerk
RB - South Africa 2024

Both Greg and Wade were amazing. Greg has a fantastic knowledge of the area and it's wildlife. He was always willing to add information and facts regarding the wildlife we observed. He managed the tour expertly and his enthusiasm was contagious. And Wade is flat out the best bird/wildlife finder that I have ever been around. Truly extraordinary. The trip was beyond my expectations.

David Hoddinott
DS - South Africa 2021

The tour was expertly led by David Hoddinott, who was attentive to the clients and exceptionally knowledgeable. He ensured everyone had seen each species of bird encountered. The weather took a turn, but David was keen to stick out as long as it was safe to give us the best chance of maximising our species. Highly recommended.

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 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD377 * GBP302 * EUR352 * AUD576

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

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Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD377 * GBP302 * EUR352 * AUD576

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 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD383 * GBP306 * EUR357 * AUD585

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 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD383 * GBP306 * EUR357 * AUD585

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

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD383 * GBP306 * EUR357 * AUD585

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

South Africa - Eastern IV 2025

19 Sep 2025 - 03 Oct 2025 (15 days)

ZAR79,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD383 * GBP306 * EUR357 * AUD585

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

client-img

Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,248 * GBP3,396 * EUR3,964 * AUD6,491

Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD383 * GBP306 * EUR357 * AUD585

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

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