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.
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.
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.
dune and mist-belt forest, acacia savanna, high elevation and coastal grasslands, mountains, wetlands
subtropical with chances for occasional rain, warm to hot in Kruger and Zululand, cooler in highlands, can be cold in winter
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
moderate pace with undemanding walks, some long drives
comfortable guesthouses and lodges
easy
320 - 380 (400 - 450 with extension)
Kruger National Park, Sani Pass and Drakensberg Mountains, dramatic scenery, Zulu culture, Indian Ocean, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
excellent
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.
This was my first pelagic tour, and I loved every minute of it. The guides were excellent - informative, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. Couldn't have asked for better, thank you.
Greg and Wade were both amazing in their depth of knowledge of all things South African! They made sure we all got on the birds and described in detail what we should be looking for. Accommodations were lovely (Kruger a little less so, but ok). The Safari was the highlight of the trip. All in all I’d definitely recommend this tour.
The tour was fantastic. Julian Parsons is an excellent guide. Outstanding with both birds and people. Several times he was required to troubleshoot problems and issues and did so without distracting from the trip in any way. Our driver was also fantastic. Two flat tires, but he quickly changed out to the spare and arranged to have both fixed, after hours! He was very personable and incredibly safe driver. We always arrived on time (or early) without incident, including when we had the flat tires.
I am still absorbing the wonderful trip that I took to South Africa. It was amazing. the guides, Glen Valentine and Riaan Botha were absolutely wonderful. They not only knew their birds and mammals, but they both had wonderful people skills. from the moment they showed up until they departed, I felt safe. They took good care of us, seeing to our basic needs, preparing us for the day's birds and itinerary.
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD372 * GBP299 * EUR347 * AUD571
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2024
Tour Leader: Quinton Paul Josop
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,100 * USD372 * GBP299 * EUR347 * AUD571
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension V 2024
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD377 * GBP303 * EUR352 * AUD579
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension I 2025
Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD377 * GBP303 * EUR352 * AUD579
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension II 2025
Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD377 * GBP303 * EUR352 * AUD579
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension III 2025
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD377 * GBP303 * EUR352 * AUD579
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2025
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour price (Per person): ZAR79,950 * USD4,187 * GBP3,362 * EUR3,911 * AUD6,425
Single Supplement: ZAR7,200 * USD377 * GBP303 * EUR352 * AUD579
Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension V 2025
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