Overview

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.

*2024 Prices are estimated and dates may change*

Tour Facts 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
Tour Route Map Route Map Client Testimonials
André Bernon
RT, South Africa 2018

As an experienced world traveller and birder, I must say that the Eastern South Africa and Cape Extension III tours went beyond my already high expectations. All in all, we saw nearly 540 bird species, plus many mammals, including the "Big Five". Our guide, Andre Bernon, really made an effort for us all to see each and every species, and was also very knowledgeable about reptiles, mammals, South African history etc. An excellent guide!

André Bernon
JT, South Africa 2017

We found our guide, Andre Bernon to be extremely competent at finding and identifying birds. He also had an impressive range of knowledge about other biota, plus extensive knowledge of the local history.

Douglas McCulloch
MW, South Africa 2018

We really enjoyed and appreciated Doug McCulloch, our guide. Every bird was important to him, and he was determined to get everyone at least a look at the bird. Thanks to his thoroughness, enthusiasm, dedication, and contacts, we saw some really special birds that we have been trying to get for several years.

Douglas McCulloch
DW - South Africa 2019

WHAT A TRIP,… WHAT AN ADVENTURE,… WHAT A TON OF MEMORIES! From our first contact with Rockjumper, to the conclusion at Nelspruit with the participants and the patient and skillful guidance of our capable leader DOUG,… we could not have put together a better international experience. Doug was the face of Rockjumper for us. The energetic, calm, focused, knowledgable, “proper Englishman” figurehead. Thank You Doug for your knowledge and skill about more than birds as we learned about South Africa and what makes it such a special place.

Jeremy Exelby
DH & JH - South Africa: Birds, Wine & Big Game 2019

This was a huge change for me booking a more laid back tour instead of my usual hardcore birding from morning till night. I loved the change and was able to relax more and enjoy the company of the other participants and our guide, Jeremy Exelby. We were still able to get a very good number of birds interwoven with some wonderful wine tasting and excellent meals. Last but not least the last half was dedicated to Big game viewing along with birding and incredible scenery. All in all a huge success and a big thanks to a Jeremy for his enthusiasm, kindness and excellent people skills. He was a joy to be around.

Dates, Leaders and Pricing
2023 DEPARTURES
2024 DEPARTURES
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