phone-icon 1-888-990-5552 email-icon info@rockjumper.com
user-icon
Log in / Register

South Africa - Flock to Marion - Cape Post Extension

© Malachite Sunbird by Daniel Danckwerts
South Africa - Flock to Marion - Cape Post Extension 2028

07 Feb 2028 - 12 Feb 2028 (6 days)

ZAR38,500 SPACES AVAILABLE

client-img

Tour Leader: Joshua Olszewski

Book Now

Tour Price (Per person): ZAR38,500 (USD2,355 * GBP1,790 * AUD3,362 * CAD3,327)

Single Supplement: ZAR1,500 (USD92 * GBP70 * AUD131 * CAD130)

Flight costs: ZAR1,650 (USD101 * GBP77 * AUD144 * CAD143)

South Africa’s south-western Cape is one of the most distinctive birding regions on the continent, combining dramatic scenery, exceptional floral diversity and an impressive concentration of endemic and near-endemic birds. This extension showcases the very best of the region, from the fynbos-covered mountains and coastal habitats surrounding Cape Town to the stark, open landscapes of the Karoo farther north.

Our journey begins in Cape Town, the celebrated “Mother City”, widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful urban destinations. With its spectacular setting beneath Table Mountain and easy access to an extraordinary variety of habitats, Cape Town provides the perfect base for the opening days of the extension. From here we will explore mountain fynbos, coastal wetlands, strandveld and other productive habitats in search of many of the Cape’s most sought-after birds, while enjoying the superb scenery for which the region is renowned.

The Cape Floristic Region is one of the world’s great centres of endemism, and our time here will focus on locating many of its characteristic species, including Cape Rockjumper, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin and a host of other regional specials. The diversity of habitats around the city also provides opportunities for an excellent supporting cast of raptors, waterbirds, seabirds and fynbos specialists.

Leaving Cape Town behind, we will travel north along the west coast before turning inland towards the increasingly arid landscapes of the Karoo. Here the scenery changes dramatically, with rugged mountains, broad gravel plains and sparse shrublands replacing the lush fynbos of the Cape. The Tanqua Karoo in particular offers some of South Africa’s most rewarding dry-country birding, with a superb selection of larks, chats, bustards, canaries and other arid-zone specialists.

Combining spectacular scenery, remarkable botanical diversity and a superb concentration of endemic birds, the Cape Extension offers an ideal introduction to one of South Africa’s most rewarding regions. From the slopes of Table Mountain to the wide-open spaces of the Karoo, it provides a fitting and memorable finale to any southern African birding adventure.

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

Top Birds

Cape Rockjumper; Cape Sugarbird; Cape Bulbul; Cape Siskin; Protea, Forest, Cape & Black-headed Canaries; Orange-breasted, Malachite & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds; African Penguin; African Oystercatcher; Crowned, Bank & Cape Cormorants; Hartlaub’s Gull; Black Harrier; Southern Black & Karoo Korhaans; Ludwig’s Bustard; Cape Spurfowl; Bokmakierie; Victorin’s, Namaqua, Rufous-eared, Cinnamon-breasted & Layard’s Warblers; Karoo Eremomela; Cape Penduline Tit; White-backed Mousebird; Karoo & Tractrac Chats; Karoo Scrub Robin; Southern Boubou; Fiscal & Fairy Flycatchers; Cape Batis; Cape Grassbird; Karoo Lark; Grey Tit; Grey-winged Francolin; Karoo & Olive Thrushes; South African Shelduck; Cape Shoveler; Cape Gannet.

Top Mammals

Afro-Australian Fur Seal; Southern Right Whale; Common Eland; Blesbok (Bontebok); (Cape) Mountain Zebra; Hartebeest; Cape Grey Mongoose; Klipspringer; Springbok; Steenbok; Cape Grysbok (rare); Grey Rhebok; Chacma Baboon; Rock Hyrax; Meerkat.

Habitats Covered

Mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal and pelagic waters, wetlands

Expected Climate

Subtropical with occasional rain, can be cold in winter

Max Group Size

5 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.

Moderate. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Can be a little tiring due to travel distances.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare species.

Number of Species Expected

+-200

Other Attractions

Tanqua-Karoo, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, great food & wine

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good.

What our clients say about us

David Hoddinott
OS - South Africa 2019

David Hoddinott was a superior guide with extensive knowledge (of course) about the avifauna, but also provided good knowledge about other nature matters as well as SA culture and geography apart from being an overall nice person. Would highly recommend.

James Wade Lee
FZ, South Africa - Zagst (Eastern Pre-Tour Ext) 2026

We had one room without an AC. The manager of the Inn stressed not to leave the windows open because of the monkeys. We were later told that the monkeys were not active a night. You could have your windows open at night and during the day if you were in the room. Wade’s birding skills were top notch, and his local knowledge enhanced the trip. It was very nice having the flexibility of a private tour. We birded hard, but were able to take a couple hours “off” during the afternoon on some days. 310 lifers over 10 days was a great way to start our South Africa trip.

Daniel Danckwerts
MW, South Africa 2021

"We all immensely enjoyed this Tailor-made tour. Dan is an excellent guide: great ears, great eyes, persistent, patient, cheerful, and knowledgeable about all nature. He really went all out for us, and he succeeded in finding very elusive and range-restricted species. We hope to travel with him in the future. Other aspects of the trip: lodging, transportation, etc. were excellent too. We appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts by Heinz and the rest of the Rockjumper team."

Daniel Danckwerts
CS - South Africa 2019

I had an excellent birding adventure. Daniel Danckwerts was superb at finding and identifying the myriad of species. He interfaces with the group exceptionally well, from the beginner birder to the pros on the tour. I would love to go on another birding tour with Dan, as he was exceptionally skilled at his craft. Other environmental/birding issues would pop up for conversation and he was skilled in his answers and knowledge. His passion for birding was very apparent, as well as his thoughtfulness in making sure everyone was on the bird and helping with our travel experience.

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.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Your details

  • This field is hidden when viewing the form

  • Contact permission

    We would love to send you Newsletters (twice yearly).via Type a message, Promotions/Discounts (weekly), Blog Articles/Image of the Month (monthly) and other content that we think you would find interesting. If you are happy with this then please select your preferences below. If you would like to unsubscribe from previous subscriptions, or leave our mailing list entirely, then please do so by visiting the Preference Centre link at the bottom of these emails.

Route Map

Tour Route Map