07 Feb 2028 - 12 Feb 2028 (6 days)
ZAR38,500 SPACES AVAILABLE
Tour Leader: Joshua Olszewski
Tour Price (Per person): ZAR38,500 (USD2,354 * GBP1,789 * AUD3,358 * CAD3,328)
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.
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.
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.
Mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal and pelagic waters, wetlands
Subtropical with occasional rain, can be cold in winter
5 with 1 Rockjumper leader
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.
Good to comfortable.
Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare species.
+-200
Tanqua-Karoo, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, great food & wine
Good to very good.
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.
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.
Greg is very knowledgable about everything South Africa and was very good at getting everyone on the birds. He manages the people dynamics very well and kept the mood light and enjoyable.
Always a fantastic experience with Rockjumper from inquiry through to the end. Guides always the best of the best
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.
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