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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

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Tour Leader: Joshua Olszewski

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Tour Price (Per person): ZAR38,500 (USD2,354 * GBP1,790 * AUD3,360 * 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.

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

Daniel Danckwerts
EL, South Africa 2022

Daniel Danckwerts was excellent—great hearing and eyesight and was excellent at pointing out exactly where the skulky bird was lurking. He was able to find the group many birds that various members of the group had missed on previous trips to South Africa. And more importantly, he was a store of information about the birds, animals and Kruger. Teamed up with Daniel was our most excellent Kruger driver-guide Dirk who knew where everything was and could find it. We navigated this very complicated trip (flight to Skukuza, travel in south Kruger, flight to Cape Town, testing for covid, boarding the MSC Orchestra and off on our cruise around the Cape of Good Hope only with Daniel’s help and guidance. I am hoping to return to Kruger (for the third time) to bird with Daniel and Dirk on the Kruger Challenge. More than the birds, the trip was fun.

André Bernon
M

I am not a twitcher or even a knowledgeable birdwatcher, but I am always keen to see new things. Our ranger André had a huge knowledge of birds. He shared this and more about all the flora and fauna that we came across. He explained about insects and trees as we passed them and didn't fail to answer a question.

Keith Valentine
MP & JP, South Africa 2018

Keith is a wonderful guide as well as a great person, and we are grateful to have made his acquaintance.

André Bernon
B

André in particular went out of his way to make sure our stay was as wonderful as it could be. Andre is also a great guide, with the ability to spot just about everything that moves, even if the movement is only breathing.

Glen Valentine
BC, South Africa 2021

Hi. Glen and Julian were great guides. I really enjoyed spending time with them. The trip was great, lodging was great. The wineries were amazing, as were the bird and animal sightings. I would travel with Glen or Julian again any time!

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Route Map

Tour Route Map