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South Africa - Flock to Marion - Eastern Extension

© Drakensberg Rockjumper by Adam Riley
South Africa - Flock to Marion - Eastern Extension 2028

07 Feb 2028 - 16 Feb 2028 (10 days)

ZAR65,995 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Jan Pienaar

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Tour Price (Per person): ZAR65,995 (USD4,035 * GBP3,067 * AUD5,756 * CAD5,704)

Single Supplement: ZAR3,795 (USD232 * GBP176 * AUD331 * CAD328)

South Africa’s eastern provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga offer some of the finest birding and wildlife experiences in the country. This wonderfully varied region supports an extraordinary diversity of habitats, from high-altitude grasslands and mist-belt forests to subtropical wetlands, savanna and broad river valleys, and with them comes an equally impressive array of birds and mammals.

Over ten days, this tour showcases many of the eastern region’s most celebrated birding destinations. We begin beneath the dramatic Drakensberg escarpment, where the legendary Sani Pass climbs into the highlands of Lesotho and offers access to a distinctive suite of montane specials. From there, we descend through the lush Natal Midlands, exploring endemic-rich forests and rolling countryside before continuing north to the wetlands and coastal habitats around St Lucia and iSimangaliso.

The journey then moves into the renowned game-rich reserves of Zululand, where superb bushveld birding is complemented by the chance to encounter some of Africa’s most iconic mammals. Mkhuze Game Reserve in particular is famed for its remarkable bird diversity, while the surrounding lowveld supports an exceptional selection of raptors, hornbills, bee-eaters, kingfishers and other characteristic species.

Our final major stop is Wakkerstroom, one of South Africa’s premier highveld birding areas and a stronghold for several sought-after grassland endemics and near-endemics. Here, broad open plains and rolling uplands provide a fitting contrast to the forests, mountains and wetlands of the earlier part of the tour.

Combining outstanding birding, dramatic scenery and excellent mammal viewing, this compact eastern South African journey offers an exceptional cross-section of the region’s natural riches and some of the most rewarding birding to be found anywhere in the country.

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

Top Birds

Blue, Wattled & Grey Crowned Cranes; Denham’s Bustard; Blue Korhaan; Southern Bald Ibis; Drakensberg Rockjumper; Gurney’s Sugarbird; Bush Blackcap; Ground, Bennett's & Olive Woodpeckers; Knysna, Purple-crested & Livingstone’s Turacos; Chorister Robin-Chat; Drakensberg & Karoo Prinias; Grey Tit; Karoo & Olive Thrushes; Fairy Flycatcher; Layard's & Chestnut-vented Warblers; Cape Parrot; Narina Trogon; Gorgeous & Olive Bushshrikes; Spotted & Orange Ground Thrushes; Cape & Sentinel Rock Thrushes; Rudd’s Apalis; Woodward’s & Cape Batises; Grey Waxbill; Brown & Bearded Scrub Robins; Buff-streaked & Sickle-winged Chats; Pink-throated Twinspot; Neergaard’s, Scarlet-chested & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds; Green Malkoha; Half-collared & Giant Kingfishers; Little & White-fronted Bee-eaters; Southern Boubou; Cape & Forest Canaries; Cape, Spectacled & Southern Brown-throated Weavers; Yellow-breasted Pipit.

Top Mammals

African Elephant; African Buffalo; White Rhinoceros; Meerkat; Black Wildebeest; Nyala; Greater Kudu; Plains Zebra; Common Warthog; Common Eland; Sloggett’s Vlei Rat; Common 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

5 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

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

320 - 360

Other Attractions

Sani Pass and Drakensberg Mountains, dramatic scenery, Zulu culture, Indian Ocean, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good. Some hides, mostly for mammal photography.

What our clients say about us

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.

André Bernon
P

André, who escorted us on four drives, is a superb tracker with great knowledge of the reserve and its denizens. He is also an expert on the birdlife of southern Africa and was able to bring the bush to life for us with knowledge of all that we saw.

Keith Valentine
SD, South Africa 2018

I deeply appreciate that Keith Valentine worked hard to find the endemics and warblers that I had expressed an interest in.

Gregory de Klerk
RO, South Africa 2022

Gregory was an excellent tour leader and bird guide. I would happily travel with him again.

Glen Valentine
CA - South Africa 2021

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.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map