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South Africa - Flock to Marion - Sani Pass post-tour extension

© Bokmakierie by Adam Riley
South Africa - Flock to Marion - Sani Pass post-tour extension 2028

07 Feb 2028 - 11 Feb 2028 (5 days)

ZAR25,995 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

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Tour Price (Per person): ZAR25,995 (USD1,557 * GBP1,199 * AUD2,318 * CAD2,258)

Single Supplement: ZAR835 (USD50 * GBP39 * AUD74 * CAD73)

South Africa’s eastern escarpment rises dramatically into the rugged peaks and high plateaux of the Drakensberg, creating one of the country’s most spectacular and rewarding birding regions. At its heart lies the legendary Sani Pass, where steep mountain slopes, alpine grasslands and the highlands of Lesotho support a distinctive assemblage of sought-after and highly localised birds.

This short tour is designed to showcase the very best of this remarkable region, with particular emphasis on South Africa’s montane and escarpment endemics. Foremost among our targets are Drakensberg Rockjumper and Gurney’s Sugarbird, representatives of two bird families found only in southern Africa. We will also search for a superb supporting cast that includes Mountain Pipit, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Drakensberg Siskin, Bush Blackcap, Barratt’s Warbler and Orange Ground Thrush.

The journey through Sani Pass itself is a highlight, climbing from lush foothills and forested valleys into the stark beauty of the high Lesotho Plateau. Along the way we will watch for both Cape and Bearded Vultures soaring over the escarpment, while lower-elevation habitats offer opportunities for the increasingly threatened Cape Parrot and a variety of other regional specials.

Combining dramatic mountain scenery with a concentrated selection of some of South Africa’s most distinctive birds, this compact extension offers an excellent introduction to the avifauna of the Drakensberg and is equally rewarding for first-time visitors and seasoned southern African birders.

Top Birds

Blue Crane, Denham's Bustard, Southern Bald Ibis, Cape & Bearded Vultures, Black Harrier, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Gurney's Sugarbird, Bush Blackcap, Ground Woodpecker, African Rock Pipit, Cape Longclaw, Knysna Turaco, Cape Parrot, Olive Bushshrike, Bokmakierie, Layard's Warbler, Orange Ground Thrush, Cape & Sentinel Rock Thrushes, Buff-streaked Chat, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Drakensberg Siskin, Forest Canary. 

Top Mammals

Grey Rhebok, Common Eland, Springhare, Slogget's Ice Rat. 

Habitats Covered

mist-belt forests, high-elevation grasslands, mountains, wetlands. 

Expected Climate

Subtropical conditions with chances for rain. Cool in the highlands. 

Max Group Size

5 with 1 Rockjumper tour leader

Tour Pace & Walking

Relaxed. 

Accommodation

Excellent

Ease of Birding

Easy

Number of Species Expected

150+

Other Attractions

Sani Pass into Lesotho, excellent scenery

Photographic Opportunities

Good but time limited

What our clients say about us

André Bernon
K

Andre, our guide, has such an infectious nature, which had a huge positive effect on our stay. His incredible knowledge of birds was indeed humbling. A birder's paradise and a guide passionate about birds and nature - what more could one ask for?

André Bernon
J

André our game ranger for the third time once again is impeccable! His eyesight is actually too good for words!

Julian Parsons
RK, South Africa

The tour was fantastic. Julian Parsons is an excellent guide. Outstanding with both birds and people. Several times he was required to troubleshoot problems and issues and did so without distracting from the trip in any way. Our driver was also fantastic. Two flat tires, but he quickly changed out to the spare and arranged to have both fixed, after hours! He was very personable and incredibly safe driver. We always arrived on time (or early) without incident, including when we had the flat tires.

Gregory de Klerk
JS - South Africa 2024

Greg and Wade were both amazing in their depth of knowledge of all things South African! They made sure we all got on the birds and described in detail what we should be looking for. Accommodations were lovely (Kruger a little less so, but ok). The Safari was the highlight of the trip. All in all I’d definitely recommend this tour.

Julian Parsons
MW, South Africa

Julian did an outstanding job leading the tour. I understand he is a new guide w/ Rockjumper, but it seemed like he had years of experience. His birding skills were superb, as expected. His knowledge of all the obscure larks and LBJs was very impressive. Importantly, he handled logistics very well, managed client expectations and personalities superbly, and was always cheerful and kept things positive. I've got to give a nod to the driver as well, he was a joy to be around. Always cheerful (regardless of tire problems in the Karoo) and willing to jimmy the vehicle around so everyone gets a good look. A definite asset to the tour. I understand these trips run smoothly because of all the support back at the office. Thanks to everyone involved. All of my communications pre-tour were handled promptly and professionally. The whole Rockjumper team were a real pleasure to work with. Can't wait to do it again!

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