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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 (USD1,611 * GBP1,222 * AUD2,279 * CAD2,269)

Single Supplement: ZAR835 (USD52 * GBP39 * AUD73 * 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

David Hoddinott
PB, South Africa - Western Bird Photography Tour (Small Group) 2026

Highly satisfied with the tour. We saw a lot of the countryside and found far more birds than I expected. David certainly knows his birds and his country very well. Food and accommodations were excellent. I would recommend the tour.

Gregory de Klerk
SK & TG, South Africa

Greg de Klerk was a truly superb guide, and his supporting guides were a great complement to his leadership. He was knowledgeable beyond our highest expectations, patient, helpful, well-organized, and disciplined. If we have the chance to do further tours with you, chances are very high that I would specifically look for ones that Greg leads, because he personally made the tour special. His expertise and professionalism speak well for the South African guiding profession, your company, and the country as a whole. We felt genuinely fortunate to be introduced to South Africa by Greg. Susan and I have worked with several South Africans over the course of our careers, and they all returned back to their homeland when they stopped working. Greg’s display of the country showed us why they all do this, and he personally could not have been a more clear-headed and knowledgeable spokesperson for the country (including its challenges). We normally dread long drives, but he made them not only tolerable, but educational, fun, and memorable. You have a special resource in your employ, the kind of person who can go beyond creating satisfied customers, and convert us into stark raving fans of your tours. We hope you realize that, because it is not common.

Gregory de Klerk
KB, Best of South Africa: Cape & Kruger I 2016

Since our trip left right after Easter, and the office was supposed to be closed, I REALLY appreciated Lorna responding to my questions in such a timely fashion. She was right there with answers. Accommodations were very very nice, esp Whale View Manor (within walking distance of penguins). The food was fabulous. Greg de Klerk is the best guide I’ve ever travelled with. He is very knowledgeable, kind, and has a great sense of humour. He did his best to make sure everyone saw as many birds as possible, and that we knew what we were seeing. He continually checked in with us, to make sure everyone was having a good time. He made a good trip into a great trip.

Gregory de Klerk
RO, South Africa 2022

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

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.

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