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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 (USD1,610 * GBP1,221 * AUD2,278 * CAD2,268)

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

André Bernon
SC, South Africa 2018

Andre Bernon was excellent at sharing his expertise and assisting even the most novice birder (me). We couldn't have asked for a better professional. And he was so personable, considerate and had a great sense of humor.

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

This relaxed tour was absolutly perfect for me and my husband Jan Wendeby. Everything was perfect, I enjoyed every minute of the tour.

Quinton Paul Josop
RW, South Africa - Mega Birding Tour (Small Group) II 2025

The trip was an excellent trip with an excellent guide. He kept everybody going with his enthusiasm and knowledge. Accommodations were wonderful.

Gregory de Klerk
CS - South Africa

We‘ve had a fantastic time in Cape Town so far, please express our gratitude to Greg again as well for the great time we had with him.

Jan Pienaar
FZ, South Africa - Kruger Challenge - Cape post-tour Extension 2026

Amazing job on the Kruger Challenger, your team was amazing in handling all of the details, and “challenges”. Jan did a great job on the Cape Town tour.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map