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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

Quinton Paul Josop
TC, South Africa - Southern Endemics (Relaxed) 2026

Paul was kind, helpful, fun personality and excellent at finding and pointing out the target birds.

Gregory de Klerk
GB & NB - South Africa 2019

Greg is very knowledgable about everything South Africa and was very good at getting everyone on the birds. He manages the people dynamics very well and kept the mood light and enjoyable.

Gregory de Klerk
NH, South Africa 2019

Greg de Klerk was an excellent guide who made sure I saw as many birds as possible and set a reasonable pace. He was easy to talk to and very informative, I was very impressed with his knowledge.

André Bernon
J

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

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.

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