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South Africa - Flock to Marion - Western Endemics

© Karoo Eremomela by Clayton Burne
South Africa - Flock to Marion - Western Endemics 2028

21 Jan 2028 - 31 Jan 2028 (11 days)

ZAR69,995 SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Rockjumper Tour Leader TBC

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Tour Price (Per person): ZAR69,995 (USD4,278 * GBP3,252 * AUD6,104 * CAD6,047)

Single Supplement: ZAR4,895 (USD299 * GBP227 * AUD427 * CAD423)

Southern Africa’s dry west is a vast and captivating region that remains well off the traditional birding circuit. Stretching from the fynbos-covered mountains of the Western Cape into the open plains and rugged semi-deserts of the Karoo, this remarkable corner of South Africa supports an exceptional concentration of endemic and range-restricted birds, including some of the country’s most sought-after larks.

Designed as an exciting extension ahead of Flock to Marion, this tour explores a selection of these seldom-visited landscapes in search of the many special birds adapted to South Africa’s arid west. Particular attention will be given to the region’s endemic larks, alongside a superb supporting cast of bustards, coursers, chats, canaries and other dry-country specialists.

Our journey will also take us through two globally significant botanical regions found nowhere else on Earth: the Cape Floristic Region and the Succulent Karoo. From spectacular fynbos-clad mountain slopes, home to Cape Rockjumper and a host of Cape endemics, we venture into the starkly beautiful Karoo, where wide horizons and seemingly empty plains conceal an impressive diversity of highly localised birds. Returning towards Cape Town, we round out the experience along the Atlantic coast, with opportunities to visit the impressive Cape Gannet colony and productive wetlands and strandveld of the West Coast.

Combining some of South Africa’s least-visited birding areas with a remarkable collection of endemics and dramatic scenery, this extension offers the perfect introduction to the country before the adventure to Marion Island begins.

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

Top Birds

Cape Rockjumper, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Cape Bulbul, Protea & Black-headed Canaries, Orange-breasted, Dusky, Greater Double-collared & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, African Oystercatcher, Crowned, Bank & Cape Cormorants, Hartlaub’s Gull, Southern Black, Northern Black & Karoo Korhaans, Ludwig’s & Denham's Bustards, Cape Spurfowl, Victorin’s, Namaqua, Cinnamon-breasted, Layard’s & Rufous-eared Warblers, Fairy & Fiscal Flycatchers, Karoo Eremomela, Dune (Barlow’s), Red, Sclater’s, Stark's, Karoo-long-billed, Sabota, Cape Clapper, Agulhas Long-billed & Cape Long-billed Larks, Capped Wheatear, Cape Penduline Tit, White-backed Mousebird, Karoo & Tractrac Chats, Karoo Scrub Robin, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Cape Grassbird, Karoo Prinia, Pririt Batis, Verreaux's, Crowned & Booted Eagles, South African Shelduck, Karoo Thrush, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Burchell's Courser, Orange River White-eye, Greater Kestrel, Forest & Cape Canaries.

Top Mammals

Afro-Australian Fur Seal, Common Eland, Blesbok (Bontebok), Mountain Zebra, Hartebeest, Cape Grey Mongoose, Cape Grysbok, Springbok, Klipspringer, Grey Rhebok, Chacma Baboon, Springbok and Meerkat

Habitats Covered

mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal waters, wetlands, dunes, gravel plains

Expected Climate

temperate with occasional rain, can be cold in winter. The hinterland reaches high temperatures during the day, before plunging at night.

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, target driven. Not suitable for novice birders. Can be a little tiring due to travel distances.

Accommodation

Comfortable lodges.

Ease of Birding

Some scarce and rare species that may require greater effort to find that normal.

Number of Species Expected

220 - 240

Other Attractions

Tanqua-Karoo, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, great food & wine

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good.

What our clients say about us

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
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.

Daniel Danckwerts
MW, South Africa 2021

"We all immensely enjoyed this Tailor-made tour. Dan is an excellent guide: great ears, great eyes, persistent, patient, cheerful, and knowledgeable about all nature. He really went all out for us, and he succeeded in finding very elusive and range-restricted species. We hope to travel with him in the future. Other aspects of the trip: lodging, transportation, etc. were excellent too. We appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts by Heinz and the rest of the Rockjumper team."

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.

Ryan Tyrer
LW, South Africa - Cape Extension (Small Group) II 2026

Ryan is an excellent tour guide and birder. He is an amazing person. You could not find a better, more knowledgeable guide than Ryan. He is truly a gem! He handles all kinds of situations with ease and his knowledge of South Africa is amazing. We had a wonderful time.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map