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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 (USD4,280 * GBP3,254 * AUD6,109 * CAD6,050)

Single Supplement: ZAR4,895 (USD299 * GBP228 * 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

Ryan Tyrer
JD, South Africa - Cape & Kruger 2026

Ryan and Dirk were excellent. Well organized and managed the group well. Housing and food were very good. I really enjoyed my first visit to Africa and am already looking to return. Thanks!

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.

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

This was my 2nd (Relaxed ) tour. As far as I can tell relaxed means staying more than 1 night in most places. It means not too strenuous hikes. Not sure it means shorter days. On this tour the ones that brought us back straight to dinner were mostly by our own choice. The relaxed tours are a great option. Paul is an excellent guide and lovely person. He is a good driver, which is important. He was good at adjusting the order of birding places for the day when necessary. He did a great job accommodating for the medical needs that came up. He maintained his patience and cheerfulness throughout. He had good relationships with the hosts of the various places we stayed. I would certainly go anywhere with him and recommend him to everyone.

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

Greg de Klerk was one of the best guides I've had – EVER. Excellent with bird ID, calls and habitat. And probably just as important in a group setting, VERY good with people, fun, friendly and left no one out. I have heard good things about Rockjumper Tours for years and now I see why. Keep up the good work.

James Wade Lee
FO, South Africa - Otero (Northern Pre-Tour Ext) 2026

excellent knowledge of birds and ability to point them out. very congenial. the trip was well organized and wonderful.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map