South Africa - Kruger Challenge - Cape post-tour Extension 2026

21 Feb 2026 - 26 Feb 2026 (6 days)

ZAR36,950 NO SPACES AVAILABLE

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Tour Leader: Jan Pienaar

Tour Price (Per person): ZAR36,950 (USD2,192 * GBP1,670 * EUR1,905 * AUD3,353)

Single Supplement: ZAR2,800 (USD166 * GBP127 * EUR144 * AUD254)

Flight costs (Linked Tour): ZAR2,310 (USD137 * GBP104 * EUR119 * AUD210)

This Cape Extension offers an unforgettable immersion into one of the world’s most scenically and biologically unique regions. Anchored in Cape Town, often hailed as one of the globe’s most beautiful cities, the journey explores the rich and varied ecosystems of South Africa’s south-western corner. From the dramatic coastal cliffs and sweeping mountain ranges to the colourful floral landscapes and arid inland plains, this region is a treasure trove of endemism.

At the heart of the experience lies the Cape Floral Kingdom—the smallest yet most diverse of Earth’s six floral kingdoms. Despite its modest size, it supports an extraordinary number of endemic plant species and a host of birds found nowhere else. Among these avian endemics are some of South Africa’s most sought-after species. We’ll search for the Cape Rockjumper, often seen bounding across rocky slopes; the striking Cape Sugarbird, with its long tail and specialised relationship with protea flowers; the jewel-like Orange-breasted Sunbird; and the elusive Victorin’s Warbler, typically heard before it's seen in dense montane scrub.

As the journey continues northward, the landscapes shift dramatically into the stark, semi-arid Tankwa Karoo—a remote and rugged region rich in dry-country specialities. Here, we’ll seek out the likes of Karoo Korhaan, the ghostly Double-banded Courser, and a fascinating variety of localised species including Tractrac Chat, Namaqua Warbler, and Karoo Eremomela. With its wide-open skies and hauntingly beautiful vistas, the Karoo offers a striking contrast to the lush Cape coast, rounding off a truly diverse and rewarding South African birding adventure.

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

Top Birds

Cape Rockjumper; Cape Sugarbird; Cape Bulbul; Cape Siskin; Protea, Forest, Cape & Black-headed Canaries; Orange-breasted, Malachite & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds; African Penguin; African Oystercatcher; Crowned, Bank & Cape Cormorants; Hartlaub’s Gull; Black Harrier; Southern Black & Karoo Korhaans; Ludwig’s Bustard; Cape Spurfowl; Bokmakierie; Victorin’s, Namaqua, Rufous-eared, Cinnamon-breasted & Layard’s Warblers; Karoo Eremomela; Cape Penduline Tit; White-backed Mousebird; Karoo & Tractrac Chats; Karoo Scrub Robin; Southern Boubou; Fiscal & Fairy Flycatchers; Cape Batis; Cape Grassbird; Karoo Lark; Grey Tit; Grey-winged Francolin; Karoo & Olive Thrushes; South African Shelduck; Cape Shoveler;

Top Mammals

Afro-Australian Fur Seal; Southern Right Whale; Common Eland; Blesbok (Bontebok); (Cape) Mountain Zebra; Hartebeest; Cape Grey Mongoose; Klipspringer; Springbok; Steenbok; Cape Grysbok (rare); Grey Rhebok; Chacma Baboon; Rock Hyrax; Meerkat.

Habitats Covered

Mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal waters, wetlands

Expected Climate

Subtropical with occasional rain, can be cold in winter

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. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Can be a little tiring due to travel distances.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare species.

Number of Species Expected

+-200

Other Attractions

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

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good.

What our clients say about us

Keith Valentine
PS, South Africa - Birds & Wine 2018

I'd read and heard positive feedback about Rockjumper before I booked the tour, so I was quite pleased when Keith Valentine, our guide, and Rockjumper were able to exceed my expectations. I knew Keith's role within the firm, so my expectations were particularly high. Keith was terrific. He knows the birds in great detail, including their field marks, calls, and where they can be found. He also deeply understands what it means to provide his customers a great experience, which he did his best to provide. A true leader and nice person that others in the firm can hopefully learn from and follow. All in all, this was a trip of a lifetime for me and my wife.

Daniel Danckwerts
EL, South Africa 2022

Daniel Danckwerts was excellent—great hearing and eyesight and was excellent at pointing out exactly where the skulky bird was lurking. He was able to find the group many birds that various members of the group had missed on previous trips to South Africa. And more importantly, he was a store of information about the birds, animals and Kruger. Teamed up with Daniel was our most excellent Kruger driver-guide Dirk who knew where everything was and could find it. We navigated this very complicated trip (flight to Skukuza, travel in south Kruger, flight to Cape Town, testing for covid, boarding the MSC Orchestra and off on our cruise around the Cape of Good Hope only with Daniel’s help and guidance. I am hoping to return to Kruger (for the third time) to bird with Daniel and Dirk on the Kruger Challenge. More than the birds, the trip was fun.

Gregory de Klerk
CG, South Africa

Greg de Klerk worked hard to get us the sightings, to ensure everyone got a "good look" and to keep us as safe and as comfortable as possible. I especially appreciated his additional information about field marks, behaviour, the habitat/area, history and culture.

Keith Valentine
SD, South Africa 2018

I deeply appreciate that Keith Valentine worked hard to find the endemics and warblers that I had expressed an interest in.

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.

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