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

07 Feb 2026 - 12 Feb 2026 (6 days)

ZAR36,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR36,950 * USD1,984 * GBP1,490 * EUR1,754 * AUD3,091

Single Supplement: ZAR2,800 * USD150 * GBP113 * EUR133 * AUD234

Flight costs (Linked Tour): ZAR2,310 * USD124 * GBP93 * EUR110 * AUD193

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

Gregory de Klerk
JM - South Africa 2024

Great tour with amazing birds to see. Greg and Ward did a terrific job of finding the birds and making sure we saw everything. Kruger National Park was spectacular and we had unbelievable views of the animals. Loved the safari vehicle through the park and would recommend using it on future tours. The van was good as we all had window seats. Unfortunately there were issues with opening a couple of the windows along with electrical issues with the refrigerator and charging units at each seat but the guides adjusted to the situation as needed to make the experience a good one. The trip had a lot of time inside the van and sighting/seeing birds from the van. I would have liked more walking maybe on the roads when possible but I understand we were trying to see as many birds as possible. Overall a remarkable trip lead by professional, experienced guides and a great group of birders made this trip memorable.

David Hoddinott
MO, South Africa 2021

Always a fantastic experience with Rockjumper from inquiry through to the end. Guides always the best of the best

Keith Valentine
TD, South Africa 2018

Keith Valentine is a great guide and his knowledge of the birds and their calls was just amazing.

André Bernon
GL, South Africa 2018

The trip went great. We all had a great time. We really enjoyed Andre Bernon, he is a great birder and a very good guide.

Daniel Danckwerts
AC & MJ, South Africa 2019

Thanks to Rynart Bezuidenhout and Daniel Danckwerts for an unforgettable tour. Their effort to give us the very best experience was sublime. Not only was our ambition to see the wanted birds, animals and nature much more than fulfilled – our competent, friendly and openminded guides also managed to give a perspective into the life and culture in South Africa of today. This we appreciate a lot.

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Route Map

Tour Route Map