The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga on South Africa’s eastern seaboard offer some of the continent’s most rewarding birding, set against a backdrop of dramatic landscapes and exceptional mammal viewing. With over 750 bird species recorded in the region—an astonishing total for such a compact area—this corner of the country exemplifies South Africa’s remarkable ecological diversity. Add to this a modern, traveller-friendly infrastructure and warm local hospitality, and you have the ideal setting for a world-class birding adventure.

Our journey begins in the rich highland grasslands of Mpumalanga, where the charming town of Wakkerstroom serves as a gateway to one of the country’s most celebrated birding hotspots. These montane grasslands, wetlands, and rolling hills are home to an outstanding array of localised and endemic species. We’ll be searching for high-priority targets such as the endangered Yellow-breasted Pipit, the handsome Blue Korhaan, and the cryptic Grey-winged Francolin, along with a host of other specials, including Buff-streaked Chat, Eastern Long-billed Lark, and Southern Bald Ibis. Wakkerstroom’s bird-rich wetlands also provide habitat for African Rail, Red-chested Flufftail, and African Marsh Harrier, making for varied and exciting birding.

From the highlands, we descend into the subtropical Zululand region, arguably the most species-rich corner of South Africa. This region’s unique overlap of tropical, temperate, coastal, and savanna ecosystems creates an extraordinary melting pot of biodiversity. We’ll explore a mosaic of habitats—from sand forests and broad-leaved woodlands to estuaries and grasslands—offering up a stunning diversity of birds and mammals. Species such as Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Woodward’s Batis, Crested Guineafowl, and Southern Banded Snake Eagle are among the many possibilities in this dynamic birding paradise.

As we travel inland once again, we pass through the cooler, elevated mist-belt grasslands and forests of the Natal Midlands—habitats famed for their endemics and near-endemics. These atmospheric, often shrouded landscapes are home to the striking Cape Parrot, Orange Ground Thrush, Drakensberg Prinia, and the elusive Barratt’s Warbler, among others. The combination of forest edges, clear streams, and rich undergrowth makes for productive and rewarding birding.

Our final leg takes us to Himeville, nestled at the foot of the Drakensberg Mountains, from where we’ll ascend the spectacular Sani Pass into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. This high-altitude adventure provides the opportunity to seek out alpine specialists rarely encountered elsewhere in Africa. Target species here include the charismatic Drakensberg Rockjumper, Mountain Pipit, Bearded Vulture, Ground Woodpecker, and Sickle-winged Chat, all set against a breathtaking mountain landscape of sweeping valleys and rugged cliffs.

This Eastern South Africa tour offers an unbeatable combination of iconic African wildlife, scenic diversity, and some of the most exciting birding on the continent—from grassland endemics and Zululand rarities to alpine treasures on the roof of southern Africa.

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