06 Feb 2026 - 12 Feb 2026 (7 days)
ZAR47,950 - 3 Spaces Available
Tour Leader: James Wade Lee
Tour price (Per person): ZAR47,950 * USD2,737 * GBP2,004 * EUR2,321 * AUD4,163
Single Supplement: ZAR3,550 * USD203 * GBP148 * EUR172 * AUD308
South Africa is quite simply one of the most pleasurable countries in which to travel, offering fantastic birding, exceptional wildlife viewing, and breathtaking photographic opportunities—all supported by world-class infrastructure. This relaxed tour of northern South Africa takes us birding through a wide range of habitats, from Highveld grasslands and acacia-dominated savannas to arid Kalahari fringe and the lush montane forests of the Magoebaskloof, offering a diverse and exciting selection of bird species along the way.
We begin our journey in the Highveld grasslands around Johannesburg, home to several localised species and an ideal introduction to the region's avifauna. From here, we explore the rich acacia woodlands of Zaagkuildrift, a perennial favourite among birders. These dry thornveld and riverine woodlands lie along the edge of the Kalahari Basin and provide habitat for some of the area’s most sought-after species, including the striking, Crimson-breasted Shrike, vibrant Violet-eared Waxbill, subtle Barred Wren-warbler, and desert-adapted Kalahari Scrub Robin and Ashy Tit. The combination of open savanna and riverine thickets ensures a busy and varied birding experience.
We’ll also visit one of South Africa’s premier wetland reserves, where expansive reedbeds and floodplains host a wide variety of waterbirds and grassland specials. With good luck, we may encounter species such as African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Hottentot Teal, and Black Heron, while adjacent grasslands may produce Marsh Owl, African Quailfinch, and a range of wetland-associated warblers and crakes.
Our route then takes us through Polokwane Nature Reserve, one of the most important strongholds for the highly range-restricted Short-clawed Lark. This near-endemic species is a top target here, and the surrounding bushveld supports an exciting mix of species such as Southern Pied Babbler, White-bellied Sunbird, and Burchell’s Starling.
The final leg of our tour is spent in the cool, misty forests of Magoebaskloof, where we target a host of montane and forest specialists amid scenic ravines and moss-draped trees. Notable species include Black-fronted Bushshrike, Chorister Robin-Chat, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, and, with luck, the endangered and elusive Cape Parrot. The forests may also produce Narina Trogon, Olive Bushshrike, and various flycatchers and sunbirds, offering a perfect end to a tour that truly has it all—from wetlands and dry-country specialities to highland forests rich in endemics and near-endemics.
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Common Ostrich; Fulvous Whistling Duck; Red-winged and Orange River Francolins; Knysna Turaco; Northern Black Korhaan; African Emerald Cuckoo; African Finfoot; Buff-spotted and Red-chested Flufftails; African Rail; African and Baillon's Crakes; Bat Hawk; Cape Vulture; Crowned and Martial Eagles; Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk; African Wood Owl; Narina Trogon; Broad-billed Roller; Half-collared Kingfisher; Olive Woodpecker; Cape Parrot; Black-fronted Bushshrike; Grey Cuckooshrike; Cape Penduline-tit; Ashy Tit; Yellow-streaked Greenbul; Gurney's Sugarbird; Orange Ground Thrush; Marico Flycatcher; Chorister Robin-chat; Great Sparrow; Scaly-feathered Weaver; Green Twinspot
Blesbok; Black Wildebeest; Mountain Reedbuck; Yellow Mongoose; Cape Clawless Otter;
highveld grassland, montane forest, acacia savanna, bushveld, terminalia woodland, riverine forest, grasslands, rivers, wetlands
subtropical and dry, warm to hot. Can be cold to very cold in the early mornings and evenings
5 with 1 Rockjumper leader
UNDEMANDING: This tour is ideal for birders and wildlife enthusiasts of all experience levels. It’s suitable for most mobility levels and offers a relaxed pace, ensuring an enjoyable experience for everyone.
Undemanding, perfectly suited for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.
Good to comfortable.
Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scare / tricky species.
vast, pristine wilderness
Very good to excellent.
We‘ve had a fantastic time in Cape Town so far, please express our gratitude to Greg again as well for the great time we had with him.
I participated on the Flock To Marion & Western Cape-I tour. The tour was great , the Flock was indeed a wonderful experience. Julian, our guide on the land section was very professional, attentive and made the tour a big success. The accommodation facilities were great.
I would like to especially thank Julian Parsons for his outstanding guiding. Julian has just the right touch of skill and personality to make a tour like this fire on all cylinders. His ability is unique, a top-notch combination of outgoing and enthusiastic personality traits, deft handling of logistical details, fundamental knowledge of the landscapes and biota, and keeping the fire going for finding more birds. I do not give such praise lightly. I have myself have been an ecotour leader, so I well know how difficult it can be to keep satisfied the very demanding expectations of diverse participants. Julian possesses a novel blend of open-mindedness, too, which can be a scarce trait in birding guides. If Julian were the guide on an itinerary that I wished to sign up for, his presence could be a deciding criteria for my participation with a RockJumper tour. In addition to the guide, the itinerary, food, and accommodations all exceeded my personal expectations. Lodging at Hout Bay and Calvinia stand out, but frankly all of it was excellent.
This tour was fantastic-it exceeded all expectations in every aspect. The country is beautiful and it was shown to us in a way I will never forget - the plants, birds, mammals landscapes, insects and people. One of the most rounded lifetime experiences I have had. And now for the guide. Daniel was one of the best (if not the best) guide I’ve ever had. He has incredible birding skills-we missed nothing! His natural science knowledge is vast, especially for his age-it shows his love of nature and willingness to share it. He was very good with us as a group-able to joke around with everyone and meet individual needs. He adapted to all situations smoothly and with great confidence. His driving skills were superb-in the 13 000 km we traveled, not once did I think he made a dangerous or even slightly aggressive move. His choice of lodges and restaurants was great-we didn't lose any weight on the trip! I would travel with him anytime and will seek out destinations where I know he is the guide. Thanks Rockjumper for a wonderful trip.
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.
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