Our Kruger Extension to our South Africa Mega Birding tour takes us to one of Africa’s most famous and fabulous reserves – The Kruger National Park! On this birding and wildlife safari we will explore the area’s superb road system in our quest to locate some of the most iconic birds and big game in Africa, including the legendary “Big 5” – Lion, African Elephant, Leopard, African Buffalo and both Black & White Rhinoceros. Kruger provides an excellent opportunity to photograph these spectacular beasts in their natural habitat, and some of them we will encounter in staggering numbers and at very close quarters. The park’s rich bushveld will also provide us with amongst the most exciting and rewarding birding to be had anywhere in Africa. Of special note here are species requiring vast areas of wilderness, including Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, the incomparable Southern Ground Hornbill, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, up to five species of vulture, and an incredible diversity of other raptors and spectacular African birds. This is a brief yet thoroughly rewarding addition to our SA Mega Birding Tour, and comes highly recommended!
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Top Birds Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Red-crested Korhaan, Southern Ground Hornbill, Bateleur, Martial, Crowned, African Hawk- and Tawny Eagles, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Lizard Buzzard, Lappet-faced, Cape, White-backed, Hooded & White-headed Vultures, chances for the elusive African Finfoot, White-crowned Lapwing, Swainson’s & Natal Spurfowls, Coqui Francolin, Bronze-winged Courser, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl, Southern White-faced Owl, Pearl-spotted & African Barred Owlets, Southern Red-billed & Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, Brown-headed Parrot, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Burchell’s & Cape Starlings, Magpie & Southern White-crowned Shrikes, Red-headed Weaver, White-throated Robin-Chat, Acacia Pied Barbet, Burchell’s Coucal, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler, Violet-eared Waxbill, Burnt-necked Eremomela, African Pygmy & Giant Kingfishers, Black, Woolly-necked, Saddle-billed & Yellow-billed Storks, African Openbill.
Top Mammals The ‘Big 5’, Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Side-striped Jackal, Greater Kudu, Giraffe, Spotted Hyena, Nyala, Common and Central African Large-spotted Genets, Wild Cat, African Civet, Serval, Cape Porcupine, White-tailed Mongoose, Klipspringer, Thick-tailed Greater Galago, Honey Badger, Caracal.
Habitats Covered acacia savanna, bushveld, terminalia woodland, riverine forest, grasslands, rivers, wetlands
Expected Climate subtropical with occasional rain, warm to very hot
Max Group Size 8 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local leader
Tour Pace & Walking relaxed
Accommodation comfortable
Ease of Birding easy
Number of Species Expected 180+
Other Attractions vast, pristine wilderness
Photographic Opportunities excellent
I thought Doug McCulloch was a wonderful guide. He was extremely dedicated and persistent in getting the key targets. It was clear he was personally frustrated by some of the misses, even though that was well out of his control (much of it was due to weather). And he even did a little extra homework to help me get a couple of targets that I went after by myself after the tour ended. He didn't have to do that, and I just want to thank him again for that.
Gareth is a first class guide both in his ability to hear and find birds as well as being able to handle clients in an understanding manner which at times cannot be easy. I cannot compliment him highly enough on his inter-personal skills. He is both amusing and entertaining, yet serious when the need arises. This tour, as with my previous tour with him, ran so smoothly without any problems, probably due to his foresight in planning and telephoning ahead for the next or even following days.
Greg de Klerk was an excellent guide who made sure I saw as many birds as possible and set a reasonable pace. He was easy to talk to and very informative, I was very impressed with his knowledge.
"It was a fantastic tour, far exceeding my expectations. The vehicle was great and the small group size was a bonus. Doug was a fantastic tour guide and went above and beyond to get as many bird species as possible. His knowledge of the birds and animals was exceptional. Thank you for a fantastic tour and please pass on to the powers that be on just how good Doug was as a guide. Would definitely use Rockjumper again!"
Heinz was incredible. His knowledge and personality were wonderful. What a wonderful young man! We had an incredible time.