South Africa is quite simply one of the most pleasurable countries in which to travel, offering fantastic birding, exceptional wildlife viewing, and breath-taking photographic opportunities, along with world-class infrastructure. This relaxed tour of northern South Africa takes us birding in the Highveld grasslands around Johannesburg, the open Acacia woodlands of Zaagkuildrift and cool montane forests of Magoebaskloof for a series of endemic and near endemic species.
We’ll then head to the bird- and game-rich lowlands and the world-renowned Kruger National. Here we will enjoy several days in this spectacular reserve enjoying the classic African savanna and the many superb birds and mammals associated with this massive conservation area.
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Johannesburg, Rust-de-Winter & Magoebaskloof: Fairy Warbler; Red-throated Wryneck; Black-faced & Violet-eared Waxbills; Chestnut-vented Warbler; Scaly-feathered Weaver; Cut-throat Finch; Green-winged Pytilia; Cape Parrot; Knysna Turaco; Orange Ground Thrush; Chorister Robin; Black-fronted Bushshrike; Kruger NP: Common Ostrich; Kori Bustard; Southern Ground Hornbill; Bateleur; Martial & Crowned; Eagles; Marabou & Saddle-billed Storks; Lappet-faced, White-backed, Hooded & White-headed Vultures; Double-banded Sandgrouse; Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl; Lilac-breasted Roller; Southern Red-billed & Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills; Brown-headed Parrot; Burchell’s Starling; Southern White-crowned Shrike; Red-headed Weaver; White-browed Robin-Chat.
Johannesburg, Rust-de-Winter & Magoebaskloof: Blesbok; Black Wildebeest; Mountain Reedbuck; Yellow Mongoose; Cape Clawless Otter; Kruger: The ‘Big 5’ (Lion; Leopard; African Elephant; Black & White Rhinoceroses; African Buffalo); Cheetah, African Wild Dog; Side-striped Jackal; Greater Kudu; Southern Giraffe; Spotted Hyena; Nyala; Common & Central African Large-spotted Genets; Wild Cat; African Civet; Cape Porcupine; White-tailed Mongoose; Klipspringer; Plains Zebra; Common Warthog
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
8 with 1 Rockjumper leader
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.
comfortable to very comfortable
mostly easy with a few tougher species
vast, pristine wilderness, huge numbers of African mega-fauna
good to excellent
Andre Bernon was excellent at sharing his expertise and assisting even the most novice birder (me). We couldn't have asked for a better professional. And he was so personable, considerate and had a great sense of humor.
I deeply appreciate that Keith Valentine worked hard to find the endemics and warblers that I had expressed an interest in.
Thank you Rockjumper for a fabulous time in South Africa. We had an amazing experience. The accommodations were fantastic, the office staff was on top of everything (thanks Hayley!), winery tours/tastings were a perfect way to end a day of birding. The combination of locations and varied points of focus - for those of us not too serious birders - made the trip beyond enjoyable. Thank you to our amazing guide Toni - she was fantastic, so knowledgeable not only of birds & wildlife but with all things botanical! Zebra Hills is a breathtaking place, we're trying to figure a time to get the whole family back for another adventure. 9 stars because we did miss a few birds and big game but frequently mother nature has other plans! Lovely time, lovely country, lovely people, looking forward to getting back sooner than later.
This was my first experience with Rockjumper - it far exceeded my expectations. In fact, it far exceeded my experiences with other tours. I don't know how anybody could have been better than Andre Bernon. He was always professional, organized, and I felt completely safe with his driving. His knowledge of birds, animal behavior, the country, the history, goes without saying - but really it was his personality that made the trip. I so enjoyed his sense of humor. I know it is an old-fashioned word, but he was a complete gentleman - showing respect and courtesy to everyone but always with a twinkle in his eye and ready to either hand out or be on the receiving end of a joke. We just plain had fun on this trip! When time and money allows, I would happily go on another trip with him.
This was my first pelagic tour, and I loved every minute of it. The guides were excellent - informative, knowledgeable, enthusiastic and patient. Couldn't have asked for better, thank you.
29 May 2025 - 09 Jun 2025 (12 days)
ZAR62,000 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk
Pricing notes : *Prices are estimated and dates may change*
Tour price (Per person): ZAR62,000 * USD3,291 * GBP2,683 * EUR3,102 * AUD5,067
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