South Africa is an extraordinarily biodiverse
region, and an indispensable destination for the birder. Indeed,
there are no other areas in Africa that offer such a high level
of endemism in such a uniquely accessible setting - a staggering
185 species are endemic and near endemic to southern Africa. Compounding
this unrivalled birdlife is the scenic and botanical wealth of South
Africa, which is now acknowledged to contain two of Africa’s
four biodiversity hotspots as defined by Conservation International.
Our endemics tour takes in the very best of the endemic birds
and characteristic habitats of South Africa: the Cape Floral Kingdom,
coastal region, afromontane forest, Karoo semidesert and highland
grasslands. It is designed with the dedicated birder in mind and
aims to track down the highest proportion possible of the region’s
endemics. We will stay at charming local guesthouses and lodges,
and transport will be in a microbus. Our endemics tour covers a
possibility of 135 southern African endemic and near-endemic bird
species. It covers a wide range of habitats in some of the most
scenic parts of South Africa. We also host a tour that combines
the Cape and Zululand Birding Routes.
Blue Crane South Africa
Endemics Tour: 14 days
This comprehensive tour takes in the very best of the endemic birds
and characteristic habitats of South Africa: the Cape Floral Kingdom,
coastal region, Afromontane forest, Karoo semi-desert and highland
grasslands. It is designed with the dedicated birder in mind and aims
to track down the highest proportion possible of the region’s
endemics. This tour covers a possibility of 135 southern African endemic
and near-endemic bird species, with up to 450 species expected.
Below we have detailed 3 short tours of prime birding
areas in eastern South Africa. For people with a bit more time, these
tours can be combined into a longer tour, or, with one internal flight,
both eastern and western South Africa can be combined very successfully
into a comprehensive tour of South Africa.
Ground Hornbill Kruger Park Birds & Mammals Tour: 7 days
We’ll spend 7 days exploring one of the largest game parks in
Africa which offers not only good chances of encountering "Big
5" game, including lion, elephant and leopard, but also has a
total birdlist of over 500 birds. The tour begins and ends in Johannesburg,
and en route, we will look for one of the world’s rarest raptors,
Taita Falcon.
Twinspot KwaZulu-Natal Coastal tour: 7 days KwaZulu-Natal, the heartland
of the Zulu nation, offers subtropical birding with good mammal watching.
We visit coastal forests and bird-rich reserves, perhaps better known
for Rhino conservation, where specials such as the delicate Pink-throated
Twinspot and the mystical Pel’s Fishing Owl can be found.
Southern Bald Ibis Highlands Endemic Tour: 5 days We will visit globally threatened grasslands in the
Wakkerstroom area to look for the endangered Rudd’s Lark, Blue
Swallow and Yellowbreasted?Pipit, while four species of bustard and
three cranes are likely to distract! Southern Bald Ibis, less rare
than its Moroccan relative, and Bearded Vulture are other draw card
species on this 5-day tour of South Africa’s highland areas,
which will include the Drakensberg.
Cape Rockjumper Western
Cape Tour: 10 days
Bushman art, spring flowers and endemic-packed birding makes this
10-day loop of South Africa’s endemic-rich western areas a popular
choice. The diversity of birds, habitats and breathtaking scenery
will ensure a natural history experience never to be forgotten.
Black Harrier “Cape Town and beyond”
Tour: 7 days
The Cape Town region, a biodiversity hotspot at the south-westernmost
tip of Africa, hosts over 70% of Southern Africa's endemic birds and
offers world-famous pelagic birding, all within reach of one of the
world's most beautiful cities. Spring flowers, whales and endemic
birds make this one of our most popular tours. This 7-day loop incorporates
Cape Town, the West Coast, Tanqua Karoo and the Agulhas areas and
ensures participants see a variety of the Cape Floral Kingdom and
Karoo endemics.
Please also take a look at our Cape
Day Tour options from Cape Town.
