Best of East Birding

Day 1: Start of tour in Johannesburg to Magoebaskloof.
The Best of the East birding tour begins in Johannesburg and heads north into the forested escarpment of Magoebaskloof, one of eastern South Africa’s classic birding gateways. The drive passes through the Highveld grassland before descending toward the northern Drakensberg foothills, offering a first sense of the country’s striking variety of landscapes. Depending on arrival time, a stop at Zaagkuilsdrift can add an excellent introduction to bushveld birding. This well-known Limpopo site is especially good for acacia woodland and dry-country species, with birds such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Southern Pied Babbler, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Violet-eared Waxbill, Shaft-tailed Whydah, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, and Marico Flycatcher all possible. From here the route continues into the mountains and forests of Magoebaskloof, where cooler air, tall indigenous forest and wooded valleys create a vastly different birding atmosphere.

On arrival in Magoebaskloof, the first birding usually begins right around the lodge gardens and forest edge. This area is well known for forest and forest-fringe species, and a short walk can already produce Green Twinspot, Swee Waxbill (NE), Chorister Robin-Chat (E), White-starred Robin, Sombre Greenbul, Lemon Dove and Knysna Turaco (E). As dusk settles over the forest, the distinctive call of African Wood Owl often rounds off the day.

Magoebaskloof and nearby Woodbush Forest are among the most important sites in the region for Afromontane Forest birding, and they are one of the best places in South Africa to look for the endangered Cape Parrot, a major target on any eastern South African birding route.

Day 2: Magoebaskloof.
Magoebaskloof and its surrounding escarpment forests offer some of the finest birding in eastern South Africa, with a full day dedicated to exploring this rich Afromontane habitat. The indigenous forests around Woodbush Forest Reserve and the well-known forest birding routes hold many of the region’s most desirable species, including Cape Parrot (E), Knysna Turaco (E), Narina Trogon, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Olive Bushshrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, White-starred Robin, Orange Ground Thrush, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Emerald Cuckoo and Olive Woodpecker. Forest edges and open viewpoints can also produce raptors and aerial feeders such as Bat Hawk, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk and Crowned Eagle.

Later, a change of habitat toward the Polokwane area brings birding in the open acacia savanna, short-grass bushveld and plateau grassland that make this region so important for Short-clawed Lark. This semi-arid landscape, with scattered thorn trees and patches of well-grazed grassland, also supports species such as Violet-eared Waxbill, Barred Wren-Warbler, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Cape Penduline Tit, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Black-chested Prinia and Kalahari Scrub Robin.

Day 3: Magoebaskloof to Kruger National Park
After an early breakfast, the journey continues from Magoebaskloof and heads southeast toward Kruger National Park, descending from the escarpment through beautiful mountain passes and passing through Tzaneen and Hoedspruit before reaching Orpen Gate. Short birding stops along the way add variety as the landscapes shift from cool highland forest to warmer Lowveld savanna.

Entering Kruger National Park marks a change in both scenery and safari focus. This vast protected area of nearly 20,000 square kilometres is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, with a remarkable variety of lowland savanna, mixed woodland, seasonal rivers, dams, and pans supporting exceptional biodiversity. Kruger is home to more than 500 recorded bird species and almost 150 mammal species, making it one of the finest birding and wildlife destinations in southern Africa. Alongside outstanding birding, there is always the possibility of encounters with the Big Five, as well as Cheetah, African Wild Dog, Giraffe, Zebra, and many antelope species. The drive from Orpen toward Satara passes through open game-rich country where Elephant, Warthog, Impala, Wildebeest and Giraffe are regularly seen, while predators such as Lion, Leopard and Cheetah are all possible.

Birding in the central Kruger region is especially rewarding because the open plains and lightly wooded savanna make large terrestrial birds and raptors easier to find than in many other parts of southern Africa. Key species in this area include Kori Bustard, Southern Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Saddle-billed Stork, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, and Lappet-faced Vulture. The bushveld around Satara also supports a rich mix of classic Lowveld species such as Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Southern White-crowned Shrike, Red-billed Oxpecker, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Brown-headed Parrot, Purple-crested Turaco, Crested Francolin, Swainson’s Francolin, White-crowned Lapwing, Grey-headed Bushshrike and African Mourning Dove.

Arrival at Satara Rest Camp is in the late afternoon. Its well-wooded grounds can also produce rewarding camp birding and nocturnal wildlife, adding to the sense of being fully immersed in the rhythms of the African bush. Dinner is enjoyed at camp before settling in for the night under the clear skies of Kruger.

Day 4: Kruger National Park (Skukuza to Satara)
The day starts at first light as the camp gates open, making the most of the cool morning hours when both birds and mammals are especially active. Breakfast is usually out in the field, and lunch is enjoyed at one of Kruger National Park’s rest camps or picnic sites, allowing as much time as possible to explore the remarkable habitats between Satara and Skukuza. This is one of the classic drives in Kruger, linking the open central plains with the richer riverine and woodland habitats farther south, and it offers an outstanding blend of birding and big game viewing in one of Africa’s best-known protected areas.

Kruger National Park covers supports an exceptional diversity of birdlife and mammals across savanna, woodland, riverine forest, and wetland habitats.

As the route moves south from Satara, the landscape reveals a changing mosaic of open grassland, bushveld, and broad-leaved woodland, each with its own birdlife. These habitats can produce species such as Burchell’s Coucal, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Wattled Starling, Chinspot Batis, Swainson’s Spurfowl and Green-capped Eremomela, while the more open country is especially rewarding for larger terrestrial birds including Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, and Secretarybird. Other characteristic birds of this central Kruger region include Southern Ground Hornbill, Sabota Lark, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Lesser Grey Shrike, Burchell’s Starling, and Bennett’s Woodpecker. The area is also known for superb mammal viewing, with regular sightings of Elephant, Giraffe, Lion, and a variety of antelope, while Black Rhinoceros and Lichtenstein’s Hartebeest are among the more localised possibilities in parts of the broader Satara to southern Kruger region.

Arrival at Skukuza Rest Camp is in the late afternoon. As Kruger’s largest rest camp and administrative centre, Skukuza is beautifully set on the southern bank of the Sabie River, with mature trees and well-wooded grounds that make birding around camp especially rewarding. Species regularly recorded here include African Green Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill and Grey-headed Bushshrike, while the camp environment can also reveal interesting nocturnal wildlife after dark. Dinner is enjoyed at camp with views over the Sabie River before another night in the heart of Kruger National Park

Day 5: Kruger National Park (Skukuza)
A full day is dedicated to exploring this part of Kruger National Park. After an early breakfast, the day may begin with a walk around the camp, which itself offers excellent birding opportunities. The Sycamore Figs along the river attract Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, and Purple-crested Turaco when in season, while reed banks provide sightings of Red-faced Cisticola, Common Waxbill, and Bronze Mannikin. The camp is home to six species of flycatchers, including Grey Tit-flycatcher, African Paradise Flycatcher, Southern Black Flycatcher, African Dusky Flycatcher (a winter vagrant), Spotted Flycatcher (a summer migrant), and Ashy Flycatcher. In winter, flowering aloes bring Scarlet-chested, White-bellied, and Marico Sunbirds, alongside Black-headed Oriole, and various weavers. The river itself hosts African Black Duck and Hamerkop, renowned for its distinctive nest-building.

Based on species observed, the route may head south toward Lower Sabie Rest Camp or west along Doispane Road, a gravel stretch popular among birders. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed at nearby rest camps or picnic spots, providing an opportunity to take in the park’s stunning landscapes. Just west of Skukuza, Lake Panic Bird Hide offers exceptional sightings of Malachite and Pied Kingfisher, African Jacana, Water Thickknee, Striated Heron, Wire-tailed Swallow, Black Crake, and Village Weaver. Nile Crocodiles, hippos, and the occasional Leopard add to the excitement.

The surrounding riparian zones and woodlands host species such as African Finfoot, African Fish Eagle, Goliath Heron, Great Egret, Giant Kingfisher, Saddle-billed Stork, Green-backed Camaroptera, Kurrichane Thrush, Grey Tit-flycatcher, Black-headed Oriole, Brubru, Retz’s Helmetshrike, Black Cuckooshrike, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Southern Black Tit, Red-billed and African Firefinch, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Cardinal and Bearded Woodpecker, Brown-crowned and Black-crowned Tchagra, Orange-breasted and Gorgeous Bushshrike.

Dinner is enjoyed back at Skukuza Rest Camp, where bird lists are updated and the sounds of the African bush provide a tranquil backdrop for a restful night under the stars.

Tonight offers the opportunity to join one of Kruger’s most popular optional activities: a night drive with a knowledgeable ranger. This experience provides a chance to encounter rare nocturnal mammals such as African Civet, genets, Side-striped Jackal, White-tailed Mongoose, and African Wildcat, along with owls and nightjars including Spotted and Verreaux’s Eagle-owl, African Scops Owl, Southern White-faced Owl, and Square-tailed and Fiery-necked Nightjar. Bookings for night drives fill quickly, so advance notice is essential.

Day 6: Kruger National Park (Skukuza to Berg-en-dal)
The day begins with breakfast before heading south toward Berg-en-Dal, a scenic camp in the southwestern section of Kruger National Park. The route passes through a mixture of open savannah, rocky outcrops, and wooded hills, offering excellent opportunities to spot Grey Penduline Tit, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Red-headed Weaver, Mocking Cliff Chat, Lazy Cisticola, Lizard Buzzard, Bushveld Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Pale Flycatcher, Striped Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, and Stierling’s Wren-Warbler. Lunch can be enjoyed at a picnic site en route or at Berg-en-Dal’s restaurant, depending on arrival time.

The area surrounding Berg-en-Dal is notable for its rocky hills and outcrops, a favoured terrain for Leopard, and it also supports high densities of Greater Kudu, Impala, Giraffe, African Elephant, Buffalo, and occasional packs of African Wild Dog. White Rhinoceros are also regularly seen in the region. Upon arrival, there is time to explore the camp itself. Nestled on the banks of the Matjulu Spruit, Berg-en-Dal offers easy access to the popular Rhino Perimeter Trail, where recent sightings have included Honey Badger, and Thick-billed Cuckoo. Birds commonly seen along the trail include Scarlet-chested Sunbird, White-browed Robin-chat, Brown-headed Parrot, Trumpeter Hornbill and Black-collared Barbet.

The camp’s swimming pool provides a refreshing break, while the restaurant overlooks a dam ideal for birdwatching or simply relaxing with a pair of binoculars. The day concludes with sundowner drinks, an update of bird lists, and dinner at the camp, followed by a restful night in one of the bungalows, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush.

Day 7: Kruger National Park to Wakkerstroom
An early departure marks the start of the journey from Kruger National Park to the high-altitude grasslands of Wakkerstroom, one of South Africa’s most celebrated birding destinations. Breakfast and lunch are en route, with carefully chosen birding stops breaking up the drive as the route climbs from Lowveld savanna into the rolling uplands of Mpumalanga. This transition through markedly different habitats makes the day rewarding, as bushveld gradually gives way to cooler montane grassland, wetlands, and open farmland.

A key stop along the way offers the chance to look for South African Cliff Swallow (Breeding near-endemic), a range-restricted South African breeding endemic associated with bridges, culverts, and rocky nesting sites. As the route rises onto the plateau, the open grasslands begin to produce some of the region’s most iconic birds, including Southern Bald Ibis (e), Blue Crane (NE), and Grey Crowned Crane. BirdLife South Africa describes the greater Wakkerstroom grasslands as a large high-altitude area centred on Wakkerstroom, Volksrust and Memel at around 1,700 to 1,800 metres above sea level, underlining the importance of this upland habitat for grassland and wetland birds.

Arrival in Wakkerstroom is usually in the late afternoon, with the wetland on the edge of town often providing the first local birding stop. This marsh is well known for its secretive wetland species, including Little Rush Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler and African Rail, while Red-chested Flufftail remains a prized possibility with luck. More visible species often include African Swamphen, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, Yellow-billed Egret, African Snipe, Little Grebe, Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard and Southern Red Bishop. Wakkerstroom is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s top birding centres, with BirdLife South Africa noting more than 400 bird species in the area as well as a strong concentration of grassland endemics and wetland specials. After the afternoon birding, the day ends with check-in at a comfortable guesthouse and dinner in Wakkerstroom.

Day 8: Wakkerstroom
A full day in Wakkerstroom begins early, with coffee before heading out into the surrounding high-altitude grasslands in search of two of South Africa’s most sought-after endemic birds, Rudd’s Lark and Botha’s Lark. Both species are listed as endangered and occur in very limited grassland habitats, making any sighting a notable highlight. While scanning these open upland grasslands, other larks may also be encountered, including Eastern Long-billed Lark (E), Spike-heeled Lark and Red-capped Lark, all typical inhabitants of the region’s windswept plains and lightly grazed farmland.

The broader Wakkerstroom landscape forms a remarkable mosaic of rolling grasslands, rocky hills, hidden valleys and spring-fed wetlands. These upland systems lie close to the headwaters of the Vaal, Tugela and Pongola River catchments and form part of an important freshwater conservation area. The combination of intact grassland and wetland habitats supports an exceptional diversity of birdlife and has made Wakkerstroom one of the most respected birding destinations in South Africa.

Beyond its famous larks, the surrounding grasslands hold several other highly desirable endemic and near-endemic species. Open slopes and agricultural lands are excellent places to search for Yellow-breasted Pipit (E) and Blue Korhaan (E), while the countryside around the village often produces Bokmakierie and the cryptic Red-throated Wryneck in scattered trees, gardens and small woodland patches.

After lunch at one of Wakkerstroom’s well-known local cafés, the afternoon may be spent exploring nearby grassland and rocky areas where White-bellied Bustard and Denham’s Bustard are sometimes seen striding through open fields. Rocky outcrops and hillside habitats provide opportunities for species such as Buff-streaked Chat (E), Mountain Wheatear, Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) and African Rock Pipit (E), the latter more often detected by its distinctive call echoing across the slopes.

A wide variety of additional species adds depth to the birding experience throughout the region. Raptors and open-country birds such as Jackal Buzzard (NE), Southern Bald Ibis (E), Cape Crow and Pied Starling (E) are regularly recorded, while rugged hillsides support Bush Blackcap (E) and Drakensberg Prinia (E). During the austral summer months, the skies above the grasslands may host migrant raptors including Amur Falcon and Lesser Kestrel.

The wetlands around Wakkerstroom contribute an entirely different suite of species. Shallow vleis and reedbeds can produce Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, Little Grebe, African Snipe, Little Bittern, Yellow-billed Egret and Black-crowned Night Heron. With patience and a quiet approach, the banks of these wetlands may even reveal the elusive African Clawless Otter. Overhead, aerial feeders such as Greater Striped Swallow, White-throated Swallow, Little Swift and White-rumped Swift may sweep across the sky.

Grassland areas and surrounding farmland may also hold Grey Crowned Crane and Blue Crane (NE), along with Grey-winged Francolin (E) and Red-winged Francolin. The distinctive call of Quailfinch is sometimes heard in damp grasslands where the species can be particularly difficult to see. Remarkably, all five harrier species recorded in South Africa have been observed in the Wakkerstroom area at various times of the year, making the region especially rewarding for raptor enthusiasts.

After returning to the guesthouse to freshen up, the evening offers the chance to enjoy dinner at one of Wakkerstroom’s welcoming restaurants. The day ends with the opportunity to review bird lists and reflect on the remarkable diversity of this high-altitude grassland region before a restful night ahead of the journey to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Day 9: Wakkerstroom to uMkuze
After a productive morning of birding in the Wakkerstroom wetlands, the journey turns east, descending from the high-altitude grasslands of Mpumalanga towards the warmer subtropical lowlands of northern KwaZulu-Natal. This transition between biomes is one of the appealing features of a Best of the East birding tour, with the scenery shifting from misty uplands and open grassland to bushveld, pans and coastal plain habitats. The route leads towards two of KwaZulu-Natal’s premier birding and wildlife destinations: uMkhuze Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa’s great biodiversity strongholds and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. iSimangaliso is recognized for its exceptional range of intact ecosystems, including coastal, wetland, estuarine, freshwater and terrestrial habitats.

Birding in and around uMkhuze is especially rewarding because of the reserve’s remarkable habitat diversity. Sand forest, savanna, riverine woodland, thornveld and wetland systems all occur within a relatively compact area, supporting an impressive variety of bird species. Nearby wetland systems such as the Muzi and Mpempe Pans add further richness, attracting a wide range of waterbirds and grassland-associated species and making this part of Zululand one of the most productive birding regions in South Africa.

Beyond its avian appeal, uMkhuze is also an outstanding wildlife destination. The reserve supports the Big Five as well as notable predators such as Lion, Leopard and African Wild Dog, while smaller and more elusive mammals include suni and red duiker. Its pans, hides and waterholes also create excellent opportunities for observing game in a classic Zululand setting.

After a rewarding travel day filled with changing landscapes and new birding opportunities, arrival is at comfortable accommodation just outside the reserve. The evening offers time to relax over dinner, review the day’s sightings and prepare for the next stage of the journey, with the rich birdlife of uMkhuze and the broader iSimangaliso Wetland Park waiting ahead.

Day 10: uMkuze
A full day is devoted to exploring the exceptional ecological diversity of uMkhuze Game Reserve and the surrounding iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of the richest birding regions in South Africa. This part of northern KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated for its extraordinary variety of habitats, ranging from acacia savanna and mixed woodland to riverine forest, sand forest, open grassland, pans and seasonal wetlands. That habitat mosaic is what makes uMkhuze such a rewarding destination for birders, with a bird list of more than 450 species recorded in the reserve and surrounding area.

A day in this remarkable reserve may include time at hides overlooking pans and waterholes, birding along woodland roads, and searching the denser forested sections for some of the area’s more localized specials. Among the most sought-after species here are Crowned Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, Yellow-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Common Quail and Black-bellied Bustard. The reserve is also well known for species such as Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Bearded Scrub Robin, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Purple-banded Sunbird, Broad-billed Roller, African Broadbill, Pink-throated Twinspot and Rudd’s Apalis, all of which are strongly associated with the varied woodland, forest and wetland habitats of Zululand.

Beyond its birdlife, uMkhuze is equally impressive for general wildlife viewing. Its wetlands, thickets and savannas support a rich variety of mammals, with regularly seen species including White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Greater Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Warthog and Hippopotamus, while more elusive species such as Leopard, Lion, Spotted Hyaena, African Wild Dog and the tiny Suni are also recorded in the reserve.

After a full and exhilarating day of birding, the return to the accommodation offers time to unwind, enjoy dinner and reflect on the highlights from this extraordinary corner of KwaZulu-Natal before settling in for the night.

Day 11: uMkuze to St Lucia
After breakfast at the lodge, the journey continues to St Lucia, gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on South Africa’s subtropical Indian Ocean coast. On arrival in town, a stop at the bridge near the entrance to St Lucia offers the chance to look for two of the area’s local specials, Southern Brown-throated Weaver and Eastern Golden Weaver, both of which are well known for nesting in the reedbeds here. Lunch is enjoyed in town before the afternoon is spent either birding on foot around St Lucia itself or visiting the estuary, depending on time and conditions.

If time allows a visit to the St Lucia estuary mouth adds a different birding experience, with excellent opportunities to explore one of the region’s most productive shorebird and waterbird areas. This shifting coastal environment can be particularly rewarding in summer, when terns are often prominent along the shoreline. Species regularly looked for here include Caspian Tern, Swift Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern and Little Tern, while larger waterbirds may include Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Yellow-billed Stork, Woolly-necked Stork and Lesser Flamingo. The mudflats, shallows and sandy edges can also produce Ruff, Ruddy Turnstone, Grey Plover, Pied Avocet, Chestnut-banded Plover, White-fronted Plover and African Oystercatcher. Bird numbers and species diversity in the St Lucia system can vary with water levels and seasonal conditions, but it remains one of the most important waterbird areas in South Africa.

The forests, thickets and wetland margins around St Lucia and the greater iSimangaliso area add yet another layer to the day’s birding. Notable target species in this richly varied region include Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill and Livingstone’s Turaco, while forest and understory birding may produce Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Brown Scrub Robin (NE), Rudd’s Apalis and Green Twinspot. Other sought-after birds of the coastal forest and thicket zone include Grey Sunbird, White-eared Barbet, Woodward’s Batis and Black-bellied Starling, while wetter reed-fringed habitats can hold Little Rush Warbler and Lesser Swamp Warbler. Overhead, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater may be seen hawking for insects, and European Honey Buzzard is a regular migrant in season.

After a rewarding day of birding in St Lucia and the surrounding wetlands, the afternoon winds down with a return to town. Dinner is enjoyed at one of the local restaurants, offering a relaxed setting to reflect on the day’s sightings before settling in for a well-earned rest.

Day 12: St Lucia (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) to Eshowe
The morning begins with breakfast followed by a final session of birding around St Lucia, focusing on species that may have been missed in the previous days. Thereafter, the route heads south along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, with a possible stop at Mtunzini if time allows. This small coastal town, whose name in isiZulu means “place in the shade,” is known for its coastal forest, estuary and dune habitats, as well as being one of the most reliable locations in South Africa for Palm-nut Vulture. Arrival is typically around lunchtime, with a break to enjoy a meal before continuing the journey inland.

From Mtunzini, the route continues to Eshowe, with birding opportunities along the way. The afternoon is spent at Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve, a well-known birding site protecting approximately 250 hectares of mature coastal scarp forest. This forest type is one of the most species-rich in South Africa, and Dlinza offers excellent access via a network of walking trails as well as a raised canopy boardwalk.

Birding in Dlinza Forest focuses on a range of sought-after forest species. Key targets include Spotted Ground Thrush, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Olive Woodpecker, Green Twinspot, Crowned Eagle, Narina Trogon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Olive Sunbird, Collared Sunbird, Dark-backed Weaver, Chorister Robin-Chat (NE), Terrestrial Brownbul and Lemon Dove. These species are characteristic of well-developed coastal forest, and several are considered regional specials within KwaZulu-Natal.

In the late afternoon, the journey continues to the guesthouse in Eshowe. After having time to freshen up, dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the day’s sightings before settling in for the night in this historic Zululand town.

Day 13: Eshowe (Ongoye Forest and surrounding areas)
After an early breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Ongoye Forest, a remnant patch of coastal scarp forest stretching for roughly 20 kilometers between Eshowe and Empangeni. This forest is one of the most important and least disturbed examples of this habitat type in South Africa and supports several rare and localized species. Among its notable flora is the endemic Ongoye Cycad (Encephalartos ngoyanus), while the forest also harbors several endemic or near-endemic fauna, including unique invertebrates and dwarf chameleons. The landscape is particularly scenic, with dense forest patches interspersed between granite outcrops and rolling grasslands, where Striped Pipit can be sought in the more open areas.

Ongoye Forest is a key breeding site for Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon and supports a population of the endangered Spotted Ground Thrush. More than 160 bird species have been recorded here, but the forest is especially well known as the only location in southern Africa where Green Barbet occurs, often seen and heard in the canopy. Birding within this forest focuses on these highly localized species as well as a range of other forest specialists typical of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastal scarp forests.

From Ongoye, the route returns towards Mtunzini, where a series of targeted stops in farmland, wetlands and coastal forest habitats provide opportunities for additional regional specials. Species sought in this area include Black Coucal, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Palm-nut Vulture, Red-headed Quelea and African Pygmy Goose, all of which are associated with the mix of grassland, wetland and palm-dotted landscapes characteristic of the Zululand coastal plain.

If time allows a visit to Umlalazi Nature Reserve adds further diversity, with its combination of coastal forest, estuary and dune systems. Here, species such as Green Twinspot, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Green Malkoha, Black-bellied Starling, Grey Sunbird and Woolly-necked Stork may be encountered, representing some of the most sought-after birds of the region’s forest and wetland habitats.

Lunch is in Mtunzini before returning to Eshowe. There may be another opportunity to explore Dlinza Forest, allowing for further chances of key forest species. The day concludes with a final dinner, providing an opportunity to reflect on the highlights of the journey through eastern South Africa’s diverse and rewarding birding regions.

Day 14: Eshowe to King Shaka Airport
After breakfast in Eshowe, the journey comes to an end with a transfer to King Shaka International Airport for onward departure. This modern international gateway, located north of Durban, serves as the primary airport for KwaZulu-Natal and offers convenient connections to major South African cities and international destinations. The drive from Eshowe to the airport passes through the rolling hills and coastal landscapes of Zululand, providing a final glimpse of this diverse and rewarding birding region before departure.

Please note: Extensions to the Drakensberg (Sani Pass), Cape Town or further afield can easily be arranged.