East South Africa Birding Tour
East South Africa Birding Tour Overview – Explore the best birding in Eastern South Africa
South Africa is a world-class birding destination. Not only is it famous for its cultural diversity, but it also ranks as one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. In fact, South Africa is home to over 840 bird species — that’s nearly 8% of all bird species found worldwide!
On this expertly designed 13-day East South Africa birding tour, you will explore some of the country’s top birdwatching hotspots. The itinerary takes you through a variety of rich habitats, offering birders the chance to see a remarkable range of species.
First, you’ll visit the iconic Kruger National Park, known for its spectacular wildlife and exciting birding. Then, the lush forests of Magoebaskloof await, where forest specials and endemics can be spotted. After that, you’ll continue to northern KwaZulu-Natal, a region celebrated for its wetlands, grasslands, and rare bird species.
This tour is perfect for birdwatchers of all levels. Whether you’re chasing South African endemics or hoping to tick off a few lifers, this journey offers it all. Plus, you’ll enjoy expert local guides, comfortable accommodations, and breathtaking scenery along the way.
Let’s go birding in the east of South Africa!
| Safari starts in Johannesburg and ends in Durban | Comfortable/ Mid-range Accommodation |
| Duration | 13 Days |
| Departure dates | 1 October 2026 8 March 2027 **Also available to book as private guided tour |
Top Birds
Cape Parrot, Rudd’s and Botha’s Lark, Blue Korhaan, White-bellied Bustard, Spotted Ground Thrush, Southern Bald Ibis, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Green Barbet, Short-clawed Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, African Rock Pipit, Blue Crane.
Top Mammals
Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog, Cheetah, African Elephant, Rhinoceros, Buffalo
Highlights and Top attractions
Kruger National Park: A world-renowned reserve offering Big Five sightings and outstanding bird diversity.
Magoebaskloof: A prime Afromontane forest birding area known for Cape Parrot and forest specials.
Wakkerstroom: South Africa’s top high-altitude grassland birding destination with key endemic larks.
uMkhuze Game Reserve: A diverse Zululand reserve with excellent hide-based birding and strong mammal viewing.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with exceptional wetland, coastal and estuarine birdlife.
St Lucia: A productive estuary and coastal birding hub rich in waterbirds and forest species.
Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve: Accessible coastal scarp forest with a canopy walkway and sought-after birds.
Ongoye Forest: A rare forest patch and the only site in southern Africa for Green Barbet.
Mtunzini: A key location for Palm-nut Vulture with a mix of coastal forest, grassland and wetlands.
Summary of day to day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Johannesburg to Magoebaskloof |
| Day 2 | Magoebaskloof |
| Day 3 | Magoebaskloof to Kruger National Park |
| Day 4-6 | Kruger National Park |
| Day 7 | Kruger National Park to Wakkerstroom |
| Day 8 | Wakkerstroom |
| Day 9 | Wakkerstroom to uMkuze Game Reserve |
| Day 10 | uMkuze Game Reserve |
| Day 11 | uMkuze Game Reserve to St Lucia |
| Day 12 | St Lucia (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) to Eshowe |
| Day 13 | Eshowe (Ongoye Forest and surrounding areas) |
| Day 14 | Eshowe to King Shaka Airport |