Eastern South Africa Birding Tour Report – 8–20 July 2026
Guide: Nikita Steele
The Eastern South Africa Birding Tour, running from 8 to 20 July, offered guests a wonderful introduction to the incredible diversity of South Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and birdlife. Beginning in Johannesburg and concluding in Durban before the guests continued to Cape Town, the journey traversed some of the country’s most premier birding destinations, combining spectacular scenery with exceptional wildlife encounters.
Travelling from the Highveld grasslands through the forests of Magoebaskloof, the vast wilderness of Kruger National Park, the high-altitude grasslands of Wakkerstroom, the savannas and sand forests of Mkuze, and finally the coastal forests and wetlands of northern KwaZulu-Natal, the tour showcased an impressive variety of habitats.
Beyond the outstanding birding, the tour provided numerous opportunities to enjoy South Africa’s iconic mammals, breathtaking scenery, and rich cultural heritage. From dramatic escarpments and ancient indigenous forests to expansive savannas and coastal estuaries, every day brought something different, creating an unforgettable journey through one of Africa’s most biodiverse regions. This ecological diversity translated into an impressive species tally, with 338 bird species and 37 mammal species recorded.
Day 1: Johannesburg to Magoebaskloof
Following an early morning departure from Johannesburg, we began making our way north towards the Limpopo Province. Spirits were high as everyone settled into the rhythm of the tour, getting to know one another while travelling through the changing landscapes of the South African Highveld.
Our first stop was Polokwane Game Reserve, where we enjoyed a productive introduction to South African birding and wildlife. The reserve provided an excellent opportunity for the guests to get acquainted with South African birds while taking in the beautiful bushveld scenery and searching for our first regional specialties. Highlights included Black-Faced, Violet-Eared and Blue Waxbill, Green-winged Pytilia, Crimson-Breasted Shrike, Marico Flycatcher, Magpie Shrike, Orange Ground and Groundscraper Thrush, Kalahari Scrub-Robin and White-Browed Scrub-Robin, Common Ostrich, Fork-tailed Drongo, Crested and Swainson’s Spurfowl and African Hoopoe. The mammals did not disappoint either, with excellent sightings of Plains Zebra, Greater Kudu, Common Wildebeest, Southern Giraffe and Warthog.
After lunch, we travelled east towards the lush forests of Magoebaskloof. As the landscape transformed from open grasslands into mist-covered mountains and indigenous forest, anticipation grew for the next two days of birding. We arrived at our lodge during late afternoon, spotting a Jackal Buzzard soaring above the grassland, while Cape and Chorister Robin-Chats, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Giant and Pied Kingfishers and African Stonechats we seen around the lodge grounds.
After settling into our rooms, we enjoyed a delicious dinner while discussing the exciting days ahead before ending the evening with a magical sighting of a Side-striped Jackal on our drive back to the lodge.
Day 2: Birding Magoebaskloof
Our first full day was devoted to exploring the diverse habitats surrounding Magoebaskloof. An early start allowed us to make the most of the cool morning conditions as the nearby grasslands came alive with the calls of Drakensberg and Tawny-flanked Prinias, soon joined by the Rock-loving and Levaillant’s Cisticolas. Other grassland highlights included Cape Grassbird, Lesser and Brown-backed Honeyguide, Rameron Pigeon, Southern Boubou, Southern Fiscal, Olive Bushshrike, Speckled Mousebird, Holub’s and Spectacled Weavers and an exciting view of endemic Cape Parrots flying overhead.
The indigenous forests proved equally rewarding. Grey Cuckooshrike and Olive Woodpecker greeted us as we entered beneath the towering forest canopy, where moss-covered trunks and the constant sounds of the forest created a truly magical atmosphere. As we slowly worked our way along the trails, Black-fronted and Olive Bushshrikes showed well, while other highlights included Barrett’s Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Knysna Turaco, Cape Batis, Black-backed Puffback and Square-tailed Drongo. Another sighting of the Cape Parrots was a welcome bonus, while the persistent calls of an African Emerald Cuckoo, particularly unusual during winter, added to the morning’s excitement. We also enjoyed watching Samango Monkeys moving gracefully through the forest canopy.
After breakfast, we travelled to nearby Tzaneen in search of additional bushveld species. The change in habitat produced another excellent selection of birds, including Spotted Thick-knee, Collared, Amethyst and Scarlet-chested Sunbirds, White-browed Scrub-Robin, White-browed Robin-Chat, Bronze Mannikin, Yellow Bishop, Red-faced Cisticola, Cape White-eye and African Black-headed Oriole.
Throughout the day, the constant calls of Sombre and Yellow-streaked Greenbuls formed a fitting soundtrack to our forest explorations. After another excellent dinner, we reflected on a productive day’s birding before preparing for our journey into Kruger National Park.
Day 3: Magoebaskloof to Olifants Rest Camp, Kruger National Park
After breakfast we bid farewell to the forests of Magoebaskloof and made our way towards the world-renowned Kruger National Park. The drive gradually descended from the escarpment into the Lowveld, with spectacular scenery accompanying us throughout the morning. Along the route we encountered the first Lilac-breasted Rollers, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, Grey-Go-Away Birds, and a Brown-Snake Eagle.
Entering Kruger always brings a special sense of anticipation, and it wasn’t long before we began enjoying the park’s incredible wildlife. Mere minutes after entering, we encountered our first herd of Plains Zebra, followed by excellent views of Crested and Black-collared Barbets, White-bellied Sunbird, Blue Waxbill, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Cape Starling and Burchell’s Starling.
As we ventured deeper into the park, a Martial Eagle soared overhead while several Bateleurs, African Fish Eagles and African Palm Swifts cruised across the distant skyline. Other birding highlights included Hamerkop, African Darter, Great Cormorant, Wood Sandpiper, Gabar Goshawk, Green Woodhoopoe, White-crowned Shrike, Streaky-headed Seedeater and Blacksmith Lapwing.
One particularly memorable encounter came in the form of a herd of African Elephants, including a very young calf whose attempts to master the use of its trunk provided endless entertainment. Herds of Greater Kudu, Giraffe and Nyala were also seen as we made our way towards camp, reminding us that Kruger offers spectacular mammal viewing alongside its outstanding birdlife.
Perched high above the Olifants River, Olifants Rest Camp offered magnificent panoramic views across the surrounding bushveld. As the sun slowly dipped below the horizon, we enjoyed dinner overlooking one of Kruger’s most iconic landscapes before settling in for the night, eager for another exciting day in the park.
Day 4: Olifants to Skukuza Safari Lodge
An early start gave us the opportunity to watch the sun rise over the Olifants River, and before daylight had fully broken we were rewarded with sightings of Fiery-necked Nightjars. As the bush slowly came to life, the calls of Crested Francolins and Swainson’s Spurfowl echoed through the morning air, while a Hamerkop and a pair of Saddle-billed Storks stood along the river’s edge.
The morning proved particularly rewarding for larger bird species. Tawny Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Bateleur, Black-winged Kite and Brown Snake Eagle all made several appearances, but the undisputed highlight was a magnificent Kori Bustard standing beside the road, allowing prolonged and unforgettable views. The excitement surrounding the larger terrestrial birds continued with excellent sightings of a pair of Southern Ground Hornbills, Common Ostrich, and a beautiful Secretary Bird that calmly strode across the road directly in front of us.
Additional sightings included Black-winged Stilt, Black Crake, Blacksmith and Crowned Lapwings, African Jacana, Common Greenshank, Little Grebe, Black Stork, Brown-headed Parrot, Grey Heron, Great Egret, White-fronted Bee-eater, Lilac-breasted and Purple Rollers, White-crowned Shrike, Long-billed Crombec, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Rattling and Piping Cisticolas, Little Rush Warbler, African Dusky Flycatcher, African Pipit, African Stonechat and White-browed Scrub-Robin.
The drive continued to produce a wonderful variety of wildlife encounters, including Impala, Plains Zebra, African Elephant, Vervet Monkey, Chacma Baboon, Bushbuck, Giraffe and Cape Buffalo as we explored different regions of the park. Every waterhole, river crossing and open plain seemed to reveal something new, while the ever-changing habitats highlighted the remarkable ecological diversity that makes Kruger National Park one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations.
By late afternoon we arrived at Skukuza Safari Lodge, our home for the next two nights. Situated along the banks of the Sabie River, the lodge provided a comfortable base from which to explore the bird-rich southern region of the park.
Day 5: Full Day in Kruger National Park (Skukuza area)
With a full day at our disposal, we set out well before sunrise to maximise our birding opportunities, following the Sabie River as the bush awakened around us. It wasn’t long before we encountered one of the morning’s most memorable sightings, a family of Spotted Hyenas at a den site. The inquisitive cubs provided endless entertainment as they sniffed around the vehicle and chased one another through the surrounding bush. Birding was equally rewarding, with Yellow-billed Hornbill, Green Woodhoopoe, White-backed Vulture, Burchell’s Coucal, Purple-crested Turaco, Red-billed Oxpecker and Brown-hooded Kingfisher all making welcome appearances.
Our breakfast stop at one of Kruger’s picnic sites proved entertaining, as Cape and Greater Blue-eared Starlings patiently surrounded the tables, eagerly waiting for the occasional fallen crumb. Continuing towards Lower Sabie in search of waterbirds, we added Double-banded Sandgrouse, African Fish Eagle, White-breasted Cormorant, Dark-capped Bulbul, Long-billed Crombec, Golden-breasted Bunting, Crested Barbet, Grey Go-away Bird and Brown-crowned Tchagra to the day’s list. Sunset Dam once again lived up to its reputation, producing excellent views of Kittlitz’s and Three-banded Plovers, Blacksmith Lapwing, Common Sandpiper, Grey Heron, African Pied Wagtail, African Darter, African Spoonbill and Yellow-billed Stork.
The excellent birding continued throughout the afternoon with sightings of Lizard Buzzard, Red-billed Oxpecker, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Green-backed Camaroptera, Violet-eared, Common and Blue Waxbills, Crested and Black-collared Barbets, Bearded Woodpecker, Lesser Honeyguide, Black and Brown-crowned Tchagras, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Mosque Swallow, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver and Cape Weaver.
We concluded the day with a sunset safari that produced two unforgettable predator encounters. First, we spent time watching a pride of lionesses with several sub-adult cubs as the females patiently taught the youngsters the art of stalking and hunting through the dense thickets. Watching the cubs learn when to move, when to freeze, and how to remain concealed was a fascinating glimpse into the lives of these remarkable predators. Not long after leaving the lions, we found a large male Leopard asleep in a tree beside the road, providing everyone with exceptional views and a perfect finale to a remarkable day.
Returning to the lodge after an unforgettable day in the field, we enjoyed dinner together while sharing stories and comparing our ever-growing species lists.
Day 6: Skukuza to Malelane
Our final morning in Kruger began with sunrise and a cup of coffee at the renowned Lake Panic Bird Hide. Watching a pod of Hippopotamus playing and splashing in the water, their breath hanging in the cool morning air as mist drifted across the lake, was a magical way to begin the day while the dawn chorus echoed through the surrounding woodland. Birding around the hide produced Striated Heron, Pied and Brown-hooded Kingfishers, Bearded Woodpecker, Wire-tailed Swallow, African Fish Eagle, African Goshawk, Lizard Buzzard, Brubru, Southern Black Tit, Terrestrial Brownbul and Cape Weaver.
During breakfast we received exciting news that a giraffe carcass near Transport Dam had attracted a large gathering of vultures, so we quickly headed south to witness the spectacle. We arrived to an incredible cacophony of sound as White-backed and Cape Vultures jostled and squabbled over the carcass until a massive Lappet-faced Vulture descended to assert its dominance. The excitement continued as a scarce White-headed Vulture made a welcome appearance, soon followed by several Hooded Vultures joining the feast. Just as we prepared to leave, the distinctive call of a Red-crested Korhaan drew our attention, and moments later the bird walked into the open beside the road, providing superb views.
Leaving the vulture activity behind, we continued south towards Afsaal Picnic Site in the hope of finding White Rhinoceros. Along the way we enjoyed sightings of a female Black Cuckooshrike, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Magpie Shrike, Brown Snake Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle, Arrow-marked Babbler, Mocking Cliff Chat, Violet-eared Waxbill, Lilac-breasted Roller and Jameson’s Firefinch.
The afternoon proved every bit as memorable as the morning. We spent time watching Giant and Pied Kingfishers repeatedly diving into the Biyamiti River to catch fish before encountering an impressive herd of twelve Greater Kudu bulls making their way into the dry riverbed in the warm afternoon light. Two of the mature bulls briefly locked horns, creating a magnificent display of strength and elegance that held everyone’s attention.
Additional birding highlights included African Barred Owlet, Red-faced Mousebird, African Pied Wagtail, African Pipit, White-winged Widowbird, White-crowned Shrike, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, Water Thick-knee, Helmeted Guineafowl, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Crowned and Blacksmith Lapwings, and Three-banded Plover.
As we exited the park just before the gates closed, we reflected on three extraordinary days spent exploring one of Africa’s greatest national parks. After checking into our accommodation beside the Crocodile River, we enjoyed a relaxed evening together, reminiscing about the exceptional birding, unforgettable wildlife encounters and spectacular scenery that had made our time in Kruger so memorable.
Day 7: Malelane to Wakkerstroom
Leaving the subtropical Lowveld behind, we climbed steadily back onto the Highveld as we journeyed towards the renowned grasslands surrounding Wakkerstroom. Along the way, Common Buzzards and Long-crested Eagles perched on roadside powerlines, while numerous Fan-tailed and Long-tailed Widowbirds flitted through the grasslands beside the road.
As we neared Wakkerstroom, we were rewarded with excellent views of two Blue Cranes, two Grey Crowned Cranes and a distant Secretary Bird. Red-capped Larks and African Stonechats were abundant along the gravel roads, while Red-winged Francolin, Cape Longclaw, Southern Anteater-chat, Helmeted Guineafowl, African Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Egret, Black-winged Kite and African Marsh Harrier added to an already impressive morning. Mammal sightings included both Yellow Mongoose and a group of Meerkats, providing an enjoyable change of pace from the birding.
Arriving during the late afternoon, we immediately took advantage of the excellent wetland birding before the fading light. The wetlands were alive with waterbirds, including African Swamphen, African Rail, African Snipe, Yellow-billed Duck, Southern Pochard, Cape Shoveler, South African Shelduck, Eurasian Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe, Black Crake, Grey, Purple and Goliath Herons, Great and Yellow-billed Egrets, Malachite, Giant and Pied Kingfishers, Lesser Swamp Warbler and Cape Wagtail.
As the sun set over the wetlands, we made our way to our comfortable lodge, where a wonderful home-cooked meal awaited us. The warm hospitality provided the perfect ending to an enjoyable day’s travel.
Day 8: Wakkerstroom Grasslands
An early start saw us meeting our local guide, David, whose extensive knowledge of the Wakkerstroom grasslands added enormously to another outstanding day’s birding.
Travelling east into the grasslands, we enjoyed excellent views of Red-throated Wryneck, Nicholson’s and Plain-backed Pipits, Cape Robin-Chat, Southern Red Bishop, Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds, and Cape Longclaw before we had even reached our first stop.
David’s local expertise quickly paid dividends as we located a White-bellied Korhaan calling in the soft morning light, followed shortly by a Southern Bald Ibis feeding quietly in the grassland. Other highlights included Spike-heeled, Rufous-naped and Red-capped Larks, Zitting and Wing-snapping Cisticolas, Capped Wheatear, Southern Anteater-chat, African and Plain-backed Pipits, and a Lanner Falcon. As we made our way out of the grasslands, Orange-breasted Waxbills and Southern Crag-Martins were seen foraging along the banks of a small river.
With many more target species still on our list, we continued to a nearby rocky outcrop where Cape Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Familiar Chat and Cape Bunting all showed exceptionally well. From there we ventured into the high-altitude short grasslands, where we added Eastern Long-billed Lark, Eastern Clapper Lark, Nicholson’s Pipit, Yellow-tufted Pipit and a stunning Yellow-breasted Pipit to our growing list. A short drive to a nearby village was equally rewarding, with a brief walk through a grazing field producing both Cloud Cisticola and Black-rumped Buttonquail.
Before returning to town, we made one final stop at the wetlands. African Snipe once again lived up to their reputation for being notoriously difficult to find, but patience eventually paid off when we located a pair hidden amongst the dense rushes. A Black-crowned Night Heron provided the perfect final addition to another exceptional day’s birding.
After a full day in the field, we returned to the lodge for another delicious home-cooked meal before enjoying an early night ahead of the long journey into KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 9: Wakkerstroom to Mkuze
Following breakfast, we departed Wakkerstroom and travelled east into the warmer landscapes of northern KwaZulu-Natal. As the rolling grasslands gradually gave way to acacia woodland and savanna, the scenery changed dramatically, signaling the next exciting chapter of the tour.
The drive to Mkuze was smooth and productive, with roadside sightings including Lanner Falcon, Southern Bald Ibis, Martial Eagle, Wailing Cisticola and White-fronted Bee-eater.
After arriving at Mkuze Game Reserve, we headed straight into the reserve to make the most of the afternoon’s birding. One of the day’s most memorable moments came while watching a waterhole, where a White Rhinoceros emerged quietly from the surrounding bush to enjoy a peaceful drink, an unforgettable sight that everyone appreciated. Other mammal sightings included Greater Kudu, Nyala, Plains Zebra and Southern Giraffe.
The birding was equally rewarding, with highlights including Burchell’s Coucal, Acacia Pied and Black-collared Barbets, Hamerkop, Common and Blue Waxbills, Orange-breasted and Olive Bushshrikes, Yellow-fronted and Brimstone Canaries, Southern Double-collared and White-bellied Sunbirds, Sabota Lark, Long-billed Crombec, Blacksmith Lapwing, Three-banded Plover, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Tawny-flanked Prinia, and both White-browed and Brown Scrub-Robins.
Back at the lodge, we enjoyed an excellent traditional braai before being entertained by a lively performance from local Zulu dancers. It was a wonderful cultural experience and a fitting end to celebrate Simon’s birthday.
Day 10: Full Day in Mkuze Game Reserve
Another early start allowed us to spend a full day exploring the exceptional diversity of habitats found within Mkuze Game Reserve.
The reserve’s mosaic of acacia woodland, riverine forest, wetlands and sand forest once again delivered outstanding birding, producing an impressive total of 94bird species throughout the day. We began the morning with excellent views of Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Golden-tailed Woodpecker and a remarkably obliging Eastern Nicator, providing prolonged views of this usually elusive species. Other morning highlights included Purple-crested Turaco, Southern Crested Guineafowl, Burchell’s Coucal, Crowned Lapwing, Tawny Eagle, African Fish Eagle, Green Woodhoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, Southern Yellow-billed and Red-billed Hornbills, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Chinspot Batis and Green-backed Camaroptera.
We continued our search for one of the reserve’s most sought-after species, the Pink-throated Twinspot, and were delighted when a single bird briefly emerged from the thickets to feed. Our luck improved later in the afternoon when we encountered a pair, allowing much better views. A stop at Nsumo Hide proved equally rewarding, with a flock of Pink-backed Pelicans soaring over the dam while a large bull African Elephant fed quietly amongst the reeds along the water’s edge. Black Crake and Lesser Swamp Warbler called from within the reedbeds as we made our way back to the vehicle.
The excellent birding continued throughout the afternoon with Eastern Nicator, Yellow-bellied and Sombre Greenbuls, Grey-headed, Orange-breasted and Olive Bushshrikes, Rattling and Zitting Cisticolas, Kurrichane Thrush, Pale Flycatcher, Brown, Bearded and White-browed Scrub-Robins, White-throated and Red-capped Robin-Chats, Collared, Neergaard’s, Purple-banded and White-bellied Sunbirds, Cape, Thick-billed and African Golden Weavers, Green-winged Pytilia, Southern Boubou, Acacia Pied Barbet, Yellow-throated Longclaw, African Firefinch, and Blue, Common and Grey Waxbills.
Frequent sightings of Nyala, Impala, Giraffe and Plains Zebra added to another memorable day in the reserve, while time spent quietly observing several waterholes and hides provided excellent photographic opportunities as birds and mammals came down to drink.
Following a thoroughly enjoyable day, we departed the reserve during the late afternoon and continued to our lodge near Hluhluwe for the evening.
Day 11: Hluhluwe to Eshowe via St Lucia
After enjoying coffee and breakfast while watching Plains Zebra grazing around the waterhole in front of the lodge, we travelled towards the coast, making our way to the beautiful estuary town of St Lucia.
The coastal habitats offered a completely different birding experience, with the estuary, dune forest and coastal thicket adding an exciting new dimension to the tour. Before setting off along the boardwalk to the estuary, we encountered a spectacular gathering of Mouse-coloured, Olive, Purple-banded, White-fronted and Collared Sunbirds feeding amongst the vibrant blossoms of a Coral Tree. Along the boardwalk we added Chinspot Batis, Rudd’s Apalis, Green-backed Camaroptera, Little Swift, Black-backed Puffback and Red-capped Robin-Chat.
Reaching the beach, we were greeted by a White-fronted Plover, while the estuary mouth held a large mixed flock of Greater Crested Terns, Grey-headed Gulls and Kelp Gulls. A single Caspian Tern flew overhead, and an African Fish Eagle perched in a nearby tree overlooking the estuary. A short walk nearby produced an African Harrier-Hawk and an impressive Livingstone’s Turaco, providing a fitting end to a rewarding morning along the coast.
We collected a takeaway lunch before entering iSimangaliso Wetland Park in search of additional wetland and coastal thicket specialties. Lunch at one of the hides overlooking a large waterhole proved memorable as a herd of Greater Kudu came down to drink only metres away. Spur-winged Goose, African Dusky Flycatcher and Crowned Lapwing were also present around the water’s edge.
Continuing our drive through the reserve, we were delighted to find one of the day’s target species, a Southern-banded Snake Eagle. Additional sightings included Striped Kingfisher, Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills, African Stonechat, Plain-backed Pipit, Black-winged Kite, Fork-tailed Drongo and Green-backed Camaroptera before we bid farewell to St Lucia and continued inland towards Eshowe.
After checking into our comfortable accommodation, we shared another hearty dinner and reflected on another rewarding day in the field
Day 12: Dlinza Forest, Ongoye Forest and Mtunzini
Today we met our local guide, Sahkimuzu, just after sunrise for what promised to be one of the most exciting birding days of the tour.
Beginning in Dlinza Forest, we headed onto the famous aerial boardwalk where another group of birders had just located an endangered Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. We quickly joined them and were rewarded with excellent views before the bird disappeared back into the canopy. Scanning the treetops produced Grey Cuckooshrike, Black-bellied Starling, Olive Woodpecker, Rameron Pigeon, Grey-headed Bushshrike and Fork-tailed Drongo. To Sahkimuzu’s amazement, we then located another flock of five Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeons, a remarkably rare sighting and an unforgettable start to the day.
From Dlinza Forest we continued to the magnificent Ongoye Forest in search of the highly sought-after Green Barbet. Patience and persistence were rewarded when an African Emerald Cuckoo, Grey Cuckooshrike and Green Barbet all landed in the same tree, providing exceptional views. Although a Narina Trogon repeatedly called from deep within the forest, it remained frustratingly out of sight, so we decided to continue to the coastal habitats around Mtunzini.
The Mtunzini estuary proved extremely productive, with no fewer than four separate Mangrove Kingfishers recorded, alongside Malachite, Striped and Pied Kingfishers, Purple-crested Turaco, Goliath and Grey Herons, White-eared and Black-collared Barbets, African Harrier-Hawk, Crowned Hornbill, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Black Saw-wing, Village Weaver and Lesser Masked Weaver. As we departed Mtunzini, Sahkimuzu’s local knowledge once again proved invaluable when he located a Palm-nut Vulture roosting in a nearby valley.
Returning to Dlinza Forest in the afternoon, we made one final effort to locate several elusive forest specialties. Patience and persistence paid off once again as we found two Spotted Ground Thrushes, another endangered South African species threatened by ongoing habitat loss. Additional highlights included Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Olive Woodpecker, Long-crested Eagle, Eastern Nicator, Grey-headed Bushshrike, Olive Thrush, Olive Sunbird, Rameron Pigeon, Purple-crested Turaco and Chorister Robin-Chat.
The day still had one final surprise in store. A short visit to Eshowe Dam produced African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Spur-winged Goose, African Black Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, African Jacana, Little Grebe, African Pied Wagtail, Cape Wagtail and a large flock of African Green Pigeons gathering to roost for the evening.
Following another outstanding day, we returned to our lodge for a hearty meal before enjoying an early night ahead of our final morning in the forests of KwaZulu-Natal.
Day 13: Eshowe to Durban
Our final morning began with one last early visit to Dlinza Forest in search of two species that had narrowly eluded us the previous day, Narina Trogon and Green Malkoha. The weather had turned cool, grey and breezy, leaving the forest noticeably quieter than before.
Our fortunes changed when we visited the hide near the forest entrance. There we enjoyed close views of Lemon and Tambourine Doves, along with a small flock of Red-backed Mannikins feeding beneath the hide. While admiring these beautiful birds, the security guard came hurrying over to tell us he had just spotted a Narina Trogon nearby. Cameras in hand, we quickly followed him and were rewarded with magnificent views of the trogon perched on an open branch, a spectacular way to conclude our time in Eshowe.
After our final morning in the forest, we returned to the lodge for breakfast before packing the vehicle for the drive to Durban.
The journey to King Shaka International Airport provided time to reflect on an exceptional thirteen days together. Along the way we reminisced about unforgettable wildlife encounters, spectacular landscapes and the many memorable experiences shared throughout the tour.
At the airport we said our farewells before the guests continued on to Cape Town for their private extension. It had been a thoroughly successful and rewarding journey, showcasing the extraordinary biodiversity of eastern South Africa.
My sincere thanks go to our outstanding local guides, whose knowledge, passion and enthusiasm contributed enormously to the success of the tour, as well as to the Nature Travel office for the exceptional behind-the-scenes work that ensured everything ran seamlessly.
It was a genuine pleasure sharing this remarkable adventure with such enthusiastic guests, and I look forward to welcoming them back to Africa again in the future.
