Eastern South Africa Birding trip report

Eastern South Africa Birding Trip report

Guide: Marc Cronje

During the tour the temperature ranged from º9 to 32ºC. We recorded 42 mammal species, over 350 species of birds and 12 species of reptiles. The species mentioned in the daily summaries are only some of those seen.

Day 1: Arrival in Johannesburg

Our birding adventure began as we arrived from different flights at OR Tambo International Airport. Before long, we had escaped the city traffic and were heading north to explore a variety of exciting birding sites.

Some of the first birds spotted en route included Long-crested Eagle, Steppe Buzzard, the superb Magpie Shrike, Grey Go-away-bird, and Namaqua Doves in flight. It was a sunny afternoon, and a midway service stop provided our first sightings of Cape White-eye, Blacksmith Lapwing, Black-winged Kite, Tawny-flanked Prinia, and African Palm Swift for the trip. A pleasant surprise was the presence of two Horus Swifts flying alongside the more common Little Swifts—a scarce and excellent bird to record early on.

We soon arrived at our first dedicated birding stop, Zaagkuildrift, where the birding was outstanding. Highlights included Great-spotted, Diederik, and Red-chested Cuckoos; Black-winged Pratincoles (our only sighting of the trip); a stunning Long-crested Eagle posing beside the road; Pale-chanting Goshawk; Blue-cheeked Bee-eater; and several hundred Amur Falcons feeding over a grassy plain—a phenomenal sight. Additional sightings included Black-chested Prinia, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Spotted Flycatcher, and a spectacular Shaft-tailed Whydah in full breeding plumage, obligingly displaying in the open. It was a superb morning of birding and gave us the opportunity to connect with several dry, arid Kalahari species we would not encounter again later in the trip.

Birding at the nearby wetland was equally rewarding, with notable sightings including Glossy Ibis, Black Heron—fascinating to watch while fishing—Squacco Heron, Gabar Goshawk, Dwarf Bittern, Yellow-crowned Bishop, Lesser and Common Moorhens, African Jacana, and Spur-winged Goose.

After a delicious lunch, we continued north toward the forests of Magoebaskloof, which would be our base for the next two nights. A few roadside stops along the way produced sightings of Cape Vulture, African Sacred Ibis, Common Buzzard, Cape and Red-billed Teal, Grey Go-away-bird, and striking Southern Red Bishops in full breeding plumage.

Our lovely accommodation, perched above the forest, was a welcome sight. A refreshing shower was much appreciated before we gathered for an excellent home-cooked meal. Over dinner, we discussed plans for the remainder of the trip and got to know one another better. Afterward, we enjoyed exceptional views of the resident African Wood Owl, while a Buff-spotted Flufftail called from the reeds below, accompanied by a chorus of amphibians from the lake beneath the lodge. What a wonderful start to the journey.

Day 2:  Birding Magoebaskloof              

An early start marked our first full day of birding. The morning was cool and misty, with intermittent rain, so we opted to explore the bushveld around Polokwane, aiming to find our first near-endemic species, the Short-clawed Lark. Leaving our accommodation, we were treated to sightings of Cape Robin-Chat, Forest Canary, Greater Striped Swallow, Dark-capped Warbler, African Stonechat, and Swee Waxbill.

Our birding got off to an excellent start, with superb views of Jacobin Cuckoo, African Harrier-Hawk, Booted Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, and a Peregrine Falcon hunting doves—an incredible spectacle. Other highlights included Crimson-breasted Shrike, a very cooperative Cape Penduline-Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler, Desert Cisticola, Red-breasted Swallow, Scaly-feathered Finch, Black-faced Waxbill, Brimstone Canary, and Long-tailed Paradise Whydah. Our main target, the Short-clawed Lark, put on a great performance, allowing everyone exceptional views of this near-endemic species.

We then headed toward the famous Woodbush Forest with our local guide, David, stopping en route to admire a pair of Wahlberg’s Eagles on a nest close to the road. At lunch at a local café, we enjoyed sightings of Olive Thrush, African Dusky Flycatcher, Red-backed Mannikin, and a flock of attractive Swee Waxbills.

Although rain continued to linger over the forest, we persevered and were rewarded early on with a flock of endemic Cape Parrots flying, calling, and feeding in the tall trees. Other notable sightings included Knysna Turaco, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Barratt’s Warbler, Cape Batis, Olive Bushshrike, and Yellow-streaked Greenbul. We also enjoyed watching a troop of Samango Monkeys moving through the canopy of this impressive forest.

On our return to the lodge, additional highlights included excellent views of a flock of Cape Canaries, Cape Grassbird, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Little Rush Warbler, Little Sparrowhawk, and outstanding views of a very vocal Red-chested Cuckoo. We ended the day with another wonderful meal together, updating our lists and chatting enthusiastically about a truly memorable day.

Day 3:  Magoebaskloof to Kruger (Skukuza Camp)

We awoke to thick fog and rain surrounding our accommodation, so after an early breakfast we decided to leave the forested area and continue our birding elsewhere. We enjoyed a tasty breakfast at the lodge before saying our goodbyes and setting off for the world-famous Kruger National Park.

The scenic drive to Kruger proved very rewarding. As we left the mountains and descended into the Lowveld, the weather cleared, allowing us to enjoy sightings of Southern Black Flycatcher, Purple-crested Turaco, Violet-backed Starling, Knob-billed Duck, Black-winged Kite and Village Indigobird. While making our way up the Drakensberg escarpment towards Blyde River Canyon, we stopped for excellent close-up views of Cape Vultures, enjoying breathtaking flight views as these massive birds soared just above us. Additional sightings included Alpine Swift, Brown Snake Eagle and Large Rock Martin.

The drive along the Panorama Route was spectacular, with clear weather allowing us to fully appreciate the magnificent views at God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. Birding highlights here included Lazy Cisticola, a very confiding pair of Mocking Cliff Chats, African Pipit, White-necked Raven, Cape Crow and Yellow-fronted Canary. A troop of Chacma Baboons provided plenty of entertainment at one of the viewpoints before lunch, much to the group’s amusement.

Upon entering Kruger National Park, our first sighting was an Elephant bull right at Paul Kruger Gate—an exciting start that set the tone for the afternoon. A pod of Hippopotamus in the Sabie River offered another warm welcome. Once inside the park, we quickly began enjoying many of the region’s common species, with excellent views of Crested Barbet, Diederick Cuckoo, Wahlberg’s Eagle, White-bellied Sunbird, Blue Waxbill, African Goshawk, African Grey Hornbill, Marico Sunbird and Burchell’s Starling.

Just a few kilometres into the park, we encountered a clan of Spotted Hyena at a roadside den, complete with small pups emerging from their burrows—an unforgettable highlight for many. As if that weren’t enough, we were then treated to an incredible sighting of six African Wild Dogs running down the road towards us. Watching this endangered carnivore was a major highlight, especially as we observed the pack interacting, playing and rolling in elephant dung, a behaviour used to mask their scent before hunting. We spent around 20 minutes with these remarkable animals before they disappeared into the bush, and we made our way to camp before gate closing.

Other mammals seen during the drive included Impala, Plains Zebra, African Elephant, Vervet Monkey, Bushbuck, Giraffe and Cape Buffalo.

After dinner, a walk around the camp produced excellent views of African Wood Owl and Western Barn Owl. We also encountered a Cape Porcupine walking along the camp fence and spotted an Acacia Tree Rat in the trees near our accommodation. It was truly a fabulous day in Africa.

Day 4: Full Day in Kruger (Skukuza area)

We began the morning with a walk around camp, enjoying excellent birding along the way. Highlights included African Green Pigeon, wonderful open views of Red-chested Cuckoo, Black-collared Barbet, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Green-backed Camaroptera, and a truly stunning Pearl-spotted Owlet. Our morning drive proved extremely rewarding, with great sightings of Yellow-billed Hornbill, Green Wood Hoopoe, Great Spotted Cuckoo, White-headed Vulture, Red- and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers, and a striking pair of Woodland Kingfishers.

The morning, however, was dominated by unforgettable carnivore activity. We received word of two young male lions that had killed a zebra and were feeding on the carcass right next to the road. After waiting for a few vehicles to clear, we were able to sit close to the scene and witness this remarkable event. Seeing the lions feeding at such close range was a special experience, made even more dramatic by a group of Spotted Hyenas lingering at a safe distance, hoping for an opportunity to scavenge without risking confrontation. The lions remained in place for several hours, leaving the hyenas without a chance early on. Just when it seemed the morning couldn’t get any better, a pack of ten African Wild Dogs slowly approached the kill site. They eventually ventured dangerously close, prompting both young male lions to charge at a couple of the nearest dogs. Although brief, this encounter between two apex predators was an extraordinary spectacle and a first for me to witness under such circumstances.

Other mammal sightings during the morning included Greater Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Southern Giraffe, and a magnificent elephant bull standing right next to our vehicle. A lively family of Dwarf Mongoose also entertained us just before we stopped for brunch at the Golf Club—yes, there really is a golf course in Kruger! Another surprise awaited us at the turnoff to the Golf Club, where we spotted a big male leopard sleeping high in a Marula tree, fully exposed and easy to admire. He lounged in the branches for about ten minutes, shifted around a bit, and then climbed down, bringing the show to an end. It’s not often that one morning delivers lions, Spotted Hyena, leopard, and African Wild Dogs before breakfast—the magic of Kruger at its best.

Our brunch stop overlooking Lake Panic near Skukuza was much needed, with everyone still riding the adrenaline high from the morning’s events. We enjoyed watching a pod of Hippopotamus playing in front of the restaurant, including a small calf. Birding highlights included Southern Pochard (a Kruger rarity), Bateleur, Southern Carmine Bee-eater, European Roller, Lesser Grey Shrike, Greater Blue-eared Starling, Blue Waxbill, Red-knobbed Coot, Black Crake, Little Bittern, White-breasted Cormorant, Giant Kingfisher, Crowned Hornbill, and large flocks of White-faced Whistling Ducks. Large Nile Crocodiles basking on the banks, while African Jacana, Little Stint, Three-banded Plover, and Wood Sandpiper foraged nearby.

After some downtime during the heat of the day, we headed out for an enjoyable afternoon drive that offered excellent photographic opportunities. Sightings included Natal Spurfowl, Hooded Vulture, African Fish Eagle, African Hoopoe, Bearded Woodpecker, Red-backed Shrike, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Purple Indigobird, and White-fronted, European, Little, and Southern Carmine Bee-eaters. Mammals included a family of Chacma Baboons, Common Warthog, Impala, Waterbuck, Plains Zebra, and Greater Kudu.

Dinner was a traditional South African braai, enjoyed to the sounds of Spotted Hyena, Fiery-necked Nightjar, and Square-tailed Nightjar calling from the surrounding bush. A visit from a pair of Lesser Galagos provided a delightful final mammal sighting to end an extraordinary day.

Day 5: Full Day in Kruger (Skukuza area)

Our morning began with coffee and rusks as we listened to the dawn chorus. Today, we headed south toward Afsaal picnic spot, hoping to catch sight of White Rhino. Along the drive, we spotted several new birds, including Long-billed Crombec, Chinspot Batis, Black-backed Puffback, a striking pair of Black Cuckooshrikes, Marsh Warbler, African Goshawk, African Cuckoo, Hamerkop, Brubru, Cardinal Woodpecker, White-winged Widowbird, Magpie Shrike, Terrestrial Brownbul, and Jameson’s Firefinch. Raptor sightings were exceptional, with White-backed Vulture, Brown Snake Eagle, Bateleur, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Hooded Vulture, White-headed Vulture, and Tawny Eagle all making appearances. A Flap-necked Chameleon crossing the road provided a delightful surprise for the group.

Mammal viewing was equally impressive. A standout moment was observing a female Lioness with three sub-adult cubs lying in the open—an unforgettable sight made even better by the limited number of vehicles around. Large herds of Plains Zebra and Blue Wildebeest offered multiple photographic opportunities. Just before breakfast, we spotted our morning target, a White Rhino, moving through the bush. With patience, we were rewarded with an incredible view of a female White Rhino and her calf feeding openly—a major highlight for the group.

During a leisurely brunch, we also enjoyed sightings of White-throated Robin-Chat, Violet-eared Waxbill, Lilac-breasted Roller, and a pair of African Hawk-Eagles circling above. The drive continued with more sightings of Plains Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, African Elephants, Greater Kudu, Steenbok, and Grey Duiker. A particularly memorable moment was watching a herd of African Elephants swimming and playing at a waterhole—always a joy to witness.

We then chose to watch the sunset and enjoy an early dinner on the deck overlooking the Sabie River, ahead of our night drive. The river was bathed in a spectacular sunset while we savored a delicious meal surrounded by the sounds of Africa. A pair of Black-crowned Night Herons flew by, adding a bonus sighting. The night drive was a success, with sightings of African Wild Cat, Spotted Eagle Owl, Fiery-necked Nightjar, and Square-tailed Nightjar.

Day 6: Full Day in Kruger (Skukuza to Berg-en-Dal Camp)

Our morning began with a fresh cup of coffee and a short walk around the camp, where we enjoyed excellent views of Purple-crested Turaco, Gorgeous Bushshrike, African Grey Hornbill, Black-headed Oriole, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Cape White-eye, Collared Sunbird, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow, and Village Indigobird. A highlight for many was an incredible up-close encounter with a Flap-necked Chameleon right in the camp.

The drive south to our new camp, Berg en del, proved rewarding. Along the way, we spotted a family of the iconic Southern Ground Hornbills feeding on a Puff Adder—a memorable highlight. We made stops at several water crossings, where sightings included Striated Heron, Pied, Malachite, and Giant Kingfishers, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Red-crested Korhaan, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Yellow-billed Kite, Red-breasted Swallow, and a Martial Eagle perched just off the road.

A herd of Elephants crossing the road added another enjoyable encounter, with one curious youngster investigating us before being scolded by its mother. A large Leopard Tortoise crossing the road was a new reptile for the trip, while a pair of Klipspringers posed beautifully on a granite outcrop, offering a perfect photo opportunity. A brief stop at Afsaal provided excellent views of a few roosting Mauritian Tomb Bats. As we neared the Crocodile River, the southern boundary of the park, we were treated to sightings of Nile Crocodile, Great Egret, Hamerkop, Crested Barbet, and Southern White-crowned Shrike. A roosting African Scops Owl near our accommodation was a particularly welcome sight for photographers.

We arrived at Berg en del in the late afternoon, checked in, and set out on a short drive that turned out to be one of the most thrilling of the tour. Not five minutes from the camp gates, we encountered a massive male Leopard walking straight toward us. We were able to watch this magnificent predator for 20 minutes as he marked his territory, posing perfectly for photos and leaving us with unforgettable memories. Continuing, we came across a pair of mating lions on the road. The couple mated twice before our eyes, allowing us to observe their fascinating behaviour up close. The male was an impressive, handsome beast, and being so close to these big cats was a truly special experience. Between the two predator sightings, we also enjoyed a nice concentration of vultures.

Back at camp, we enjoyed dinner while reliving the thrilling afternoon and discussing the remarkable sightings we’d experienced in Kruger. We updated our lists, shared birding stories, and soon retired for a well-earned night’s sleep. A short evening walk around the camp capped the day with an excellent view of an African Barred Owlet.

Day 7: Kruger to Wakkerstroom

A beautiful morning in Kruger greeted us, promising a day full of wildlife encounters. A pre-breakfast walk proved rewarding, with sightings including a Shikra feeding on a songbird, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Brown-headed Parrot, Retz’s Helmetshrike, and Eastern Nicator. After enjoying our final meal in Kruger, we set off for our next destination: the small town of Wakkerstroom on the Mpumalanga escarpment. Renowned as one of South Africa’s premier birding hotspots, Wakkerstroom is especially prized for its endemic species.

A well-timed stop rewarded us with excellent views of a pair of Gurney’s Sugarbirds; a bird family found only in Southern Africa. A male Malachite Sunbird also made a striking appearance, and the endemic Buff-streaked Chat was a welcome addition to our list. Along the route, other highlights included a large flock of Southern Bald Ibis, Spotted Thick-knee, African Stonechat, and the stunning Long-tailed Widowbird, which treated us to a spectacular display at close range.

The grasslands around Wakkerstroom never disappoint, and as soon as we left the main road, the birds began to appear. We enjoyed sightings of Red-knobbed Coots, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-winged Francolin in the open, White Stork, African Woolly-necked Stork, South African Cliff Swallow, African Black Duck, and Red-capped Lark. Accompanying them were several Southern Ant-eating Chats, Spike-heeled Lark, Blue Cranes, a memorable Lanner Falcon, and a close encounter with a Black-winged Lapwing. On the drive, we also spotted Yellow Mongoose and Meerkats.

A brief stop at a wetland in Wakkerstroom provided incredible views of an African Snipe feeding in the open. Other notable sightings included Squacco Heron, African Swamphen, White-throated Swallow, African Marsh Harrier, and Marsh Owl.

We ended the day at our very comfortable accommodation, enjoying a warm shower and a delicious home-cooked meal. The evening was spent in great company, sharing stories of our birding adventures and dreaming about the places we have yet to explore.

Day 8:  Wakkerstroom

We started early to explore the bird-rich area of Wakkerstroom. A brief stop at the wetland rewarded us with excellent views of a Purple Heron. While watching the heron, an African Rail suddenly appeared and posed beautifully for us. A roosting Spotted Eagle Owl also gave us a wonderful photo opportunity before we headed to meet our local guide, Lucky. We then explored a patch of indigenous bush in search of the elusive Bush Blackcap—and soon had exceptional views of this endemic species. Other highlights included Drakensberg Prinia, Fiscal Flycatcher, Cape Canary, Cape Grassbird, and Bokmakierie, always a treat to see. A nearby flock of Bald Ibis added to our growing list.

Moving east to the grasslands, we enjoyed good views of Denham’s Bustard, Southern Ant-eating Chat, and the often-secretive Coqui Francolin, which fed and walked openly in the grass. Orange-breasted Waxbills foraged in the short grass alongside Cape Longclaws. After some tricky driving through the mud, we eventually found White-bellied Korhaan, which stayed just a few meters from our vehicle. Brunch was enjoyed by a bridge hosting a colony of South African Cliff Swallows, while a pair of Grey-crowned Cranes posed beautifully nearby.

With many more birds still to see, we continued to a rocky outcrop, where both African Rock and Nicholson’s Pipits showed well. From there, we ventured to high-altitude short grasslands to one of the very last known sites for the rare and endemic Rudd’s Lark. Lucky’s local knowledge proved essential, allowing the whole group to enjoy solid views of a bird feeding in the short grass. We also saw Wing-snapping and Pale-crowned Cisticolas. A short walk nearby added Sentinel Rock Thrush, Eastern Long-billed Lark, and a stunning, Yellow-breasted Pipit to our sightings.

Our next stop brought excellent views of Pink-billed and Eastern Clapper Larks, along with three Blue Korhaans and five Greater Kestrels chasing the abundant African Pipits and Widowbirds. The final short walk of the day took us to a moist grass area in search of Marsh Owl, and we were treated to flybys of four birds roosting in the dense vegetation.

Before heading back into town, we made a final wetland stop and heard a Red-chested Flufftail calling nearby. Less than a minute later, the bird emerged from the vegetation, allowing us an astonishing one-minute view—a truly special encounter for this elusive species.

Back at our accommodation, we enjoyed another delicious meal while celebrating a fantastic day of birding. We were joined by Marc Bozon from the Netherlands, who is pursuing a “big cat year.” Hearing his stories about the cats he has seen—and hopes to see—was both adventurous and inspiring.

Day 9: Wakkerstroom to Mkuze

Day 10: Mkuze Game Reserve

Excited for a day of birding in the species-rich Mkuze Game Reserve, we set off early with packed breakfasts to make the most of our time in the park. The morning was cool and calm—perfect weather for birding. Our very first stop, just outside the park in a patch of indigenous forest, produced Crowned Eagle, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, and Red-fronted Tinkerbird—a new addition to our trip list.

As we entered the park, we were greeted by Brown-crowned Tchagra, stunning Crested Guineafowl, a soaring Lesser Spotted Eagle, Magpie Shrike, and White-crested Helmetshrikes. We also enjoyed excellent views of the elegant Nyala antelope. Soon after, the unmistakable call of an African Emerald Cuckoo drew our attention, and with a touch of luck, we were treated to incredible views of this magnificent bird.

Breakfast at the hide was made even more memorable by a herd of giraffes coming to drink nearby. During the morning, we also received insightful information about park conservation efforts and local wildlife from the resident Black Rhino Monitor. Mammals spotted during the morning included Chacma Baboon, Slender Mongoose, Plains Zebra, and Blue Wildebeest. Unfortunately, we narrowly missed seeing lions on the road by just a few minutes.

As we entered the coastal sand forest of the reserve, everyone was alert and listening for one of our main targets: the Pink-throated Twinspots. After slow, careful driving, a small flock began calling. At the same time, a massive African Crowned Eagle took off from a branch above us, and an African Broadbill began calling and displaying nearby—truly extraordinary birding. Amidst these incredible sightings, we enjoyed fantastic views of both male and female Pink-throated Twinspots just a few meters away. These striking birds are endemic to Southern Africa, with small, scattered populations in southern Mozambique, Mpumalanga, Eswatini, and northeastern KwaZulu-Natal.

The African Broadbill provided another unforgettable moment as it displayed right next to our car. Normally performing high in the canopy, this bird sang and displayed at eye level, roughly five meters away, giving us an extraordinary five-minute spectacle.

The coastal scrub forest around the hide added even more species to our list, including Rudd’s Apalis, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Acacia Pied Barbet, Malachite Kingfisher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, and Yellow-throated Bush-Sparrow—all new for the tour. We then moved to the fig forest on the eastern side of Mkuze in search of additional targets, and were rewarded with open views of Trumpeter Hornbill, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, and Green Malkoha.

After such an exhilarating day, we enjoyed a delicious dinner while updating our checklists and reflecting on the incredible birding experiences Africa offers. South Africa’s diversity never fails to impress. A well-earned night’s sleep capped off a truly memorable day.

Day 11: Mkuze to Eshowe via St Lucia.

A pre-breakfast walk treated us to stunning views of Eastern Nicator, the Purple-crested Turaco, and a fleeting glimpse of a Lesser Jacana on the dam near our accommodation. After a delicious breakfast, we said our farewells to the friendly hosts and continued down the coast toward St Lucia. Along the way, we were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of White-backed Ducks and African Jacanas—almost every pond seemed to host them. A pair of Black-chested Snake Eagles was a welcome sight.

Our walk through the forest around St Lucia proved highly rewarding, with excellent birding highlights including Grey Sunbird, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Woodward’s Batis, brief views of an African Cuckoo-Hawk, Green Twinspot, Grey Waxbills, Livingstone’s Turaco, Crested Guineafowl, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Yellow Weaver, Dark-backed Weaver, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, and Black Saw-wing.

We enjoyed a lovely lunch at the local ski boat club, overlooking the estuary mouth, before continuing further down the coast to Eshowe for a two-night stay. At our charming accommodation in Eshowe, we spotted several birds, including Trumpeter Hornbill, White-eared Barbet, Cape White-eye, Black-bellied Starling, Grey Sunbird, African Dusky Flycatcher, Olive Sunbird, and Greater Double-collared Sunbird.

The day concluded with another delicious home-cooked meal, during which we updated our birding lists and shared our excitement for the adventures ahead in the forests of Dlinza.

Day 12: Eshowe

Our final full day in Eshowe was devoted to tracking some of the region’s special birds. We began at Dlinza Forest, a protected primary forest. Walking along the famous aerial boardwalk, we spotted African Olive Pigeon, Little Sparrowhawk, and Grey Cuckooshrike enjoying the first morning light. As the sun rose, we heard our main target, the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, calling. After a few minutes of patience, everyone in the group was rewarded with excellent views.

Back on the forest floor, we connected with our next target, the Spotted Ground Thrush. A shy Lemon Dove made a brief appearance, but a male Blue Duiker stole the spotlight, posing beautifully for us. Seeing this critically endangered mammal was a real highlight.

As the day warmed, we headed towards the coast and the town of Mtunzini, known for its grasslands and bird-rich areas. The outing was highly successful: we enjoyed excellent sightings of African Pygmy Goose, Palm-nut Vulture, Red-headed Quelea, Green Malkoha in the open, and Spectacled and African Golden Weavers. A few members caught a fleeting glimpse of a Black Coucal. The wetlands offered even more, with Common Ringed Plover, Eurasian Whimbrel, Wood, Marsh, and Common Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Little Stint, African Fish Eagle, Pied Kingfisher, and Purple-banded Sunbird. Truly a splendid morning of birding.

With one final target in mind, we drove to Ongoye Forest, the only place in South Africa to see Green Barbet. Upon entering, we were treated to a fantastic view of an African Emerald Cuckoo. The Green Barbets required a bit of patience, but we eventually enjoyed excellent views of a pair feeding high in the canopy.

On our drive back to Eshowe, we were delighted to spot a Martial Eagle soaring above the hills, a pair of Southern Ground Hornbills feeding near the road, and a Striped Pipit. It was a perfect way to conclude our last full day of the trip.

Day 13: Departure

Our drive to the airport in Durban to catch a domestic flight back to Cape Town went smoothly, and we chatted about the amazing trip we had in South Africa. Thanks to the group for being such wonderful guests and for the great time we had together. We all shared a good couple of laughs. A fantastic 13 days of birding in South Africa came to an end. We all had a blast and had an amazing time in South Africa and left with a tear in the eye after a lovely trip. I would like to thank our local site guides, for the knowledge, and help in making the tour run so smoothly and for the hard work put in on the trip. Thanks to the Nature Travel Birding office for all the behind the scenes work that went on to ensure the tour was a success. I look forward to my next trip in the incredibly diverse South Africa