Tour OverviewSouth Africa conjures up images of pristine beaches, smiling colourful people, beautiful landscapes, unforgettable sunsets and Africa’s Big Five. Not only does the country boasts almost 300 species of mammals, it is also blessed with incredible avian biodiversity, with a wealth of endemic and near-endemic species.
The eastern half of South Africa offers some of the best birding in all of Africa and on this tour we will sample some of the diversity that makes this part of the country essential to any serious birder’s travels. With over 750 species on offer, coupled with magnificent landscapes, modern tourism infrastructure and the full big game experience, you are guaranteed to have a magical time in the east of the “rainbow nation”.
This perfectly structured 16 day birding tour offers an extraordinary birding experience in some of the most exciting birding destinations of the eastern parts of South Africa, including the Kruger National Park, Wakkerstroom, the forests of Magoebaskloof and northern Kwazulu-Natal, as well as some smaller gems like Zaagkuildrift and Mount Sheba. Expect to see many of South Africa’s endemic and special species, and a total trip list well in excess of 400 species!
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts in Johannesburg and ends in Durban
Tour duration: 14 days / 13 nights
Type of accommodation: Comfortable, mid-range
Next departure dates: To be confirmed
Private and small group, customised safaris can be booked on request for your preferred travel dates
Kruger National Park-
One of the planet’s top wildlife parks
Magoebaskloof-
Stunning forest beauty and special birds
Wakkerstroom-
Grassland and wetland birding, with many specials
Mkuze-
Very special park with the Big Five and over 500 bird species
St Lucia-
A wetland wonderworld where the ocean and land meet spectacularly
Mtunzini-
Beautiful coastal village with incredible wildlife-rich forests
Top Birds:
• Martial Eagle
• Tawny and African Fish Eagle
• White-bellied Bustard
• Southern Bald Ibis
7 Southern Ground Hornbill
• Rudd’s, Short-clawed and Botha’s Lark
• Yellow-breasted Pipit
• African Rock Pipit
• Cape and Brown-headed Parrot
• Knysna and Purple-crested Turaco
• Spotted and Orange Ground Thrush
• Gorgeous Bushshrike
• Black-fronted and Olive Bushshrike
• Narina Trogon
Top Mammals:
• African Elephant
• African Buffalo
• Lion
• Leopard
• White and Black Rhinoceros
• African Wild Dog
Optional Activities:
• Night drive in Kruger National Park
| ITINERARY OVERVIEW |
|---|
| Day 1 | Start of tour in Johannesburg, Birding at Zaagkuildrift and Kgomo-Kgomo |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Zaagkuildrift to Polokwane Game Reserve & Magoebaskloof |
| Day 3 | Magoebaskloof |
| Day 4 | Magoebaskloof to Mount Sheba |
| Day 5 | Mount Sheba to Kruger National Park |
| Day 6-7 | Kruger National Park |
| Day 8 | Kruger National Park to Wakkerstroom |
| Day 9 | Wakkerstroom |
| Day 10 | Wakkerstroom to Mkuze Game Reserve |
| Day 11 | Mkuze Game Reserve |
| Day 12 | Mkuze to iSimangaliso Wetland Park |
| Day 13 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park and surrounds |
| Day 14 | iSimangaliso to Mtunzini (Umlalazi Nature Reserve) |
| Day 15 | Mtunzini (Ongoye and Dlinza forests) |
| Day 16 | Mtunzini (Amatikulu Nature Reserve) and Departure |
All our tours can be customised according to your specific requirements.
Get in touch with one of our team members for more information at info@naturetravelbirding.com