Tour OverviewAt the southern tip of the continent, the country of South Africa is blessed with a stunning diversity of people, cultures, languages, scenery and a treasure trove of fauna and flora species. The latter include over 23,000 species of plants, almost 300 mammal species, 850 bird species and 450 different reptiles!
Nowhere is this incredible diversity more apparent than in the far north of the country, where the natural features include dry bushveld, lush riverine vegetation, open grassland savannah, thick Afromontane forests and even wetlands. This mix of habitats bring with it an array of special bird species, including many endemics. Furthermore, many species from east and central Africa reach their southern limit here, and this region therefore offers an entire suite of exciting and range-restricted birds.
This fantastic 13 day birding tour takes place in the far north of the country, and includes several days in the less-visited parts of the world-renowned Kruger National Park and some days in the history-rich Mapungubwe National Park. Also included are some fantastic forest birding spots (including famous Magoebaskloof) and some lesser-known, but equally important birding attractions on the way. This mix of areas leads to some fantastic birding opportunities, and we should see over 400 species during the trip, including many endemic and special species. Let’s go birding!
Get more detail about what to expect on this tour: Go to full itinerary
Safari starts and ends in Johannesburg
Tour duration: 13 days / 12 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
Mapungubwe National Park-
As rich in history as it is in birds and other wildlife
Kruger National Park-
One of Africa’s best wildlife conservation areas, and home to over 500 bird species as well as the Big Five
Louis Trichardt-
“Green” town in the Soutpansberg Mountains, with forests all around
Pafuri-
Unique area in northern Kruger, boasting many special birds and mammals
Magoebaskloof-
One of the best forest birding spots in all of southern Africa
Top Birds:
• Martial Eagle
• Tawny and African Fish Eagle
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Northern Black Korhaan
• Burchell’s Courser
• Double-banded, Temminck’s and Three-banded Courser
• Narina Trogon
• Orange Ground Thrush
• Black-fronted Bushshrike
• Short-clawed, Monotonous and Dusky Lark
• Knysna and Purple-crested Turaco
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 & drive to Polokwane |
|---|---|
| Day 2 | Birding at Polokwane Game Reserve; drive to Mapungubwe National Park |
| Day 3 | Mapungubwe National Park |
| Day 4 | Mapungubwe to Louis Trichardt |
| Day 5 | Louis Trichardt and surrounds |
| Day 6 | Louis Trichardt to Kruger National Park (Makuleke concession) |
| Day 7 | Kruger National Park (Makuleke concession) |
| Day 8 | Kruger National Park (Makuleke to Shingwedzi) |
| Day 9 | Kruger National Park (Shingwedzi to Letaba) |
| Day 10 | Kruger National Park (Letaba) |
| Day 11 | Kruger National Park to Magoebaskloof |
| Day 12 | Magoebaskloof |
| Day 13 | Magoebaskloof to Johannesburg 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