Ultimate South Africa Kingfisher tour
Add South Africa’s Kingfishers to your list
This South Africa kingfisher tour traces the country’s most productive kingfisher habitats, linking the river systems of Kruger National Park with the wetlands, forests and estuaries of KwaZulu-Natal, all the way to the mangrove-lined coast near Mtunzini.
Built around the full suite of South Africa’s kingfishers, the safari moves from classic riverine species in Kruger to specialist wetland and forest kingfishers in Mkhuze and iSimangaliso, before reaching the mangrove systems of Umlalazi Nature Reserve, one of the most reliable sites in the country for Mangrove Kingfisher.
The itinerary is structured around the best-known habitat for each target species. Sightings of every kingfisher cannot be guaranteed, but the route is designed to visit the most suitable habitats and maximise your chances of encountering the full suite of target species.
It is a journey through dramatically changing landscapes, combining world-class birding, iconic African wildlife, and some of the continent’s most scenic river, wetland and coastal ecosystems.
| Safari starts in Nelspruit and ends in Durban | Comfortable, Mid-range Accommodation |
| Duration | 11 Days |
| Departure dates | Book as private guided tour |
Top Birds
Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Malachite Kingfisher, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Woodland Kingfisher, Striped Kingfisher, Grey-headed Kingfisher, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Half-collared Kingfisher, Mangrove Kingfisher
Top Mammals
African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, White Rhinoceros, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Impala, Kudu
Highlights and top attractions
•Kruger National Park: Iconic African wilderness where river systems, savanna, and wildlife converge in one of the continent’s richest ecosystems.
•Mkhuze Game Reserve: One of South Africa’s premier birding reserves, where sand forest, pans, and wetlands deliver exceptional kingfisher diversity.
•iSimangaliso Wetland Park: A UNESCO-listed wetland system of lakes, estuaries, and dunes supporting an extraordinary mix of waterbirds and kingfishers.
•Umlalazi Nature Reserve: A tranquil coastal sanctuary famed for mangroves, estuarine birding, and one of the best chances for Mangrove Kingfisher in South Africa.
Summary of day to day Itinerary
| Day 1 | Nelspruit to Skukuza |
| Day 2 | Skukuza area |
| Day 3 | Skukuza to Berg-en-Dal |
| Day 4 | Berg-en-Dal area |
| Day 5 | Berg-en-Dal to Mkhuze Game Reserve |
| Day 6 | Mkhuze Game Reserve |
| Day 7 | Mkhuze Game Reserve to St Lucia |
| Day 8 | iSimangaliso Wetland Park |
| Day 9 | St Lucia to Mtunzini |
| Day 10 | Mtunzini and Umlalazi |
| Day 11 | Departure |