Upcoming Guided Birding Tours
General Tour Information
Cape Eco-Tours | Eden Routes | Lawsons Birding & Wildlife Tours | Papadi Safaris & Tours
Rockjumper Birding Tours | Leopard Track Safaris
To view a specific operator's tour schedule, or informantion, please click on the links above.
Bush 2 Beach Expeditions
In 2007 Africa Unlimited Tours launched the fantastic 12-day guided Bush 2 Beach Expedition. The expedition lets you enjoy a world-class Big Five safari in the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park and then travel along a selected and remote route to the beautiful coastal expanse of Mozambique's greatest asset: its supreme coastline.
In 2009, Africa Unlimited launched another exciting tour; the 9-Day Lubombo Bush 2 Beach Expedition with highlights of Kruger National Park, Swaziland, Tembe Elephant Reserve and the beaches of Southern Mozambique.
Africa Unlimited's Bush 2 Beach Expeditions are conducted in small groups, allowing for lots of personal attention and eye for detail. Accommodation is in comfortable lodges and hotels situated in unique and beautiful places.
The routes are carefully planned and include pristine remote areas that are difficult to visit on a self drive tour. All our tours run under the same successful concept:
- Transport in our specially designed Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 with panorama windows & pop up roof
- Highly skilled and experienced driver/guide
- Maximum of 8 pax
- Accommodation in luxury lodges
- A lot of activities and meals included
Tailor-made tours and expeditions are always possible, just contact us for a free quotation!
Africa Unlimited also offers
Cape Town & South Africa Birding Tours & Itineraries
Ideal for visitors and business travelers who have only a few days available for birding in Cape Town. Itineraries for birding day trips in Cape Town depend on your specific interests relating to Key Species and desired destinations coupled to time of year and weather on the day. We add our local knowledge of bird localities and 'hot' sighting reports - the all important element to serious 'listers' if time and 'hit' rates are prime considerations. This approach ensures our Cape Town birding tours are optimally beneficial and enjoyable to you whether you are a 'twitcher' or a leisure birder.
Pelagic Birding From Cape Town, South Africa
Pelagic birding from Cape Town has been rated as one of the top birding experiences in South Africa if not in the world! Book your trip through Avian Leisure, together with your accommodation and land birding guide.
Cape Town To Addo Elephant Park Via Garden Route
A diverse mix of Scenic and Birding delights within Seven Spectacular Habitat Types
15 days, starting in Cape Town and ending in Port Elizabeth
Cape Town To Kruger Birding Tour – The Best Of Summer Birding in ZA
Our Cape Town to Kruger Birding Tour is the highlight of our Birding Tour Year! Our REVISED itinerary includes an additional night in Kruger, and together with our extension to Northern Kruger, it represents Summer birding at its very best in South Africa.
15 days + 4 day optional extension
19 November – 3 December 2010
followed by optional extension to Northern Kruger 3 – 7 December 2010
Cape Town To The Red Sands Of The Kalahari, South Africa
Spectacular Scenery and Photo Opportunities: MAMMALS, REPTILES & BIRDS
15 days, starting and ending in Cape Town
Drakensberg Mountains To Kruger Via Kwazulu Natal & Swaziland
A Medley of Bird & Mammal sightings in Diverse and Spectacular surroundings
13 nights Tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
The Ivory Trail - Birding The Limpopo Valley & Kruger Park, South Africa
Baobab Trees, Birds and the Big Five
15 days, starting and ending in Johannesburg
Drakensberg Mountains To The Elephant Coast Of Kwazulu Natal
A Medley of Bird & Mammal sightings in Diverse and Spectacular surroundings
14 nights + 3 day optional extension
Tour starts and ends in Johannesburg
Avian Leisure's Classic 8 Night Photographic African Safari Tour
A group of 8 friends wish to do an African Safari after attending a wedding in Cape Town.
This is their itinerary.
Interesting Activities in and around Cape Town and South Africa
For those with interests other than bird-watching, there is another exciting world to experience in Cape Town and the rest of South Africa! We have chosen a few of our favourite activities that we believe will give you a wider appreciation and greater enjoyment of South Africa.
South Africa
14 days
Designed to offer the best of both East and East South Africa, maximizing the number of bird species and offering charismatic and localised mammals and exceptional scenery.
The tour starts in Cape Town and ends in Johannesburg or vice versa. This tour is a combination of the Western and Eastern endemics tours, run back-to-back.
As on all our tours, we've carefully selected guesthouses and lodges to maximise birding time and quality. This tour covers a possibility of 135 southern African endemic and near-endemic bird species, with up to 450 bird species expected.
Western Endemics
4 to 7 days
The itinerary is designed with the dedicated birder in mind and targets the highest proportion possible of the region's endemics and characteristic habitats of South Africa's West and its Cape Floral Kingdom. This tour starts and ends in Cape Town.
We'll explore:
- Darling area: Cape Clapper Lark, Blue Crane
- West Coast National Park: Southern Black Korhaan, Black Harrier, Chestnut-banded Plover
- Tanqua Karoo, a semi-desert: Karoo Eremomela, Namaqua Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Ludwig's Bustard, Burchell's Courser, Black-headed Canary, Layard's Tit-Babbler, Rufous-eared Warbler, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Karoo Korhaan, Black-eared Sparrowlark
- De Hoop and Agulhas Plains: Cape Vulture, Blue Crane, Denham's Bustard, Damara Tern, Knysna Woodpecker, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Agulhas Clapper Lark, Southern Tchagra
- Cape coastal Fynbos and mountains: Cape Rock-jumper, Victorin's Scrub-Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, Ground Woodpecker, Neddicky and Cape Rock-Thrush
Optional extension: Afromontane forest at Grootvaderschbos or Wilderness in the Garden Route.
- Grootvaderschbos: Narina Trogon, Forest Canary, African Crowned Eagle, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Olive Bush-Shrike
- Wilderness National Park, Garden Route: Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, African Wood Owl, Green-backed Camaroptera, Green Woodhoopoe, Chorister Robin-Chat
Eastern Endemics
7 to 14 days
This itinerary is designed to see as many bird species as possible in the shortest time. It combines subtropical birding with good mammal watching. We visit coastal forests and bird-rich reserves, perhaps better known for Rhino conservation, in search of specials such as the delicate Pink-throated Twinspot and the mystical Pel's Fishing Owl. This tour starts in Durban and ends in Johannesburg.
We'll explore:
- The Drakensberg, to look for Blue Swallow, the endemic Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Bearded Vulture, Amur Falcon, Gurney's Sugarbird;
- Zululand forests, to search for Orange Ground Thrush, Spotted Ground Thrush, Livingston's Turaco, Woodward's Batis, Western Bronze-naped Pigeon;
- Zululand coastal plains, to target Pel's Fishing Owl, African Broadbill, Neergaard's Sunbird, Olive-tree Warbler, Green and Pink-throated Twinspot;
- Wakkerstroom's globally threatened highland wetlands and grasslands, to find Rudd's and Botha's Lark, Blue and Barrow's Korhaan, Southern Bald Ibis, Yellow-breasted Pipit, four species of bustard and three cranes.
Optional extension: Kruger Birds and mammals
Kruger Birds & Mammals
7 to 14 days
This itinerary is designed to complement birds with mammals, in both Kruger National Park and Afromontane forest. It starts and ends in Johannnesburg.
It offers birding in the Afro-montane forests, lowland acacia savanna, grassland, riverine and broadleafed woodlands, with a total list of over 500 bird species.
This tour also offers excellent mammal encounters, including 'the Big 5': elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard.
We'll explore:
- The northern escarpment forests at Magoebaskloof - arguably South Africa's best forest birding site - to look for Bat Hawk, Cape Parrot, Green Twinspot and Black-fronted Bush-Shrike;
- The vicinity of the Blyde River Canyon, to spot Taita Falcon - one of Africa's most endangered raptors.
- Central and Southern Kruger National Park, to search for African Finfoot, Lilac-breasted Roller, Southern Ground Hornbill, Saddle-billed Stork, Secretary Bird, Bateleur and other large raptors as well as a wealth of mammals.
Namaqualand - budget tour
8 days
This tour is designed to combine the best of the Cape's birds, wild flowers and scenic landscapes. This is an excellent-value budget tour. It starts and ends in Cape Town.
We'll explore:
- The West Coast to visit Rocherpan and Verlorenvlei for an abundance of waterbirds.
- Elands Bay, Lamberts Bay (Cape Gannet colony), Strandfontein and Papendorp (Karoo Lark & Cape Clapper Lark).
- Garies and Springbok
- Namaqualand and Goegap Nature Reserve
- Kamieskroon (Damara Canary)
- Tanqua Karoo National Park in the succulent Karoo. (Ludwig's bustard, Karoo Lark, Burchell's Courser, Karoo Eremomela, Namaqua Warbler and Dusky Sunbird.)
- Nieuwoudtville (bulb capital of the world!)
- Karoopoort and Ceres (Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Black-eared Sparrowlark and Karoo Chat).
Visit Birding Africa for more information on all the above options and more.
27 day South Africa, Birding Adventure
This epic tour begins with 12 days of birding the scenically spectacular Western Cape Province of South Africa. Here in the Cape, there are more endemic birds than anywhere else on the entire African continent, and pelagic trips off Cape Town rank amongst the finest in the world. Key areas we visit during this leg of the tour include the fynbos biome (the richest biome for plants on the planet – even more diverse than the Amazon - and with attendant endemic birds), the West Coast, Karoo, Overberg (Agulhas Plains) and the Garden Route.
After the Cape trip, we fly to Durban to begin birding Subtropical South Africa for 16 days. This part of South Africa provides a representative sample of the very best that African birding can offer. Huge numbers of bird species are seen on this leg of the tour, and we will also find a plethora of endemics, including a great number of birds restricted to the imposing Drakensberg escarpment. Apart from yielding a big bird list, this dream African experience also provides the possibility of seeing Africa's big (and small) mammals, such as lion, cheetah, leopard, elephant, rhino, giraffe, crocodile and all the others, and spectacular, diverse, scenery. Key sites we visit during this leg of the tour include Sani Pass into Lesotho, Wakkerstroom and other highland areas, temperate and subtropical forests at varying altitudes, Zululand with its mega-diversity of birds and big animals, the Kruger National Park, and many other sites.
You can join either of the two legs of this tour (12 days in the Cape or 16 days in Subtropical South Africa) if your time is limited. South Africa is a large country, and even given the full 27 days, you are likely to see only 550 of the 750 regularly-occurring bird species this wonderful country has to offer – but you will see most of the big mammals. Many of the missing birds can be seen in neighbouring Namibia, and we recommend combining this South Africa tour with an 18-day Namibia, Okavango and Victoria Falls birding adventure (September and March each year, plus private departures any time). Please note that we offer discounts for birders signing up on more than one tour.
| Duration: | 27 days |
|---|---|
| Limit: | 2-8 |
| Date : | October 5 - 31, 2012 |
| Start: | Cape Town |
| End: | Johannesburg |
| Price: | Western Cape Tour: R27,303 Single supplement R4,425, Subtropical Tour: R34,761 Single supplement R5,910 Connecting flight between Cape and Subtropical legs, additional fee, approximately R2,000, subject to change Connecting flight between Cape and Subtropical legs – R1,200 (about US$160) |
| Price Includes: | Meals, Accommodation, Entrance fees, Guiding fees, All transport while on tour |
| Price Excludes: | International flights, Personal Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities, Laundry Service, Personal expenses such as gifts |
| View more information | |
13-day Cape, Namaqualand and Kalahari Birding Adventure
This is a birding adventure in which a large number of localised southern African endemics will be encountered, and big mammals such as black-maned Kalahari Lion will be an exciting distraction to birding. We start with a couple of days around Cape Town, where a plethora of fynbos habitat endemics can be found amid some of Africa's most splendid scenery. We then drive to Springbok in northern Namaqualand. From here, we can bird the endemic-rich, beautiful desert mountains of one of the most famous flower areas on earth - Namaqualand has a huge plant diversity and its spring flower shows are an impressive sight. In addition, we can also access the desert coast just south of the Namibian border.
Then we head inland for some extremely localized birds inhabiting the region called "Bushmanland". Further inland, we bird the surroundings of the impressive "waterfall in the desert" (Augrabies Falls) and associated gorge before heading for one of Africa's great game parks – the vast Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park extending into neighbouring Botswana. This conservation area is on a par with Kruger and Etosha National Parks, and is set in one of South Africa's most remote wilderness areas wedged between Namibia and Botswana. Not only is this park inhabited by Africa's charismatic megafauna such as lion and gemsbok (oryx), but it also hosts many vibrant southern African endemic birds (Crimson-breasted Shrike, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Southern Pied Babbler, Kori Bustard and Black-faced Waxbill). This Park is a truly phenomenal place for raptors and owls – many of which can be found at their day-time roosts. We sometimes add on a trip to Kimberley, especially in winter when recently described pipits can be seen. We also have an excellent chance of seeing Aardvark there. Please note that the itinerary below is still flexible and we may opt to spend more time in Cape Town if any participants request this. Also, the itinerary may change slightly according to recent information, accommodation availability and other factors.
| Duration: | 13 days |
|---|---|
| Limit: | 4-12 |
| Date: | By request |
| Start: | Cape Town |
| End: | Cape Town |
| Price: | Approximately R28,900 depending on group size and other factors |
| Price Includes: | Meals, Accommodation, Entrance fees, Guiding fees, All transport while on tour |
| Price Excludes: | International flights, Personal Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities, Laundry Service, Personal expenses such as gifts |
| View more information | |
9-day Kruger National Park and Escarpment Birding Safari
This is a tour for those who want the ultimate African mammal safari experience while also seeing a huge diversity of birds, a disproportional number of these birds being very brightly colored, charismatic and spectacular, with some strategic Drakensberg endemics and incredibly rare raptors being thrown in.
This tour should yield elephant, lion, loads of antelope species, crocodile and all the other megafauna that sub-Saharan Africa is famous for, as well as multiple species of bee-eater, roller, kingfisher, cuckoo, hornbill, eagle (including Bateleur), vulture, owl, turaco, seed-eater, stork, and a myriad others. The Kruger National Park boasts 450 bird species! We also target the phenomenally rare Taita Falcon and Cape Parrot, Black-fronted Bush Shrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, the magnificent Blue Swallow and many other localized species occurring along the forested Great Escarpment west of the dryer Kruger National Park lowlands.
| Duration: | 9 days |
|---|---|
| Limit: | 4-12 |
| Date: | By request |
| Start: | Johannesburg |
| End: | Johannesburg |
| Price: | Approximately R21,150 depending on group size and other factors |
| Price Includes: | Meals, Accommodation, Entrance fees, Guiding fees, All transport while on tour |
| Price Excludes: | International flights, Personal Insurance, Alcoholic Beverages, Gratuities, Laundry Service, Personal expenses such as gifts |
| View more information | |
General Info
Malcolm Gemmell is an accredited tourist guide who has 22 years of birding experience in the area and has developed an intimate knowledge of the local bird population, as well as roosts, feeding areas and activities. (And sometimes nest sites.)
He has located a Blue Swallow breeding site in the district, and provides tours to this and other localities for specials such as Cape Parrot and Black-rumped Buttonquail.
Transport
Usually in our 4x4 (driver and 6 passengers) our local country roads are in good condition, and guests might prefer their own vehicles.
Extras
- Special sound enhancing equipment will be used to assist all guests particulary the sight or sound impaired
- Pick-up for guests arriving from Durban International Airport can be arranged
Tailormade Button Birding Tours
Bird tours to suit your requirement for example:
- Kwa Zulu Natal
- Kruger National Park
- Kalahari Gemsbok
- Etosha/Namibia
- Wild Coast
General Info
About 350 bird species can be seen in the Western Cape, making this region a hotspot for birdwatchers from all over the world. Fynbos endemics include Cape Siskin, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rockjumper, Protea Canary, Victorin's Warbler and Hottentot Buttonquail.
Birdwatching can be incorporated in any of the guided nature walks, any of the other trips described in this website, or as exclusive birding trips to sites such as the following:
- Rondevlei Nature Reserve
- Strandfontein Waste Water Treatment Works
- West Coast National Park
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden
- Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
- Paarl Bird Sanctuary and Mountain Reserve
- Karoo Desert National Botanical Garden
- An Overberg meander
Eden Routes Birding Safaris
Southern Africa is blessed with a great diversity of landscapes including: deserts, grasslands, mountains, forests, moist and arid savannas and the unique karoo and fynbos habitats of the southern and eastern Cape regions. Associated with these diverse habitats is close to 1000 bird species of which 150 are endemic to the sub-region, making this one of the world's premier birding destinations.
Each custom designed birding tour is personally led by Joe Grosel, a highly qualified safari guide, ecologist and ornithologist with an in-depth knowledge and experience of the entire southern African sub-region.
Top birding destinations that form part of safari itineraries include: South Africa's Kruger National Park, Zululand, the tropical Limpopo River valley, the arid Kalahari, the Cape Peninsula, Botswana's Chobe River and Okavango delta and the deserts of Namibia. Not only do these destinations provide superb birding but they also offer a great diversity of other wildlife and spectacular African landscapes.
Eden Routes prides itself on professional service and through fine attention to detail an intimate and exclusive service is offered. Traveling is done in spacious air-conditioned vehicles while comfortable accommodation is ensured through out all our safaris. Above all else, Eden Routes would love to share this wonderful region with you and guarantees each of its guests an enjoyable and informative experience.
The Birding Safari's listed and described on this web page, although focusing on birding, have been designed to provide a relaxing eco-vacation through the combination of prime bird watching, game viewing and a variety of unique African experiences.
Here are some Eden Routes birding safari itineraries
9-Day "Bushveld Birding Bonanza"
Far north-western South Africa provides rewarding birding with over 500 species on offer in a variety of interesting habitats and beautiful landscapes. (Malaria Free)
Day 1) Arrive in Johannesburg & transfer to the Pilanesberg National Park.
Day 2) Birding within the Pilanesberg Crater and visit the world famous Sun City Resort.
Day 3) Travel via the Waterberg Mountain Range to a Birding Lodge on the Limpopo River.
Day 4) A day spent exploring the Limpopo riverine forests and adjacent floodplains.
Day 5) Journey to the southern Soutpansberg mountains through arid acacia savannah.
Day 6) Leisurely birding in the afromontane forest and mountain habitats of the Soutpansberg.
Day 7) Head southwards to a private game lodge in the bushveld.
Day 8) Game viewing and bird watching from an open safari vehicle.
Day 9) Morning guided walking safari with a post lunch departure for Johannesburg.
10-Day - "Limpopo Birds & Beasts Safari"
A unique African safari within the wilderness areas of the Limpopo Province, offering a combination of exciting birding and exceptional game viewing.
Day 1) Arrive in Johannesburg & transfer to 5-star game reserve in the Waterberg.
Day 2) Birding and game viewing in the Waterberg bushveld.
Day 3) Visit to the Nylsvley floodplains en-route to overnight in the Woodbush forests.
Day 4) Day excursion into the Magoebaskloof afromontane forests and mountains.
Day 5) Travel through colourful Vendaland to Punda Maria in the Kruger National Park.
Day 6) Kruger National Park - day trip to Pafuri, one of S.A's top birding spots.
Day 7) Kruger National Park-travel to Olifants camp for superb raptor viewing.
Day 8) Kruger National Park across the central plains to Tamboti tented camp.
Day 9) Kruger National Park - day trip to the sub-tropical Sabie River.
Day 10) Depart from Kruger & return to Johannesburg via northern Drakensberg mountain range.
10-Day - "ZIMBOTSA Birding Expedition"
An unparalleled birding adventure to some of Africa's finest wilderness areas incorporating 3 Southern African countries.
Day 1) Arrive in Johannesburg - transfer to & overnight in a bushveld, Big 5 game reserve.
Day 2) Travel via the Waterberg mountain range to a birding lodge on the Limpopo River.
Day 3) Enter Botswana, traveling through Mopani shrubland to overnight near Sowa pan.
Day 4) Day trip to the impressive Makgadigadi salt pans.
Day 5) After early morning bird walk, depart for Kasane and the Chobe safari area.
Day 6) Morning spent in the Chobe National Park with afternoon cruise on the Chobe River.
Day 7) Leisurely outing to Ngoma on the Namibian border and the associated teak woodlands.
Day 8) Travel along the Zambezi River into Zimbabwe to overnight in Victoria Falls.
Day 9) A day to enjoy the sights and sounds of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.
Day 10) A final river cruise before flying back to Johannesburg.
16-Day "South African Mega Birding Tour"
Exploring diverse habitats ranging from the rugged Bushveld of the Kruger National Park to the floral splendour of the Cape Peninsula in search of the many endemic and special bird species that these regions have to offer.
Day 1) Arrive in Johannesburg & transfer to a Waterberg mountain game lodge.
Day 2) Relaxed birding within the bushveld woodlands of the Waterberg.
Day 3) Visit to the Nylsvley floodplains en-route to overnight in the Woodbush forests.
Day 4) To Olifants Camp in the Kruger National Park via Magoebaskloof afromontane forests.
Day 5) Kruger National Park - Relaxed cliff-top bird viewing from Olifants Camp.
Day 6) Kruger National Park-Across the central plains to Lower Sabie River Camp.
Day 7) Kruger National Park- Seeking out the special birds of the African plains.
Day 8) Travel to the Highveld grasslands of the Wakkerstroom region.
Day 9) Explore the endemic rich grasslands around Wakkerstroom.
Day 10) Travel to Johannesburg for flight to Cape Town-Simonstown.
Day 11) Estuarine birding in the West Coast National Park and on to Lamberts Bay.
Day 12) A touch of Karoo birding before returning to Cape Town via Paarl.
Day 13) Leisure day in Cape Town.
Day 14) Visit the Cape Point National Park & Table Mountain.
Day 15) Search the open ocean for seabirds on a Pelagic boat trip off Cape Town.
Day 16) Morning spent in the Kirstenbosch botanical gardens prior to Jhb departure in time for evening return flight to U.K.
General Info
With some 950 species of birds recorded in the region, including 150 endemics and near-endemics, Southern Africa is a birder's dream, offering incredible species diversity combined with unparalleled ease of birding.
Lawson's conduct specialised bird-watching tours in Southern Africa as well as other destinations such as Malawi and Zambia. Tours with a focus on other areas of interest such as botany, dragonflies, butterflies and photography can also be put together on request. Experienced birders and beginners alike are welcome to participate and we invite you to review our current tour schedule. If there is nothing there that is 100% suitable, contact us directly and we can put together a Tailor-made Tour for you. Or click on Tours with other operators - we are the ground operators for all the listed tours and we welcome you to participate.
Guides
All Lawson's tours are conducted by extremely able, qualified guides who have the required experience and knowledge to find the endemics, rarities and specials that will make your holiday that much more rewarding - you will want to return time and time again! Despite being highly qualified and specialists in their fields, they are also chosen for their personable, down-to-earth and ever-friendly personalities.
Contact us for more details, including costs, detailed itineraries, bird and mammal checklists.
Upcoming Birding Tours: set departures
Kruger National Park and Escarpment Birding and Wildlife Tour
1 - 9 November 2010
This is one of our favourite itineraries and includes a remarkable range of habitats and scenery within a relatively small area, with the bulk of the tour taking place within one province: Mpumalanga. The tour starts in the grassy highlands, where endemics are particularly rich, then moves to the awesome Blyde River Canyon where several major habitats converge before levelling out in the vast Kruger National Park, where things really hot up as far as birds and mammals go. Click here to download the tour dossier: Lawson's Kruger National Park and Escarpment Birding and Wildlife tour. There's also a pre-tour to the Western Cape from the 22 - 31 October, which, when combined with the Kruger tour, will provide a comprehensive South African birding and wildlife experience.
Other tours with space still left for 2010
Tour 2: The Cape Peninsula and Garden Route; 12th to 24th Sept. 2010.
Whales, Elephants and Penguins; the coastal strip between Cape Town and Port Elizabeth, including the endemic-rich Karoo.
Tour 3: Greater Kruger National Park; 4th – 14th Nov. 2010.
Birds and Big Cats; the eastern Escarpment and Greater Kruger National Park, including awesome game viewing in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve.
Our modular itineraries below, based on routes used over the last 18 years, can be combined to create a comprehensive South African birding and wildlife tour.
Escarpment and Southern Kruger National Park Voyager
From the highlands to the savannah; an experience in South Africa's incredible diversity
Dates: this tour runs throughout the year; see below for the best time to visit
Primary Areas: Dullstroom, Blyde Canyon and Southern Kruger National Park
Tour in brief
Best time to visit: September and early October are probably the best months for birding, and the rest of the summer up until March is also good. Winters are cooler, and the birding can still be good, although not quite what it can be in summer
Expected weather conditions: warm to hot in summer, possible afternoon thunderstorms. Cool to mild and dry during winter
Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus, optional mid-day breaks on non-travelling days (advisable in the hotter areas)
Accommodation standards: medium: lodges, guest houses and National Park's rest-camps
Birding in brief: excellent variety, three major habitats included, tops for endemics
Top 5 birds: Southern Bald Ibis, Denham's Bustard, Gurney's Sugarbird, African Scops Owl, Southern Ground Hornbill
Mammal viewing: excellent, especially in the Kruger National Park
Other wildlife and attractions: the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Kruger National Park
Note: The exact itinerary will depend on availability, but will still include 2 nights in Dullstroom, 1 in Blyde and 5 in the Kruger National Park.
Western Cape Voyager
Between the ocean and the mountains; a birding and wildlife adventure in the fairest Cape
Dates: this tour runs throughout the year; see below for best time to visit
Primary Areas: Cape Peninsula, Swellendam, Ceres and Langebaan
Tour in brief
Best time to visit: September is the prime month, but anywhere between mid-August and mid-October is a good time to visit. Winter is the rainy season, and long periods of cold and wet weather can be expected between May and July, while summers are hot and can be rather windy
Expected weather conditions: mild to warm / hot in summer, cool mornings and evenings away from the coast during autumn and spring, prolonged periods of rain possible anytime during the winter
Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus, optional mid-day breaks on non-travelling days
Accommodation standards: medium plus: lodges and guest houses
Birding in brief: excellent variety, forest, marine, coastal, karoo and mountain habitats covered.
Top 5 birds: Cape Rockjumper, African Penguin, Cape Sugarbird, Black Harrier, Orange-breasted Sunbird
Mammal viewing: Southern Right Whales in season (September to December); antelope species such as the endemic Bontebok, Chacma Baboon and other smaller species. No Big Five
Other wildlife and attractions: Table Mountain and the Cape Peninsula, the scenic drive between Gordon's Bay and Pringle Bay, the fold mountains of the interior, the desolate scenery of the Karoo
General Info
Natural beauty is her treasure… an awesome and mighty land… a mixing bowl of colourful people… modern cities and traditional villages. Come and meet her… the Rainbow Country.
Our South Africa division offers typical itineraries as detailed, these tours have no set departure dates, and are aimed at self organized groups and/or families.
Selfdrive Packages
We can design a tour package to suite your interests and time available, doing all your accommodation bookings and arrange for a suitable Hire vehicle for you to have a totally prepared package ready for you on arrival in Johannesburg.
You can choose a fully equipped Camping Vehicle and camp all the way, or an unequipped vehicle and stay in Lodges and permanent camps or Bed & Breakfast establishments or whatever you prefer and best suits your budget.
These itineraries can include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, Swaziland Zambia and or Zimbabwe
Guided Safaris
The following are typical tour packages we offer and these can be altered or extended to suit your preferences and preferred travel dates. We can arrange accomodation prior to and after safaris, and add-ons as required. For prices and availability please email papadi@info.bw with details of your group, eg: number of doubles, singles, children and age, preferred start and end points and dates of travel. Also the itinerary you are interested in and any variations thereto.
Our Standard Guided Safaris comprise a group of 2 to 6 Clients, for exclusive individual or larger group Safaris we will quote on request.
Kruger Park Safari - 5 days
DAY 1 - JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA
Depart for Kruger Park after breakfast. Our route passes through the Drakensburg mountains - Long Tom Pass, Sabie Town, Graskop for lunch, God's Window, Berlin Falls, Blyde River Canyon. Overnight in Hazyview (Lodge).
DAY 2, 3 & 4 - KRUGER NATIONAL PARK
The famous Kruger National Park - home to 130 mammal species and 468 bird species and covering 2 000 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 2 000 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting hectares - is our destination for the next three nights. Our stay is divided between two camps and mostly will be spent exploring the park in search of the "big five" with day and night game drives. Accommodation in Bungalows.
DAY 5 KRUGER PARK - JOHANNESBURG
Relax and enjoy the Mpumalanga scenery on your homeward journey, stopping en route for lunch. Arrive back in Johannesburg before "rush hour" at approximately 16.00 hrs.
Big 5 x 5 Safari Five days of the big five
For this tour we visit a private game reserve adjoining on the Kruger National Park. Accommodation is in comfortable, en-suite bungalows in an exclusive private camp in the Sabi Sands Concession area or the Timbavati which accommodates a maximum of 16 clients.
DAY 1 - JOHANNESBURG - MPUMALANGA
Depart for Mpumalanga after breakfast. Our scenic and historical route through Drakensburg mountains - Long Tom Pass, Sabie Town, Graskop for lunch, God's Window, Berlin Falls, Blyde River Canyon and Bourke's Luck Potholes. We overnight in a lodge near Hazyview.
DAY 2, 3 & 4 - SABI-SANDS
After a sumptuous breakfast we head for our private game lodge, arriving in time for a quick swim before lunch. We have plenty of time here in Big 5 Territory to explore it extensively on morning, afternoon and night game drives or on foot. Game drives are in open 4x4 Safari vehicles, equipped with a spotlight for night drives when we scour the bush for elusive nocturnal species.
Game walks allow us the experience of observing the smaller inhabitants of the African Bush close up or following the tracks of the larger species in pursuit of a discreet sighting. Not to forget the diverse plant and bird life that abounds in the reserve. All excursions are accompanied by a qualified ranger (armed) and his bush tracker.
DAY 5 - SABI-SANDS - JOHANNESBURG
Relax and enjoy the Mpumalanga scenery on your home- ward journey, stopping en route for lunch. Arrive back in Johannesburg before "rush hour" at approximately 16h00.
Rainbow Safari - 10 days
DAY 1 & 2 - JOHANNESBURG - DRAKENSBURG MOUNTAINS
We depart from Johannesburg after breakfast and head for a guest house in the foothills of the Drakensberg / Dragons Back mountains. For those that wish to appreciate nature firsthand. Superb mountain walks and horseback rides (own cost) can be organized through this lush paradise of rolling hills and endless vistas. Visit ancient Bushman painting sites or follow one of the meandering streams which form such an integral part of the beauty for which the Drakensburg is renowned.
DAY 3, 4 & 5 - ZULULAND COAST
We leave the mountains for the beaches of Northern Kwazulu Natal. The first day is mostly spent travelling through this verdant rolling province with its tropical climate and vegetation. We settle in to Sodwana Lodge for three nights and enjoy the next two days with a day trip to famous Kosi Bay with its traditional fish traps and phenomenal estuary reef. Other options are a beach excursion to snorkel at Mabibi, join one of the resident scuba diving clubs and explore the corral reefs in the bay, ( own cost ). Or pit your skills and strength against the mighty Marlin on a deep sea game fishing trip. (Own cost)
DAY 6 - MAPUTALAND - KRUGER PARK
Depart for Kruger Park traveling around Swaziland in keeping with the Drakensburg mountains. We travel for most of the day arriving in the south of the Kruger National Park. Accommodation in bungalows.
DAY 7 & 8 - KRUGER PARK
We travel further north in the famous Kruger National Park - home to 130 mammal species and 468 bird species and covering 2 000 000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 2 000 000 end_of_the_skype_highlighting hectares - which is ours to explore for the next two days and nights. Our stay is divided between two camps and mostly will be spent exploring the park in search of the "big five" with day and night game drives.
DAY 9 - KRUGER PARK - MPUMALANGA
After an early morning game drive, we leave the park. We take a scenic and historical route through Drakensburg mountains - J.G. Strijdom Tunnel, Bourke's Luck Potholes, God's Window, Berlin Falls, Graskop for lunch, Pilgrim's Rest, etc. Overnight in Sabi at a Guest House/Lodge.
DAY 10 - MPUMALANGA - JOHANNESBURG
Relax and enjoy the Mpumalanga scenery on your homeward journey, stopping en route for lunch. Arrive back in Johannesburg before "rush hour" at approximately 16h00.
Drakensberg Mountains Getaway - 5 days
DAY 1 - KWA-ZULU NATAL MIDLANDS & BATTLEFIELDS
Our guide will collect you from your hotel in Johannesburg or Pretoria. We head East crossing the Drakensberg (Dragons back) Mountains at van Reenens Pass where we leave the wide open farmlands of the Free State and descend upon the rolling green hills of Kwa Zulu-Natal with the Majestic escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains forming a formidable barrier along the horison to our right.
We will stop en route for a light lunch. Our destination is Bergville for our first overnight stop at Easby Guest House an old pre-war (Boer) home built by the Coventry family in 1897. It was occupied by Gen. Louis Botha during the Anglo Boer War in 1900 and has an un-interrupted view of the Drakensberg in the distance.
This afternoon you can take us on a short walk and or drive led by a specialist Battlefields guide as he explains the details of the history specific to this area and as they occurred over a hundred years ago or you can relax at the pool after a casual nature walk on the property.
This evening we enjoy a traditional, sumptuous farm style supper.
DAY 2, 3 & 4 - SPIONKOP NATURE RESERVE AND DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS
After breakfast we visit the Spionkop Nature Reserve
The Reserve hosts white rhino, giraffe, eland, red hartebeest, blue and black wildebeest and a number of smaller antelope and mammal species, as well as a variety of birds.
It is situated around the Spionkop Dam and on the side of the Spionkop Mountain which affords us some great scenery as well.
This morning you have the choice of exploring the Reserve and viewing the resident animals from the comfort of a Game drive Vehicle or alternatively on Horseback. After exploring Spionkop Reserve for a few hours we head for the stark, sheer cliffs and rocky spires of the Drakensberg Escarpment, with waterfalls, deep wooded gorges, crystal clear tumbling streams and green foothills falling away from its base. Our accommodation for the next three nights is the Three Star, Cathedral Peak Hotel situated within the Natal Drakensberg Park, a recently proclaimed UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You will have plenty of time to enjoy the many interesting activities available here such as numerous beautifull walking trails, visits to bushman painting sites, horseriding , bowls, tennis, and 9 hole Golf Course.
DAY 5 - JOHANNESBURG
You have the morning at leisure after which we head back to Johannesburg / Pretoria a 400 Km drive.
General Info
Our South African tours offer, quite simply, the best of African birding. South Africa boasts the highest total of endemic bird species of any African country. In addition, a rich seabird assemblage and large numbers of more widespread, yet no less spectacular, African birds and large mammals occur. Add to this the rich botanical heritage and scenic splendor of Africa's most varied country, fine food and wines, comfortable accommodations, first-world infrastructure and superb value for money. It's not hard to see why this is our biggest selling destination!
As South Africa is our backyard and our team of guides are some of the country's most experienced birders, we have specially designed several different tours to maximize various aspects of our magnificent country
Most popular is the combination of our two-week Eastern South Africa tour and six-day Cape Extension. Eastern South Africa offers the classic African savanna of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the teeming Zululand game reserves, the endemic-rich mist-belt forests and grasslands of the Natal Midlands and the lofty peaks of the magnificent Drakensberg. Target birds include Southern Bald Ibis, Bearded Vulture, the rare Taita Falcon, Blue and Wattled Crane, Barrow's and Blue Korhaan, Pel's Fishing Owl, Ground Woodpecker, Rudd's and Botha's Lark, the endangered Blue Swallow, Spotted Ground Thrush, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Gurney's Sugarbird and the lovely Pink-throated Twinspot. Our chances of achieving the classic 'Big Five' (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino) are excellent and less common mammals on the route include African Wild Dog, Cheetah, the endemic Black Wildebeest and even Aardvark.
The Mother City, Cape Town, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful cities, is our axis for exploring the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, the succulent Tanqua-Karoo, flower-laden West Coast and teeming offshore pelagic waters. Cape targets include the comical African Penguin, Black Harrier, Ludwig's Bustard, the elusive Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, attractive Victorin's Warbler, stunning Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper and Cape Sugarbird. The last two mentioned species belong to families entirely endemic to southern Africa. These combined tours produce up to an incredible 500 bird and 50 mammal species.
Our Cape Wildflowers and Birding tour is scheduled to take in the very best of the Fairest Cape, at a time when the Cape Fynbos biome and Namaqualand Spring flowers are at their peak. This wildflower display is one of the Mother Nature's most colorful ceremonies and a once-in-a-lifetime event that no nature-lover should miss. Whilst we are in the region, we will explore the Mother City, enjoy the breath-taking revolving cable-car trip to the top of Table Mountain, visit famous wine estates, revel at Southern Right Whales frolicking just off the coast, seek out-of-the-way endemic birds in the plains of Bushmanland and safari in the famous Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. Here the huge blond-maned Kalahari Lions hunt Gemsbok and other big game, and chances for the seldom seen Brown Hyena are better than anywhere else.
The Best of the West, Cape Town to Windhoek tour is a two-week adventure that can be taken in conjunction with our overland Namibia, Botswana & Zambia tour. Besides covering much of the same ground as our Wildflowers and Birding tour, we also include a pelagic birding trip off the Cape and the endless plains of southern Namibia and the Great Fish River Canyon, one of the world's deepest and largest gorges.
Our South African Mega-Birding Tour is the ultimate South African adventure. We visit every far-flung corner of our beautiful land and target all 146 regionally endemic bird species! From Barlow's Lark in Port Nolloth to Black-rumped (Hottentot) Buttonquail at Cape Point and Short-clawed Lark near Polokwane, we will traverse deserts, Fynbos, high mountain passes, tropical dune forests and prime Acacia savanna. In the course of this 24-day tour, we can expect to amass a huge bird list, observe scores of mammal and herp species and intimately get to know one of the world's most spectacular countries.
Tour Itineraries
- Cape to Windhoek - Best of the West - 15th to 30th September 2012 (16 days)
- Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game - 20th August to 2nd September 2012 (14 days)
- Eastern South Africa I - 5th to 18th February 2012 (14 days) & Western Cape Extension I - 18th to 23rd February 2012 (6 days)
- Eastern South Africa II - 15th to 28th July 2012 (14 days) & Western Cape Extension II- 28th July to 2nd August 2012 (6 days)
- Eastern South Africa III - 23rd September to 6th October 2012 (14 days) & Western Cape Extension III - 6th to 11th October 2012 (6 days)
- Eastern South Africa IV - 19th October to 1st November 2012 (14 days) & Western Cape Extension IV - 1st to 6th November 2012 (6 days)
- Eastern South Africa V - 1st to 14th December 2012 (14 days) & Western Cape Extension V - 14th to 19th December 2012 (6 days)
- Eastern South Africa V - 3rd to 16th December 2011 (14 days) & Cape Extension V - 16th to 21st December 2011 (6 days)
- Mega Birding Tour - 6th to 29th October 2012 (24 days)
Birding Tours plus options in South Africa
We specialize in small personalized tours and safaris to South Africa and Southern Africa including birding tours, Wildlife Safaris, local African Culture, White Water Rafting (seasonal), adventure activities, rhino tracking, launch cruises, Drakensberg mountains and many combinations of the above.
Southern Africa, and especially South Africa is one of the most diverse areas in the World and is home to an immense variety of flora and fauna. We are therefore privileged to be able to offer you the opportunity to explore the many numerous National parks, game reserves, both public and private and experience an African Safari under our expert guidance.
Allen Hallett of Leopard Track Safaris would be delighted to put together your own specially tailored birding tour to South and Southern Africa with the possibility of incorporating the Cape Wine Route, Cape Town, The Garden Route through to the stunning destinations of Zululand, Zulu Culture, Hluhluawe/Imfolozi Game Reserve and St Lucia Wetland Park (Isimangaliso) a proclaimed World Heritage Site. The unique opportunity to stay in an authentic Zulu Village and experience their day to day life with traditional dancing, story telling, culture and very different way of life.
The amazing Kruger National Park, that is World famous for superb game viewing of large herds of elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and so many more, including Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Wild dog, Hyena and numerous other small members of the cat family. Come and Enjoy the unique opportunity of staying in one of the many African style lodges to suite all tastes and budgets.
Victoria Falls is considered one of the "must sees" on a trip to Southern Africa and this can be incorporated into a fantastic Safari to the endless true wilderness areas that is Botswana, from semi-desert through to the lush waterways of the Okavango Delta that is home to large groups of Hippo, crocodile and a vast variety of flora and fauna that occur naturally in this vast wilderness.
With us you can start planning your Birding Plus Options Wild Wings Tours that are specifically designed to incorporate world famous specially chosen birding destinations and some of the many other activities that we have to offer. Allen would be delighted to put together a "tailor made" birding safari in South Africa to suite your individual requirements.
View more information.Following is a list of our most popular Birding Plus tours: