South Africa | pibird

Birding (and Wildlife) in Eastern South Africa

"143 endemics, near endemics and African specialities make a great trip for the world bird watcher and wildlife lover."

Trip Description

Brief Itinerary

The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga on South Africa’s eastern seaboard boast some of the country’s finest birding and exceptional mammal viewing. An impressive 750 plus species of birds occur in the region, reflecting the wonderful natural diversity of the area. South Africa's modern infrastructure supports productive birding throughout the region. This trip then covers the classic African savanna of the world-renowned Kruger National Park, the teeming Zululand game reserves, the endemic-rich mist-belt forests of the Natal Midlands and the lofty peaks of the magnificent Drakensberg. This tour of Eastern South Africa offers the very best of African bird watching and wildlife viewing.

In addition, the trip can be expanded to include the Western Cape. Those who decide to do the Western Cape Extension will be treated to a feast of endemics and the remarkable beauty of the South Western Cape. Cape Town, widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, will be our base for the first three nights of the extension. From here we will range out to explore the varied ecosystems conveniently accessible from our comfortable accommodations.

We will then make our way up the West Coast where we will explore the dry country riches of the Tanqua Karoo to round off this unbeatable South African adventure.

Day 1: Arrival to Johannesburg and then to Rust-De-Winter area, including birding the bushveld of Zaagkuildrift Road and the wetlands nearby the Kgomo-Kgomo Village

Day 2: Rust-De-Winter birding in AM; then key birding sites on way to Kruger National Park

Day 3 and 4: Kruger National Park for birding and wildlife watching (Big 5 African wildlife and more)

Day 5: AM birding near camp at Kruger National Park, then a short drive to grasslands and Wakkerstroom Marshes

Day 6: Wakkerstroom Grasslands and More: Birding (Blue Crane and more) and wildlife watching (Meerkats and more) in various habitats

Day 7: Wakkerstroom to Mkuze area

Day 8: Mkuze: Birding (and wildlife watching) in various habitats including savanna, forest, and wetlands

Day 9: Mkuze area to Saint Lucia

Day 10: Saint Lucia in early AM; then a nearly full day of birding and wildlife watching at the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve

Day 11: Dlinza Forest birding

Day 12: Birdwatching Various Key Spots in Transit from Hilton to Underberg: Including Karkloof Forest and Mountain Range; then Richmond, Hilton to Underberg, Umkomaas River Valley, and mist belt forest