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South Africa - Mega Birding Tour (Small Group)

© Bokmakierie by Adam Riley
South Africa - Mega Birding Tour (Small Group) I 2026

30 Oct 2026 - 20 Nov 2026 (22 days)

ZAR119,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR119,950 * USD6,413 * GBP5,114 * EUR6,171 * AUD10,297

Single Supplement: ZAR8,500 * USD454 * GBP362 * EUR437 * AUD730

Can be linked with: South Africa - Kruger Extension (Small Group) I 2026

South Africa - Mega Birding Tour (Small Group) II 2026

22 Nov 2026 - 13 Dec 2026 (22 days)

ZAR119,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR119,950 * USD6,413 * GBP5,114 * EUR6,171 * AUD10,297

Single Supplement: ZAR8,500 * USD454 * GBP362 * EUR437 * AUD730

Can be linked with: South Africa - Kruger Extension (Small Group) II 2026

South Africa has the highest number of endemic and near-endemic bird species of any country on the African continent. Some of these special birds such as Drakensberg Rockjumper and Blue Crane – are beautiful and charismatic; while others, including the Cinnamon-breasted and Knysna Warblers are less striking but range-restricted. To boot, South Africa is also home to two very impressive endemic families, the striking Rockjumpers and Sugarbirds.

The focus of this 22-day endemics mega-birding tour is to see as many of these South African endemic, breeding endemic and near-endemic species as possible. Every single one of the 99 birds falling into this category as well as most of the 78 species falling into the category of endemic or near-endemic to the southern African sub-region are targeted during the tour. Furthermore, we will seek out many other special and sought-after African species; and, in the course of this tour, we have the potential to rack up a very impressive bird list in terms of species numbers, rarities and great sightings. Mammals will likewise form a major focus of our attention, and we can expect to also find an incredible diversity of reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife. We invite you to join us on this exciting celebration of our endemic treasures during this ultimate South African mega-birding adventure!

Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.

Top Birds

African Penguin, Blue and Wattled Cranes, Ludwig’s and Denham’s Bustards, Blue, Southern Black and Karoo Korhaans, African Oystercatcher, Crowned, Cape and Bank Cormorants, Cape and Natal Spurfowls, Southern Bald Ibis, Cape Vulture, Black Harrier, Cape & Drakensberg Rockjumpers, Cape & Gurney’s Sugarbirds, Bush Blackcap, Ground Woodpecker, Rudd’s (very rare), Botha’s (very rare), Short-clawed, Red, Sclater’s, Cape Long-billed & Barlow’s Larks, African Rock & Yellow-breasted Pipits, Cape Longclaw, Knysna, Purple-crested & Livingstone’s Turacos, Cape Parrot, Gorgeous, Black-fronted & Olive Bushshrikes, Bokmakierie, Victorin’s, Namaqua, Cinnamon-breasted, and Layard’s Warblers, Fairy Flycatcher, Karoo Eremomela, Cape and Grey Penduline Tits, White-backed Mousebird, Spotted & Orange Ground Thrushes, Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrushes, Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s Batis, Karoo & Brown Scrub Robins, Karoo & Buff-streaked Chats, Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s, Orange-breasted & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, Cape & Drakensberg Siskins, Protea, Cape, Forest & Black-headed Canaries.

Top Mammals

Black & White Rhinoceroses, Southern African Hedgehog, Meerkat, Black Wildebeest, Nyala, Cape Grysbok, Aardvark, Aardwolf, Springhare, Common Eland, Bat-eared Fox, Blesbok (Bontebok), Grey Rhebok, Klipspringer, Springbok, African Wild Dog, Cheetah

Habitats Covered

dune and mist-belt forest, acacia savanna, high elevation and coastal grasslands, mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal waters, wetlands

Expected Climate

subtropical conditions with occasional rain, cooler in the highlands and the Cape

Max Group Size

5 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

DIFFICULT: This is a high-intensity “mega” tour designed for passionate listers and serious birders who enjoy a fast-paced schedule. Due to its demanding nature, it’s not recommended for avid photographers, inexperienced birders, or anyone with mobility or health limitations.

Demanding & tiring tour. Designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. Not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced birders; or anyone with mobility or health challenges. Our Mega tours are very fast-paced birding adventures designed for the dedicated lister and serious birder. The focus of the tour is to see as many of the endemics and area specials as possible in our given time. In order to cover the necessary route to maximise the species list we tend to spend a single night at most sites and travel large distances. There is very little down time aside from that spent driving from one site to the next. These tours are not suitable for dedicated or avid photographers; inexperienced or new birders; as well as anyone with serious mobility or health challenges.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Very targeted birding. Several tricky endemic species, though most birding is in open habitat with limited forest birding.

Number of Species Expected

500 - 550

Other Attractions

Cape Peninsula, Sani Pass, Lake St. Lucia, Zululand game reserves, good food & wine, remote and seldom visited areas, spectacular scenery

Photographic Opportunities

Good, but limited due to time.

What our clients say about us

Keith Valentine
PN & PN, South Africa - Birds & Wine 2018

This was a wonderful tour...with something for everyone. The fun just never stopped! Keith Valentine's passion for wine, food, creatures; be they avian, mammal, or reptile, combined for his deep knowledge of all, and his love of the outdoors shows in everything he does!

Daniel Danckwerts
SR, South Africa 2019

This tour was fantastic-it exceeded all expectations in every aspect. The country is beautiful and it was shown to us in a way I will never forget - the plants, birds, mammals landscapes, insects and people. One of the most rounded lifetime experiences I have had. And now for the guide. Daniel was one of the best (if not the best) guide I’ve ever had. He has incredible birding skills-we missed nothing! His natural science knowledge is vast, especially for his age-it shows his love of nature and willingness to share it. He was very good with us as a group-able to joke around with everyone and meet individual needs. He adapted to all situations smoothly and with great confidence. His driving skills were superb-in the 13 000 km we traveled, not once did I think he made a dangerous or even slightly aggressive move. His choice of lodges and restaurants was great-we didn't lose any weight on the trip! I would travel with him anytime and will seek out destinations where I know he is the guide. Thanks Rockjumper for a wonderful trip.

Keith Valentine
SD, South Africa 2018

I deeply appreciate that Keith Valentine worked hard to find the endemics and warblers that I had expressed an interest in.

David Hoddinott
DS - South Africa 2021

The tour was expertly led by David Hoddinott, who was attentive to the clients and exceptionally knowledgeable. He ensured everyone had seen each species of bird encountered. The weather took a turn, but David was keen to stick out as long as it was safe to give us the best chance of maximising our species. Highly recommended.

Gregory de Klerk
JS, Best of South Africa: Cape & Kruger I 2016

Greg de Klerk was one of the best guides I've had – EVER. Excellent with bird ID, calls and habitat. And probably just as important in a group setting, VERY good with people, fun, friendly and left no one out. I have heard good things about Rockjumper Tours for years and now I see why. Keep up the good work.

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