Our western South Africa Cape extensions, combined with our eastern South Africa tours, can produce up to an incredible 500 bird and 50 mammal species, including many South African endemics and near-endemics. Commencing in Cape Town, widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities, we set out to explore the breathtaking Cape Peninsula, the succulent Tanqua Karoo, West Coast National Park and teeming pelagic waters. Cape targets include the comical African Penguin, Black Harrier, Ludwig’s Bustard, elusive Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, attractive Victorin’s Warbler, Karoo Lark, stunning Orange-breasted and Southern Double-collared Sunbirds, Cape Sugarbird, Protea, Cape and Forest Canaries, Cape Siskin, Cape Bulbul and Cape Rockjumper, the last belonging to a family that is endemic to southern Africa. Regional endemics could include Rufous-eared Warbler, Southern Boubou, Cape Batis, Cape Grassbird, Karoo Prinia, Karoo Eremomela, Cape Weaver, Fiscal Flycatcher, Namaqua Warbler, Cape Spurfowl and Olive Thrush. An unforgettable experience is definitely a pelagic trip out to sea from Cape Town, whereby finding a fishing vessel could produce literally thousands of birds in its wake. Indian and Atlantic Yellow-nosed, Black-browed and Shy Albatrosses, Cape and White-chinned Petrels, Southern and Northern Giant Petrels and Cape Gannet are regularly encountered.

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

Tour Facts

Top Birds

Cape Rockjumper; Cape Sugarbird; Cape Bulbul; Cape Siskin; Protea, Forest, Cape & Black-headed Canaries; Orange-breasted, Malachite & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds; African Penguin; African Oystercatcher; Crowned, Bank & Cape Cormorants; Hartlaub’s Gull; Black Harrier; Southern Black & Karoo Korhaans; Ludwig’s Bustard; Cape Spurfowl; Bokmakierie; Victorin’s, Namaqua, Rufous-eared, Cinnamon-breasted & Layard’s Warblers; Karoo Eremomela; Cape Penduline Tit; White-backed Mousebird; Karoo & Tractrac Chats; Karoo Scrub Robin; Southern Boubou; Fiscal & Fairy Flycatchers; Cape Batis; Cape Grassbird; Karoo Lark; Grey Tit; Grey-winged Francolin; Karoo & Olive Thrushes; South African Shelduck; Cape Shoveler; Indian & Atlantic Yellow-nosed, Black-browed & Shy Albatrosses; Southern & Northern Giant Petrels; Cape & White-chinned Petrels; Cape Gannet.

Top Mammals

Afro-Australian Fur Seal; Southern Right Whale; Common Eland; Blesbok (Bontebok); (Cape) Mountain Zebra; Hartebeest; Cape Grey Mongoose; Klipspringer; Springbok; Steenbok; Cape Grysbok (rare); Grey Rhebok; Chacma Baboon; Rock Hyrax; Meerkat.

Habitats Covered

Mountains, semi-desert, fynbos, coastal and pelagic waters, wetlands

Expected Climate

Subtropical with occasional rain, can be cold in winter

Max Group Size

6 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

Moderate. Suitable for all birding / wildlife interest levels and most mobility capabilities. Can be a little tiring due to travel distances.

Accommodation

Good to comfortable.

Ease of Birding

Undemanding, most species provide good visuals. A small number of scarce/rare species.

Number of Species Expected

+-200

Other Attractions

Tanqua-Karoo, Table Mountain, Cape Peninsula, great food & wine

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good.

What our clients say about us

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.

JM - South Africa 2024

Great tour with amazing birds to see. Greg and Ward did a terrific job of finding the birds and making sure we saw everything. Kruger National Park was spectacular and we had unbelievable views of the animals. Loved the safari vehicle through the park and would recommend using it on future tours. The van was good as we all had window seats. Unfortunately there were issues with opening a couple of the windows along with electrical issues with the refrigerator and charging units at each seat but the guides adjusted to the situation as needed to make the experience a good one. The trip had a lot of time inside the van and sighting/seeing birds from the van. I would have liked more walking maybe on the roads when possible but I understand we were trying to see as many birds as possible. Overall a remarkable trip lead by professional, experienced guides and a great group of birders made this trip memorable.

MH & AH, South Africa 2022

Our group of six was very lucky to have Julian Parsons and Musa as our tour guide and driver! Excellent knowledge of birds, biomes, and local culture and politics. Also both had a great sense of humor and they were adaptable to our group's moods: the perfect match for our group! We would recommend both of them for any future tours! Bottom line, a very memorable trip with lots of great memories. Thanks to all.

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.

RO, South Africa 2022

Julian was an excellent tour leader and bird guide. I would happily travel with him again.

South Africa - Cape Extension V 2024 - October 2024

South Africa - Eastern V 2024 - October 2024

South Africa - Cape Extension IV 2024 - October 2024

South Africa - Eastern IV 2024 - September 2024

South Africa - West 2024 - September 2024

South Africa - Allen (Cisticola Ref) 2024 - August 2024

South Africa (Cape & Kruger) - Kidwell - June 2024

South Africa - Kovich 2024 - June 2024

South Africa - Cape & Kruger I 2024 - June 2024

South Africa - Bletsch 2024 - March 2024

South Africa - Rallid Quest (Small Group) 2024 - February 2024

South Africa - Williamson Wild Dog ext (RWT) 2024 - February 2024

South Africa - Frederick 2024 - February 2024

South Africa - Cape Extension I 2024 - January 2024

South Africa - Eastern I 2024 - January 2024

South Africa - Kruger Extension I 2023 - November 2023

South Africa - Mega Birding Tour I 2023 - November 2023

South Africa - Ball Karoo 2023 - October 2023

South Africa - Eastern VI 2023 - October 2023

South Africa - Cape Extension V 2023 - October 2023

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