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South Africa - Eastern (Small Group)

© Drakensberg Rockjumper by Adam Riley
South Africa - Eastern (Small Group) I 2026

09 Jan 2026 - 23 Jan 2026 (15 days)

ZAR89,950 - No Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,835 * GBP3,858 * EUR4,648 * AUD7,755

Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD403 * GBP322 * EUR388 * AUD647

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

South Africa - Eastern (Small Group) II 2026

30 Jan 2026 - 13 Feb 2026 (15 days)

ZAR89,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Ryan Tyrer

Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,835 * GBP3,858 * EUR4,648 * AUD7,755

Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD403 * GBP322 * EUR388 * AUD647

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

South Africa - Eastern (Small Group) III 2026

20 Feb 2026 - 06 Mar 2026 (15 days)

ZAR89,950 - 1 Space Available

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Tour Leader: James Wade Lee

Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,835 * GBP3,858 * EUR4,648 * AUD7,755

Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD403 * GBP322 * EUR388 * AUD647

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension (Small Group) III 2026

South Africa - Eastern (Small Group) IV 2026

04 Sep 2026 - 18 Sep 2026 (15 days)

ZAR89,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Gregory de Klerk

Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,835 * GBP3,858 * EUR4,648 * AUD7,755

Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD403 * GBP322 * EUR388 * AUD647

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension (Small Group) IV 2026

South Africa - Eastern (Small Group) V 2026

09 Oct 2026 - 23 Oct 2026 (15 days)

ZAR89,950 - Spaces Available

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Tour Leader: Julian Parsons

Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,835 * GBP3,858 * EUR4,648 * AUD7,755

Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD403 * GBP322 * EUR388 * AUD647

Can be linked with: South Africa - Cape Extension (Small Group) V 2026

The provinces of KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga on South Africa’s eastern seaboard boast some of the country’s finest birding as well as exceptional mammal viewing. An impressive 750+ bird species occur within the region, reflecting the incredible natural diversity of the area; and this, coupled with a modern infrastructure well suited to the needs of the modern traveller, makes birding here an absolute delight. From the classic African savanna of the world-renowned Kruger National Park and the teeming Zululand game reserves to 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 southern African birding and game viewing!

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

Top Birds

Blue, Wattled & Grey Crowned Cranes; Denham’s Bustard; Blue Korhaan; Southern Bald Ibis; Drakensberg Rockjumper; Gurney’s Sugarbird; Bush Blackcap; Ground, Bennett's & Olive Woodpeckers; Knysna, Purple-crested & Livingstone’s Turacos; Chorister Robin-Chat; Drakensberg & Karoo Prinias; Grey Tit; Karoo & Olive Thrushes; Fairy Flycatcher; Layard's & Chestnut-vented Warblers; Cape Parrot; Narina Trogon; Gorgeous & Olive Bushshrikes; Spotted & Orange Ground Thrushes; Cape & Sentinel Rock Thrushes; Rudd’s Apalis; Woodward’s & Cape Batises; Grey Waxbill; Brown & Bearded Scrub Robins; Buff-streaked & Sickle-winged Chats; Pink-throated Twinspot; Neergaard’s, Scarlet-chested & Southern Double-collared Sunbirds; Green Malkoha; Half-collared & Giant Kingfishers; Little & White-fronted Bee-eaters; Southern Boubou; Cape & Forest Canaries; Cape, Spectacled & Southern Brown-throated Weavers; Yellow-breasted Pipit.

Top Mammals

Lion; Leopard; African Elephant; African Buffalo; Black & White Rhinoceroses; Meerkat, African Wild Dog; Black Wildebeest; Nyala; Cheetah; Southern Giraffe; Greater Kudu; Plains Zebra; Common Warthog; Common Eland; Sloggett’s Vlei Rat; Common Hippopotamus.

Habitats Covered

Dune and mist-belt forest, acacia savanna, high elevation and coastal grasslands, mountains, wetlands

Expected Climate

Subtropical with chances for occasional rain, warm to hot in Kruger and Zululand, cooler in highlands, can be cold in winter

Max Group Size

5 with 1 Rockjumper leader

Tour Pace & Walking

MODERATE TO CHALLENGING: This tour requires a good level of fitness, stamina, and overall health. It’s best suited for experienced birders who are comfortable with a more active itinerary. Please note that it may not be ideal for avid photographers, new birders, or those with mobility or health concerns.

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

320 - 380 (400 - 450 with extension)

Other Attractions

Kruger National Park, Sani Pass and Drakensberg Mountains, dramatic scenery, Zulu culture, Indian Ocean, iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Photographic Opportunities

Good to very good. Some hides, mostly for mammal photography.

What our clients say about us

Gregory de Klerk
MM, Eastern South Africa X 2016

Having been a guide myself in Australia from time to time, I genuinely appreciated the time and effort Greg dedicated to preparing for each day of the tour; where possible, there was an alternative site or activity if ever bird sightings or weather did not go exactly to plan. Greg acted with great professionalism throughout the tour and looked after himself well so he could look after us while on the road and in the bush... For me, the bottom line is: Greg is an excellent birder and a bloody good guide, and, an absolute gem of a bloke. I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed my time on the tour.

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.

Gregory de Klerk
CS - South Africa

We‘ve had a fantastic time in Cape Town so far, please express our gratitude to Greg again as well for the great time we had with him.

Glen Valentine
CA - South Africa 2021

I am still absorbing the wonderful trip that I took to South Africa. It was amazing. the guides, Glen Valentine and Riaan Botha were absolutely wonderful. They not only knew their birds and mammals, but they both had wonderful people skills. from the moment they showed up until they departed, I felt safe. They took good care of us, seeing to our basic needs, preparing us for the day's birds and itinerary.

Julian Parsons
MW, South Africa

Julian did an outstanding job leading the tour. I understand he is a new guide w/ Rockjumper, but it seemed like he had years of experience. His birding skills were superb, as expected. His knowledge of all the obscure larks and LBJs was very impressive. Importantly, he handled logistics very well, managed client expectations and personalities superbly, and was always cheerful and kept things positive. I've got to give a nod to the driver as well, he was a joy to be around. Always cheerful (regardless of tire problems in the Karoo) and willing to jimmy the vehicle around so everyone gets a good look. A definite asset to the tour. I understand these trips run smoothly because of all the support back at the office. Thanks to everyone involved. All of my communications pre-tour were handled promptly and professionally. The whole Rockjumper team were a real pleasure to work with. Can't wait to do it again!

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