Another of our new Relaxed tours takes us to the key endemic birding sites of KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, and the Western Cape. 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. Our tour winds its way from the high-altitude grasslands around Wakkerstroom, endemic-rich mist-belt forests of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, lofty peaks of the magnificent Drakensberg, and the remarkably beautiful south-western Cape.
Please note: these prices are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations.
Southern Bald Ibis; Blue Korhaan; Denham’s Bustard; Botha’s, Cape Clapper, Karoo, Agulhas Long-billed & Rudd’s Larks; Ground Woodpecker; Buff-streaked, Tractrac, Sickle-winged & Karoo Chats; Yellow-breasted & Mountain Pipits; Amur Falcon; Gurney’s & Cape Sugarbirds; Drakensberg & Cape Rockjumpers; Drakensberg & Cape Siskins; Cape Parrot; Blue Swallow; Knysna Turaco; Grey Crowned, Blue & Wattled Cranes; Cape Bulbul; African Penguin; Orange-breasted Sunbird; Protea Canary; Karoo Eremomela; Rufous-eared, Namaqua, Victorin’s & Cinnamon-breasted Warblers; Southern Tchagra; Knysna Woodpecker.
Blesbuck; Bontebok; Yellow Mongoose; Meerkat; Black Wildebeest; Oribi; Mountain Zebra; Common Eland; Chacma Baboon;
highveld grassland, montane forest, grasslands, rivers, wetlands, mountains, semi-desert, fynbos
subtropical with occasional rain (mostly late afternoon thundershowers)
6 with 1 Rockjumper leader
our Relaxed series of tours are designed to focus on having an enjoyable holiday with a bird and wildlife focus. Where possible; we have reduced or removed long drives, single night stays and poor/rustic accommodation. We have also sought to reduce or remove difficult hikes, narrow/muddy trails and otherwise oppressive environmental conditions. Early starts and night birding are mostly optional, and we will not spend much time searching for difficult and/or skulking species. These tours are not suitable for hardcore birders and listers, or dedicated photographers.
good to very comfortable
easy to moderate
Sani Pass, Drakensberg Mountains, Lesotho, Table Mountain.
good to very good
Greg and Wade were both amazing in their depth of knowledge of all things South African! They made sure we all got on the birds and described in detail what we should be looking for. Accommodations were lovely (Kruger a little less so, but ok). The Safari was the highlight of the trip. All in all I’d definitely recommend this tour.
Andre Bernon was excellent at sharing his expertise and assisting even the most novice birder (me). We couldn't have asked for a better professional. And he was so personable, considerate and had a great sense of humor.
As an experienced world traveller and birder, I must say that the Eastern South Africa and Cape Extension III tours went beyond my already high expectations. All in all, we saw nearly 540 bird species, plus many mammals, including the "Big Five". Our guide, Andre Bernon, really made an effort for us all to see each and every species, and was also very knowledgeable about reptiles, mammals, South African history etc. An excellent guide!
Our leader, Andre Bernon, was very good and very knowledgeable, he was also good with general South African knowledge, which was a good thing.
We were very happy to have Heinz Ortmann as our guide. He operated the tour very skilfully in every way and with flexibility when needed to try to get all possible targets. We were also very positively surprised that he had such a great knowledge about mammals, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians beside the birds. Since we also are very interested in all these groups, this was a most welcome bonus. A great tour that we will remember for a long time. We would be very happy doing another private trip with Heinz as our guide.
02 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 (17 days)
ZAR89,950 - 4 Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Julian Parsons
Tour price (Per person): ZAR89,950 * USD4,937 * GBP3,901 * EUR4,547 * AUD7,410
Single Supplement: ZAR7,500 * USD412 * GBP325 * EUR379 * AUD618
Flight costs: ZAR1,800 * USD99 * GBP78 * EUR91 * AUD148
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