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ALSO: See information on Tailor-made Tours Eastern South Africa - The classic 12 Day ItineraryIntroduction Eastern South Africa offers a great diversity of habitats, all of which can be accessed at very "birder-friendly" destinations. 400 species are achievable in two weeks, which will include over 65 regional endemics (species only occurring in Southern Africa) Our standard 12 day tour of Eastern South Africa, takes in the sub-tropical Zululand coastal plain, the high Drakensburg Mountains, pristine highland grassland, a sample of arid northwestern woodlands and afro-temperate forests. We will also visit mammal-rich savannahs. The Itinerary is designed to as many endemic and near endemic birds as is possible in twelve days. It also includes spectacular scenery, excellent opportunities for mammal watching and a taste of the cultural diversity of South Africa. The itinerary can easily be modified for two weeks or 18 days, through the addition of more sites, longer stays at key sites or additional destinations. In combination with an 8 day trip to the Western Cape and Karoo regions, this makes a perfect introduction to the regions birds. Itinerary Summary
After being met by your guide at Johannesburg International Airport you will proceed north of Pretoria. This first stop will allow participants to relax after a long flight, but also takes you into a area of staggering bird diversity right away. The arid woodlands along the Pienaars River floodplain have affinities with "thornveld" habitats in Botswana and part of Zimbabwe. Over 300 bird species occur within 20 miles of our accommodation. The suite of species is totally different from that in the more subtropical, lower-lying areas we will visit later, and include exciting regional endemics such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler and Shaft-tailed Whydah. Day 2 - Rust de Winter to MemelEarly morning birding on a private cattle ranch will complete our birding in this fantastic area, and you return to brunch with close to 100 species in the bag. After brunch at the lodge, we take the drive southwards to Memel, three hours drive south of Johannesburg. Memel is very similar to it's better known sister town of Wakkerstroom, and offers all the same specials. We arrive in the afternoon, in time for some birding in the Seekoievlei wetland which holds African Marsh Harrier, African Snipe and Purple Gallinule. You may also see Southern Bald Ibis and Grey Crowned Crane.Day 3 - Memel Memel is fast becoming is a mecca for grassland endemics, most of which are endangered species. We spend a full day in the Memel area, and our aim will be to see all of Yellow-breasted Pipit, Blue Korhaan, Southern Bald Ibis, Rudd's Lark, Botha's Lark, Eastern Longbilled Lark, Grey Crowned and Blue Crane. Day 4 - Memel to UnderbergAfter morning birding in the Memel area, we travel further south to Underberg. This is the gateway to the Drakensburg Mountains, which offer a host of endemics and are an essential component of any birding trip to the region. Day 5 - Sani Pass Day Trip (including Lesotho)The full-day trip up Sani Pass is often the highlight of our tours, with stupendous scenery, spectacula cranes, bustards and raptors on offer, as well as a host of endemics. The trip will be conducted in 4X4 vehicles and the birds will change as one ascends the pass. Key target birds include Wattled Crane, Denham's Bustard, Bush Blackap, Buff-streaked Chat, Gurney's Sugarbird and Ground Woodpecker, Drakensberg Siskin and Drakensberg Rockjumper. Once over the summit of the pass, we pass through the Lesotho Border post and onto a montane steppe. Vegetation is sub-alpine heath and start birds include Sentinel Rock, African Rock Pipit and Mountain Pipit.Day 6 - Xumeni Forest to Eshowe Xumeni is a cool mist-belt forest, inhabited by the highly endangered Cape Parrot, and other forest specials such as Orange Ground Thrush. This superb forest is dominated by huge Yellow-wood trees. Common forest birds include Yellow-throated Warbler, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckoo Shrike, Forest Canary and Rameron Pigeon.After a packed breakfast we drive through to Eshowe (4 hours) The drive will takes us via Durban, and the north coast. Day 7 - Eshowe - St Lucia Wetland ParkIn Eshowe the focus will be on the sub-tropical Dhlinza Forests, which offer a completely different suite of forest birds from those we have already seen, including the rare Spotted Thrush, which is Eshowe's most sought after bird, as well as Narina Trogon, Delegorgue's Pigeon, Green Coucal and Green Twinspot. Our trip northwards takes in a superb sub-tropical pan, where Lesser Jacana, Pygmy Goose, Little Bittern as well as Blackbacked Cisticola, Redheaded Quelea and Brown-throated Golden Weaver may be seen.Our evening destination is the St Lucia Wetland Park, and we stay in the village close to this world Heritage Site. Day 8 - St Lucia Wetland ParkThe St Lucia Wetland Park offers a complex mosaic of coastal, estuarine, lakeside, swamp, forest and woodland habitats. An early morning walk in the unique coastal sand forest will focus on species unique to this habitat such as Woodward's Batis and the splendid Livingstone's Turaco. We may also see a host of other forest and woodland species such as Green Coucal, , Brown Scrub-Robin Narina Trogon, Eastern Nicator, Rudd's Apalis and a host of weavers and sunbirds.A drive into the Eastern shores section of the park, offers the best chance for Southern-Banded Snake Eagle, and once too we may encounter Pygmy Geese, Saddlebilled Stork, or if we are lucky, Pink-throated Longclaw or Rufous-bellied Heron. Day 9 - St Lucia Wetland Park - MkhuzeAfter another early morning birding/walk drive, we leave the St Lucia area, and travel northwards, to Mkhuze Game Reserve. We will arrive there in time for some birding around the Mantuma Camp. Mkhuze is regarded by many as the best birding locality in Southern Africa and we will spend 3 nights here - even this will seem like too short a time for this wonderful area, with it's swamp forest, riverine forest, subtropical pans and open savannah.Day 10 & 11 Mkhuze Game Reserve A key focus will be the Empulwana Sand Forest where Rudd's Apalis, Pink-throated Twinspot and Neergaard's Sunbird - three Maputaland Coastal specials occur. In addition, African Broadbill, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush Shrike and many others are found here too. Two excellent hides are situated in this sand forest, and these always provide several magical hours - with fantastic close up views of African mammals and birds.Two days will hardly seem enough to explore the Riverine Forests, floodplains and open savannahs, and we expect to see a host of Vultures, Eagles, Storks and many other species. The Fig Forest along the Mkhuze River is a magical area, and this requires that we participate in an official guided walk. (included in the price)Day 12 - Mkhuze to Johannesburg International After a morning session of birding, we embark on the drive to Johannesburg to catch your flight home.En route we will run through the list, and depending on season and your own energy levels, this may well be close to 400 species. PRICE (based on two people sharing): ZAR 17,900.00 per personTo enquire about specific dates and prices for larger groups, please use our ENQUIRY FORM For more information on our tours, see our TOUR INFORMATION PAGE. ALSO: See information on Tailor-made Tours |
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