10 Day South African Birding Tour

Wakkerstroom

Distance

30 km (19 mi)

Itinerary

6 am - 11 am and 3 pm to Sunset

We start our day early and travel to the wetland area to spot water birds like the yellow-billed duck, African Spoonbill, and black-winged stilt. We return to our accommodation for a late breakfast before visiting the local grassland areas, where we could spot the blue crane, grey crowned crane, secretary bird, and southern bald ibis. Some of the rarest birds in the area that could be ticked off on this day include the endemics listed under day one, the blue korhaan, yellow-throated sandgrouse, and Cape Vulture.

Some time is then devoted to lunch and relaxation before traveling to the nearby Ntsikeni Nature Reserve to spot, amongst others, the southern ground hornbill, tawny eagle, and African fish eagle, arguably the bird with the most haunting call. Following the day's birding adventure, we briefly explore Wakkerstroom before returning to the overnight accommodation.

uMkuze Game Reserve

Distance

80 km (50 mi)

Itinerary

Sunrise to 10 am and 3 pm to Sunset

These days are devoted to morning and afternoon birding and game drive excursions in uMkuze Game Reserve. Over 420 bird species have been documented in the reserve, making it one of South Africa's finest birding destinations. The reserve boasts several habitats, including wetlands, woodlands, grassland, sand, and riverine forest. The region is explored on both drives and stationary bird spotting from several hides located in the reserve, including Fig Tree, KuMasinga, Kwamalibala, Kamasinga, and Mantuma.

Notable bird species include purple-crested turaco, narina trogon, little bea-eater, bateleur eagle, and the grey headed bush shrike uMkuze is home to the Big Five and an abundance of plains game and other mammal species. The high concentration of black and white rhinos is notable. These days of wilderness interaction, birding, and game viewing in one of South Africa's unique wilderness areas will be a highlight of your South African Birding Tour.

Swaziland / Kruger National Park

Distance

184 km (114 mi)

Itinerary

8 am to 2 pm

Breakfast overlooking the Ezulwini Valley is followed by a drive via Mbabane, the Swazi Capital, to the South African border with Swaziland at Jeppes Reef. After taking care of formalities, the tour enters South Africa, and shortly after that, we stop at Matsamo Cultural Village for an immersive experience of the traditions and customs of the Swazi people. During the visit, guests can visit a traditional homestead and get an explanation of roles and responsibilities, as well as a cattle herding demonstration. The highlight of the visit is sure to be the energetic dance performance.

A drive of around forty minutes then leads to the Malelaan gate of the Kruger National Park, from where a short game drive is conducted en route to the overnight destination of Berg en Dal Camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing, admiring the view of the surrounding wilderness, or spending time at Matjulu Waterhole's lookout point - sure to be rewarded by viewing numerous animals and birds.

Departure

Distance

449 km (279 mi)

Itinerary

Sunrise to 1 pm

Your last morning game drive is devoted to finding the few more elusive animals you haven’t yet seen. Often, some of the best safari sightings occur on the very last drive! Later you’ll travel to Johannesburg via the National N4 highway. Guests are dropped off at any location in Johannesburg or Pretoria after a South African birding adventure that should be painted in memory.