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3-Day Tankwa Karoo Birding Tour

Cross into the Tankwa Karoo for three days of dry-country birding around Sutherland, Middelpos, Gannaga Pass and the national park.

  • South Africa Show on map
  • 3 days
  • Group 1-8 people
  • Difficulty: moderate
  • Price on request
  • Dates on request
  • Private tour
  • Pace: Moderate
  • Language: English
  • City: Cape Town
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3-Day Tankwa Karoo Birding Tour
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About this tour

A 04:00 departure begins the long journey from the Cape toward the Tankwa Karoo. Breakfast at historic Matjiesfontein breaks the drive before birding stops continue through Sutherland and Middelpos to Gannaga Lodge.

Sunrise on the second day is spent along Gannaga Pass and in the succulent Karoo landscape of Tankwa Karoo National Park. The schedule returns to the lodge for breakfast and a midday break, then resumes with an afternoon drive outside the park.

The final journey back to Cape Town leaves room for missed dry-country targets and photography stops. Two nights are based at Gannaga Lodge with breakfast and dinner; current dates, price and remaining inclusions are supplied on request.

Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to South Africa.

Birds you can spot

Black-eared Sparrow-Lark
Black-eared Sparrow-Lark
Eremopterix australis
target
Black-headed Canary
Black-headed Canary
Serinus alario
target
Cinnamon-breasted Warbler
Cinnamon-breasted Warbler
Euryptila subcinnamomea
target
Dusky Sunbird
Dusky Sunbird
Cinnyris fuscus
target
Fairy Flycatcher
Fairy Flycatcher
Stenostira scita
target
Grey-winged Francolin
Grey-winged Francolin
Scleroptila africanus
target
Karoo Chat
Karoo Chat
Emarginata schlegelii
target
Karoo Eremomela
Karoo Eremomela
Eremomela gregalis
target
Karoo Korhaan
Karoo Korhaan
Eupodotis vigorsii
target
Karoo Long-billed Lark
Karoo Long-billed Lark
Certhilauda subcoronata
target
Lark-like Bunting
Lark-like Bunting
Emberiza impetuani
target
Mountain Chat
Mountain Chat
Myrmecocichla monticola
target
Namaqua Warbler
Namaqua Warbler
Phragmacia substriata
target
Pale-winged Starling
Pale-winged Starling
Onychognathus nabouroup
target
Pririt Batis
Pririt Batis
Batis pririt
target
Rufous-eared Warbler
Rufous-eared Warbler
Malcorus pectoralis
target
Spike-heeled Lark
Spike-heeled Lark
Chersomanes albofasciata
target
Yellow-bellied Eremomela
Yellow-bellied Eremomela
Eremomela icteropygialis
target

Itinerary

Day 1
Matjiesfontein, Sutherland and Gannaga Lodge
Tankwa Karoo birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
Depart accommodation or home at 04:00 for the approximately six-hour route into the Karoo. Stop for breakfast at Matjiesfontein, continue north through Sutherland with birding toward Middelpos, and reach Gannaga Lodge for the next two nights. Bird the lodge grounds if arrival time permits.
Day 2
Gannaga Pass and Tankwa Karoo National Park
Tankwa Karoo birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
Start at sunrise on the one-way Gannaga Pass, then explore Tankwa Karoo National Park through the morning. Return to Gannaga Lodge for breakfast and a midday break; resume birding later beyond the park boundary. Breakfast and dinner are included at the lodge.
Day 3
Missed targets and return to Cape Town
Tankwa Karoo birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
After breakfast, travel back to Cape Town at an unhurried pace. Use roadside stops for missed larks, Karoo Korhaan, eremomelas and any species for which another observation or photograph is wanted.

Locations & map

  • Tankwa Karoo birding circuit - Swartland and Tankwa Karoo South Africa (Arid Karoo, dry scrub, rocky slopes, plains and semi-desert habitats.)

Availability & pricing

Availability: Available on request · Season: Custom dates; best timing will be confirmed after enquiry

Price: Price on request

Included

  • Professional bird guide - Guided birding support; final details to be confirmed.

Not included

  • Final travel costs - Flights, insurance and unconfirmed third-party costs are not included unless agreed with the organizer.

Transport & stays

  • Road transfers and guided birding stops Transport details are confirmed during enquiry handling based on route, party size and dates. | Meet: Cape Town accommodation or agreed route meeting point, to be confirmed | Pickup: Pickup arrangements on request

Policies & FAQ

Can this tour be customized?

Yes. This itinerary can be customized around target birds, budget and time frame. Confirm preferred dates, pace and priorities when sending an enquiry.

Send inquiry

Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.

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