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3-Day Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop Birding Tour

Follow a three-day Western Cape route from the Breede River and Grootvadersbosch forest to the open landscapes of De Hoop Nature Reserve.

  • 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: George
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3-Day Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop Birding Tour
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About this tour

Leave Cape Town for three contrasting days in the southern Western Cape. The journey first reaches Swellendam and the Breede River before continuing to Honeywood Farm and an afternoon among the forest birds of Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve.

A dedicated morning in Grootvadersbosch concentrates on localized forest species, then the route crosses toward De Hoop with roadside birding and, when timing permits, the Malgas ferry. De Hoop changes the setting to fynbos, open country and Indian Ocean viewpoints.

The final day also offers reserve wildlife and a dusk search for Fiery-necked Nightjar. A Cape Vulture colony visit is a separate reserve-guided activity at additional cost. Current dates, price and the confirmed service package are provided on request.

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

Birds you can spot

Acacia Pied Barbet
Acacia Pied Barbet
Tricholaema leucomelas
target
African Dusky Flycatcher
African Dusky Flycatcher
Muscicapa adusta
target
Agulhas Long-billed Lark
Agulhas Long-billed Lark
Certhilauda brevirostris
target
Bar-throated Apalis
Bar-throated Apalis
Apalis thoracica
target
Black Cuckooshrike
Black Cuckooshrike
Campephaga flava
target
Black Saw-wing
Black Saw-wing
Psalidoprocne pristoptera
target
Cape Clapper Lark
Cape Clapper Lark
Mirafra apiata
target
Cape Siskin
Cape Siskin
Crithagra totta
target
Cape Vulture
Cape Vulture
Gyps coprotheres
target
Fiery-necked Nightjar
Fiery-necked Nightjar
Caprimulgus pectoralis
target
Forest Canary
Forest Canary
Crithagra scotops
target
Fork-tailed Drongo
Fork-tailed Drongo
Dicrurus adsimilis
target
Giant Kingfisher
Giant Kingfisher
Megaceryle maxima
target
Greater Double-collared Sunbird
Greater Double-collared Sunbird
Cinnyris afer
target
Greater Honeyguide
Greater Honeyguide
Indicator indicator
target
Knysna Warbler
Knysna Warbler
Bradypterus sylvaticus
target
Knysna Woodpecker
Knysna Woodpecker
Campethera notata
target
Lark-like Bunting
Lark-like Bunting
Emberiza impetuani
target
Lesser Honeyguide
Lesser Honeyguide
Indicator minor
target
Narina Trogon
Narina Trogon
Apaloderma narina
target
Neddicky
Neddicky
Cisticola fulvicapilla
target
Olive Bushshrike
Olive Bushshrike
Chlorophoneus olivaceus
target
Olive Woodpecker
Olive Woodpecker
Dendropicos griseocephalus
target
Red-chested Cuckoo
Red-chested Cuckoo
Cuculus solitarius
target
Secretarybird
Secretarybird
Sagittarius serpentarius
target
Sombre Greenbul
Sombre Greenbul
Andropadus importunus
target
Southern Boubou
Southern Boubou
Laniarius ferrugineus
target
Southern Tchagra
Southern Tchagra
Tchagra tchagra
target
Swee Waxbill
Swee Waxbill
Coccopygia melanotis
target
Victorin's Warbler
Victorin's Warbler
Cryptillas victorini
target
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler
Phylloscopus ruficapilla
target

Itinerary

Day 1
Breede River and Grootvadersbosch forest
Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
Depart Cape Town at 06:00 and travel to Swellendam for birding beside the Breede River. After brunch and check-in at Honeywood Farm, continue the short distance to Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve for late-afternoon forest birding. Overnight at Honeywood Farm Cottages.
Day 2
Forest specialties and transfer to De Hoop
Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
Use the morning in Grootvadersbosch for Forest Canary, Knysna and Olive Woodpeckers, Cape Siskin, woodland warblers, honeyguides and other forest birds. Leave around 11:00 for De Hoop; the journey may use the R322 and Malgas ferry, with roadside stops, or a shorter route if timing requires. Overnight at De Hoop Collection.
Day 3
De Hoop birds, wildlife and nightjar search
Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop birding circuit
Mixed birding habitats
Explore De Hoop Nature Reserve for fynbos and open-country birds alongside Bontebok, Common Eland and Cape Mountain Zebra. Scan the Indian Ocean viewpoint for seasonal Southern Right Whales, then continue after dusk for Fiery-necked Nightjar. A reserve-guided Cape Vulture colony visit is optional and costs extra.

Locations & map

  • Grootvadersbosch and De Hoop birding circuit - Swellendam, Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve and De Hoop Nature Reserve South Africa (Forest, fynbos, farmland, coastal reserve and open-country 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: Swellendam, George or accommodation in the region, 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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