Best of East South Africa Birding with Nature Travel Birding

After meeting in Johannesburg, travel north through the Highveld towards the cool Afromontane forests of Magoebaskloof, one of South Africa's premier forest birding destinations. If time allows, enjoy an introductory birding stop at Zaagkuilsdrift, where acacia woodland and bushveld habitats offer opportunities for Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Southern Pied Babbler, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Marico Flycatcher and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver. Continue into the forested escarpment, where an afternoon walk around the lodge and forest edge targets Cape Parrot (E), Knysna Turaco (E), Chorister Robin-Chat (E), Green Twinspot, White-starred Robin, Lemon Dove and Sombre Greenbul. As dusk settles over the forest, listen for the distinctive call of African Wood Owl before settling in for the night.

Spend a full day exploring the magnificent indigenous forests of Magoebaskloof and the renowned Woodbush Forest Reserve, one of South Africa's finest Afromontane birding destinations. Forest trails, clearings and canopy viewpoints provide excellent opportunities to search for Cape Parrot (E), Knysna Turaco (E), Narina Trogon, Orange Ground Thrush, Black-fronted Bushshrike, Olive Bushshrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, White-starred Robin, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Scaly-throated Honeyguide and Olive Woodpecker. Keep an eye on the skies for Crowned Eagle, African Goshawk,and Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk. During the afternoon, travel towards the Polokwane plateau, where acacia savanna, open grassland and bushveld habitats offer opportunities for Short-clawed Lark, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Cape Penduline Tit, Black-chested Prinia, Barred Wren-Warbler, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Violet-eared Waxbill and Kalahari Scrub Robin.

After breakfast, descend from the forested escarpment into the vast Lowveld, travelling through Tzaneen and Hoedspruit before entering the world-renowned Kruger National Park via Orpen Gate. Short birding stops along the route showcase the transition from cool mountain forests to warm savanna habitats. An afternoon game drive through the wildlife-rich plains around Satara offers outstanding opportunities to encounter Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Buffalo, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Blue Wildebeest, Warthog and a variety of antelope. The open savannas are equally rewarding for birding, with key targets including Southern Ground Hornbill, Kori Bustard, Secretarybird, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Saddle-billed Stork, Brown-headed Parrot, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Purple-crested Turaco, White-crowned Lapwing and both Red-billed and Yellow-billed Oxpeckers. Arrive at Satara Rest Camp in the late afternoon, where excellent birding around camp provides a fitting end to an unforgettable day in one of Africa's greatest wildlife sanctuaries.

Set out at first light for a full day exploring the renowned route between Satara and Skukuza, one of Kruger National Park's most rewarding birding and wildlife regions. Breakfast and lunch are enjoyed at scenic picnic sites and rest camps while searching the park's diverse mix of open savanna, broad-leaved woodland, riverine forest and wetlands. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with opportunities to encounter Lion, Elephant, Giraffe, Black Rhinoceros, Lichtenstein's Hartebeest and a wide variety of antelope. The changing habitats support an impressive diversity of birds, including Southern Ground Hornbill, Secretarybird, Kori Bustard, Common Ostrich, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Burchell's Coucal, Chinspot Batis, Green-capped Eremomela, Sabota Lark, Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark, Bennett's Woodpecker and Burchell's Starling. Arrive at Skukuza Rest Camp in the late afternoon, where the mature riverine woodland around the Sabie River offers further opportunities to find African Green Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill and Grey-headed Bushshrike before enjoying another evening in the heart of the African bush.

Spend a full day exploring the diverse habitats around Skukuza, one of Kruger National Park's premier birding regions. Begin with an early walk around camp, where the Sabie River, mature riverine woodland and reed-fringed banks attract African Green Pigeon, Trumpeter Hornbill, Purple-crested Turaco, African Paradise Flycatcher, Grey Tit-flycatcher, Hamerkop and African Black Duck. Depending on recent sightings, continue towards Lower Sabie or explore the renowned Doispane Road, stopping at picnic sites and rest camps along the way. A visit to Lake Panic Bird Hide offers exceptional opportunities for Giant Kingfisher, African Jacana, Malachite Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher, Saddle-billed Stork, Goliath Heron, Black Crake and Little Heron, while Hippopotamus, Nile Crocodile and the occasional Leopard add to the spectacle. The surrounding riparian woodland provides further chances for Gorgeous Bushshrike, Retz's Helmetshrike, Black Cuckooshrike, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Bearded Woodpecker and Southern Black Tit. Return to Skukuza in the evening, with the option of joining a guided night drive to search for African Civet, African Wildcat, White-tailed Mongoose, Side-striped Jackal, Spotted Eagle-Owl, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, African Scops Owl and Fiery-necked Nightjar.

Enjoy a leisurely game drive through the southern reaches of Kruger National Park as you travel towards Berg-en-Dal, exploring a rich mosaic of open savanna, rocky hills, woodland and seasonal streams. The changing habitats provide excellent opportunities to encounter White Rhinoceros, Leopard, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Greater Kudu, Giraffe and, with luck, African Wild Dog or Honey Badger. Birding is equally rewarding, with key targets including Lizard Buzzard, Striped Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Grey Penduline Tit, Red-headed Weaver, Mocking Cliff Chat, Bushveld Pipit, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Stierling's Wren-Warbler, Pale Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow. After lunch, explore the Rhino Trail and the wooded surroundings of Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, where Brown-headed Parrot, Trumpeter Hornbill, Black-collared Barbet, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, White-browed Robin-Chat and Purple-banded Sunbird are regularly recorded. End the day overlooking the camp's waterhole before enjoying another memorable evening in the heart of Kruger National Park.

Depart Kruger National Park after breakfast and travel through an ever-changing landscape as the warm Lowveld gives way to the rolling high-altitude grasslands, wetlands and farmland surrounding Wakkerstroom, one of South Africa's premier birding destinations. Carefully selected birding stops along the route provide opportunities for South African Cliff Swallow, while the open grasslands hold iconic species such as Southern Bald Ibis (E), Blue Crane and Grey Crowned Crane. Arrive in Wakkerstroom during the afternoon and explore its renowned wetlands, where reedbeds and shallow marshes offer excellent birding for African Rail, Little Rush Warbler, Lesser Swamp Warbler, African Swamphen, Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, African Snipe, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck and Southern Red Bishop. This remarkable transition from savanna to montane grassland introduces an entirely new birding experience before settling into a comfortable guesthouse for the evening.

Spend a full day exploring the spectacular high-altitude grasslands, rocky hills and pristine wetlands that make Wakkerstroom one of South Africa's most celebrated birding destinations. An early start is dedicated to searching for the region's renowned grassland endemics, including Yellow-breasted Pipit (E), Eastern Long-billed Lark (E), Blue Korhaan (E), Grey-winged Francolin (E), Bush Blackcap (E), Drakensberg Prinia (E), Buff-streaked Chat (E), Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) and African Rock Pipit (E). Open grasslands and farmland also provide opportunities for Southern Bald Ibis (E), Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, White-bellied Bustard, Denham's Bustard, Quailfinch and Jackal Buzzard. During the afternoon, explore the area's productive wetlands, where reedbeds and shallow vleis attract Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard, Little Bittern, African Snipe, Little Grebe, Black-crowned Night Heron and Yellow-billed Egret, while African Clawless Otter is a rewarding possibility. This exceptional combination of intact grassland and wetland habitats makes Wakkerstroom one of the finest birding locations in southern Africa.

After a final morning of birding in the wetlands around Wakkerstroom, travel east into the subtropical landscapes of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The journey showcases a remarkable transition from high-altitude grasslands to bushveld, sand forest, riverine woodland, pans and wetlands before arriving at uMkhuze Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier birding destinations and part of the greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, enjoy birding stops as the changing habitats reveal an ever-increasing diversity of species. The rich mosaic of ecosystems around uMkhuze supports outstanding bird-life and exceptional wildlife viewing, with opportunities to encounter African Elephant, Lion, Leopard, African Wild Dog, Suni, Red Duiker and other iconic mammals. Wetlands, hides and waterholes promise excellent birding and set the stage for an unforgettable exploration of one of Zululand's richest biodiversity hotspots.

Spend a full day exploring the exceptional diversity of uMkhuze Game Reserve and the surrounding iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where acacia savanna, sand forest, riverine woodland, grassland, pans and seasonal wetlands create one of South Africa's finest birding destinations. Explore woodland roads, waterholes and well-positioned hides while searching for regional specialities including African Broadbill, Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd's Apalis, Eastern Nicator, Purple-banded Sunbird, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, African Pygmy Kingfisher and Broad-billed Roller. Raptors and larger waterbirds such as Crowned Eagle, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, Goliath Heron and Yellow-billed Stork are among the many highlights. Between birding sessions, enjoy excellent wildlife viewing with opportunities to encounter White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, African Buffalo, Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Plains Zebra, Nyala, Greater Kudu and, with luck, Leopard, Lion, African Wild Dog, Spotted Hyaena or the elusive Suni.

After breakfast, travel to the coastal town of St Lucia, gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park UNESCO World Heritage Site. Birding begins at the well-known reedbeds near the town entrance, where Southern Brown-throated Weaver and Eastern Golden Weaver are key targets before continuing to the estuary and surrounding wetlands. Explore a remarkable mix of coastal forest, estuarine mudflats, reedbeds and sandy shores, searching for African Oystercatcher, Chestnut-banded Plover, Pied Avocet, Grey Plover, Ruff, Ruddy Turnstone and a seasonal variety of terns, including Caspian, Swift, Sandwich, Common and Little Tern. Larger waterbirds such as Great White Pelican, Pink-backed Pelican, Lesser Flamingo, Yellow-billed Stork and Woolly-necked Stork are regular highlights. The surrounding coastal forests provide opportunities for Livingstone's Turaco, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Woodward's Batis (E), Rudd's Apalis, Green Twinspot, White-eared Barbet, Grey Sunbird and Black-bellied Starling, while reed-fringed wetlands may reveal Little Rush Warbler and Lesser Swamp Warbler. End the day with dinner in St Lucia after exploring one of Africa's most diverse coastal birding destinations.

After breakfast, enjoy a final morning of birding around St Lucia before traveling south along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. If time permits, stop at Mtunzini, where coastal forest, estuarine habitat and dune forest provide one of South Africa's best opportunities to find Palm-nut Vulture, together with African Fish Eagle, Mangrove Kingfisher, Trumpeter Hornbill and a variety of coastal species. Continue inland to the historic town of Eshowe and spend the afternoon exploring the renowned Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve. This magnificent coastal scarp forest, accessed via well-maintained walking trails and a raised canopy boardwalk, is home to some of KwaZulu-Natal's most sought-after forest birds. Key targets include Spotted Ground Thrush, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Narina Trogon, Green Twinspot, Olive Woodpecker, Crowned Eagle, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Hornbill, Terrestrial Brownbul, Lemon Dove, Dark-backed Weaver and Olive Sunbird. After a rewarding afternoon in one of South Africa's finest indigenous forests, continue to your accommodation in Eshowe for the evening.

After an early breakfast, explore the magnificent Ongoye Forest, one of South Africa's last remaining tracts of coastal scarp forest and the only location in southern Africa where the highly sought-after Green Barbet can be found, while nearby grasslands and rocky slopes may produce Striped Pipit. Continue to the Zululand coastal plain around Mtunzini, where a combination of wetlands, farmland and coastal forest offers outstanding birding for Palm-nut Vulture, Black Coucal, Rufous-winged Cisticola, African Pygmy Goose and Red-headed Quelea. If time permits, visit Umlalazi Nature Reserve, where estuarine habitats and dune forest provide opportunities for Green Malkoha, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Black-bellied Starling, Grey Sunbird, Green Twinspot and Woolly-necked Stork. Return to Eshowe in the late afternoon, with the option of a final visit to Dlinza Forest before enjoying a farewell dinner celebrating an unforgettable birding journey through eastern South Africa.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Eshowe before departing for King Shaka International Airport near Durban. The scenic drive through the rolling hills and coastal landscapes of Zululand provides a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable birding journey across eastern South Africa's diverse habitats, from misty Afromontane forests and iconic savannas to high-altitude grasslands, wetlands and coastal scarp forests. Airport drop-off marks the end of the tour, with optional extensions to the Drakensberg and Sani Pass, Cape Town or other destinations in southern Africa available on request.