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South Africa is world-renowned for its incredible biological diversity, and nowhere is this more poignant than in the north-east of the country. Within a day's drive one can go from cool 2000 metre-plus grasslands to hot, sub-tropical savannah at no more than 250 metres above sea level, with much in the way of transitional habitats in between. This wonderful, compact itinerary is designed to make the most of this diversity while at the same time avoiding long journeys between stops and allowing enough time to enjoy the various accommodation venues. For the birder and wildlife enthusiast this translates into a superb range of species to be seen and is the ideal introduction to the region's avifauna and wildlife in general.The highlands are an endemics hot-spot, and notable species to be seen include Bokmakierie, Gurney's Sugarbird, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Drakensberg Prinia, Cape Grassbird, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Buff-Streaked and Ant-eating Chats, among others. Descending in altitude, the tour explores some montane forest habitat, the cliffs and gorges of the Blyde River Canyon, third largest canyon in the world, before levelling out in the Kruger National Park, where birds and beasts abound. Here daily lists of well over 100 species are to be expected, and sightings of big mammals such as Lion, Elephant and White Rhinoceros add substantially to the appeal. After the Kruger National Park comes the highlight of the tour; two nights at a lodge in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where some of Africa's best game viewing is to be had. All in all this is a fantastic way to be introduced to some of South Africa's scenery, birds, animals and wildlife in general. |
Please enquire for single supplements. Price includes: 9 nights accommodation on a breakfast and dinner basis, (lunches are also included at the lodge in Sabi Sands), entrance fees, ground transport, bottled water in our vehicle whilst travelling, Kruger Park conservation fees, personalised bird & mammal checklists and private specialist guide. Price excludes: Flights to and from Johannesburg, airport transfers on day 10, some meals, personal expenditure, alcoholic beverages, phone calls. |
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Best time to visit: game viewing is at its best during the dry months, from June to October, but any time of the year will provide a rewarding experience. Bird viewing is best in our summer months but good birding can still be had in our winter months. Expected weather conditions: warm to very hot, possible afternoon thunderstorms. Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus, optional mid-day breaks on non-travelling days (advisable in the hotter areas). Accommodation standards: medium to high: lodges, guest houses and National Park rest-camps. Birding in brief: excellent variety, three major habitats included, tops for endemics. Top 5 birds: Southern Bald Ibis, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Gurney's Sugarbird, African Scops Owl, Southern Ground Hornbill. Bird lists of 270 species and upwards can be expected, with 300+ being possible. Mammal viewing: excellent, especially in the Kruger National Park and Sabi Sand Game Reserve, where Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Cape Buffalo, White Rhino, Giraffe, Zebra etc can be seen. Thirty plus mammal species to be expected. Other wildlife and attractions: the Drakensberg Escarpment and the vast scenic beauty of the Kruger National Park. Things to bring: Binoculars, spotting scope if you have one, camera, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, comfortable closed walking shoes, sandals for time spent in camp, windbreaker and fleece in case of cool weather, long trousers, insect repellent and malarial prophylactics (consult your doctor or GP), medications and other personal items. The recommended bird book is the Sasol Birds of Southern Africa 3rd Edition, Hockey, Sinclair and Tarboton, Struik Publishers.
Click here for a full, printable itinerary |
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