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An unforgettable birding trip through North-East South Africa

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This journey is the perfect blend for true birding enthusiasts. Over the course of 15 days, we'll explore the vast and varied landscapes and habitats of South Africa in search for birds experiencing some of the country's richest biodiversity hotspots. 

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Our route traverses a stunning variety of ecosystems, each with its own character and species. We begin in the semi-arid bushveld of Zaagkuilsdrift, where the dry thornveld teems with birdlife. From there, we ascend into the misty montane forests of Magoebaskloof, home to a wealth of forest specialists. The journey continues into the lowveld savannas of Kruger, where classis safari experience await - with a impressive diversity of birds, big 5, Giraffes and more.

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Heading south, we reach the highland grasslands around Wakkerstroom, a renowned hotspot for rare and range-restricted bird species. We then descent into the lush coastal forest and wetlands of Kwazulu-Natal, an area rich in tropical biodiversity and unique endemics. Finally, the trip culminates - literally and figuratively - at high altitude: via the breathtaking Sani pass, we'll climb into the rugged Drakenberg Mountains, with a brief visit into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho.

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Through out the trip, we aim to observe a wide variety of species from South Africa's impressive checklist of over 850 bird species. But it's not just about the birds: larger game, rare reptiles, amphibians and unforgettable landscapes will all feature prominently.

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Day 1 - Johannesburg to Zaagkuilsdrift

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We begin our journey in Rietvlei nature reserve, a small but rewarding protected area situated between Johannesburg and Pretoria. This is an excellent place to look for species that we're unlikely to encounter later in the trip, such as Northern Black Korhaan and Orange River Francolin. Other possibilitis here include Black-chested Snake Eagle, Orange-breasted Waxbill, and in the summer months, the elusive Cockoofinch.

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From here, we head straight to our first main birding destination: the legendary Zaagkuilsdrift road. This 20-kilometer stretch of gravel road winds through prime acacia bushveld, offering some of the best birding for dryland species in South Africa. Since many of these species reach their easternmost range limit here, we'll treated to a mix of typical bushveld and Karoo birds.

Around our lodge and along the road, we'll be on the lookout for stunning species like Cromson-breasted Shrike, Southern Pied Babbler, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Scaly-feathered Finch, Great Sparrow and both Violet-eared and Black-faced Waxbills.

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At the far end of the road lies the Kgomo Kgomo plains, a broad seasonal floodplain that can fill with water in the wet season. This creates rich habitat for herons, storks, ducks and specialities like Black Heron, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Meyer's Parrot and (in summer) Black-winged Pratincole.

Our final stretch of the day takes us alond the so called 'Crake road'. During the rainy season puddles form on the road, drawing in elusive species like Dwarf Bittern, African Crake, and occasionally even the sought after Striped Crake.

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Day 2 Zaagkuilsdrift to Magoebaskloof

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We begin the day exploring the trails and bird hides around our lodge. The peaceful bushveld setting gives us a great chance to enjoy morning birding and possibly catch up on any species we missed yesterday.

After breakfast, we'll head back along Crake road and visi Kgomo Kgomo plain if needed. Then we retrace our route along Zaagkuilsdrift road, continuing our birding en route before joining the highway northward.

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Midday brings a birding stop at the Polokwane Bird Sanctuary, a small but diverse reserve that offers a good chance for summer migrants like Olive-tree Warbler, Icterine Warbler and Great Reed Warbler. The reserve is also known for hosting all three of South Africa's Indigobird species and the wetlands often attract waders, crakes and - if we are lucky - the beautiful Greater Painted Snipe.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in the charming village of Heanertsburg nestled on the edge of the Magoebaskloof.

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Day 3 Magoebaskloof to Blyde River Canyon

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A early start of the day, as we meeting up with a local birdguide for a full day of exploration in the montane forests of Woodbush Forest, widely considered one of the finest forest birding locations in South Africa.

Our morning starts at the forest edge, where open grassland and thickets host species like Drakensberg Prinia, Southern Yellowe Bishop and the ever chatty Cape Grassbird. As we step into the misty forest interior, the character of our birding shofts. Here, the undergrowth an mid-story vegetation become home to elusive specialities such as Green Twinspot, Swee Waxbill and Red-backed Mannikin.

Deeper into the heart of the forest, we'll be on the lookout for iconic species like the striking Knysna Turaco, the vibrant Black-fronted Bushshrike and the secretive Orange Ground Thrush. One of the day's major highlights is the chance to see the endangered Cape Parrot. a species whose intire global population is restricted to a handful of mistbelt forests like these. We'll also keep watch overhead for the powerful Crowned Eagle, a top forest predator that often soars above the canopy searching for monkeys.

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After a morning filled with forest treasures, we descend toward Tzaneen, stopping at a few key locations along the way. These sides often host a range of lowland and edge species such as Magpie Mannikin, Blue-spotted Wood Dove and Grey-rumped Swallow. If we're lucky, we may even catch sight of the rare and enigmatic Bat Hawk, a twilight specialist known for its acrobatic pursuit of airborne prey.

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By later afternoon, we'll arrive at our lodge perched on the rim of the breathtaking Olifants River. In the garden, we have chance of seeing species like African Goshawk, Purple-crested Turaco and Trumpeter Hornbill. Towards the evening, nocturnal animals like Wood Owl and Thick-tailed Bushbaby appear. With a bit of luck, during the wintermonths, the rare Pel's Fishing Owl brings the lodge a visit. 

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Day 4 Blyde River Canyon 

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We rise early to begin our search for one of the most sought after species of the trip: the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl. This mysterious and rarely seen nocturnal hunter relies on large rivers with healthy fish populations and fewer than 50 pairs are thought to remain in all of South Africa. 

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After our search for the owl it's time to explore the Blyde River canyon, the thirth largest canyon in the world and the largest that is vegetated throughout. We'll follow a shaded trail along a small stream that provide excellent habitat for species like Half-collared Kingfisher, Mountain Wagtail, Striped Pipit and the delightful African Paradise Kingfisher. The hainting call of the Narina Trogon might echo from the dense canopy, while Lemon Doves scurry quietly across the forest floor. Overhead Crowned Eagles may once again make an appearance, soaring high on the thermals.

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We'll enjoy lunch at a tranquil spot along the riverbank, surrounded by birdsong and the gentle sound of flowing water. This is a good spot for the secretive African Finfoot and if we are lucky even Cape Clawless Otter might appear, hunting for some fish. 

The afternoon allows us to have some welcome downtime - you may choose to relax at the lodge, enjoy a peaceful birding walk or simply take in the stunning views. This moment of calm is the perfect lead-in to the wild excitement of Kruger National Park, which awaits us tomorrow.

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Day 5 Blyde River Canyon to Kruger National Park

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Today we drive towards the famous Kruger National Park - a crown jewel of African wildlife conservation - where we add a touch of safari to our birdwatching. We aim to reach the Orpen gate as early as possible to maximize our time in the park. Upon entering, the true safari experience begins. Towering Elephants, herds of Impalas and the towering silhouettes of Giraffes may greet us whitin minutes. And of course we begin our quest for Africa's iconic big five: Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo and Rhinoceros.

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Kruger is more than just big game, though it's also a birders paradise. We'll turn our attention to South Africa's prestigious big six birds: Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture, Saddle-billed Stork, Southern Ground Hornbill and Pel's Fishing Owl. Each of these species is a standout in its own right - powerful and rare. 

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We'll spend the rest of the day game and birdwatching en route to our rest camp, where wild sounds of the African bush will accompany us into the evening.

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Day 6 Kruger National Park

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We start the morning with a peaceful walk around the camp, taking advantage of the quieter hours while others queue at the gate. Camps in Kruger are excellent birding spots in their own right. Whitin the fenced area, we'll find birds surprisingly relaxed around people - offering great views of woodpeckers, hornbills, kingfishers, starling, doves and other bushveld regulars.

Later in the morning, once the traffic thins out, we'll head deeper into the park. One highlight today is a visit to Lake Panic, one of Kruger's best know hides. Overlooking a serene waterhole fringed with reeds and surrounding trees, the hide is bustling with life during the day. We can expect Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, Water Thick-knee, African Fish Eagle and several herons and weavers.

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The rest of the day will be a rolling safari through the park's stunning landscapes. We'll search for striking species such as Secretarybird, Common Ostrich, Bateleur and the Verreaux's Eagle Owl, Africa's biggest owl. Other possibilities include Brown-headed Parrot, Purple Roller, African Green Pigeon and both White-headed and Lappet-faced Vulture. 

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For those who are keen on nocturnal creatures, there's an optional night drive for an experience under the African stars possible. These guided safaris offer a chance to see secretive animals such as genets, civets, nightjars, Spotted Hyena and Leopard.

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Day 7 Kruger National Park to Wakkerstroom

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We begin the day with a final early morning birding drive inside the Kruger, savoring a last few hours with its iconic wildlife and rich avifauna. Around mid morning, we'll exit park via the Malelane gate, leaving the lowveld begind as we make our way toward the hig-altitude grasslands of Wakkerstroom, located at over 2000 meters above sea level

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En route, we'll break the journey with a lunch stop and perhaps some shopping. The scenery gradually transforms as we ascent, eventually giving way to sweeping highland grasslands - a completely different biome with its own suite of exciting species.

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The last strech of the drive takes us aloing a 50-kilometer gravel road winding through this expansive upland habitat. Here, we'll keep our eyes peeled for Ant-eating Chat, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Blue Korhaan, African Quailfinch, Grey-crowned Crane, Denham's Bustard and both Pallid and Montagu's Harriers quartering low over the fields. Meerkats and Yellow Mongoose are often spotted here too, sunning themselves neer their burrows.

As we are near Wakkerstroom, we'll stop at a local wetland, where we set up our scoops to scan for a wild range of waterfowl. Possible sightings include African Swamphen, Black Crake, Swamp Warbler, Purple Heron and - whit some patience and luck - the shy Red-chested Flufftail. Both otter species occur in the area and are regular seen during trips.

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Day 8 Wakkerstroom

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Today we're joined by a local birding expert to help us unlock the secrets of Wakkerstroom's rich and specialized birdlife. We begin in the wet grasslands just outside town, where we'll once again target the elusive Red-chested Fluffatil, as well as other early morning specialists like African Marsh Harrier gliding over the reeds. 

From there, we venture into the higher altitude grasslands, home to some of South Africa's most sought-after endemic grassland birds. We'll be scanning carefully for Yellow-breasted Pipit, Denham's Bustard, Eastern Long-billed Lark and the striking Jackal Buzzard.

On top of our wishlist are two of South Africa's rarest birds: Rudd's Lark and Botha's Lark. Both species are critically endangered, with small and declining populations limited to very specific grassland patches. If conditions are favorable and the timing is right, we may have a chance to onserve one - or both - of these remarkable endemics.

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In the afternoon we'll explore more of the area's open grasslands. visiting a known site for White-bellied Bustard. During the day, we'll also on the lookout for Southern Bald Ibis, which often forage in groups across the landschape or fly overhead. This striking bird breeds on cliffs and mountain escarpments in the region.

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Wakkerstroom's quiet charm and highland birding makes it a true higlight of the trip - an essential stop for those seeking South Africa's rarest grassland treasures.

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Day 9 Wakkerstroom to Hluhluwe

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After a final morning exploration around Wakkerstroom we begin our journey east towards Hluhluwe, where a new ecological zone awaits us.

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Our accommodation for the next two nights lies in a beautiful transitional between sandforest and savanna. This unique mix of ecosystems around the lodge offers excellent oppertunities for a rewarding bird walk in the afternoon.

In the sandforest we'll search for some of the region's most prized species, including Eastern Nicator, Rudd's Apalis, Pink-throated Twinspot and the African Broadbill, whose mechanical wing-click display is often the first clue to his presence.

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Day 10 Mkuze Game Reserve

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Today is dedicated to a full day excursion into Mkhuze Game Reserve, one of South Africa's premier birding destinations. With over 400 recorded species, Mkhuze is a true biodiversity hotspot and also offers a wide variety of game like Elephant, Rhinoceros, Lion and Leopard.

Our focus, however, remains on the unique sandforest biome, which shelters some of the region's most sought after and localized species. We'll carefully search for Neergaard's Sunbird, the charming Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Prink-throated Twinspot and African Broadbill.

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Mkhuze also offers some of the best bird hides in South Africa, quietly tucked away beside waterholes and pans. A highlight is de Nsumo Pan, home to one of the country's few breeding colonies of Pink-backed Pelican. The pan often teems with other waterfowl too, including herons, ducks en storks.

The safe walking trails around the hides let us explore the area at a gentle pace, providing excellent chances to encouter birds like Black Cuckooshrike, Common Scimmitarbill and Pink-throated Twinspot.

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Day 11 Hluhluwe to St. Lucia

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Before breakfast, we'll enjoy one last walk through the lodge's gardens, taking in the soft calls and rustling shadows of the sandforest.

We then continue our journey towards the coastal town of St. Lucia, nestled between the warm Indian Ocean en the wild heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Famous for its laid back charm and natural oddities - like hippos strolling through the streets after dark - St. Lucia makes a memorable base for our next two nights.

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In the afternoon we'll explore the estuary mouth, where the freshwater lagoon merges with the Indian Ocean, a dramatic meeting of ecosystems. Though the water here are home to hippos, Nile Crocodile and even Bull Sharks, who use the lagoon as a nursery.

Along the sandy shores and mudflats, we'll not only scan for waders like African Oystercatcher, Grey Plover and Whimbrel, but also a selection of terns like: Swift, Lesser Crested, Common, Little and Caspian Tern. Closer to the reedbeds, we'll search for Southern Brown-throated Weaver and Eastern Golden Weaver.

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After dinner at one of towns charming restaurants, hopefully with a hippo lumbering by, we'll visit a nearby site where Wood Owl is often seen. And if recent reports are promising, we'll also try for the elusive White-backed Night Heron.

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Day 12 iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Eastern Shores

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Today we dedicate the day by exploring the Eastern Shores section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, one of South Africa's most ecologically diverse protected areas. With its mix of rainforest, grasslands, coastal lakes and soaring dune systems, the park is a UNESCO world heritage site and a treasure trove for birders and wildlife lovers.

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Today we'll mainly focus on the first three habitats. In the open grasslands our focus will be on species such as Senegal Lapwing, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Lemon-breasted Canary and the vocal Croaking Cisticola. The nearby pans and lakes provide a haven for a variety of waterfowl. Here we may find African Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Lesser Moorhen and with some luck the Rufous-bellied Heron skulking among the reeds. In the coastal forest we'll search for shy and colorful species like Livingstone Turaco, Dark-backed Weaver and Gorgeous Bushshrike. On the edge of the forest, we'll scan the treetops for the rarely seen Southern Banded Snake Eagle and African Cuckoo Hawk.

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After sunset, there's the option to join a night drive, an unforgatable way to explore the park's nocturnal site. With a bit of luck we may spot Swamp Nightjar, night active chameleons or even a Leopard or Serval. 

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Day 13 St. Lucia to Eshowe

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In the morning we'll explore the forest south of town on foot, accompanied by a local guide who knows where to find the rare birds. In the lush of this coastal forest, we'll search for Woodward's Batis, the shy skulky Buff-spotted Flufftail and the dazzling Livingstone Turaco. Other species to watch for include Terrastrial Brownbul, Grey Sunbird and Purple-banded Sunbird.

 

After brackfast we drive inland toward the lush town of Eshowe, where we'll visit the Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve during the last hours of the day. This misty scarp forest is home to  host of elusive species. A birdhide at the forest edge often delivers good views of Green Twinspot, Lemon Dove and Tambourine Dove. Inside the forest we'll walk among towering trees in search of gems like Spotted Ground Thrush, Chorister Robin-chat, Narina Trogon and Purple-crested Turaco. With a bit of luck and patience, we may even catch some glimps of the rare Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, on of the trickiest species during the trip.

Keep an eye on the forest floor, Blue Duiker, a tiny and shy forest antelope is often seen here, rustling softly through the undergrowth.

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Day 14 Eshowe and surroundings

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We start the day early with a walk through the atmospheric Dlinza Forest, joined by a local guide. One of our primary target is the Spotted Ground Thrush, a secretive forest dweller and one of the region's most sought after birds. As we move through the tangled undergrowth, we'll also be watching and listening for Green Malkoha, Dark-backed Weaver and the juwel-like African Emerald Cuckoo, whose liquid call often echoes through the the treetops.

One of Dlinza's special features is its boardwalk and canopytour, giving us an eye-level view of the forest canopy, a rare vantage point in the African Forest. From here we might see Purple-crested Turaco, White-eared Barbet, Black-bellied Starling and Crowned Hornbill as they move through the upper levels. The death branches who stick out above the dens canopy also a favored perch for the Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon.

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Later that morning, we head north to the remote Onqoye forest, South Africa's only known site for the Green Barbet, a localized species with a haunting, frog-like call. This rich patch of indigenous forest also gives us antoher chance to see Dlinza specialties, while we'll also keep a lookout for the Black-rumped Buttonquail in the surrounding grasslands. 

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As the day winds down, we continue to the coastal town of Mtunzini, known as South Africa's premier site for Palm-nut Vulture. These graceful raptors breed in the nearby raffia palms and are often seen soaring overhead or perched in palm crowns or on the beach.

The surrounding sandforest and grasslands here are alive with birdlife. We'll have a look for Black-thorated Wattle-eye, African Broadbill, Purple-banded Sunbird and Black Coucal. A rewarding end to a day rich with rare and range-restricted species.

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Day 15 Eshowe to Underberg

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After a short morningwalk through the Dlinza forest and breakfast, we leave the coastal forest behind and drive further inland to our final base of the trip: Underberg - nestled in the foothills of the towering and stunning Drakensberg Mountains.

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During the summer months, we'll make an important stop at one of the few remaining breeding sites of the endangered Blue Swallow. With fewer than 30 breeding pairs left in South Africa, this is a rare and precious opportunity to observe one of the country's most threatened bird species. During our short walk in the area, we'll also keep a lookout for Cape Grassbird, Common Waxbill and Olive Bushshrike and Grey-headed Bushshrike.

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Upon arrival in Underberg, we'll settle into our accommodation. If time allows, we'll take a relaxed walk or drive in the surrounding fields and farmlands, an ideal introduction to te montane habitats and species we'll explore in the depth tomorrow during the grand finale of our birding adventure.

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Day 16 Sani Pass

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We end our trip in spectaculair fashion with a full-day excursion to the summit of the legendary Sani Pass, one of the most dramatic mountain routes in South Africa. This rugged 4x4 only track ascends to an elevation of 2,874 meters, crossing the border into the kingdom of Lesotho - offering an unforgettable blend of highland scenery and high altitude birding. A local specialist guide will accompany us throughout the day.

 

Even before we officially begin the pass, we'll stop in promosing areas where we may encounter Bush Blackcap, Red-necked Spurfowl, Cape Grassbird, Red-throated Wryneck and with some luck the Buff-spotted Flufftail.

As we ascend the escarpment, the landscape transforms and we begin to see the first stands of Protea scrubs, magnet plants for nectar-loving birds. Among them, we hope to find the vibrant Malachite Sunbird and one of our top targets of the trip: Gurney's Sugarbird, a long-tailed, slender endemic that belongs to a familiy found nowhere else but South Africa.

Higher still, the scenery becomes starker and more dramatic. We reach the domain of the Drakensberg Rockjumpers, a family with just two species worldwide, like the Sugarbirds. Both others are called Cape Rockjumper and Cape Sugarbird. The Drakensberg Rockjumper is a highland specialist and true emblem of these mountains. Don't forget to bring your passport today, as we'll be entering Lesotho on top of the pass. 

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On the Lesotho plateau, the birdlife shifts again. We'll scan the rockey slopes and grasslands for species like Drakensberg Siskin, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Ground Woodpecker, Grey-winged Francolin and both Mountain and African Rock Pipit. While birding, we'll also keep watching in the skies in hope of Cape Vultures or the magnificent Bearded Vulture gliding along the ridges.

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Before descending, we'll toast to our succes with a drink in Africa's highest pub, located at the top of the pass.

On our return to the lowlands and accommodation, we make one final targeted stop in search of the stately and endangered Wattled Crane, which breeds in the surrounding wetlands. A fitting end to this epic day in the Drakensberg.

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Day 17  Underberg to Johannesburg

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Depending on the flight schedules, we'll tailor the day's activities accordingly. If time allows, we can enjoy a final morning of birding around Underberg, perhaps revisting favorite locations or taregeting any missed species.

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Alternavitely, we may make a last stop at a nature reserve closer to Johannesburg, allowing us to enjoy some final sightings while satying within easy reach of OR Tambo international airport, a prudent way to avoid unexpected delays.

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After two unforgettable weeks filled with landscaped, lifers, and once-in-a-lifetime sightings, we wrap up our birdrich adventure through South Africa. 

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