From the Highlands to the savannah; an experience in South Africa’s incredible diversity.
General description:
South Africa is world-renowned for its incredible habitat and 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 days in the car 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, and transitional habitats 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. All in all this is a fantastic way to be introduced to some of South Africa’s scenery, birds and animals. See the basic map below for a depiction of the route. For those struggling to choose between the savannah country of the north-east and the Western Cape, why not combine the two itineraries to make a comprehensive 2-week package?
Tour in brief
Best time to visit: September and early October are probably the best months for birding, and the rest of the summer up until March is also good. Winters are cooler, and the birding can still be good, although not quite what it can be in summer.
Expected weather conditions: warm to hot in summer, possible afternoon thunderstorms. Cool to mild and dry during winter.
Tour tempo: medium to medium-plus, optional mid-day breaks on non-travelling days (advisable in the hotter areas).
Accommodation standards: medium: lodges, guest houses and National Park's rest-camps.
Birding in brief: excellent variety, three major habitats included, tops for endemics.
Top 5 birds: Southern Bald Ibis, Denham’s Bustard, Gurney's Sugarbird, African Scops Owl, Southern Ground Hornbill.
Mammal viewing: excellent, especially in the Kruger National Park.
Other wildlife and attractions: the Drakensberg Escarpment and the Kruger National Park.
Note: The exact itinerary will depend on availability, but will still include 2 nights in Dullstroom, 1 in Blyde and 4 in the Kruger National Park.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Tour cost will depend on numbers of people and duration; the minimum cost is based on an 8 day on-the-ground itinerary.
Also see tour packages in:
Africa
South Africa
Nature & Wildlife
Birdwatching
Wildlife Viewing
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