Eastern South Africa 15-Day Tour
Introduction
Durban – Drakensberg – Kruger – Johannesburg
On this 15-day guided birding and wildlife tour, you’ll explore the rich sub-tropical regions of Eastern South Africa. We optimize your encounters with many endemic and special species, as well as other significant animals and biodiversity.
Our itinerary includes 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the iconic Kruger National Park, several Important Birding Areas and RAMSAR wetlands. These diverse landscapes offer excellent opportunities for nature photography.
The route covers areas that are home to over 600 bird species, and we may spot more than 330 of them, including various raptors, owls, and endemics. Mammal sightings often exceed 60 species, including the Big 5 and numerous large and nocturnal predators.
Sani Pass 4x4 Mountain Expedition: Drive up the breathtaking, high-altitude Sani Pass into the Drakensberg range to seek out rare alpine endemics like the Drakensberg Rockjumper and Bearded Vulture.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Explore South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in St Lucia with boat tours and nocturnal drives to view hippos, bushbabies, and coastal wildlife.
Mkuze Game Reserve Fig Forest Walks: Trek through ancient fig forest trails in this premier Big Five reserve—a legendary birding hotspot home to the elusive Pel's Fishing-Owl.
Kruger National Park Safaris: Embark on extensive game drives through Kruger's prime predator havens to track the Big Five, cheetahs, wild dogs, and diverse bird species.
Lush Coastal & Scarp Forests: Search for rare specialized species like the Green Barbet and Narina Trogon in the indigenous canopies of Ongoye Forest and Benvie Gardens.
Umlalazi & Coastal Estuaries: Encounter specialized estuarine wildlife, including the African Finfoot, Mangrove Kingfisher, and Palm-nut Vulture along the Indian Ocean coast.
Mpumalanga Escarpment & RAMSAR Wetlands: Travel through scenic highland grasslands and vital wetland habitats around Dullstroom and the Mpumalanga highveld.
3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cover over 2,800 km of diverse sub-tropical ecosystems from Durban to Johannesburg, hitting top biodiversity and birding hotspots.
Habitats Explored
Numerous forest types, woodlands, savanna, wetlands, grassland, mountains and cliffs, shorelines and estuaries, which host numerous regional endemics, threatened and endangered mammal and bird species, as well as great floral diversity.
Each destination offers extraordinary scenery, providing you with unparalleled photographic opportunities.
Tour Highlights & Details
At a glance
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Map
A. King Shaka International Airport
King Shaka Dr, La Mercy, Durban, 4407, South AfricaB. Creighton
Creighton, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaC. Coleford Nature Reserve
Coleford Nature Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaD. Sani Pass / Mkomazana Mountain Cottages
Sani Pass Road, Himeville, 3256, South AfricaE. Marutswa Forest
Marutswa Forest, Bulwer, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaF. Midmar Dam Nature Reserve
Midmar Dam, Howick, 3290, South AfricaG. Karkloof / Thistledown Country House
Karkloof, Howick, 3290, South AfricaH. Benvie Gardens
Benvie Gardens, New Hanover, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaI. Ongoye Forest Reserve
Ongoye Forest Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaJ. Eshowe / Birds of Paradise B&B
Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaK. Dlinza Forest Reserve
Dlinza Forest, Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaL. Umlalazi Nature Reserve
Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaM. St Lucia / AmaZulu Lodge
St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaN. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Eastern Shores)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Eastern Shores, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaO. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Western Shores)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Western Shores, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaP. Nibela Peninsula
Nibela Peninsula, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaQ. Mpempe Pan
Mpempe Pan, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaR. Muzi Pan
Muzi Pan, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaS. Mkuze Game Reserve / Mantuma Rest Camp
Mkuze Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaT. Wakkerstroom / Wetlands Country House & Sheds
Wakkerstroom, Mpumalanga, South AfricaU. Kruger National Park / Berg-en-dal Rest Camp
Berg-en-dal Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga, South AfricaV. Blyde River Canyon
Blyde River Canyon, Mpumalanga, South AfricaW. Mount Sheba
Mount Sheba, Mpumalanga, South AfricaX. Dullstroom / Linger Longer Country Retreat
Dullstroom, Mpumalanga, South AfricaY. Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve
Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve, Mpumalanga, South AfricaZ. Rust de Winter / Zenzele River Lodge
Rust de Winter, Limpopo, South AfricaAA. Zaagkuilsdrift
Zaagkuilsdrift, Limpopo, South AfricaAB. Kgomo-Kgomo
Kgomo-Kgomo, Limpopo, South AfricaAC. O.R. Tambo International Airport
O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South AfricaDay 1
Durban, Creighton, Coleford to Sani Pass
05-Mar-2026
Cape Parrot Search and Coleford Nature Reserve
Birding in Creighton Area
Welcome to Day 1 of our Eastern South Africa adventure! Departing from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, we hit the road and head straight inland toward the scenic foothills of the Drakensberg.
Our first stop is the Creighton area, searching for our main target – the Cape Parrot. We then head to the Coleford Nature Reserve to look for numerous endemic and red-list bird species.
Meals: Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 252km
Coleford Nature Reserve
Coleford Nature Reserve invites visitors to explore its stunning landscapes filled with diverse flora and fauna. Enjoy well-maintained trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints and offer a peaceful escape into nature. With its unique bird species and informative signage, it's a haven for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Target bird species: African Grass Owl, Coqui Francolin, Denham’s Bustard, Mountain Pipit, Red-winged Francolin, Secretarybird, Shelley’s Francolin, Short-tailed Pipit, Southern Ground Hornbill, Striped Flufftail, Wattled Crane, Yellow-breasted Pipit.
Target mammals: Black wildebeest, blesbok, grey rhebok, oribi, red hartebeest, Southern reedbuck.
Travel through Underberg to Himeville
We then travel through Underberg to the Himeville area where we spend 2 nights.
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages | The Gateway to Sani Pass
Experience the charm of Mkomazana Mountain Cottages, located near the breathtaking Sani Pass. Enjoy cozy self-catering cottages with stunning mountain views, ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Surrounded by nature, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Drakensberg region's captivating landscapes.
Day 2
Sani Pass and Drakensberg
06-Mar-2026
Guided 4x4 Sani Pass Expedition and Birding
Guided 4x4 Mountain Expedition up Sani Pass
Today, we undertake a guided 4x4 mountain expedition up and down the breathtaking Sani Pass and explore the greater region before returning for a second night at the same mountain accommodation. Here, we focus on the many bird endemics and specials with our main targets being the Drakensberg Rockjumper and Gurney’s Sugarbird.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Target bird species: African Rock Pipit, Barratt’s Warbler, Bearded Vulture, Bokmakierie, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Buff-streaked Chat, Bush Blackcap, Cape Eagle-Owl, Cape Grassbird, Cape Vulture, Drakensberg Siskin, Fairy Flycatcher, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Grey-winged Francolin, Ground Woodpecker. Layard’s Warbler, Mountain Wheatear, Olive Woodpecker, Red-chested Flufftail, Red-throated Wryneck, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Sickle-winged Chat, Southern Bald Ibis, Wailing Cisticola.
Target mammals: Black-backed jackal, chacma baboon, eland, grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, serval, Sloggett’s ice rat, Southern reedbuck, spotted-necked otter, water mongoose.
Distance Travelled: Approximately 158km
Mkomazana Mountain Cottages, Sani Pass
We will spend another evening at the fantastic Mkomazana Mountain Cottages, Sani Pass.
Day 3
Himeville, Marutswa Forest, Midmar to Karkloof
07-Mar-2026
Birding Marutswa Forest, Midmar, and Karkloof
We rise early and drive through the Himeville grasslands on our way to the Marutswa Forest trail and boardwalk in search of the critically endangered species.
We continue to the Midmar Dam Nature Reserve before we then travel a short distance to the mistbelt grasslands, wetlands and mistbelt forests of Karkloof, where we search for 3 crane species.
We spend our last night in a cosy mistbelt country cottage.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 269km
Target bird species: African Marsh Harrier, African Quailfinch, African Rail, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Black-winged Lapwing, Blue Crane, Buffy Pipit, Cape Parrot, Chorister Robin-Chat, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Grey-crowned Crane, Jackal Buzzard, Knysna Turaco, Marsh Owl, Olive Bush-Shrike, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Red-chested Flufftail, Short-tailed Pipit, Wattled Crane, White-starred Robin, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Yellow Woodland Warbler
Target mammals: Cape clawless otter, Samango (blue) monkey, serval
Thistledown Country House
Experience the charm of Thistledown Country House, set in the breathtaking Karkloof Valley. Enjoy personalized service and luxurious accommodations while exploring nearby hiking trails and birdwatching spots. Relax in the beautiful garden or savor delicious meals made from locally sourced ingredients.
Day 4
Day 4 - Karkloof, Ongoye Forest to Eshowe
08-Mar-2026
Birding Benvie Gardens and Ongoye Forest
We set off to Benvie Gardens to search for forest species before departing for the North Coast to explore the enchanting scarp forests of the Ongoye Forest Reserve. In the afternoon, we travel to the town of Eshowe where we overnight.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Target bird species: African Emerald Cuckoo, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Chorister Robin-Chat, Croaking Cisticola, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Forest Buzzard, Green Barbet, Mountain Wagtail, Narina Trogon, Orange Ground Thrush, Plain-backed Pipit, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Southern Ground Hornbill, Striped Pipit, Yellow-streaked Greenbul
Distance Travelled: Approximately 111km
Birds of Paradise B&B
Experience the charm of Birds of Paradise B&B, situated in the heart of Eshowe. Surrounded by lush gardens and rich birdlife, this accommodation offers unique birdwatching opportunities. Enjoy personalized service and delightful on-site dining featuring fresh, local ingredients for a truly memorable stay.
Day 5
Day 5 - Eshowe, Dlinza, Umlalazi to St Lucia
09-Mar-2026
Birding Dlinza Forest, Umlalazi and St Lucia
We begin with a visit to the Dlinza Forest Reserve and its Aerial Boardwalk, an indigenous coastal scarp forest. In the late morning, we travel to the Umlalazi Nature Reserve on the coast.
We then head for the famous estuary town of St Lucia for 2 nights to explore the ‘Miracle and Wonder’ of South Africa’s first World Heritage Site − the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. That evening, we embark on a nocturnal search for local wildlife.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 111km (Between days 5 & 6)
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a remarkable destination showcasing diverse ecosystems from beaches to wetlands. As South Africa's first World Heritage Site, it features the largest estuarine system in Africa and is rich in wildlife. Visitors can enjoy thrilling outdoor activities, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Target bird species: African Emerald Cuckoo, African Finfoot, African Olive Pigeon, African Wood Owl, Black Coucal, Black Sparrowhawk, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Crowned Eagle, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Green Malkoha, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike, Knysna Turaco, Lemon Dove, Livingstone’s Turaco, Mangrove Kingfisher, Narina Trogon, Olive Bush-Shrike, Palm-nut Vulture, Red-backed Mannikin, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Southern Bald Ibis, Spotted Ground-Thrush, Swamp Nightjar, Trumpeter Hornbill
Target mammals: Blue duiker, hippopotamus, thick-tailed galago (bushbaby)
AmaZulu Lodge (or similar)
AmaZulu Lodge is located in the vibrant heart of St Lucia, providing easy access to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Guests can enjoy guided safaris and boat tours while relaxing in beautifully designed rooms surrounded by lush gardens and a pool. With a focus on personalized service and authentic South African cuisine, every stay promises memorable experiences.
Day 6
Day 6 - St Lucia and iSimangaliso Eastern Shores
10-Mar-2026
Birding and Wildlife on St Lucia Eastern Shores
We start by exploring coastal forest trails, the shoreline, and the estuary mouth of St Lucia. In the afternoon, we venture onto the Eastern Shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park to track its abundant mammal and bird species.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 111km (Between days 5 & 6)
Target bird species: African Cuckoo Hawk, African Crowned Eagle, African Fish Eagle, African Pygmy Goose, African Skimmer, Black-bellied Korhaan, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Brown Scrub-Robin, Cape Longclaw, Crested Guineafowl, Goliath Heron, Green Malkoha, Green Twinspot, Grey Sunbird, Lesser Jacana, Little Tern, Livingstone’s Turaco, Narina Trogon, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Palm-nut Vulture, Rudd’s Apalis, Rufous-bellied Heron, Sooty Falcon, Sooty Tern, Southern Banded Snake-Eagle, Southern Brown-throated Weaver, Trumpeter Hornbill, Western Osprey, White-backed Duck, Woodward’s Batis, Yellow-billed Stork, Yellow Weaver
Target mammals: African buffalo, African elephant, black rhino, blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, bushpig, giraffe, greater kudu, hippopotamus, leopard, Nile crocodile, red duiker, spotted hyena, warthog, waterbuck, white rhino
AmaZulu Lodge (or similar), St Lucia
Accommodation at AmaZulu Lodge (or similar), St Lucia.
Day 7
Day 7 - St Lucia, iSimangaliso Western Shores to Mkuze Game Reserve
11-Mar-2026
Birding and Wildlife from St Lucia to Mkuze
In the morning, we venture back onto forest trails before exploring the Western Shores of the park. We continue through the Nibela Peninsula, Mpempe Pan, and Muzi Pan before arriving at Mkuze Game Reserve for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 424km (Between days 7, 8 & 9)
Target bird species: African Pygmy Goose, African Rail, African Snipe, Blue-billed Teal, Black Heron, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Collared Pratincole, Great White Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Lemon-breasted Canary, Lizard Buzzard, Lesser Flamingo, Pink-backed Pelican, Red-faced Cisticola, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Saddle-billed Stork, Senegal Lapwing, Temminck’s Courser, and Woolly-necked Stork. In the summer, we target Caspian Plover, Lesser Moorhen, Allen’s Gallinule, African Openbill and the odd vagrant and rarity.
Target mammals: Blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, side-striped jackal, tsessebe, waterbuck
Mantuma Camp
Mantuma Camp offers an exceptional wildlife viewing experience, complemented by guided safari tours that immerse you in the heart of nature. Guests can enjoy authentic African-style accommodations while engaging in cultural experiences with local communities. With eco-friendly practices and stunning stargazing opportunities, this camp is truly a unique getaway.
Day 8 and 9 - Mkuze Game Reserve Immersion
12-Mar-2026
Birding and Wildlife in Mkuze Game Reserve
Over two days, we immerse ourselves in Mkuze Game Reserve, a premier Big Five reserve and renowned birding hotspot. Morning highlights include guided fig forest walks and hide visits targeting forest specials, raptors, and large game.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 424km (Between days 7, 8 & 9)
Mkuze Game Reserve
Mkuze Game Reserve offers an incredible wildlife experience with diverse species such as elephants and lions. Its stunning landscapes, featuring wetlands and savannahs, provide a picturesque backdrop. Unique to the reserve is the rare white rhino population and exceptional birdwatching opportunities with over 400 species to spot.
Target bird species: African Broadbill, African Firefinch, African Green Pigeon, African Pygmy Goose, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Bateleur, Bearded Scrub-Robin, Bearded Woodpecker, Broad-billed Roller, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Common Ostrich, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Dwarf Bittern, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Greater Honeyguide, Green-winged Pytilia, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, Grey Penduline-Tit, Half-collared Kingfisher, Jameson’s Firefinch, Lappet-faced Vulture, Narina Trogon, Neergard’s Sunbird, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Pink-throated Twinspot, Purple-banded Sunbird, Purple-crested Turaco, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Rudd’s Apalis, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Secretarybird, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl
Target mammals: African buffalo, African elephant, black rhino, blue wildebeest, Burchell’s zebra, bushbuck, Cape porcupine, cheetah, giraffe, greater kudu, hippopotamus, honey badger, leopard, lion, nyala, spotted hyena, waterbuck, white rhino, white-tailed mongoose
Mantuma Rest Camp (or similar), Mkuze Game Reserve
Accommodation at Mantuma Rest Camp (or similar), Mkuze Game Reserve.
Day 10
Day 10 - Mkhuze to Wakkerstroom
14-Mar-2026
Journey to Wakkerstroom Wetlands and Grasslands
We depart inland today and travel up the escarpment to the misty, high-altitude wetlands and grasslands of Wakkerstroom, spending the afternoon searching for highveld endemics and wetland species.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 391km (Between days 10 & 11)
Wakkerstroom Wetland Nature Reserve
Discover the Wakkerstroom Wetland Nature Reserve, a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With its diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes, visitors can enjoy well-maintained walking trails while observing rare bird species. This unique reserve offers seasonal migratory bird watching, making it a must-visit destination.
Target bird species: African Rail, African Snipe, Ground Woodpecker, Little Bittern, Marsh Owl, Red-chested Flufftail, Secretarybird, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, South African Cliff Swallow, Southern Bald Ibis, White-bellied Korhaan, Yellow-breasted Pipit
Target mammals: Eland, oribi, serval, spotted-necked otter, springhare, suricate (meerkat)
Wetlands Country house and sheds
Experience the charm of Wetlands Country House, where scenic views of wetlands and mountains await. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities like birdwatching and hiking, all from your rustic accommodations. Indulge in locally sourced cuisine at the on-site restaurant, and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of Wakkerstroom.
Day 11
Day 11 - Wakkerstroom to Kruger National Park
15-Mar-2026
Journey from Wakkerstroom Grasslands to Kruger
Early in the morning, we explore the rolling Wakkerstroom grasslands before proceeding northwards to the southern region of Kruger National Park for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 391km (Between days 10 & 11)
Target bird species: African Grass-Owl, Amur Falcon, Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Botha’s Lark, Cape Longclaw, Cloud Cisticola, Denham’s Bustard, Desert Cisticola, Eastern Clapper Lark, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Grey-crowned Crane, Long-tailed Widowbird, Pale-crowned Cisticola, Pink-billed Lark, Rudd’s Lark, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Yellow-crowned Bishop
Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp
Experience the charm of Berg-en-Dal Rest Camp, located in the heart of Kruger National Park, offering direct access to breathtaking wildlife. Enjoy comfortable accommodation options, a refreshing swimming pool, and a restaurant. Surrounded by stunning mountains and the Crocodile River, it’s a unique getaway rich in history.
Day 12
Day 12 - Kruger National Park
16-Mar-2026
Wildlife and Birding in Kruger National Park
Early in the morning, we explore the rolling Wakkerstroom grasslands before proceeding northwards to the southern region of Kruger National Park for a two-night stay.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 164km
Kruger National Park
Experience the vast beauty of Kruger National Park, where the Big Five roam freely across diverse landscapes. With guided tours and self-drive options, explore archaeological sites and spot over 500 bird species. Adventure and discovery await in this iconic South African destination.
Target bird species: African Crake, African Cuckoo Hawk, African Golden Oriole, African Hawk-Eagle, African Mourning Dove, African Scops-Owl, Ayres’s Hawk-Eagle, Bateleur, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Black-bellied Bustard, Broad-billed Roller, Brown-headed Parrot, Comb Duck, Corn Crake, Double-banded Sandgrouse, Dwarf Bittern, Dusky Indigobird, Dusky Lark, Eurasian Hobby, European Golden Oriole, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Grey Penduline Tit, Hooded Vulture, Kori Bustard, Lappet-faced Vulture, Lesser Spotted Eagle, Little Bittern, Meves’s Starling, Mosque Swallow, Red-billed Helmetshrike, Saddle-billed Stork, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Village Indigobird, White-crowned Lapwing, White-headed Vulture
Target mammals: African wild cat, African wild dog, black rhino, Cape buffalo, caracal, cheetah, dwarf mongoose, elephant, honey badger, Jameson’s red rock hare, klipspringer, leopard, lesser bushbaby, Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, lion, sable, Sharpe’s grysbok, spotted hyena, Temminck’s ground pangolin, white rhino
Berg-en-dal Rest Camp (or similar), Kruger National Park
Accommodation at Berg-en-dal Rest Camp (or similar), Kruger National Park.
Day 13
Day 13 - Kruger to Blyde River Canyon, Mount Sheba and Dullstroom
17-Mar-2026
Explore Kruger, Blyde River Canyon and Dullstroom
We continue to explore the vast Kruger landscape, departing before lunchtime to head up the grand escarpment of Blyde River Canyon onto the altitudinal grasslands of the highveld. We first stop off at Mount Sheba in search of our target birds.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 297 km
Blyde River Canyon
Experience the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon, one of the world's largest canyons, renowned for its dramatic cliffs and diverse ecosystems. Enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and wildlife spotting, while uncovering the area's unique geological formations and rich cultural heritage.
Target bird species: African Cuckoo Hawk, African Emerald Cuckoo, African Grass-Owl, Blue Swallow, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Bush Blackcap, Cape Eagle-Owl, Forest Canary, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Grey Cuckooshrike, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Half-collared Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco, Malachite Sunbird, Olive Bush-Shrike, Olive Woodpecker, Orange Ground Thrush, Red-necked Spurfowl, Verreaux’s Eagle, White-starred Robin, White-throated Robin-Chat, Yellow-streaked Greenbul
Travel to Dullstroom
From here, we leave for the mistbelt grasslands of Dullstroom for our final night.
Linger Longer
Linger Longer offers a serene escape with breathtaking countryside views and easy access to fishing and hiking. The charming architecture showcases local style, while each unit features private outdoor spaces for enhanced relaxation. Gather around the communal fire pit for a cozy evening under the stars.
Linger Longer Country Retreat Website:
Linger Longer Country Retreat Websitehttps://www.lingerlonger.co.za/
Day 14
Day 14 - Verloren Vallei to Rust de Winter
18-Mar-2026
Birding Verloren Vallei and Transfer to Rust de Winter
On our penultimate morning, we visit the pristine Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve and surrounding country roads. Here, we seek out a multitude of birds.
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Distance Travelled: Approximately 226km
Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve
Discover the Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve, a serene haven in South Africa known for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. Explore a variety of hiking trails while observing unique wildlife and rare plant species. Enjoy panoramic vistas from scenic viewpoints, making it a paradise for nature photography enthusiasts.
Target bird species: Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Booted Eagle, Buff-streaked Chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Cape Vulture, Cuckoo Finch, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Ground Woodpecker, Grey Crowned Crane, Mountain Wheatear, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Plain-backed Pipit, Red-throated Wryneck, Red-winged Francolin, Secretarybird, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Short-tailed Pipit, Southern Bald Ibis, Striped Pipit, Swee Waxbill, Wattled Crane, Yellow-breasted Pipit
Target mammals: Black-backed jackal, black wildebeest, Cape porcupine, grey rhebok, mountain reedbuck, oribi, red hartebeest, rusty-spotted genet, spotted-necked otter, white-tailed mongoose
Transfer to Rust de Winter
We depart around lunchtime, headed for our final destination, and arrive at our comfortable lodge near Rust de Winter in the late afternoon.
Zenzele River Lodge (or similar), Rust de Winter
Accommodation at Zenzele River Lodge (or similar), Rust de Winter.
Day 15
Day 15 - Birding Rust de Winter, Zaagkuilsdrift and Kgomo-Kgomo
19-Mar-2026
Final Birding and Departure via Johannesburg
On our final morning, we explore the rich acacia thornveld and floodplains along Zaagkuilsdrift Road and Kgomo-Kgomo for Kalahari-edge species. Around lunchtime, we begin our final transfer to O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where our tour concludes.
Meals: Beakfast
Distance Travelled: Approximately 133km
Target bird species: Barred Wren-Warbler, Black-faced Waxbill, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Cape Penduline Tit, Caspian Plover, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cut-throat Finch, Great Sparrow, Kalahari Scrub Robin, Marico Flycatcher, Northern Black Korhaan, Scaly-feathered Weaver, Shaft-tailed Whydah, Southern Pied Babbler, Temminck’s Courser, Violet-eared Waxbill, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Yellow Canary
Road Transfer to Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport
We depart around lunchtime on our final road trip, ending our epic adventure at the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
What's Included
What's included
Private wildlife and birding guide.
Accommodation in semi-luxury lodges and guesthouses (may change subject to availability, in which case similar will be found).
All ground transport – maximum 6 participants and 1 guide per luxury touring vehicle
All road tolls and parking fees.
All breakfasts, dinners, tea and coffee
Bottled water in vehicles whilst travelling – 2 per person per day.
All entrance fees.
Trip guide.
Personalized species checklists.
What's not included
All airfares, airport departure taxes or visa fees.
Travel and medical insurance (incl. personal equipment and repatriation).
All lunches, snacks and drinks (except bottled water)
Optional excursions
Specialist guide fees and activities not specified.
Items of a personal nature.
Laundry and telephone charges.
Tips and gratuities.
Anything not listed under “Included”.
Pricing
About Us
Sustain Safaris helps nature lovers explore their wildest dreams. We lead experienced global wildlife travelers on captivating and responsible expeditions to find Sub-Saharan Africa's rarest, most cryptic, elusive, and endemic species in the most extraordinary destinations.
We offer highly specialized nature tours and expeditions which will immerse you in unique destinations that showcase some of the very best mammal, bird, and biodiversity hotspots.
Guided by our passionate regional experts, you’ll encounter not only iconic species but also enjoy a holistic nature-based and cultural-based experience with comfortable to luxury lodging. Our small groups will also ensure a personalized experience throughout our journey together.
Sustain Safaris is not a volume operator. We go the extra mile, every time. We understand every client has unique needs and we offer bespoke itineraries catering for your preferences and budget.