Photos with this report (click to enlarge) | |||
 Lioness |
 Orange-breasted Sunbird |
 Marico Flycatcher |
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 Secretarybirds |
 Red-headed Finches |
 Meerkat |
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Overview
This 37-day comprehensive tour of South Africa took in many of the country’s great birding and wildlife hotspots, incorporating a multitude of habitat types and also included some spectacular scenery in iconic tourist destinations. The tour was divided into two legs: western and eastern South Africa. The western South Africa leg started in the Kalahari’s Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park before making our way through the semi-deserts of the Northern Cape province to the west coast at Langebaan. Next was a few days around Cape Town, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, before we headed east to the Agulhas Plains and eventually the forests and wetlands of the Garden Route. The eastern South Africa leg started in the east-coast city, Durban, before transferring to the Drakensberg Mountains and exploring the incredible Sani Pass. We slowly worked our way up the east coast of South Africa, calling in at the likes of Eshowe, St Lucia and Mkhuze Game Reserve. From here, we pressed onwards to the famous Kruger National Park, where we spent several days trying to find all the many birds and mammals within. The tour concluded in Johannesburg, following a few days of birding between Kruger and Johannesburg.
This tour was run for a private group, at a more relaxed pace than most of our birding tours and we included other non-birding activities to enjoy the culture, history and wildlife of the country. Despite this we still managed to rack up an impressive list of birds with over 450 species recorded, and with many of the country’s endemics and near-endemics seen well. The list of highlights for this mega tour is too long to include all, but standouts were our time spent exploring the vastness of the Kgalagadi, roaming through the rugged Namaqualand mountains, taking in the scenic Table Mountain and surrounding Cape Peninsula, traversing our way up the Sani Pass into Lesotho, seeing our first White Rhinos in Mkhuze Game Reserve, the sheer splendor of the Kruger National Park and all its wildlife, and the beautifully quaint rolling hills of Dullstroom. A detailed daily account can be read below, and comprehensive bird and mammal lists can be found at the end of this report.
Detailed Report
Day 1, 06th August 2022. Upington to Kgalagadi Lodge
We started this five-week-long trip in the late morning in Upington and had most of the afternoon to make the drive north to the edge of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. After picking up some lunch in Upington we hit the open road and made regular stops along the way. First up was a massive Sociable Weaver nest which also had a few Scaly-feathered Weavers as residents of the colonial nest. All along the drive we encountered these massive nests, some of which the enormous weight of the ever-growing straw nests had broken the electricity poles they were built on. Nearby we also saw Black-chested Prinias (in their non-breeding dress), several Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks, our first of many Chat Flycatchers and a group of three Kori Bustards – one of the heaviest flying birds on the planet! At our lunch stop we were entertained by a large kettle of circling White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures with a Tawny Eagle showing too.
In the late afternoon we arrived at our comfortable lodge just outside of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park and after unpacking we took a gentle stroll through the red dunes which yielded several Kalahari specials. Southern Masked and Scaly-feathered Weavers, Shaft-tailed Whydah and Red-headed Finches were drinking from a small water feature, with Marico Flycatcher, Ashy Tit, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Kalahari Scrub Robin and a Pearl-spotted Owlet all showing for us. We ended our first evening on tour at the restaurant where we enjoyed a tasty meal and managed to catch the end of the important rugby match between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks which was easily won by the Springboks!
Day 2, 07th August 2022. Exploring the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
After an early breakfast we made our way into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park (shared by South Africa, Botswana and Namibia) and ended up birding around Twee Rivieren camp before heading into the park proper. The camp was very birdy and it didn’t take long until we added some further special birds to our list. Burchell’s and Namaqua Sandgrouse flew overhead while lower down Ashy Tit, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Common Scimitarbill, White-backed Mousebird, Acacia Pied Barbet, African Palm Swift, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Pririt Batis, Black-faced Waxbill and Marico Flycatcher all posed nicely for us. We were also entertained by large groups of South African Ground Squirrels and a mating pair of Yellow Mongoose. Once it started to warm up, we jumped back into our vehicle and headed into the park. As we drove along the Nossob River we had our first large mammals of the trip including Gemsbok (Southern Oryx), Springbok, (Red) Hartebeest, Common Wildebeest and Black-backed Jackal. The birding was a little slow, however we did steadily add to the list with Common Ostrich, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Sabota Lark, Namaqua Dove and multiple Pale Chanting Goshawks and Secretarybirds.
After lunch we cut west towards the Auob River and drove through the dune fields which yielded a different selection of birds including the likes of Fawn-colored Lark, Ant-eating Chat, Red-crested and Northern Black Korhaans and Lanner Falcon. Once we reached the Auob River we followed it south towards Twee Rivieren producing some great afternoon birding. Along the riverbed we enjoyed our first looks at Red-necked Falcon and Gabar Goshawk while we had repeat views of colorful Crimson-breasted Shrikes. Unfortunately, we just missed seeing a Leopard as it made its way over the ridge, but we did see our first Steenbok of the trip.
Days 3-5, 08-10th August 2022. Into the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
The next three full days were spent within the park as we stayed at our exclusive lodge located on the edge of a dry salt pan which had a constant stream of animals coming to visit it. Our days were spent enjoying morning and sunset drives, undertaking walks with our expert tracker, Corné, and finding out more about the nomadic lifestyle of the Bushmen who have lived in the Kalahari for centuries. Although the area did not produce a large diversity of birds, we did get multiple looks at many dry western species including Chestnut-vented Warbler, Desert Cisticola, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouses, Red-headed Finch and a number of the cute and tiny Pygmy Falcon.
While enjoying a morning drive along the Auob River we came across a massive flock of Red-billed Quelea which had Gabar Goshawk and Lanner Falcon hanging around to pick off any birds which strayed from the main flock! Along this riverbed we also encountered Red-necked Falcon, Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Lilac-breasted and Purple Rollers, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Rufous-eared Warbler, Cape Starling and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. Mammals were a constant feature of the riverbed and aside from the more numerous antelope we also encountered a large herd of Giraffe and a lone Cape Fox sleeping under a bush. Perhaps the highlight of our time along the Auob was a distant but prolonged sighting of two Cheetahs, as they made their way along a dune – well spotted Carolyn! Our night drives were relatively quiet although we did see Spotted Eagle-Owl and Black-backed Jackal with Western Barn Owl seen as it flew overhead giving its eerie screeching call. While accompanying Corné on a morning walk we were fascinated to discover just how close a Leopard had come to our accommodation during the night, and we also saw the spoor of Lion, Striped Polecat, Springhare and African Wild Cat!
Day 6, 11th August 2022. Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park to Augrabies
Today was mostly a travel day and so we left our lodge early and had a late breakfast along the Auob River which produced further sightings of Common Ostrich, Kori Bustard, Desert Cisticola, Fawn-colored Lark and Swallow-tailed Bee-eater. We took our time driving south through the park which produced views of Red-necked Falcon, Crimson-breasted Shrike, and Black-faced Waxbill.
Once out of the park it was the long road south to Upington, where we picked up some lunch and made our way west along the Orange River, enjoying a picnic lunch along the way. A quick stop was made in the town of Keimoes for Rosy-faced Lovebirds which showed at their usual spot. We arrived at the camp in Augrabies Falls National Park late in the afternoon and after unpacking we took a casual stroll around the camp where we added new birds in the form of Hadada Ibis, Cape Robin-Chat and White-throated Canary. Of course, the highlight of any trip to Augrabies is the falls themselves and we took some time enjoying the impressive falls with beautiful Broadley’s Flat Lizards adding a splash of color to the rocks in the area.
Day 7, 12th August 2022. Augrabies birding and transfer to Pofadder
We started the morning with a stroll around the lush and green camp which bagged us a whole bunch of new birds including the likes of Three-banded Plover, Red-faced Mousebird, African Hoopoe, Crested Barbet, Cardinal Woodpecker, Pririt Batis, Namaqua Warbler, Brubru, Orange River White-eye, Pale-winged Starling, Karoo Thrush, Karoo Scrub Robin, Fiscal Flycatcher and Dusky Sunbird. Our stroll around camp also included another walk down to view the impressive falls, this time with many Rock Hyraxes out enjoying the sun. We then took a drive around the park and enjoyed the spectacular views of the gorge and listened to Tom explaining the fascinating history and geology of the gorge. The birding along the edge of the gorge was good too and we added Black Stork, Yellow-bellied Eremomela and managed fantastic views of the skulking Cinnamon-breasted Warbler.
After lunch we kept heading west and made our way to the small town of Pofadder where we were based for the next two nights. After checking into our hotel, we headed southwest out of town and birded some of the roads in the area. We waited a while at one of the Sclater’s Larks spots where these elusive desert nomads are known to come and drink, but unfortunately they were not around for us. We did however encounter a lovely pair of Karoo Korhaans which showed beautifully for us.
Day 8, 13th August 2022. Pofadder birding
This morning we headed out early and made our way west of Pofadder to the Koa Dunes area where we had good looks at a couple of singing Red Larks. The area was alive with birds which included huge flocks of Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks (unfortunately no Black-eared Sparrow-Larks around though) as well as Namaqua Sandgrouse, Red-headed Finch, Lark-like Bunting, and Yellow and White-throated Canaries. We then took a slow and very birdy drive back to Pofadder, adding Ludwig’s Bustard, Spike-heeled and Karoo Long-billed Larks, Wattled Starling, Karoo and Tractrac Chats, Mountain Wheatear and Nicholson’s Pipit.
In the afternoon, we took a drive north of Pofadder to the border town of Onseepkans, right on the Orange River. The drive between Pofadder and Onseepkans is very scenic and we made a few stops en route to marvel at the geology and incredible vistas. We then birded on the outskirts of Onseepkans and along the Orange River and found some good birds such as Orange River White-eye, Rosy-faced Lovebird, Brown-throated Martin, Hamerkop and Namaqua Warbler. We watched the Namibian side of the river and added a few birds to our Namibian list including White-throated Swallow, Great Egret, African Darter, African Sacred Ibis and Blacksmith Lapwing. We drove back to Pofadder while enjoying a stunning sunset to end off another highly enjoyable day in the deserts of western South Africa.
Day 9, 14th August 2022. Pofadder to Springbok and Goegap Nature Reserve birding
A few of us decided to partake in a very early drive to see if we could find any nocturnal birds and animals on the roads outside Pofadder. It was a bitterly cold morning with some light drizzle which did not make things any easier for us, and besides a couple of Scrub Hares we did not see much on the mammal front. However, we scored big on the nocturnal bird front when we found a wonderful Cape Eagle-Owl which we continued to watch for the next 30 minutes as it called continuously. An excellent start to the morning!
After breakfast, we packed our bags and then drove some of the roads around Pofadder in a last-ditch effort to find Sclater’s and Stark’s Larks. Sclater’s Lark would not play along but we did get quick views of a single Starks’ Lark, which felt good. Other nice birds seen along the drive included Short-toed Rock Thrush, Greater Kestrel and Black-chested Snake Eagle.
We then made our way further west towards the town of Springbok and arrived in the late afternoon where we spent a couple of very enjoyable hours at the scenic and botanically diverse Goegap Nature Reserve. We were a couple of weeks too early for the full splendor of the floral carpets for which this reserve is so famous, nevertheless there were a few flowers out for us to enjoy. Along with the flowers, we enjoyed a good selection of new birds such as Jackal Buzzard, Booted Eagle, Red-capped Lark, Karoo Eremomela, Malachite Sunbird, Cape Bunting and a pair of Verreaux’s Eagles which were being mobbed by the multitudes of Pied Crows and White-necked Ravens. We also came across some unusual mammals in the form of Dassie Rat and Smith’s Red Rock Rabbit (quite a mouthful).
Day 10, 15th August 2022. Springbok birding
We opted out of the long drive west to Port Nolloth to find Barlow’s Lark, another South African endemic lark and instead spent a leisurely morning around Goegap Nature Reserve which turned out to be highly productive. After hitting Springbok’s high street for some winter clothes shopping, we headed back into Goegap Nature Reserve and did a good drive through this scenic little reserve. The birding was excellent and could not have started better when we found a group of Black-eared Sparrow-Larks which gave us good but brief views before they flew off. We had about given up on this highly nomadic special and so it was exciting to claw it back. We then found a nice group of birds at the base of a koppie which had Grey Tit, Layard’s Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Karoo Eremomela, Karoo Prinia, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Bulbul and Bokmakierie. In the open plains we found our first Large-billed Larks and then bumped into a group of Black-headed Canaries with both black-headed and black-and-white-headed morphs seen (sometimes split as Damara Canary).
After some lunch and some time off, we headed out again in the afternoon and this time went west of Springbok to some patches of mountain fynbos which had Cape Clapper Lark, Grey-winged Francolin, Grey-backed Cisticola, Layard’s Warbler, Cape Weaver, Bokmakierie and best of all, a small group of Ground Woodpeckers which we even saw mating!
Later that evening we did a night drive which, although it did not produce any Freckled Nightjars, did bag us our only Bat-eared Fox of the trip.
Day 11, 16th August 2022. Transfer from Springbok to Langebaan, birding en route
Today was mostly a driving day but we did do some birding and flower viewing en route to the coastal town of Langebaan, where we were based for the night. We made good progress in the morning as we made our way south, with a Ludwig’s Bustard being the best bird of the morning. After an enjoyable lunch at a nice farm stall, we headed to Langebaan via Eland’s Bay which had some impressive floral displays. We enjoyed spending time photographing the floral carpets, with orange, yellow, pink and white being the dominant colors on show. Late in the afternoon, we popped into a salt works at Velddrif, along the Berg River, where we saw Cape Shoveler, Cape Teal, Black-necked Grebe, Greater and Lesser Flamingos and our primary target Chestnut-banded Plover. Closer to Langebaan, we saw a single male Southern Black Korhaan, another South African endemic, as well as a few groups of Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Day 12, 17th August 2022. West Coast National Park birding and transfer to Simon’s Town
The weather was a little miserable today as we made our way into West Coast National Park and as such, we were mostly confined to the vehicle because a series of rain showers swept by. In between the showers we did have some good weather with the sun occasionally peeking out and managed some nice birds along the way. We spent most of our time within the Postberg section of the park, which is only open in August and September each year when the flowers are out in full force. Some of the birding and wildlife highlights included Cape Spurfowl, Spotted Thick-knee, and best of all, a couple of Black Harriers which showed really well for us. Another highlight was watching a small herd of (Cape) Mountain Zebra as they fed in a field of flowers.
We enjoyed our lunch at Abrahamskraal Bird Hide, which overlooks the only permanent freshwater in the park, and here we saw Red-knobbed Coot, Common Moorhen, Three-banded Plover, Lesser Swamp and Little Rush Warblers and Yellow Bishop. Near to the hide saw a couple displaying Karoo Larks, here of the grey coastal form. A quick stroll around the Geelbek Manor area added African Hoopoe and Bar-throated Apalis, before we started making our way out of the park and south along the west coast to Simon’s Town where we were to spend the next four nights. That evening we enjoyed a lovely dinner at a Simon’s Town restaurant with sticky toffee pudding being the highlight (even causing Ralph to break out into song)!
Day 13, 18th August 2022. Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve birding and sightseeing
After a late breakfast, we headed further south along the Cape Peninsula and spent the morning at Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we visited Cape Point and Cape of Good Hope (the most southwesterly point of Africa) and enjoyed taking in the impressive scenery of the area. Despite the poor weather, we took a walk below the upper lighthouse to view the lower lighthouse and the sheer cliffs with breeding Cape Cormorants. Other good birds in the reserve included Cape Gannet and White-chinned Petrel out at sea, protea-loving Cape Sugarbirds and gorgeous Orange-breasted Sunbirds.
After lunch we had most of the afternoon off and, as today was Tom’s birthday, we headed out for an early dinner to cap off another enjoyable day, despite the miserable weather.
Day 14, 19th August 2022. Cape Town sightseeing and Kirstenbosch birding
Most of the day was spent enjoying the many impressive sights around Cape Town. The morning also involved a quick trip to Wynberg police station because a distracted driver bumped into the back of our vehicle, thankfully nobody was injured, and it didn’t take too long to sort things out. Once these formalities were taken care of, we went to visit the Herschel Memorial Obelisk which was erected in 1842 and commemorates Sir John Herschel and marks the spot where Herschel’s telescope stood. Herschel is considered the father of Southern Hemisphere astronomy and produced a comprehensive catalogue of the Southern Hemisphere’s night skies and made huge contributions to the invention of photography (and was the first person to coin the word). Herschel also heavily influenced Charles Darwin and his theory of evolution, with the two men meeting in Cape Town in 1836.
After a fascinating history lesson, we headed to the slopes of Table Mountain. We walked leisurely along its contours and enjoyed the views over the city of Cape Town, and saw some nice birds including Cape Robin-Chat, Rock Kestrel and Neddicky. After lunch, we headed to the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront and spent a while looking around the various shops, and further enjoying the lovely views of Table Mountain from this pretty and popular area. Late in the afternoon we made our way back south and stopped in at the world-famous Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, where we had a nice walk around. We found some good birds including the likes of Cape Spurfowl, African Dusky Flycatcher, Malachite Sunbird and Forest Canary, with the highlight being eye-level views of a Spotted Eagle-Owl on its nest on top of a rock. The eagle-owl capped off a long and busy, but thoroughly enjoyable, day in Cape Town.
Day 15, 20th August 2022. Birding the eastern shores of False Bay
Today we headed east for the day to the opposite side of False Bay as we went in search of Cape Rockjumpers and other Cape specials. We took along packed breakfasts, and our first stop was at Rooi Els where we ate our breakfast and then headed for a walk. The Cape Rockjumpers showed very easily for us and over the next couple of hours we also added Jackal Buzzard, Cape Grassbird and Cape Rock Thrush. A quick seawatch produced distant views of Shy Albatross, White-chinned Petrel and Sooty Shearwater.
Around the corner in Betty’s Bay, we stopped at Stony Point and enjoyed the African Penguins, and saw the likes of Crowned, Bank, Cape and White-breasted Cormorants. We then bought some lunch and had a picnic lunch in the Harold Porter Botanical Garden where we saw Klaas’s Cuckoo, Speckled Mousebird, Cape Batis, Southern Boubou, Sombre Greenbul, Olive Thrush, Fiscal Flycatcher, Swee Waxbill, Cape Siskin and Streaky-headed Seedeater. In the gardens we were on the lookout for cheeky Chacma Baboons but thankfully they kept their distance today and did not try to gatecrash our picnic!
On our way back from Betty’s Bay, we popped into Strandfontein Sewage Works (our first sewage works birding of the trip!) and here we added an assortment of water birds such as Fulvous Whistling Duck, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed and Maccoa Ducks, Southern Pochard, Cape and Red-billed Teals, African Swamphen, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Black-headed Heron, Levailant’s and Zitting Cisticolas and White-throated Swallow.
Day 16, 21st August 2022. East to Agulhas Plains, with Cape Agulhas en route
This morning we departed from the Cape Peninsula and started making our way east and into the Agulhas Plains. We had decided the evening before that a trip to Cape Agulhas (the most southerly point on the African continent) would be a good idea and so we made our way through the farmlands and arrived at Cape Agulhas. We spent a good couple of hours enjoying this incredibly beautiful area and even took a climb up to the top of the lighthouse, which had spectacular views of the surrounding area. A quick seawatch added a single Brown Skua and a few Shy Albatrosses.
After lunch we continued east and enjoyed some birding in the farmlands in the Agulhas Plains, which was very rewarding, finding Denham’s Bustard, Blue Crane, Southern Red Bishop and Cape Clapper Lark. It was a long drive but we made good time and eventually arrived at our lovely accommodation along the Breede River, close to the small coastal town of Infanta. We mostly took the afternoon easy, but also enjoyed a walk around the lodge grounds and down to the river where we saw African Fish Eagle, Bokmakierie, Yellow and Cape Canaries and African Pipit. That evening we enjoyed a lovely dinner on the banks of the Breede River, looking forward to the day in De Hoop Nature Reserve planned for the following day.
Day 17, 22nd August 2022. De Hoop Nature Reserve birding
After a late breakfast we made our way to the nearby De Hoop Nature Reserve which is another scenically beautiful reserve with some great birds to be seen too. Along the drive to the reserve, we added Cape Clapper and Agulhas Long-billed Larks, Grey-winged Francolin, Denham’s Bustard, Great Crested Grebe, Spotted Thick-knee, Cape Vulture, Pearl-breasted Swallow, Southern Tchagra (well spotted Carolyn), and enjoyed our best looks at Black Harrier of the trip. In the nature reserve, we enjoyed great looks at large numbers of mammals such as Common Eland, Blesbok (the Cape subspecies, often split as Bontebok), and (Cape) Mountain Zebra as well as some smaller mammals such as Cape Hare, Yellow Mongoose and Steenbok. Before we left the reserve, we headed to Koppie Alleen, a large dune next to the sea, and from here we spotted huge numbers of Southern Right Whales, many of them with calves in tow. Always an impressive sight to witness!
Later in the afternoon, we took a walk along the river in some glorious afternoon light and had good views of Water Thick-knee as well as Eurasian Whimbrel and Common Greenshank. Later that evening, as it was getting dark, we enjoyed good looks at Fiery-necked Nightjar as well as a single Spotted Eagle-Owl; a lovely way to end the day! After our meal we decided to head out for a short night drive, which did not produce much of interest except a Cape (Large-spotted) Genet which was a new mammal for the trip.
Day 18, 23rd August 2022. Agulhas Plains to the Garden Route
We had a lengthy drive ahead of us and so, after breakfast, immediately hit the road and headed west towards the Garden Route. We enjoyed a pontoon ferry crossing over the Breede River and then continued through the farmlands where we saw a lovely Cape Grysbok. Then Dom got the blood pumping when he shouted ‘Caracal’ after a figure crossed the road, but this annoyingly turned out to be a domestic cat. At least it was the correct taxonomic family though!
The rest of the drive passed by uneventfully and we arrived in Wilderness in the mid-afternoon. After unpacking and relaxing a bit, we walked some of the Half-collared Kingfisher Trail. This was mostly rather quiet but did eventually produce lovely views of Knysna Turaco as well as Cape Batis, Southern Boubou, Terrestrial Brownbul and the cute Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. Walks in the Wilderness area are usually pretty and peaceful, and this afternoon was no different.
Day 19, 24th August 2022. Wilderness forest and wetland birding
Today would be our final full day in the Cape and we decided to get an early start in some nearby forests, to see which of the remaining forest specials we could find. On our way to the forest, we saw several Black-winged Lapwings and Plain-backed Pipits and a single Denham’s Bustard. The forest birding was a little on the slow side, nevertheless we ticked over steadily and after the morning in the forest we had accumulated a good list of our target birds including Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Black-headed Oriole and Amethyst and Greater Double-collared Sunbirds. We tried coaxing out a calling Buff-spotted Flufftail but unfortunately this forest skulker would not play along.
In the afternoon we did some wetland birding, which did not produce many new birds, however, we did get nice looks at Great Crested, Little and Black-necked Grebes, Grey-headed Gull, Whiskered Tern, African Marsh Harrier and Malachite Kingfisher. To finish off the day we birded some forest patches where we managed to see a secretive Knysna Warbler, had brief views of Knysna Woodpecker and then spotted a Forest Buzzard as it flew overhead. These were three very important targets for the area.
In the evening, we enjoyed a traditional South African braai and were even visited by a Spotted Eagle-Owl, which was completely unperturbed by our presence. This was a great end to our time in the Cape!
Day 20, 25th August 2022. Flight to Durban, and continuation with Eastern Leg
We had an hour or so this morning to do some final forest birding around Wilderness to see if we could find any missing targets, so Carolyn and Dom walked around the campsite at Ebb and Flow. We managed good views of Chorister Robin-Chat, Forest Canary and Swee Waxbill, but unfortunately the singing Grey Sunbird and Olive Bushshrike remained unseen. We then packed the vehicle and set off on the long drive east to Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth) from where the group would fly to Durban. That afternoon the group said goodbye to Dom and that evening met up with Dylan, who would be guiding the remainder of the tour in the eastern half of South Africa. We made our way to our nearby accommodation where, following a lovely dinner, we settled in for the evening.
Day 21, 26th August 2022. Transfer to Sani Pass
Today was mostly a travel day, transferring to the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains at the base of Sani Pass. Following the groups’ late arrival the previous day, we started out in a leisurely way, before settling in for a long drive with several roadside stops. The first stop was at the Thurlow section of the Midmar Dam Game Reserve. Recent burns had attracted large numbers of Plains Zebras and Blesbok, with smaller numbers of (Red) Hartebeest also present, an early highlight. Birding sections of the Midmar Dam revealed the likes of African Spoonbill, African Darter, Blue-billed Teal, Common Greenshank, African Jacana and Malachite Kingfisher amongst many others. The immediate surrounds supported flocks of non-breeding Long-tailed and Fan-tailed Widowbirds along with others like the dashing Cape Longclaw and the dapper African Wattled Lapwing. Lanner Falcon was also noted as a bird of interest, before we tore ourselves away and pressed onwards to Underberg. A lunch stop added our first Drakensberg Prinia, along with more widespread species such as Cape Robin Chat, Amethyst Sunbird and Cape Canary. We eventually arrived at our lovely lodge, set in the foothills at the base of Sani Pass. A late afternoon walk added the likes of Cardinal Woodpecker, Southern Bald Ibis and Cape Weaver, amongst others.
Day 22, 27th August 2022. Birding the Sani Pass
The day trip up Sani Pass is always an exciting and action-packed day, and today was no different. Despite being in winter, which generally results in ‘slower’ birding with several species not being present due to altitudinal movements (like Bush Blackcap), we started the day off well on the lower slopes of the pass, with sightings of the prized Gurney’s Sugarbird, along with Buff-streaked Chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Drakensberg Prinia and Malachite Sunbird. Here we also did well to find a herd of Mountain Reedbuck. A flock of Swee Waxbills at the South African border was a welcome distraction, before a Cape Vulture obliged on the higher slopes, as did several Grey Rhebok. After crossing the border into Lesotho, we continued towards Black Mountain, hoping for some of the main specials of the area. Several birding stops along the way added the likes of Ground Woodpecker and Sentinel Rock Thrush, along with more typical Karoo species like Sickle-winged Chat and Grey Tit. We also finally connected with our first flock of Drakensberg Siskin. A stop at the now breeding Bearded Vultures produced the goods, and some patience on our part was rewarded as we watched the adults change-over, and enjoyed several great looks at these special birds through the scope. After a concerted effort we also finally tracked down the sought-after Drakensberg Rockjumper. Our final stop of the day came at the Sani Top Lodge, where cold beers and gin and tonics celebrated several lifers and a good day out, with additional sightings coming of Bearded Vultures and Drakensberg Rockjumpers whilst enjoying the drinks. We made our way back down the pass and settled in for the evening following a great day out in the field.
Day 23, 28th August 2022. Transfer to Eshowe
Facing another long transfer, back up the coastline to Eshowe (where we would spend the next two nights), we set off fairly early in the morning after breakfast. We spent a short while trying to track down Wattled Cranes in the Underberg region, but sadly came up short. Many Grey Crowned Cranes were a good consolation prize, as were the likes of a hunting Osprey, Long-crested Eagle, Rock Kestrel, South African Shelduck and Buffy Pipit. Today the famous Comrades Marathon (between Pietermaritzburg and Durban) was being run, and as a result many of the usual roads we would normally take to get to Eshowe were blocked and we had to try several back-routes. Although the route we took turned out to be longer than anticipated, it was incredibly scenic, and we arrived at our comfortable lodgings in Eshowe in the late afternoon.
Day 24, 29th August 2022. Birding Eshowe and Mtunzini
We awoke to an overcast day with a strong threat of rain looming. Some birding during our breakfast delayed things a bit, as we notched up our first views of the delightful Purple-crested Turaco, along with others like African Green Pigeon, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Dark-backed Weaver and Black-bellied Starling all in quick succession. The nearby Dlinza Forest was our first main stop of the day, but sadly with the wind picking up and drizzle beginning to fall, our time here produced a very limited number of birds. Top of our list was Spotted Ground Thrush, and we were pleased to find a showy bird without too much effort, despite the miserable conditions (well spotted, Tom!). A Barratt’s Warbler was a big surprise, but almost no other birds were found. Our luck eventually turned on our way out, as we found a big feeding party of birds. A bright Narina Trogon kicked things off, before Crowned Hornbills stole the show for a bit, followed by Grey Cuckooshrike. Several smaller birds like Southern Black Tit, Black-backed Puffback, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Olive and Collared Sunbirds were also present. The hide also added a party of Red-backed Mannikins and a delightful Tambourine Dove, while hulking Trumpeter Hornbills were sighted nearby. We then headed down to the coast at Mtunzini, where we visited the lovely Umlalazi Nature Reserve following lunch. The weather was perhaps at its most bleak during our time here, with activity very low. Nevertheless, Red Duikers bounding around brought some life to the party, before we heard the skulking Red-chested Flufftail and opted to try for it. Luck was on our side once again, as in no time we had enjoyed several good views of this ultra-shy bird. Before we knew it, the day had run out, and we headed back inland to Eshowe, where heavy rain brought an end to the day.
Day 25, 30th August 2022. Transfer to St Lucia
Thankfully, we only had a short transfer to contend with today, as we made our way further up the coast to the delightful coastal town of St Lucia. Our morning began after breakfast, as we made our way to the Ongoye Forest. The weather was still a bit unsettled, and meant we had a quiet stint in the forest, with little calling and moving about. We unfortunately did miss our main target, Green Barbet, unfortunately, with not even a peep heard. We had to make do with the likes of Grey Cuckooshrike, Ashy Flycatcher and Yellow-throated Longclaw (in the grasslands surrounding the forest). Whilst enjoying a cup of coffee to warm up, we were lucky to witness the release of a Common Herald Snake (Red-lipped Herlad), a snake species. This was caught and removed from a nearby development and released back into the wild here, where it would likely be able to live peacefully, away from humans. A lunch break at the Waterfront in Richard’s Bay added a few species to our list, most notably the massive Goliath Heron, while others such as Woolly-necked Stork, African Fish Eagle and African Hoopoe were all enjoyed. The remainder of our journey to St Lucia went smoothly, following a much-wanted courier collection of some items misplaced from earlier in the trip. We settled in for the evening at our comfortable lodge.
Day 26, 31st August 2022. Birding the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Armed with a picnic lunch, we entered into the Eastern Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we would spend the day. We sadly hadn’t quite been able to shake off the bad weather just yet, and endured another mixed weather day – mostly cold, windy and drizzly, interspersed with the odd bit of sunshine. Sadly, this did make for a slow day birding-wise, with the tracts of coastal forest mostly quiet, and those birds that were heard calling, often not being seen. Our struggles did reward us with sightings of White-eared Barbet, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Black-bellied Starling, Dark-backed Weaver, Collared Sunbird and the sought-after Rudd’s Apalis. Frustratingly, Woodward’s Batis and Green Twinspot, amongst others, remained as heard-only birds. Waterbirds were arguably the most well-represented of the birds, we enjoyed White-faced Whistling Duck, Red-billed Teal, Black Crake, African Wattled Lapwing, African Jacana, both Woolly-necked and Saddle-billed Storks, Great and Intermediate Egrets and the bright Malachite Kingfisher. Nearby open areas held species such as Collared Pratincole, Little Bee-eater, Red-breasted Swallow and Croaking Cisticola amongst others.
Unlike the birds, a steady stream of mammals seen throughout the day helped keep us distracted. Things started off with a pod of Hippopotamus very early on, followed by a great many more throughout the day, before we enjoyed a great, and humbling, African Elephant sighting – ensuring that adequate respect was paid. A wide range of bovids were also seen ranging from the stately Greater Kudu and Plains Zebra to African Buffalo and Waterbuck, and many in between – some of which were complete with Red-billed Oxpecker. Following a good dinner, we rounded the day off with a wonderful sighting of the scarce Swamp Nightjar on the edge of town.
Day 27, 1st September 2022. Transfer to Hluhluwe
We awoke to finally see the bad weather broken, with the sun out, and headed over to the nearby iGwalagwala Trail, which runs through some of the coastal forest on the edge of town. We hoped to plug some of the species we had missed yesterday and made extremely slow progress on the trail, such was the supreme quality of the birding! After the first 30 minutes, we had barely moved from the parking lot, and had notched up the sought-after Livingstone’s Turaco, a shy Olive Bushshrike, snazzy Blue-mantled Crested Flycatchers, bright Red-capped Robin-Chats and the comparatively dull Grey Sunbird, amongst others. Green Malkoha frustrated us once more, remaining unseen, while Woodward’s Batis was eventually seen after a herculean effort. Several other species were seen, ranging from various barbets, to woodpeckers, bulbuls, bushshrikes, flycatchers, sunbirds and weavers. We had to pull ourselves away from the excellent birding here, as we checked out from our lodge, and began the journey north to the Hluhluwe area, where we would be based for the next two nights. We had planned to go via the Western Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, but were denied access because of our trailer, so we had to change our plans slightly. Some wetland and coastal birding followed, where we enjoyed feisty Southern Brown-throated Weavers nesting, as our main highlight, and a Humpback Whale as a mammalian highlight. We arrived at our lovely lodge, set inside a small nature reserve, the Kuleni Game Park, where we took the afternoon off.
Day 28, 2nd September 2022. Birding Mkhuze Game Reserve
An early start was in order for what is usually one of the most exciting days of the trip – our full day within the Mkhuze Game Reserve. Before we got into the reserve proper, we spent a short while birding the always excellent Muzi Pan, where we notched up nearly 80 species in the space of about 30 minutes. Waterbirds were the main feature here, and high water levels greeted us, with large tracts of surrounding vegetation totally inundated. Vast numbers of waterbirds were present, many of which were moving up and down the wetland system. One of the best finds was large numbers of African Pygmy Goose – in excess of 20 individuals – a pretty scarce species in South Africa at the best of times, so to find more than 20 birds was quite exceptional. An excellent Saddle-billed Stork was another highlight, while in the surrounding trees, we all enjoyed brilliant views of a Grey Penduline Tit – the smallest bird in southern Africa. The vast numbers of White-faced Whistling Ducks, along with Spur-winged Geese and Knob-billed Ducks moving about were a sight to behold, as were the sheer numbers of African Spoonbills, Grey and Squacco Herons, Western Cattle, Great and Little Egrets and Reed Cormorants. Careful scanning also revealed African Openbill, Yellow-billed Stork, Pink-backed and Great White Pelicans, along with others we had seen previously such as Black Crake and Collared Pratincole. A Burchell’s Coucal was spied sitting atop some vegetation, while we enjoyed a number of different hirundines flying about – including Black Saw-wing and Wire-tailed Swallow. After entering Mkhuze Game Reserve, we made our way to the excellent Kumasinga Hide, where we enjoyed some coffee and our breakfast, with regular interruptions from the highly sought-after Pink-throated Twinspots, and various other birds. In fact, it took a little while to get through our breakfast as we familiarized ourselves with the likes of Crested Barbet, Chinspot Batis, Orange-breasted Bushrike, Brubru, White-crested Helmetshrike, Southern Black Tit, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and Green-winged Pytilia – all of which regularly interrupted us.
We eventually made our way into the hide, where we spent a few hours soaking up the immense numbers of birds and mammals that visit this waterhole. Truly, this hide never fails to impress, and we were entertained with non-stop action. From small and dainty seedeaters such as Red-billed Firefinch and Golden-breasted Bunting, to numerous Emerald-spotted Wood Doves and bright Cape Starlings, a wide variety of birds were seen here. The mammals were equally impressive, with two White Rhinos walking down, and then frolicking in the water for an hour, easily being the main highlight. The antics of the many resident Nyala, Impala, Common Wildebeest, Plains Zebra and Common Warthog were all enjoyed as well. We also got to grips with a Giraffe here. Just as we were on our way out, we connected with another highly sought-after bird from this region – Neergaard’s Sunbird – which gave us excellent views! We explored a bit more of the reserve, taking in scenic vista’s and enjoying the large Nsumo Pan. We picked up various other birds such as Bateleur, Wahlberg’s Eagle, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Bearded Scrub Robin and Grey Tit-Flycatcher, amongst many others we were now familiar with. In the late afternoon, with our day list in the vicinity of 120 species, we made our way back to our lodge, where we settled in for the evening, following a great day out. After our dinner, we rounded the evening off with fine views of a Fiery-necked Nightjar and many different scorpions on a night walk around the lodge.
Day 29, 3rd September 2022. Transfer to Songimvelo Private Nature Reserve
This was set aside mainly as a travel day, with a long transfer to the private Songimvelo Nature Reserve, near Barberton, on the cards. We did however ensure that we had enough time for a short early morning birding walk around the lodge, before breakfast. This again, was excellent, with a vast number of birds being seen – more than 60, in a short space of time. Here the patches of sand forest are of importance, and we bettered our views of the sought-after Pink-throated Twinspot, with many excellent sightings throughout the walk. We also enjoyed fine views of the shy Gorgeous Bushshrike, along with others such as Crested Guineafowl, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Common Square-tailed Drongo, Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bushshrikes, Rudd’s Apalis, Bearded Scrub Robin, Purple-banded Sunbird and Green-winged Pytilia. A close Giraffe sighting on foot was also enjoyed. Following breakfast, we settled in for a long drive, eventually arriving at the Songimvelo Nature Reserve in the mid-afternoon. Here we were met by our guide, Lindo, and then set off on our part game-drive/part check-in-drive, to our exclusive lodge, set deep within the park. Birds were somewhat limited, though we did enjoy the likes of African Hoopoe, White-crested Helmetshrike, Southern Black Tit and Red-billed Oxpecker. Mammals, however, were a bit more prominent and we enjoyed herds of Blesbok, Plains Zebra, Impala and Greater Kudu.
Day 30, 4th September 2022. Birding Songimvelo, and transfer to Kruger National Park
We started the day off with a lovely morning drive, as we explored Songimvelo Nature Reserve. There is a fairly wide mix of habitats present in the reserve, with good numbers of birds regularly keeping us busy, along with numerous mammals. The rocky woodlands hosted exciting species such as Mocking Cliff Chat, Lazy Cisticola, Striped Pipit, Violet-backed Starling, Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow and Golden-breasted Bunting, while more riverine woodlands held the likes of White-fronted Bee-eater, Black-headed Oriole, Grey-headed Bushshrike, White-throated Robin-Chat and African Firefinch.
A coffee break along a river yielded Giant Kingfisher, African Black Duck, Water Thick-knee and various swallows including the scarce Grey-rumped Swallow. A Brown Snake Eagle with its snake prey was another highlight. Mammals seen included Hippopotamus on foot, along with a variety of plains game, such as Plains Zebra, Common Eland, Greater Kudu, Waterbuck, Blesbok, Common Duiker and Giraffe. After an excellent morning, we reluctantly checked out of our exclusive lodge, and made our way towards the Kruger National Park – where we arrived in the mid-afternoon. We had a short game drive as we made our way to our camp, Lower Sabie, arriving just on the gate closing time. We acquainted ourselves with some of the more common bushveld species, such as Crested Francolin, Southern Red-billed and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, the stunning Lilac-breasted Roller, Magpie Shrike, Burchell’s Starling and Blue Waxbill, while also enjoying the first of many White-backed Vultures. The most exciting bird sighting was a lovely sighting of a pair of Double-banded Sandgrouse, right next to the road. Mammals were a bit limited, but several herds of African Elephants and a delightful party of Common Dwarf Mongoose were notable.
Days 31-33, 5th-7th September 2022. Birds and mammals in the Kruger National Park
The world-famous Kruger National Park needs no introduction, with this massive conservation area host to over 600 species of birds, and almost all of Africa’s large mammals, including ‘The Big 5’. Our days were a mix of drives, combined with the occasional camp walk, which allowed for some great birding opportunities. We made use of an open safari vehicle for the full duration of these three days, allowing us excellent views of the many birds and mammals seen whilst on drives. Our three full days in the Kruger National Park are covered under this one segment, as the days tended to blur together with similar species being seen throughout.
The large size of this conservation area makes this the perfect area for raptors, with many breeding within the park – and indeed the raptors often form part of the main attraction. Vultures were well represented, as always, and we enjoyed numbers of White-backed Vultures, with smaller numbers of Hooded, Lappet-faced and White-headed Vultures being seen. Bateleurs were a regular sight, as were Wahlberg’s Eagles and Brown Snake Eagles, and African Fish Eagles, around water bodies. Martial and Tawny Eagles were seen occasionally, and we also enjoyed scarcer species such as Gabar Goshawk, Little Sparrowhawk and a stately pair of Secretarybirds. The massive Southern Ground Hornbill was eventually seen, and as it usually goes, after the first sighting we enjoyed more family groups. Various waterbirds were seen throughout the park with a wide range of ducks, geese, herons and shorebirds all well represented. Some of the standout species were African Black Duck, White-crowned Lapwing, African Jacana, Ruff, Wood Sandpiper, hulking Saddle-billed and Marabou Storks, Striated Heron, Hamerkop and stately Goliath Herons.
Wooded areas are naturally well represented, and bushveld species such as Grey Go-away-bird, Burchell’s Coucal, Red-faced Mousebird, Green Wood Hoopoe, Common Scimitarbill, African Grey Hornbill, Acacia Pied Barbet, Black-collared Barbet, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Brown-headed Parrot, Chinspot Batis, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Southern Black Tit, Long-billed Crombec, Arrow-marked Babbler, White-browed Scrub Robin, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, Marico Sunbird, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Jameson’s Firefinch and Golden-breasted Bunting were all seen. More riverine species seen included African Green Pigeon, Mourning Collared Dove, Greater Blue-eared Starling, White-browed Robin-Chat, Purple-banded Sunbird and Spectacled Weaver. Reedbeds and the likes held onto scarce species (for Kruger) such as African Yellow Warbler and Orange-breasted Waxbill, along with the ubiquitous Red-faced Cisticola. The more open, savanna-dominated areas held several other species, from the massive Kori Bustard and Common Ostrich, to the smaller Red-crested Korhaan, Purple Roller and even the dainty Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark. It took some searching, but we also eventually found the uncommon Yellow-billed Oxpecker, amongst the more common Red-billed Oxpecker. Night-time birds were somewhat limited, with only African Scops Owl and Pearl-spotted Owlet being seen, whilst a calling Verreaux’s Eagle Owl remained heard only.
Whilst searching for, and looking at all of these birds, we enjoyed many excellent mammal sightings, and our first full day got off to a great start, with an African Wild Dog sighting as soon as we left the camp. We would go on to enjoy another great African Wild Dog sighting, with the animals having recently fed off an unfortunate animal, as they were all still stained with blood. Lions were seen daily, with several excellent sightings, including a pride with cubs. Just a single Leopard was seen, but as always, seeing these shy cats requires a good dose of luck! We were treated to a few White Rhino sightings after careful searching. African Elephant and African Buffalo were seen daily, as were other large animals such as Giraffe and Hippopotamus. The strange-looking Spotted Hyaena was also seen occasionally. A sighting of two Honey Badgers scampering through the bushveld was thoroughly enjoyed, while night walks and night drives added others such as Scrub Hare, Thick-tailed Greater Galago, Common Genet and Black-backed Jackal. Aside from the common plains game, we also found scarcer species such as Slender Mongoose, Nyala, Cape Bushbuck and Steenbok.
Day 34, 8th September 2022. Transfer to Dullstroom
Our last morning in Kruger dawned and saw us enjoy a birding walk around the Satara camp, where we had been based for our previous two nights in the park. We had a birdy walk around the camp, enjoying further sightings of the likes of Brown-headed Parrot, Grey-headed Bushshrike, White-crested Helmetshrike, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, White-throated Robin-Chat, Lesser Masked Weaver and Red-billed Firefinch, amongst others. Once we got going a pride of Lions, complete with one of the albino brothers, was a fitting farewell to our time in the park. Once we exited Kruger, we made our way to the quaint village of Dullstroom, set in the high mountains, where we would be spending the evening. We settled in at our glorious lodge for the evening, and following dinner, enjoyed a night drive that delivered the rare African Grass Owl, and several Striped Flufftails that were heard hooting from the surrounding valleys. Both of these are easily some of South Africa’s most difficult to find birds, and while we didn’t get to see the flufftails, it was nonetheless a privilege spending time with these birds. We also enjoyed several mammals, from antelope such as Grey Rhebok and Mountain Reedbuck, to Oribi and Hewitt’s Red Rock Hare.
Day 35, 9th September 2022. Birding Dullstroom and transfer to Rust de Winter
We kicked this travel day off with a visit to the nearby Verloren Vallei Nature Reserve, where we spent a few hours exploring. It was a relatively quiet morning, but we slowly notched up some of the region’s targets as we went along. Various coveys of Grey-winged and Red-winged Francolins broke the silence and although it took some searching, we eventually found individuals of both species. Eastern Long-billed Lark was also eventually seen, after being heard only, and we did well to find a single Yellow-breasted Pipit. Some of the rockier areas held the likes of Wing-snapping Cisticola, Mountain Wheatear and Nicholson’s Pipit, while bushier areas produced the likes of Cape Grassbird, Levaillant’s Cisticola, Cape Longclaw and Cape Canary. A single Southern Bald Ibis was also seen. Following a lovely brunch in the village, we set off for the Rust de Winter area, where we would be spending the final two nights of the tour. We arrived at our wonderfully appointed lodge in the mid afternoon and settled in for the evening, with the likes of Green Wood Hoopoe, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Black-headed Oriole, Arrow-marked Babbler, Groundscraper Thrush and many others all keeping us company.
Day 36, 10th September 2022. Birding Rust de Winter
Our last full day began with a walk around the expansive grounds of our lodge, exploring the mix of riverine and broad-leafed woodland. The riverine woodland in particular was humming early on – noisy Yellow-fronted Tinkerbirds calling constantly, while a Lesser Honeyguide zipped through at a pace, before a bright Red-headed Weaver popped into view. The taller tree canopies held onto the likes of Little Sparrowhawk, Orange-breasted Bushshrike and Grey Tit-Flycatcher, while the denser thickets lower down produced the likes of Kurrichane Thrush and Grey-backed Camaroptera. We also did well to find a nesting pair of Black Sparrowhawks! After breakfast, we headed out for a short drive through the surrounding acacia thornveld. Though it was quite warm, we enjoyed a productive drive enjoying several new species such as Bearded and Bennett’s Woodpeckers, along with several acacia thornveld specials such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Southern Pied Babbler and White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, amongst others. A stop for the normally reliable Verreaux’s Eagle Owls sadly failed to produce the birds – with the usual roost seemingly abandoned. We returned in time for lunch, and had a relaxing afternoon, reminiscing about the good times we’d had on this comprehensive South African tour!
Day 37, 11th September 2022. Departure from Johannesburg
Most of the group had a mid-morning flight from Johannesburg, which necessitated an early start from the lodge. We arrived at the airport in good time, and bid farewell to most of the group, as they transited to Victoria Falls for the last few days of their mega tour.
Ralph (who was only departing later in the afternoon) and I headed off to the wonderful Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, on the south side of the city, where we spent a few hours getting some final birding (and exercising) in. One of the resident Verreaux’s Eagles (which breed just outside the reserve) put in an appearance, and we also did well to notch up several other species such as White-fronted Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck, Brubru, Black-chested Prinia, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Fiscal Flycatcher, Red-headed Finch and Black-throated Canary, amongst others. Several Yellow Mongoose were also seen.
Following a good lunch, we made our way back to the airport, where the tour came to a formal end.
Bird List - Following IOC (13.1)
Birds ‘heard only’ are marked with (H) after the common name, birds seen by the guide only are marked with (G) after the common name, all other species were seen.
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following BirdLife International. CR = Critically Endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable
Common Name Scientific Name
Ostriches (Struthionidae)
Common Ostrich Struthio camelus
Ducks, Geese, Swans (Anatidae)
White-faced Whistling Duck Dendrocygna viduata
Fulvous Whistling Duck Dendrocygna bicolor
Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis
Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos
Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca
South African Shelduck Tadorna cana
African Pygmy Goose Nettapus auritus
Blue-billed Teal Spatula hottentota
Cape Shoveler Spatula smithii
African Black Duck Anas sparsa
Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata
Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha
Cape Teal Anas capensis
Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma
Maccoa Duck – VU Oxyura maccoa
Guineafowl (Numididae)
Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris
Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani
Pheasants & Allies (Phasianidae)
Crested Francolin Ortygornis sephaena
Red-winged Francolin Scleroptila levaillantii
Grey-winged Francolin Scleroptila afra
Natal Spurfowl Pternistis natalensis
Swainson's Spurfowl Pternistis swainsonii
Cape Spurfowl Pternistis capensis
Nightjars (Caprimulgidae)
Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis
Swamp Nightjar Caprimulgus natalensis
Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii
Swifts (Apodidae)
African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus
Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba
Little Swift Apus affinis
White-rumped Swift Apus caffer
Turacos (Musophagidae)
Grey Go-away-bird Crinifer concolor
Purple-crested Turaco Gallirex porphyreolophus
Livingstone's Turaco Tauraco livingstonii
Bustards (Otididae)
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori
Ludwig's Bustard – EN Neotis ludwigii
Denham's Bustard Neotis denhami
Karoo Korhaan Eupodotis vigorsii
Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista
Southern Black Korhaan - VU Afrotis afra
Northern Black Korhaan Afrotis afraoides
Cuckoos (Cuculidae)
Burchell's Coucal Centropus burchellii
Green Malkoha (H) Ceuthmochares australis
Klaas's Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas
Sandgrouse (Pteroclidae)
Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua
Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus
Burchell's Sandgrouse Pterocles burchelli
Pigeons, Doves (Columbidae)
Rock Dove Columba livia
Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Mourning Collared Dove Streptopelia decipiens
Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata
Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola
Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis
Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos
Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria
Namaqua Dove Oena capensis
African Green Pigeon Treron calvus
Flufftails (Sarothruridae)
Red-chested Flufftail Sarothrura rufa
Striped Flufftail (H) Sarothrura affinis
Buff-spotted Flufftail (H) Sarothrura elegans
Rails, Crakes & Coots (Rallidae)
African Rail (H) Rallus caerulescens
Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus
Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata
Black Crake Zapornia flavirostra
African Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis
Cranes (Gruidae)
Grey Crowned Crane - EN Balearica regulorum
Blue Crane – VU Grus paradisea
Grebes (Podicipedidae)
Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis
Great Crested Grebe Podiceps cristatus
Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis
Flamingos (Phoenicopteridae)
Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus
Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor
Stone-curlews, Thick-knees (Burhinidae)
Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus
Oystercatchers (Haematopodidae)
African Oystercatcher Haematopus moquini
Stilts, Avocets (Recurvirostridae)
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta
Plovers (Charadriidae)
Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus
White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps
Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus
Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus
African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus
Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola
Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius
Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris
White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus
Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius pallidus
Jacanas (Jacanidae)
African Jacana Actophilornis africanus
Sandpipers, Snipes (Scolopacidae)
Ruff Calidris pugnax
Little Stint Calidris minuta
Eurasian Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus
Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos
Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia
Coursers, Pratincoles (Glareolidae)
Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola
Gulls, Terns, Skimmers (Laridae)
Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus
Hartlaub's Gull Chroicocephalus hartlaubii
Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus
Caspian Tern Hydroprogne caspia
Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida
Skuas (Stercorariidae)
Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus
Penguins (Spheniscidae)
African Penguin – EN Spheniscus demersus
Albatrosses (Diomedeidae)
Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta
Petrels, Shearwaters, Diving Petrels (Procellariidae)
White-chinned Petrel - VU Procellaria aequinoctialis
Sooty Shearwater Ardenna grisea
Storks (Ciconiidae)
Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis
African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus
Black Stork Ciconia nigra
Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus
Saddle-billed Stork Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis
Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer
Gannets, Boobies (Sulidae)
Cape Gannet – EN Morus capensis
Anhingas, Darters (Anhingidae)
African Darter Anhinga rufa
Cormorants, Shags (Phalacrocoracidae)
Reed Cormorant Microcarbo africanus
Crowned Cormorant Microcarbo coronatus
Bank Cormorant – EN Phalacrocorax neglectus
Cape Cormorant – EN Phalacrocorax capensis
White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus
Ibises, Spoonbills (Threskiornithidae)
African Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus
Southern Bald Ibis – VU Geronticus calvus
Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash
African Spoonbill Platalea alba
Herons, Bitterns (Ardeidae)
Striated Heron Butorides striata
Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax
Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis
Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala
Goliath Heron Ardea goliath
Purple Heron Ardea purpurea
Great Egret Ardea alba
Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia
Little Egret Egretta garzetta
Hamerkop (Scopidae)
Hamerkop Scopus umbretta
Pelicans (Pelecanidae)
Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus
Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens
Secretarybird (Sagittariidae)
Secretarybird – EN Sagittarius serpentarius
Ospreys (Pandionidae)
Osprey Pandion haliaetus
Kites, Hawks, Eagles (Accipitridae)
Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus
African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus
Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus
Hooded Vulture – CR Necrosyrtes monachus
White-backed Vulture - CR Gyps africanus
Cape Vulture – VU Gyps coprotheres
White-headed Vulture - CR Trigonoceps occipitalis
Lappet-faced Vulture - EN Torgos tracheliotos
Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis
Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus
Bateleur – EN Terathopius ecaudatus
Martial Eagle – EN Polemaetus bellicosus
Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis
Booted Eagle Hieraaetus pennatus
Wahlberg's Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi
Tawny Eagle – VU Aquila rapax
Verreaux's Eagle Aquila verreauxii
Gabar Goshawk Micronisus gabar
Pale Chanting Goshawk Melierax canorus
African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro
Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus
Black Sparrowhawk Accipiter melanoleucus
African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus
Black Harrier – EN Circus maurus
Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius
African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer
Forest Buzzard Buteo trizonatus
Jackal Buzzard Buteo rufofuscus
Barn Owls (Tytonidae)
Western Barn Owl Tyto alba
African Grass Owl Tyto capensis
Owls (Strigidae)
Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum
African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis
Cape Eagle-Owl Bubo capensis
Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus
Verreaux's Eagle-Owl (H) Bubo lacteus
Mousebirds (Coliidae)
Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus
White-backed Mousebird Colius colius
Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus
Trogons (Trogonidae)
Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina
Hoopoes (Upupidae)
African Hoopoe Upupa africana
Wood Hoopoes (Phoeniculidae)
Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus
Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas
Ground Hornbills (Bucorvidae)
Southern Ground Hornbill - VU Bucorvus leadbeateri
Hornbills (Bucerotidae)
Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill Tockus leucomelas
Crowned Hornbill Lophoceros alboterminatus
African Grey Hornbill Lophoceros nasutus
Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator
Rollers (Coraciidae)
Purple Roller Coracias naevius
Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus
Kingfishers (Alcedinidae)
Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris
Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus
Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima
Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis
Bee-eaters (Meropidae)
Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus
White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides
Swallow-tailed Bee-eater Merops hirundineus
African Barbets (Lybiidae)
White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis
Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus
Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus
Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus
Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas
Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus
Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii
Honeyguides (Indicatoridae)
Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor
Scaly-throated Honeyguide (H) Indicator variegatus
Woodpeckers (Picidae)
Ground Woodpecker Geocolaptes olivaceus
Bennett's Woodpecker Campethera bennettii
Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni
Bearded Woodpecker Chloropicus namaquus
Knysna Woodpecker Campethera notata
Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens
Caracaras, Falcons (Falconidae)
Pygmy Falcon Polihierax semitorquatus
Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus
Greater Kestrel Falco rupicoloides
Red-necked Falcon Falco chicquera
Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus
Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus
African & New World Parrots (Psittacidae)
Rosy-faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis
Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus cryptoxanthus
Wattle-eyes, Batises (Platysteiridae)
Cape Batis Batis capensis
Woodwards' Batis Batis fratrum
Chinspot Batis Batis molitor
Pririt Batis Batis pririt
Bushshrikes (Malaconotidae)
Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti
Olive Bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus
Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus
Gorgeous Bushshrike Telophorus viridis
Bokmakierie Telophorus zeylonus
Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus
Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla
Southern Boubou Laniarius ferrugineus
Crimson-breasted Shrike Laniarius atrococcineus
Brubru Nilaus afer
Vangas & Allies (Vangidae)
White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus
Cuckooshrikes (Campephagidae)
Grey Cuckooshrike Ceblepyris caesius
Shrikes (Laniidae)
Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus
Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens
Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris
Figbirds, Old World Orioles, Piopios (Oriolidae)
Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus
Drongos (Dicruridae)
Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis
Common Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii
Monarchs (Monarchidae)
Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas
African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis
Crows, Jays (Corvidae)
Cape Crow Corvus capensis
Pied Crow Corvus albus
White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis
Rockjumpers (Chaetopidae)
Cape Rockjumper Chaetops frenatus
Drakensberg Rockjumper Chaetops aurantius
Fairy Flycatchers (Stenostiridae)
Fairy Flycatcher Stenostira scita
Tits, Chickadees (Paridae)
Southern Black Tit Melaniparus niger
Ashy Tit Melaniparus cinerascens
Grey Tit Melaniparus afer
Penduline Tits (Remizidae)
Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli
Larks (Alaudidae)
Spike-heeled Lark Chersomanes albofasciata
Karoo Long-billed Lark Certhilauda subcoronata
Agulhas Long-billed Lark Certhilauda brevirostris
Eastern Long-billed Lark Certhilauda semitorquata
Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis
Black-eared Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix australis
Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix verticalis
Sabota Lark Calendulauda sabota
Fawn-colored Lark Calendulauda africanoides
Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens
Red Lark – VU Calendulauda burra
Cape Clapper Lark Mirafra apiata
Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana
Stark's Lark Spizocorys starki
Large-billed Lark Galerida magnirostris
Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea
Bulbuls (Pycnonotidae)
Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus
Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris
Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris
Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor
African Red-eyed Bulbul Pycnonotus nigricans
Cape Bulbul Pycnonotus capensis
Swallows, Martins (Hirundinidae)
Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera
Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola
Grey-rumped Swallow Pseudhirundo griseopyga
Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula
Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata
White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii
Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica
Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa
Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica
Crombecs, African Warblers (Macrosphenidae)
Cape Grassbird Sphenoeacus afer
Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens
Leaf Warblers & Allies (Phylloscopidae)
Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla
Reed Warblers & Allies (Acrocephalidae)
Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris
African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis
Grassbirds & Allies (Locustellidae)
Barratt's Warbler Bradypterus barratti
Knysna Warbler – VU Bradypterus sylvaticus
Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala
Cisticolas & Allies (Cisticolidae)
Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops
Lazy Cisticola Cisticola aberrans
Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana
Grey-backed Cisticola Cisticola subruficapilla
Levaillant's Cisticola Cisticola tinniens
Croaking Cisticola Cisticola natalensis
Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla
Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis
Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus
Cloud Cisticola (H) Cisticola textrix
Wing-snapping Cisticola Cisticola ayresii
Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava
Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans
Drakensberg Prinia Prinia hypoxantha
Karoo Prinia Prinia maculosa
Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata
Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica
Rudd's Apalis Apalis ruddi
Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida
Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis
Cinnamon-breasted Warbler Euryptila subcinnamomea
Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura
Grey-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brevicaudata
Burnt-necked Eremomela Eremomela usticollis
Yellow-bellied Eremomela Eremomela icteropygialis
Karoo Eremomela Eremomela gregalis
Sylviid Babblers (Sylviidae)
Layard's Warbler Curruca layardi
Chestnut-vented Warbler Curruca subcoerulea
White-eyes (Zosteropidae)
Orange River White-eye Zosterops pallidus
Cape White-eye Zosterops virens
Laughingthrushes & Allies (Leiothrichidae)
Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii
Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor
Sugarbirds (Promeropidae)
Cape Sugarbird Promerops cafer
Gurney's Sugarbird Promerops gurneyi
Starlings, Rhabdornises (Sturnidae)
Common Myna Acridotheres tristis
Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris
Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
Black-bellied Starling Notopholia corusca
Cape Starling Lamprotornis nitens
Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus
Burchell's Starling Lamprotornis australis
Pied Starling Lamprotornis bicolor
Violet-backed Starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster
Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio
Oxpeckers (Buphagidae)
Yellow-billed Oxpecker Buphagus africanus
Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorynchus
Thrushes (Turdidae)
Spotted Ground Thrush - VU Geokichla guttata
Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupa
Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus
Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi
Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana
Chats, Old World Flycatchers (Muscicapidae)
Karoo Scrub Robin Cercotrichas coryphoeus
Kalahari Scrub Robin Cercotrichas paena
Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata
White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys
Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina
Chat Flycatcher Melaenornis infuscatus
Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis
Fiscal Flycatcher Melaenornis silens
Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens
African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta
Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra
White-throated Robin-Chat Cossypha humeralis
White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini
Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis
Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa
White-starred Robin (H) Pogonocichla stellata
Cape Rock Thrush Monticola rupestris
Sentinel Rock Thrush Monticola explorator
Short-toed Rock Thrush Monticola brevipes
African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus
Buff-streaked Chat Campicoloides bifasciatus
Karoo Chat Emarginata schlegelii
Tractrac Chat Emarginata tractrac
Sickle-winged Chat Emarginata sinuata
Ant-eating Chat Myrmecocichla formicivora
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris
Mountain Wheatear Myrmecocichla monticola
Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata
Familiar Chat Oenanthe familiaris
Sunbirds (Nectariniidae)
Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris
Orange-breasted Sunbird Anthobaphes violacea
Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea
Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii
Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina
Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis
Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa
Neergaard's Sunbird Cinnyris neergaardi
Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis
Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus
White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala
Southern Double-collared Sunbird Cinnyris chalybeus
Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus
Old World Sparrows, Snowfinches (Passeridae)
Yellow-throated Bush Sparrow Gymnoris superciliaris
Cape Sparrow Passer melanurus
Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus
House Sparrow Passer domesticus
Weavers, Widowbirds (Ploceidae)
Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger
White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali
Sociable Weaver Philetairus socius
Scaly-feathered Weaver Sporopipes squamifrons
Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons
Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis
Cape Weaver Ploceus capensis
Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus
Holub's Golden Weaver Ploceus xanthops
Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus
Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius
Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus
Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus
Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor
Red-headed Weaver Anaplectes rubriceps
Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea
Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix
Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis
Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes axillaris
White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus
Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne
Waxbills, Munias & Allies (Estrildidae)
Bronze Mannikin Spermestes cucullata
Red-backed Mannikin Spermestes nigriceps
Swee Waxbill Coccopygia melanotis
Black-faced Waxbill Brunhilda erythronotos
Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild
Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis
Red-headed Finch Amadina erythrocephala
Orange-breasted Waxbill (G) Amandava subflava
Violet-eared Waxbill Granatina granatina
Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis
Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba
Pink-throated Twinspot Hypargos margaritatus
Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala
African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata
Jameson's Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia
Indigobirds, Whydahs (Viduidae)
Pin-tailed Whydah Vidua macroura
Shaft-tailed Whydah Vidua regia
Wagtails, Pipits (Motacillidae)
Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis
African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp
Cape Longclaw Macronyx capensis
Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus
African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus
Nicholson's Pipit Anthus nicholsoni
Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis
Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys
Striped Pipit Anthus lineiventris
Yellow-breasted Pipit - VU Anthus chloris
Finches, Euphonias (Fringillidae)
Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis
Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica
Forest Canary Crithagra scotops
Cape Siskin Crithagra totta
Drakensberg Siskin Crithagra symonsi
Yellow Canary Crithagra flaviventris
Brimstone Canary Crithagra sulphurata
Streaky-headed Seedeater Crithagra gularis
White-throated Canary Crithagra albogularis
Cape Canary Serinus canicollis
Black-headed Canary Serinus alario
Buntings (Emberizidae)
Lark-like Bunting Emberiza impetuani
Cape Bunting Emberiza capensis
Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris
Species seen: 444
Species heard: 8
Species seen by guide only: 1
Total species: 453
Mammal List
The following notation after species names is used to show conservation status following the IUCN Red List: EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable.
Common Name Scientific Name
Hyraxes (Procaviidae)
Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis
Elephants (Elephantidae)
African Elephant – VU Loxodonta africana
Rabbits and Hares (Leporidae)
Hewitt's Red Rock Hare Pronolagus saundersiae
Smith’s Red Rock Hare Pronolagus rupestris
Cape Hare Lepus capensis
Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis
Dassie Rats (Petromuridae)
Dassie Rat Petromus typicus
Squirrels and Relatives (Sciuridae)
South African Ground Squirrel Xerus inauris
Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi
Old World Mice, Rats and Gerbils (Muridae)
Sloggett's Vlei Rat Otomys sloggetti
Four-striped Mouse Rhabdomys pumilio
Karoo Bush Rat Myotomys unisulcatus
Bushbabies (Galagidae)
Thick-tailed Greater Galago Otolemur crassicaudatus
Old World Monkeys (Cercopithecidae)
Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus
Vervet Chlorocebus pygerythrus
Blue Monkey Cercopithecus mitis
Bats (Chiroptera)
Wahlberg's Epauletted Fruit Bat Epomophorus wahlbergi
Cats (Felidae)
Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus
Lion – VU Panthera leo
Leopard – VU Panthera pardus
Civets, Genets, Linsangs and allies (Viverridae)
Common Genet Genetta genetta
South African Large-spotted Genet Genetta tigrina
Hyaenas and Aardwolf (Hyaenidae
Spotted Hyaena Crocuta crocuta
Mongooses and Fossa (Herpestidae)
Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata
Cape Grey Mongoose Herpestes pulverulentus
Slender Mongoose Herpestes sanguineus
Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula
Meerkat Suricata suricatta
Canids (Canidae)
Black-backed Jackal Lupulella mesomelas
Cape Fox Vulpes chama
Bat-eared Fox Otocyon megalotis
African Wild Dog – EN Lycaon pictus
Eared Seals (Otariidae)
Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus
Mustelids (Mustelidae)
Honey Badger Mellivora capensis
Horses, Asses and Zebras (Equidae)
Plains Zebra Equus quagga
(Cape) Mountain Zebra - VU Equus zebra
Rhinoceroses (Rhinocerotidae)
White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum
Hogs and Pigs (Suidae)
Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus
Hippopotamuses (Hippopotamidae)
Hippopotamus – VU Hippopotamus amphibius
Bovids (Bovidae)
African Buffalo Syncerus caffer
Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx
Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros
Nyala Tragelaphus angasii
Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus
Gemsbok Oryx gazella
Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus
Mountain Reedbuck Redunca fulvorufula
Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum
Grey Rhebok Pelea capreolus
Common (Blue) Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus
(Red) Haartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus
Blesbok Damaliscus pygargus
Impala Aepyceros melampus
Springbok Antidorcas marsuplialis
Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus
Steenbok Raphicerus campestris
Oribi Ourebia ourebi
Cape Grysbok Raphicerus melanotis
Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis
Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola
Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia
Giraffes and Okapis (Giraffidae)
Giraffe Giraffa giraffa
Bowhead Whales and Right Whales (Balaenidae)
Southern Right Whale Balaena glacialis
Rorquals (Balaenopteridae)
Humpback Whale Megaptera novaeangliae
Total species seen: 65