The highlands of South Africa boast some incredible birdlife. The Drakensberg stretches from the south to the north for over 1,125 kilometers, creating a remarkable habitat. We will visit and bird the northern parts of this escarpment and explore one of the montane forests created by this mountain range.
We'll also travel along the Panorama Route and soothe our eyes with all the beautiful landscapes. Afterwards, we will visit the Greater Kruger Conservation Area. This relatively large area borders Kruger National Park, increasing its size and contributing to the conservation of this truly beautiful national park.
Kruger National Park borders Zimbabwe in the north and Mozambique in the east, making it one of the largest national parks in Africa. It is well-known for its incredible biodiversity, which extends from the north all the way to the south.
Day 1
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Arrival at Kruger Mpumalanga Internation Airport and staying the night close to Pilgrims's Rest at Mount Sheba Lodge.
Your South Africa birding tour begins in Mbombela, the capital of Mpumalanga (formerly Nelspruit). We recommend aiming for an arrival around 12 pm at Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport. Earlier arrivals are also welcome. From the airport, we journey north-west on a scenic two-hour drive to Mount Sheba Lodge, where we'll base ourselves for the next two nights. Nestled in the Montane Forest in this wooded reserve, Mount Sheba offers the perfect start for building our bird species list.
Day 2
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We stay one more night at Mount Sheba Lodge and focus on birding around the escarpment.
Following a successful day-one birding session, we'll rise with the dawn for another exciting exploration of the diverse avian life. The dense Montane forest surrounding Mount Sheba Lodge is a haven for key bird species adapted to this unique habitat. After immersing ourselves in the forest's symphony of birdsong, we'll venture into the surrounding grasslands, teeming with birds that thrive in these high-altitude havens. Our birding adventure continues with a breathtaking Panorama Tour, offering stunning vistas and the opportunity to spot birds that favor these panoramic views. We'll return to Mount Sheba Lodge for a well-deserved rest, ready to tackle the next day's adventures.
Day 3 - 5
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We leave Mount Sheba Lodge and make our way to Kruger National Park and will overnight at Skukuza Rest Camp.
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As the sun paints the sky with vibrant hues, we'll embark on a morning birding session around the lodge, aiming to discover any avian gems we might have missed earlier. After a delicious breakfast, we'll set off on a captivating journey towards Kruger National Park. Descending into the beautiful Lowveld, renowned for its exceptional game viewing and birding opportunities, we'll reach Kruger by midday. Here, we'll switch to our open safari vehicle, ideal for maximizing bird sightings, and enter the park. Our home for the next few nights will be Skukuza Rest Camp, a prime location for both birding and game viewing. We'll spend these days exploring the diverse landscapes within Kruger, adding a multitude of bird species to our list.
Day 6 - 8
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Departing from Kruger National Park we make our way to Sabi Sands Game Reserve and overnight at Umkumbe Safari Lodge.
Bidding farewell to Skukuza Rest Camp, we'll embark on a morning birding drive as we exit Kruger National Park via Paul Kruger Gate. Crossing the Sabie River, we'll enter the Sabi Sands Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger Conservancy. Renowned for its exceptional wildlife viewing, Sabi Sands also offers incredible birding opportunities. Here, we'll spend the next few nights indulging in both birding and game drives, adding to our ever-growing list of sightings.
Day 9
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Departing from Sabi Sands Nature Reserve we make our way to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
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On our final morning, we'll rise with the sun and enjoy a final birding drive through the Sabi Sands Reserve. After breakfast, we'll reminisce about the incredible birds we've encountered throughout the week before transferring back to Mbombela for your departure from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport.
$4800 per person sharing
+$480 single supplement
Dates : 5 - 13 September 2024
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Duration : 9 Days 8 Nights
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Group Size : 4 - 6
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Starts in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
Ends in Mbombela (Nelspruit)
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Spaces Available : 6
Most of the hotels and lodges are of a good or very good standard. Transportation is provided by passenger vehicle and in Kruger it will be in a Open Safari Vehicle and the roads are in good condition, although some areas have dirt roads.
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The walking effort required for our South Africa tour is generally minimal.
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The weather is usually hot, dry, cool and sunny, but overcast conditions can occur, and it may rain occasionally. At higher altitudes, mornings are cool but the temperature increases later in the day.
Airport Transfers, Accommodation and Meals the entire tour (full-board), Conservation Fees & Entrance Permits, Mineral Water (Bottled), Ground transport, Open Safari Vehicle in Kruger Area, Expert birding guide and tour leader.
Included
International flights, Visas, other activities not included on the itinerary, soft and alcoholic drinks, personal travel insurance, gratuities, personal items.