Wild South Africa: Cape to The Greater Kruger

Start At Cape Town & Journey To The Famous Greater Kruger

Wild South Africa: Cape to The Greater Kruger

per person
9.3 Superb

This rich and varied birding safari offers an in-depth journey through some of South Africa’s most celebrated natural regions, from the fynbos-clad slopes of Table Mountain to the legendary savannahs of the Greater Kruger.

Over the course of 14 days, we’ll travel from Cape Town’s dramatic coastline and the endemic-rich West Coast, through the forests and wetlands of the Garden Route, and on to the highland grasslands of Mpumalanga. We finish with four immersive days in Kruger National Park, home to over 500 bird species and a full suite of Africa’s large mammals.

 

This is first and foremost a birdwatching tour, with around 400 bird species expected, including several South African endemics and regional specials. However, we also enjoy excellent game viewing throughout, including whale and dolphin watching along the coast, botanical walks in unique floral kingdoms, and a full-day pelagic trip in search of albatrosses and other seabirds. With a strong photographic element and an emphasis on varied habitats and biodiversity, this is a wonderfully rounded wildlife journey through South Africa’s southern and eastern reaches.

Bird Count:

Over 400.

 

Speed:

Slow/medium.

 

Tour difficulty:

Easy – few long drives, that’s it. 

 

When to visit:

Birding in South Africa is generally fantastic all year, but to nitpick the prime birding season in South Africa falls between November to Februrary. This period highlights most species in vibrant breeding plumage, featuring captivating display behaviours of whydahs, widowbirds and bishops. Additionally, it’s when many migrants make their presence felt, so the count will be high. If you’re not fond of cold weather, you might want to consider a trip during the spring, summer, or Autumn seasons. However, certain regions, such as Kruger, Zululand, and the Kgalagadi/Kalahari, maintain mild temperatures even during winter (though the latter area can get cold at night).

 

Sustainability:

Wild Birding designs birding and wildlife holidays that support conservation, empower local communities, and tread lightly. We work exclusively with trusted local guides and conservation-minded lodges, avoid crowded circuits, and keep group sizes small to minimise our impact. We actively encourage guests to take part in citizen science through eBird, and we’ve partnered with Sustainable Travel to offer optional carbon offsetting and direct support for local conservation projects.

 

Price:

Our tailor-made birding tours are custom-designed for each client, making standard pricing difficult. Costs vary based on factors like accommodation, group size, duration, and specific locations. For a personalised quote that matches your taste and budget, please contact us with your requirements.

 

As an example, this Wild South Africa: Cape To The Greater Kruger costs £3,650 per person, based on a group of 6 individuals staying in top-end mid-range safari lodges with shared twin rooms.

 

For our Set Departure Birding Tours, with fixed prices, please click the button below.

 

Bird Highlights

  • African Crake
  • Northern Black Korhaan
  • White-backed Mousebird
  • Greater Painted Snipe
  • River Warbler
  • Thrush Nightingale
  • White-bellied Bustard
  • Short-clawed Lark
  • Nicholson’s Pipit
  • Malachite Sunbird
  • Gurney’s Sugarbird
  • Violet-eared Waxbill
  • Forest Buzzard
  • Yellow-streaked Greenbul
  • Cape Parrot
  • White-starred Robin
  • Black-fronted Bush Shrike
  • Knysna Turaco
  • Barratt’s Warbler
  • Olive Woodpecker
  • Martial Eagle
  • Tawny Eagle
  • Wahlberg’s Eagle
  • Lanner Falcon
  • Marabou Stork
  • Saddle-billed Stork
  • Hooded Vulture
  • Lappet-faced Vulture
  • White-backed Vulture
  • White-headed Vulture
  • Bateleur
  • Ayres’s Hawk Eagle
  • Black-chested Snake Eagle
  • Brown Snake Eagle
  • African Barred Owlet
  • Pearl-spotted Owl
  • Verreaux’s Eagle Owl
  • Wailing Cisticola
  • Denham’s Bustard
  • Jackal Buzzard
  • Grey Crowned Crane
  • African Marsh Harrier
  • Southern Bald Ibis
  • Blue Korhaan
  • Buff-streaked Chat
  • Red-chested Flufftail
  • Black-winged Lapwing
  • Eastern Long-billed Lark
  • Pink-billed Lark
  • Red-capped Lark
  • Yellow-breasted Pipit
  • South African Cliff Swallow
14 Days
8+ Age
  • Departure
    Start: Cape Town. Finish: Johannesburg
  • Included
    Airport Transfers
    Birding Telescope
    Full board (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
    Mineral Water
    National Park Fees
    Overnight In Top Safari Lodges
    Professional Bird Guide
    Professional Driver
    Safari Vehicle
    Updated Bird Checklist
    WiFi
1
Cape Town / Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens / Table Mountain
2
Langebaan Lagoon / West Coast National Park / Postberg Flower Reserve
3
Cape Peninsula National Park / Rondevlei Bird Reserve / Penguin colony
4
Pelagic boat trip off the Cape of Good Hope
5
Karoo National Botanical Gardens / Oudtshoorn & the Little Karoo
6
Garden Route & the Wilderness National Park
7
Garden Route & the Tsitsikamma National Park
8
Garden Route / flight to Johannesburg & Mpumalanga
9
Blyde River Canyon / Three Rondavels / God's Window
10
Kruger National Park
11
Kruger National Park
12
Kruger National Park
13
Kruger National Park
14
Kruger National Park to Johannesburg Airport

Let Us Know How We Can Create The Perfect South Africa Birding Holiday For You