Endemic Birds of the Western Cape 11‑Day Tour

11-Day Tour

Cape Town – Cape South Coast – Garden Route – Small and Great Karoo – West Coast – Cape Town

Tour Information

Top 30 birds: African Penguin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Bank Cormorant, Cape Clapper Lark, Cape Eagle Owl, Cape Long-billed Lark, Cape Rockjumper, Cape Sugarbird, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Crowned Cormorant, Damara Tern, Fairy Flycatcher, Forest Buzzard, Fynbos Buttonquail, Ground Woodpecker, Grey Tit, Karoo Eremomela, Karoo Korhaan, Knysna Turaco, Knysna Woodpecker, Ludwig’s Bustard, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Namaqua Warbler, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Protea Canary, Rufous-eared Warbler, Southern Black Korhaan, Southern Tchagra, Tractrac Chat, Victorin’s Warbler.

Private wildlife and birding guide
Accommodation (may change subject to availability, in which case similar will be found)
All meals, tea and coffee
All ground transport – maximum 6 participants and 1 guide per luxury touring vehicle
Bottled water in vehicles
All entrance fees, conservation and community levies to parks and reserves
Trip guide and personalised species checklist
Specialist guide fees – Pelagic birding boat trip

All airfares
Airport departure taxes or visa fees
Travel and medical insurance (incl. personal equipment and repatriation)
All 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 for guides and local restaurants
Anything else not mentioned in “Includes”

Distance:

Total driving distance (including around sites) = 2,200km.

Scheduled Dates:

29 May to 8 June 2025

28 September to 8 October 2025

Or alternate dates on request

Duration:

11 days, 10 nights.

No. of Pax:

Maximum 7 guests per vehicle and per guide.

Tour Starts:

At Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport, Western Cape.

Tour Ends:

At Cape Town or Cape Town International Airport, Western Cape.

Price:

2024 = ZAR 56,750 per person sharing, and ZAR 8,750 single supplement

2025 = ZAR 59,950 per person sharing, and ZAR 9,470 single supplement

Terms and Conditions apply
Minimum of 4 participants per vehicle required to undertake the trip. Should the number of guests change, the cost of the tour and the per person cost will change accordingly
The species mentioned in the itinerary represent only some of those we may possibly view on the tour, however, none can be guaranteed
This itinerary is subject to change due to weather conditions at the time and other factors beyond our control
Tour group is responsible for paying for all guide meals

Tour Insight

This tour explores diverse geographic areas and unique habitats across the Western Cape, home to numerous endemic and near-endemic species. Join us as we travel the Cape south coast through the Overberg region along the spectacular Garden Route to Wilderness. We explore the Kogelberg mountains and the area from Hermanus to Gansbaai, proceed through the Agulhas Plains to De Hoop, and discover the coastal forests and lakes around Wilderness.

The journey continues through several spectacular mountain passes into the Small and Great Karoo hinterland as we search for semi-arid species in and around Karoo National Park and the barren and succulent Tankwa Karoo National Park. Next, we head further west through the Cederberg to the Atlantic Ocean and the fynbos habitats of West Coast National Park.

Finally, we travel back to Cape Town and overlook False Bay from Simon’s Town, hoping to experience prolific pelagic birding numbers off Cape Point. Alternatively, we tour southwards on land to Cape Point and the Cape of Good Hope to go birding in the wetlands of Rietvlei and Strandfontein.

We have a sightings goal of 270+ bird species in the summer and 230+ in winter, with many being resident endemics and specials. We also hope to see over 45 mammal species, with abundant reptiles, amphibians and butterflies to be found among the wildflowers.

Tour Overview

Comfortable private lodges and country cottages. Luxury accommodation can be arranged at your request (additional cost).

The Mediterranean climate of this region is warm and temperate, with more rain in the winter than in summer. The temperature averages 16.5°C (61.7°F), while rainfall averages around 610 mm per year. Summers are warm, dry, and mostly clear; winters are cool, wet and partly cloudy, and it is windy much of the year except in late summer. 

Fynbos, thicket, renosterveld, lowland Afrotemperate forest, coastal forest, mountain passes, gardens, wetlands and riverine areas, lagoons and estuaries, sandy beaches and rocky shores. These host numerous regional endemics, threatened and endangered bird and mammal species, as well as great floral diversity that includes a variety of orchids and proteas. Each destination offers extraordinary scenery, providing you with unparalleled photographic opportunities.

Optional extension:

Northern Cape 

Tour variation:

This set-departure tour is also available as a private or custom tour on request. Kindly submit an enquiry with your preferred dates and group size.

The opportunity of seeing over 40 of the country’s 69 endemic bird species, as well as many red-listed species and specials.

Many varied habitats supporting diverse bird species.

A scenic journey down the picturesque Clarence Drive, along the False Bay coastline and exploring the Kogelberg mountain range.

The rich biodiversity of the fynbos habitats and estuaries of De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage Site providing a safe breeding ground for whales.

Exploring the evergreen coastal town of Wilderness with its many lakes, part of the famed Garden Route, and the extraordinary mountain passes and forests that surround it.

Visiting both the Small and Great Karoo to explore the fascinating Karoo National Park.

The wide-open spaces, expansive vistas and tranquillity of the arid Tankwa Karoo, surrounded by mountains on all sides.

The saltwater Langebaan Lagoon and its many endemics in the surrounding West Coast National Park.

Exploring the fields around the small town of Darling, birding in the leafy suburbs on the slopes of Table Mountain in Cape Town and visiting the magnificent Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.

Medium-paced with optional mid-day breaks (advisable on hot days). If you’re a keen photographer (and so are we), there will be many opportunities to capture moments to make you the envy of your friends!