Kruger and Zululand

This tour takes you to the north eastern part of South Africa and includes premier birding sites in historic Zululand, the legendary Kruger National Park and the picturesque Drakensberg Mountains.  The range of habitats we are going to cover could not be more diverse; from the stunning scenery of the Zululand highveld grasslands to coastal wetlands of Natal, from lowland savannah packed with big game in the Kruger National Park to the spectacular slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.  Each of these habitats hosts a staggering number of birds and equally diverse range of mammals.   

We start our tour in Zululand, whose lowland savannas and coastal wetlands probably offer the very best birdwatching in South Africa.  We will visit the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, Bonamanzi and Mkuzie Game Reserves which all share staggering beauty, diversity of habitats and rich wildlife.  The former, is the oldest game reserve in South Africa and the Mkuzie Game Reserve is the best place in the country to view Black and White Rhinos.   It was here that the White Rhino survived in the wild after it had been shot to extinction elsewhere.  The remarkable Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park is South Africa’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and encompasses a number of unique coastal habitats, including dune and sand forests, mangrove swamps, and Lake St. Lucia, the biggest natural lake in South Africa and one of the country’s most important waterbird breeding areas.  We will then travel north through the Kingdom of Swaziland to the world-famous Kruger National Park.  Its 20,000 km² of wilderness boasts an impressive 147 species of mammals, 300 species of trees and a bird list in excess of 500 species.  We will spend four nights here, exploring this immense land packed with sensational wildlife.  Our tour will conclude on the northern escarpment of the Drakensberg Mountains, where we will simply relax in the most spectacular surrounding of indigenous Afro-montane rainforest.

To fully appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region, we will undertake day and night game drives in an open vehicle, guided walks and a boat cruise in the company of knowledgeable guides and local rangers.  October, the southern spring, is the best month for birdwatching here, with many species in full breeding plumage and the influx of first northern migrants.  It is also an excellent time to see mammals, before the savannah vegetation gets lush and dense, and waterholes are filled with the summer rain.  As always, a high standard of accommodation, ranging from African chalets, guest houses to upmarket four-star hotels, and excellent African cuisine throughout, will guarantee a very memorable trip.    Needless to say, the tour offers superb photographic opportunities.