Kruger & Mapungubwe – An Iconic South African Safari

Day 1

Beaufort West to Kimberley

We leave Beaufort West early and stop along the road for interesting birds like Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Martial Eagle and Karoo Long-billed Lark, etc. As we reach the Kalahari, we look for birds like Sociable Weaver, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Amur Falcon, Abdim’s Stork, Black-faced & Violet-eared Waxbill, White-backed Vultures, cuckoos, Orange River Francolin, Quailfinch, etc.

Day 2

Kimberley to Bloemhof

We take on the old Western Transvaal on and head for Bloemhof where we visit Sandveld Nature Reserve, and if there is time, Bloemhof Nature Reserve. We may see Chestnut-backed Sparrowlarks, Desert Cisticola, Osprey, Moccoa Duck, a variety of waders, Pink-billed Lark, and some water birds.

Day 3

Bloemhof to Finfoot Nature Reserve

We continue through the maize fields and will spot some grassland birds before we enterthe Bushveld. Finfoot Lake is next to Vaalkop Dam, and the stay includes a game drive in the reserve. Birds include Great Sparrow, Marico Sunbird, White-throated Robin-chat, Magpie Shrike, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Comb Duck and African Hawk Eagle.

Day 4

Pilanesberg National Park

Early in the morning, we search for Yellow-throated Sandgrouse, and then head for Pilanesberg National Park where we’ll spend most of the day. This park hosts a variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and birds like Lazy Cisticola, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Barred Wren-warbler, Pied Babbler, Green-winged Pytilia, a variety of raptors, Kalahari Scrub-robin, Desert and Tinkling Cisticola, and some vultures. We also visit the vulture restaurant in the park.

Day 5

Finfoot Nature Reserve

The day is spent birding in the reserve, and includes a game drive and boat trip. Many birds to be seen in the bush and on the dam.

Day 6

Finfoot Nature Reserve to Zaagkuilsdrift (Wolfhuiskraal Bush Camp)

Zaagkuilsdrift is situated along the Pienaars River, and one of South Africa’s prime birding areas. Birds include Great Sparrow, Marico Sunbird, White-throated Robin-chat, Magpie Shrike, lots of warbler and waterbirds (if the area had rain) and African Hawk Eagle.

Day 7

Zaagkuilsdrift

The day is spent birding around Zaagkuilsdrift. Birds to look for include Barred Wren-warbler, Southern Pied Babbler, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Brubru, crakes, Ayre’s Hawk Eagle, Coqui Francolin, Cuckoo Hawk, Flappet Lark and Meyer’s Parrot.

Day 8

Zaagkuilsdrift to Nylsvley Nature Reserve

We continue to Nylsvley, stopping along the way at good birding stops. Nylsvley is famous for its irds and you will not be disappointed.

Day 9

Nylsvley Nature Reserve

We spend the day around Nylsvley Nature Reserve where you might find about 100 water bird species alone, including Dwarf Bittern, Black Egret, Pygmy Geese, Marsh Owl, Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Lesser Gallinule, etc. Away from the water, there are many more grass- and Bushveld species like Olive-tree Warbler, Tinkling Cisticola, Grey-headed Bush Shrike and various sunbirds, to name but a few. We make use of a local bird guide.

Day 10

Nylsvley Nature Reserve to Louis Trichardt

Proceeding to the Soutpansberg Mountains, if time allows, we make a stop at Pietersburg Nature Reserve, home to an interesting variety of birds. Our destination is a lodge near Louis Trichardt where we find forest and bushveld birds, and lots of cuckoos.

Day 11

Louis Trichardt

Joining local guide, Samson Malaudzi, on an early morning outing to the indigenous forests along the Soutpansberg, we look for Black-fronted Bush Shrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Red-backed Mannikin, Orange Ground Thrush, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, African Finfoot, etc. We also pay a visit to Hangklip Nature Reserve high up against the Soutpansberg.

Day 12

Louis Trichardt to Mapungubwe National Park

We travel north to Mapungubwe National Park along the Limpopo River. You are now in the heart of the Lowveld, and you will enjoy a variety of birds. Close to camp is a lovely waterhole with a hide for birding and game viewing.

Day 13

Mapungubwe National Park

Birding inside the park is fantastic, with the most southern range for birds like Senegal Coucal, Meyer’s Parrot, Meve’s Starling, Three-banded Courser, Retz’s Helmet Shrike, Pennant-winged Nightjar and Monotonous Lark. In the Limpopo River you may expect to see Saddle-billed Stork, African Openbill, and a variety of herons and egrets.

Day 14

Mapungubwe National Park

Today is spent birding in the eastern part of the park. Birds you can expect to encounter are Grey Penduline Tit, Retz’s Helmet Shrike, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Brown-backed Honeybird, Carmine Bee-eater, White-bellied and Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Red-headed Weaver, and many more.

Day 15

Mapungubwe National Park to Pafuri Border Camp

We continue with birding towards Pafuri Gate inside the lovely Kruger National Park and look for Arnott’s Chat, whereafter we proceed to the Luvhuvhu River and Pafuri Border Camp. This is a real bird paradise. Be on the lookout for Tropical Boubou, cuckoos, Black-töroated Wattle-eye, Mottled and Bohm’s Spinetail, Racket-tailed and Broad-billed Roller, Lemon-breasted Canary, Crested Guineafowl, Meve’s Starling, Grey-headed Parrot, Yellow-billed Stork, Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Eastern Nicator, Bearded Scrub-robin, and European Honey-buzzard. The same area also teems with wildlife including nyala, elephant, kudu, waterbuck, and if we’re lucky, lion and leopard.

Day 16

Pafuri

We remain in the Pafuri area and look for more birds like Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Saddle-billed Stork, Grey-headed Parrot and Yellow-billed Oxpecker. An optional night drive is available at R405/person – please note that this is not included in the tour price.

Day 17

Pafuri Border Camp to Shingwedzi

Onwards to Shingwedzi, birding the area around Babalala picnic site. Shingwedzi is home to birds like White-bellied and Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Red-headed Weaver, Arrow-marked Babbler, Temminck’s Courser, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, etc. While birding, plenty of game like impala, elephants, buffalo and lion will be seen.

Day 18

Shingwedzi

Birding around Shingwedzi and along the plains to the south with possible birds including Pallid and Montagu’s Harrier, Temminck’s Courser and Harlequin Quail. An optional night drive is available at R405/person – this is not included in the tour price.

Day 19

Shingwedzi to Letaba

Leaving Shingwedzi, we bird the plains area down to Letaba Camp. Along the way we may encounter Osprey, Chestnut-backed Sparrwlark, Temminck’s Courser, and Dusky Lark, a variety of cuckoos, egrets and vultures, as well as lots of game and other wildlife.

Day 20

Letaba

The area around Letaba is good for birds and game, and you will see plenty of both. Birds may include Collared Pratincole, Kori Bustard, Black-bellied Korhaan, Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark, and Temminck’s Courser. The Engelhard Dam is an excellent place for birds and animals.

Day 21

Letaba to Lower Sabie

We drive south of Letaba via Tshokwane to Lower Sabie on the Sabie River. This is a wonderful camp lions, leopards and rhinos around it. You can watch the hippos and birds from your tent.

Day 22

Lower Sabie

We enjoy the Lower Sabie area where we’ll see plenty of birds and wildlife. The grassveld to the east is especially good for small ground birds, bustards, and more.

Day 23

Lower Sabie to Chrissiesmeer

We leave Kruger National Park at last, and continue through Barberton to Chrissiesmeer. En route we stop for any interesting birds we encounter.

Day 24

Chrissiesmeer

This jewel on the Highveld with its lakes host a variety of water and other birds. You can expect to see grebes, ducks, larks, cisticolas, waders and many more.

Day 25

Chrissiesmeer to Tierpoort Dam

On our way to Tierpoort Dam we look for Black-winged Pratincoles, harriers, korhaans and other birds.

Day 26

Tierpoort Dam to Beaufort West

Back over the Free State plains, ending on a high note with Karoo species before reaching our final destination for the tour, Beaufort West.