South Africa

Tailor-made info South Africa

At Sustainable Birding, we don’t offer ready-made, off-the-shelf birding tours. Our approach is deeply personalised—we meticulously craft each of our tours in South Africa from scratch, ensuring every detail aligns with your unique preferences. From the rugged bush of Kruger National Park to the stunning Western Cape, our team of seasoned birding experts use our comprehensive knowledge to tailor your birding holiday, guaranteeing an experience perfectly attuned to your specific requirements.

All our birding tours in South Africa are expertly guided by our passionate, knowledgeable and experienced South African tour leaders. They are some of the best guides on the planet! So, give us a call or drop us an email and let’s talk South Africa!

Reasons to go on a Tailor-made Birding Tour

• Select the exact dates that suit your schedule.
• Choose the ideal time of year for your birding adventure.
• Travel alongside your preferred companions—be it family, friends, or fellow birders.
• Set your pace—whether fast or brisk.
• Customise within your personal budget, from luxurious to budget accommodations or a mix.
• Craft a tour that matches specific interests—whether intense birding, leisurely exploration, photography, culture, music, wine, botany, butterflies, herpetology, geology, diving, hiking, and beyond.
• Our team is here to cater to your interests and ensure a fulfilling birding holiday.

Scheduled Group South Africa Birding Tours

Explore our selection of Scheduled Group Birding Tours in Thailand. These groups tours have been designed to fit different birding preference and time restraints. Typically, our group tours are more affordable, and allow people to meet up and make lifelong memories with fellow birders. All our group tours are small and come with an expert Tour Leader, having groups no bigger than 6 individuals, so you still get that intimate feeling and the full attention of the Tour Leader.

Please refer to our Birding Calendar for tour schedules, dates, and fixed prices.

Endemic species: 18

• Southern Black Bustard
• Fynbos Buttonquail
• Forest Buzzard
• Knysna Woodpecker
• Cape Parrot
• Southern Crested-flycatcher
• Cape Rockjumper
• Karoo Lark
• Red Lark
• Rudd’s Lark
• Botha’s Lark
• Victorin’s Warbler
• Knysna Warbler
• Cape Bulbul
• Cape Sugarbird
• Orange-breasted Sunbird
• Protea Canary
• Cape Siskin

Best time of year to visit:

Generally, birding in South Africa is excellent all year round! However, the austral summer (October to March) is the prime birding season, as many species are breeding and migrants are present. However, this period also coincides with the rainy season in some regions, which can affect accessibility to certain areas.

For those interested in seeing migratory species, the austral spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) are excellent times to visit, as many birds are either arriving or departing. Winter (June to August) is also a good time for birding in South Africa, especially in the drier regions where vegetation is less dense, making birding easier. Additionally, this period offers opportunities to see species that are more easily visible during the cooler months.

Weather & climate

South Africa has all the best bits when it comes to weather and climate! It boasts a diverse range of conditions across its expansive terrain. In the Western Cape, including popular destinations like Cape Town, a Mediterranean climate prevails. Summers are typically hot and dry, while winters are cooler and wetter. Cape Town enjoys mild temperatures year-round, with most rainfall concentrated in the winter months. Along the Garden Route, which meanders along the southern coast, a temperate climate prevails, offering moderate temperatures and significant rainfall, particularly in winter.

Heading to the Eastern Cape, the climate becomes more varied. Coastal areas such as Port Elizabeth experience temperate conditions, with mild temperatures throughout the year and moderate rainfall. Inland regions of the Eastern Cape tend to be warmer, especially during the summer, and cooler in winter. Rainfall is generally lower compared to coastal areas, resulting in a drier landscape.

Moreover, South Africa’s diverse climate extends to its interior regions, including the Bushveld and Highveld. The Bushveld, situated primarily in the northeastern part of the country, features a subtropical climate characterised by hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Meanwhile, the Highveld, spanning much of the interior plateau, experiences a temperate continental climate with warm summers, cool winters, and occasional frost.

What to bring

When going on one of our birding tours in South Africa, there are a few essential items to bring along to ensure a comfortable and successful experience. Firstly, appropriate clothing is crucial. South Africa’s climate can vary greatly depending on the region and time of year, so it’s essential to pack layers that can be easily added or removed. Lightweight, breathable clothing in neutral colors is ideal for blending in with the surroundings and staying comfortable during long days in the field.

Additionally, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat or baseball cap are advisable for protecting yourself from the African sun, especially during the hotter months. Insect repellent and lightweight, long-sleeved clothing can help ward off pesky mosquitoes and other biting insects commonly found in certain regions.

Equipment such as high-quality binoculars tailored for birdwatching is essential and if you have a good working camera and lens, then please bring it with you! A comprehensive field guide specific to the country’s birds, such as Field Guide to Birds of Greater Southern Africa would be recommended.