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TEXAS APRIL 2010 CANADIAN PRAIRIES JUNE 2010 SOUTH AFRICA Aug/Sep 2010

South Africa Aug 29 - Sep 16, 2010

(below are some photo highlights from the 2006 and 2008 tours - for more photos see the trip report from 2006)

Orange-breasted Rockjumper playing peekaboo	Bokmakerie - one of SIX bushshrikes seen in 2006	Orange-breasted Sunbird - a stunning endemic	the aptly named Lizard Buzzard
An unhappy Leopard comes down from the safety of a tree		The elusive Wild Dog
A snappy male Stonechat		Malachite Sunbird male on flowering proteas
Red Bishop male with nesting material	A regal Lanner Falcon	Gurney's Sugarbird - endemic	Rosy-throated Longclaw - a toughie!
Lilac-breasted Roller - widespread, but always stunning!		Greater Flamingoes on the cape
Cape Vulture putting on a show above Sani Pass		Black Harrier hassling a young Martial Eagle - two megas at once!

Introduction

Of all the wonderful countries I have visited, South Africa is my favorite. Fantastic birding, world class game viewing and botanical shows, superior accommodations and food, wonderful scenery, all come together in one country. Clearly this is a world class natural history destination. I have no doubt that a visit to this remarkable country is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your life!

South Africa boasts a national list of nearly 900 species, of which over a hundred are endemic to southern Africa. Spectacular endemic or near endemic birds include Jackass Penguin, South African Shelduck, Blue Crane, Bald Ibis, Southern Black, Blue, Karoo and Southern White-bellied Korhaans, Black Harrier, Knsyna Lourie (Turaco), Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel, Cape and Short-toed Rock-Thrushes, Cape and Orange-breasted Rockjumpers, Buff-streaked Chat, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Swee Waxbill, a host of larks, Cape and Gurney's Sugarbirds, Orange-breasted, Greater Double-collared and Neergaard's Sunbirds, Rudd's Apalis, Lemon-breasted Canary and the stunning Pink-throated Twinspot (we saw all but two of the species listed here in 2006 and 2008!). Our itinerary is designed to give us a chance of seeing most of the regions endemic species. In addition, we will cover a broad range of habitats from karoo to fynbos to savannah to afromontane forest and coastal woodlands. This should push our expected species total into the 450 species range.

This itinerary will be split between the Cape area in the southwest (where we will spend six nights) and eastern South Africa and Lesotho (where we will spend twelve nights). Dividing our time between these two regions will give a good overview of the diverse bird and mammal life. Timing the visit in late August and early September means we can also enjoy the splendor of the fynbos ecosystem in spring bloom, and also visit the major game parks of the east when the grasses are still short (and mammal viewing is easier).

Mammal viewing opportunities will be a major highlight of this trip. The 2006 trip recorded 53 species of mammals, including all of the 'big five' in one day! Many bird tour itineraries stick to little brown birds and do not include the best game viewing parks (such as Kruger or Mkuze). In my opinion, these large game parks offer the best of both worlds. They not only have the great mammal viewing opportunities, but they also offer superb birding (and many of the species are showy birds of prey, korhaans, vultures, barbets, starlings, hornbills, etc!). While in both Kruger and Bonamanzi parks, we will have organized night drives (some with rangers) which are sure to be a highlight. These drives will give us access to nocturnal mammals and birds.

Another bonus of this trip is that we will visit the Cape region in the spring when the fynbos are still in bloom. Fynbos (derived from the Afrikaans for 'fine wood') is a unique floral kingdom. There are only six floral kingdoms on the planet, but the tiny tip of southwestern Africa (only 3% of the continent) is so unique that it is given its 'kingdom' status. There are more plant species per square meter here than anywhere else on the planet, and most of them are endemic. The southern Cape alone boasts nearly nine thousand species of plants, the majority of which are found nowhere else. One of the most stunning and widely represented families are the proteas, with over 1500 species! Even if you are not an avid botanist, you will be impressed by this floral show. Kirstenbosch botanical gardens, where we will spend a morning, provides a stunning exhibit of the regional floral and its companion bird life (the native gardens are outstanding).

The post Apartheid culture of South Africa is also a rich and evolving experience. While in the Hluhluwe area we may have the opportunity for participants to visit a traditional Zulu village. In Lesotho, we may encounter traditional Basotho shepherds working the hillsides. Our local guides in sites such as Wakkerstroom and Muzi, can provide an insight into rural life in South Africa today. And I would also encourage early arriving participants to book a day trip to Robben Island near Cape Town. This is an excellent experience providing insight into the history of the region during Apartheid.

The icing on the cake is that all of these superb experiences are possible while enjoying great accommodations and food. South Africa is by far the most developed country in Africa, with an excellent road network, a plethora of great accommodations and many good restaurants. For all of these reasons, this is sure to be an outstanding experience.

When Is the Trip?

The tour begins with arrival on Sunday afternoon August 29th, 2010 in Cape Town, South Africa and concludes with drop off at the international airport at Johannesburg, South Africa at 2 pm on the afternoon of September 16th, 2010. I recommend that participants arrive in Cape Town two days early (which may mean leaving North America on either August 26th or 27th) to adjust to the time change. This will also give you an opportunity to tour the city, take in a boat trip to famous Robben Island (highly recommended) and to explore Table Mountain. It will also give you a chance to adjust to the time change and to recover from the lengthy trip from North America. Also, there is no pelagic trip included in this itinerary, but the trip is timed so participants can book on the regularly scheduled departure from Simonstown (near Cape Town) on the weekend of the 28th/29th if they wish to do so. If you want details on the pelagic opportunities, please just drop me an email.

Booking Airfare:

If you are booking airfare, you want to schedule your arrival in Cape Town so you check in to our hotel there on the afternoon of Sunday August 29th, 2010. Please keep in mind that it may take two days to reach Cape Town from North America. We will meet for a briefing and dinner that evening. Departures from Johannesburg can be booked for the pm of September 16th, 2010. We will arrive at the airport no later than 2 pm, so please do not book departures before 4 pm that afternoon (most international departures are evening/overnight flights).

There are basically two options for reaching SA from North America. One option is go via Europe, which generally means two overnight flights (one to reach Europe and one connecting overnight flight from Europe to SA). If you go this route it may be best to consider a stopover in your European arrival point to break up the travel. The second option which is available from South African Airways (via Washington, DC) and Delta (via Atlanta) is a one direct overnight flight to Johannesburg. With either option, you will need to connect to Cape Town from Johannesburg. I would not recommend a stopover in Johannesburg.

How Big Is the Group?

The group will be limited to ten participants. The trip will be confirmed once four participants have signed up (UPDATE OCT 14, 2009 - THIS DEPARTURE IS CONFIRMED). Capacity is primarily determined by the vehicles we will use. The vehicle of choice is an eight passenger maxi van, with no more than five participants per vehicle. We will use two vehicles for a full group, ensuring every participant has their own window. These vehicles are also designed with high windows and head clearance, and a large cargo/luggage area behind the passenger cabin.

Who Are the Leaders?

The birding guides and leaders for the trip will be Tom Hince and Bruce Di Labio. Tom has guided trips throughout North America, Ecuador, Cuba, Venezuela, Costa Rica, South Africa, Tanzania, and Australia. This will be his fifth trip to South Africa. He resides minutes from world renowned Point Pelee National Park, in Ontario, Canada. Here in the peak of spring migration Tom gives groups a window into the magic of songbird migration. Tom takes great pride is showing people insights into the magic of how birds live. Bruce is an extremely experienced professional birding guide who resides in Ottawa. He has led trips to a wide range of destinations throughout North and Central America, Cuba and Australia. He has a well deserved reputation as one of the top field leaders in Canada, with a particular knack for finding rarities. Bruce and Tom are lifelong friends and look forward to working together again on this trip.

We will travel in two 8 passenger maxi vans with lots of additional luggage room. Vehicles will be within radio contact at all times and while actively birding we will endeavour to stay together so we can share as many sightings as possible.

We will also schedule 'step on' local guides on nine days. Many of these guides are local Zulu guides who have been trained by Birdlife South Africa. In addition to their bird knowledge, they provide an excellent opportunity to learn about culture. For the day we visit Lesotho, we will be using four wheel drive vehicles driven by local experienced birding guides from this region of eastern South Africa.

What Is the Focus of the Trip?

This trip will have two primary activities: birding and mammal viewing. In addition the itinerary is rich in opportunities for botanizing and scenic photography. I also realize that this is likely one of the few, if only, times that most participants will visit this region. So we will stop for photography of scenic viewpoints, occasional souvenir shopping, and other key points of interest. Based upon past recommendations, this trip does not include an afternoon wine tour. However, participants can easily take in wine tours on a day trip from Cape Town pre-trip.

Pace of the Trip

This trip is best described as easy in terms of difficulty. However some of the days are long and we do cover a lot of ground. The majority of birding will be done from the bus or from short walks on trails. A number of our lodges have superb birding on the grounds, if participants want to take a day off and recharge. We will make early starts, but where at all feasible (especially in Kruger), we will take breaks in the middle of the day. On three evenings, conditions permitting, we will take night spotlighting drives in search of mammals and birds. These will be optional activities but you will probably not want to miss them!

Climate

This is spring in South Africa and the climate can be quite variable. A typical day in the southwest will see you wearing a long sleeve shirt, fleece and a windbreaker in the morning, and then just the shirt in midday. A typical day in the east will see you wearing t-shirt and shorts in midday with an added sweatshirt or long pants at night. In the Cape area, day time highs can vary from 70s to 50s, and it can be sunny one moment and then raining and cold and windy the next. In the east, day time highs in the lowlands will be warmer, with highs typically in the low 80s to 70s. While at higher altitudes in Lesotho, temperatures can be quite cool. Participants will be given detailed information on clothing and packing before departure.

What Are the Accommodations Like?

All accommodations on this itinerary are clean, comfortable and high quality lodges or hotels. Tom has personally inspected and stayed at all properties used on this trip. Properties have been selected based upon quality of the facilities and location. Where at all feasible, I have tried to select properties that have good birding or walking right on the grounds.

What About Ground Transportation?

As stated previously, we will likely use either one or two eight passenger maxi vans (typically known as kombis). In some cases (Bonamanzi and Kruger) on organized night drives or game drives we will use a larger open vehicle driven by a game warden or guide. Participants will be given directions on arranging transfers to and from hotels in Cape Town and Johannesburg. Transfers are easily arranged but are not included in your tour pricing.

Are In-Country Flights Included in the Price?

Yes, there is one in country flight included in the tour price. The flight is a one way economy segment from Cape Town to Durban on day 7 of the itinerary. Domestic departure taxes for this flight are included in the tour cost.

What Is the Cost?

The cost of this trip is estimated at US $6495 per person, based upon double occupancy. Final pricing may alter once new rates for 2010 are released by several properties. This price includes the items listed below beginning in Cape Town, South Africa on August 29th, 2010 and concluding in Johannesburg, South Africa on September 16th, 2010. Airfare to and from South Africa is not included in this price. If the group does not fill, a small party supplement may be necessary.

Inclusions:

This price is based upon double occupancy and includes 18 nights accommodations (double occupancy); ground transportation beginning upon Day 2 in Cape Town and ending on Day 18 in Johannesburg; all meals beginning with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 19 (ie 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners); daily services of birding guide (Tom Hince) and additional driver/guide (if second vehicle is required) from evening of Day 1 to morning of Day 19; local birding guides as identified in the itinerary; economy flight from Cape Town to Durban; tips for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides; entrance fees to national and state parks and private reserves; bush braais in Kruger National Park; night drives in Kruger and Bonamanzi; flood plains drive in Bonamanzi; four wheel drive day tour to Lesotho with birding guides; drinks (water, pop, juice) while in the field; use of scopes; group photo (digital file); trip highlights photo CD; checklist for use in the field; full trip report.

Exclusions:

The trip cost specifically does NOT include transportation to and from South Africa; transfers from the airport upon arrival and departure; alcoholic beverages; departure taxes for international air tickets; phone calls; laundry; or items of a personal nature; or any items not specifically listed as inclusions above.

Meals

Meals are included in the cost of this trip. Where possible we will do our utmost to accommodate dietary restrictions, and to offer several options to participants. However at several of our lodges, dinners are provided on a set menu basis (though there is variety). Here is a guide to how meals will generally work:

1 The majority of breakfasts will be early and sit down meals at our accommodations. However, on some mornings we may take box breakfasts and eat these in the field.

2 To maximize time in the field approximately half of the lunches will be box or picnic style in the field. Where at all feasible, we will have sit down hot lunches (about half the days).

3 Dinner will be a sit down meal. In most of our accommodations dinner will be country style with one main course or a set menu meal.

4 Cold beverages and light snacks will be available to participants during the day while birding.

What About Singles?

A single supplement of US $850 applies if you do not wish to share a room, or if a room mate cannot be found. In some cases, shared accommodation may still be necessary depending upon lodging capacity (though we will do our utmost to avoid this).

Refunds and Cancellation Insurance

Up to 120 days prior to the beginning of the tour: If you cancel, the deposit is non refundable.

After 120 days to 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour: Fifty percent of the tour cost will be refunded. The remaining fifty percent is non-refundable.

Within 60 days of the beginning of the tour: The entire tour cost of the tour is non-refundable.

How Do I Join Up?

Prior to sending any deposit, please contact Tom by email to confirm your interest. A US $1200 per person deposit is required to hold space on the tour. Full payment of the tour fee is due 120 days prior to departure.

Additional Questions?

I'm sure I've forgotten some important details, so please don't hesitate to give me a call, or drop me an email (I read my email every few hours during the workday). You can contact me at (519) 981-5994 or peleetom@netcore.ca

Where Does the Trip Go?

The itinerary is split between the Cape region in the southwest (6 days) and eastern South Africa (11 days). Major regions we will visit include the Cape, West Coast National Park, the Tanqua Karoo (all in the southwest), Lesotho and the Drakensburg, Bonamanzi, Mkuze reserves, Wakkerstroom, Kruger National Park and the northern mist belt forests. If feasible we will make a visit to Richards Bay, Hluhluwe, and/or the lowland forests of St. Lucia.

Pelagic Trip?

A pelagic trip is not included in this itinerary. The Cape region offers excellent pelagic birding opportunities with hundreds of albatrosses and other seabirds, whales and other cetaceans being regularly encountered. Based upon past experience, I have found it is best to plan the itinerary so that participants can arrive a few days early when a scheduled pelagic if offered in Cape Town. There is a pelagic currently scheduled for August 28th, 2010 with a weather date of August 29th, 2010. If you would like more information, I can provide the contact details and the website for this.

Detailed Itinerary

(accommodations may vary depending upon availability and group size)

Aug 29

(Day 1)

Arrival in Cape Town. Today participants can transfer from the airport to our hotel on the south side of Cape Town. The comfortable Afton Grove guest house is a popular location for birders, due to its location, good accommodations, service and food, and pleasant grounds. We will meet at 6 pm for drinks and introductions followed by dinner at the guest house. Tom will give the group a briefing on the trip. Night and dinner at Afton Grove guest house, Cape Town. Meals included: D

Aug 30

(Day 2)

Breakfast at Afton Grove. Morning and lunch at Kirstenbosch botanical gardens. These gardens should be a delight (pending weather) as many of the showy proteas should be in bloom. The majority of the world's protea species are restricted to the Cape area. Indeed, the Cape flora is so unique that it is given the status of a separate floral Kingdom (one of only six in the world). The gardens are also an excellent area for observing many of the special birds of the Cape region including Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Lesser Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Francolin, Knysna Warbler, Cinnamon Dove, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Cape Batis, Rameron Pigeon and Spotted Prinia to name just a few. In addition, if we are lucky we may be able to track down the resident pair of Spotted Eagle-Owls which often roost in these extensive gardens. After our morning and lunch in the gardens, we will head to the Boulders Beach penguin colony to enjoy point blank views of the charming African (Jackass) Penguin. This is one of only two mainland colonies of this species on the continent. We will conclude the day at the Strandfontein sewage plant complex (hey, what is a birding trip without a sewage plant visit?). Targets at the sewage ponds include Greater Flamingo, Great White Pelican, Maccoa Duck, Black-necked Grebe, African Marsh-Harrier, Cape and White-breasted Cormorants, South African Shelduck, Pied Avocet, Swift and Sandwich Terns, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, African Purple Swamphen and a good variety of shorebirds. Night: Afton Grove guest house. Meals included: B, L, D

Aug 31

(Day 3)

Breakfast at Afton Grove. Today we will spend the entire day exploring the southern Cape peninsula. We will begin by making the spectacular drive along the western cape through Hout Bay, Chapmans Peak and Kommetjie, then continue south to Cape of Good Hope National Park. Todays targets include Hottentot Buttonquail (rare), Ostrich, Cape Siskin, Peregrine Falcon, Plain-backed Pipit, African Black Swift, Cape Robin, Grey-backed Cistocola, Karoo Prinia, Southern Boubou, Red-winged Starling, Cape Bunting, Bank, Crowned, Cape and White-breasted Cormorants, Antarctic Tern, White-fronted Plover, African Black Oystercatcher, White-backed Mousebird and Bully Canary. Mammals we will search for include Bontebok, Rock Dassie (Hyrax) and Southern Right Whale. After lunch at Cape of Good Hope we will return to Afton Grove in late afternoon. Night: Afton Grove guest house. Meals included: B, L, D

Sep 1

(Day 4)

Today will be dedicated to visiting the West Coast National Park and areas north of the city. Our goal will be to reach Langebaan for lunch, and then continue north to Velddrif before making our way back south to Cape Town. Our route may also take in some of the west coast wildflower reserves, depending on the state of blooming in the region. Birds we will search for today include Southern Black Korhaan, Black Harrier, Lesser and Greater Flamingoes, Chestnut-banded and Kittlitz's Plovers, Little Egret, Gray-headed Gull, Darter, Yellow-billed Egret, Ethiopian Snipe, Ostrich, African Rail, Capped Wheatear, Cape Penduline Tit, Pearl-breasted Swallow and Eastern Clapper Lark. Depending upon the tides we may also chance upon some newly arrived wintering shorebirds from the northern hemisphere. Night: Afton Grove guest house. Meals included: B, L, D

Sep 2

(Day 5)

After breakfast, we will say goodbye to Afton Grove and head east for some early morning birding at Sir Lowry's Pass. This is one of the best sites for the Cape Rockjumper and we will spend several hours this morning searching for this enigmatic species. Other birds we might find in this habitat include Ground Woodpecker, Familiar Chat, Cape Siskin, Cape Rock Thrush, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Grassbird, Neddicky, Karoo Prinia, Victorin's Warbler, Rock Kestrel and Yellow-rumped Widow. Our route north from here will take us through wine country and we will make a stop for lunch and a wine tasting at one of the local wineries before heading to Ceres in late afternoon. Night: Village Guest House, Ceres. Meals included: B, L, D

Sep 3

(Day 6)

This morning we will make an extra early start and head east through the pass towards the Tanqua Karoo. Karoo is an arid steppe-like habitat which covers much of northwestern South Africa. It contains a distinct suite of endemic species. The entire day will be spent working our way east and north into the karoo. Today we will have a box lunch likely near Skitterykloof. Targets today will include Namaqua and Cinnamon-breasted Warblers, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Karoo Lark, Karoo, Tractrac, Sickle-winged and Anteating Chats, Karoo Eremomela, Karoo Robin, Layard's Tit-babbler, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Karoo Korhaan, Pririt Batis, Southern Black Korhaan, Red-capped and Spike-heeled Larks, Pale-winged Starling, Black-headed Canary, Lark-like Bunting and Fairy Flycatcher. Night: Village Guest House. Meals Included: B, L, D.

Sep 4

(Day 7)

After six days exploring the southwest, we will transfer to the eastern portion of our trip. Today is primarily a transfer day. After breakfast in Ceres, we will return to Cape Town airport where we will take a mid morning flight from Cape Town to Durban. Upon arrival in Durban, we will head inland towards the Drakensburg ranges. Enroute we will make several stops to search for Wattled, Crowned and Blue Cranes and other open country species. We should reach our lodge near Himeville in late afternoon, giving us time to stroll the grounds before dinner. Night: Sani Pass Lodge. Meals: B (Ceres), L (on the plane), D (Sani Pass Lodge).

Sep 5

(Day 8)

After breakfast we will meet several guides who will take us up the road to Sani Pass and into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. We will split into several four wheel drive vehicles for this trip (but will stay close together and in constant radio contact to ensure sharing of birds). Two wheel drive vehicles are not allowed on this road for saftey reasons. You will need your passports today as we enter Lesotho! This is either our best or only chance for a number of special birds including Orange-breasted (Drakensburg) Rockjumper, Gurney's Sugarbird, Drakensburg Siskin, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Bald Ibis, Gray-wing Francolin, Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel Rock-thrush, Drakensburg Prinia, Mountain Pipit, Cape Griffon, Jackal Buzzard, Sicklewing Chat, Buff-streaked Chat, Rufous-throated Wryneck, and the stunning Lammergeier. If it is clear, the scenery on the drive is breathtaking, and the landscape of Lesotho feels like one has stepped back in time. Night: Sani Pass lodge. Meals included: B (at lodge or box), L (picnic provided by 4 wheel drive guides), D (at lodge).

Sep 6

(Days 9)

Today we will take a box breakfast and check out from the hotel early. We should arrive at Xumeni forest around 7 am. This will give us a good chance of catching the scarce Cape Parrot leaving their night roosts in the large trees here. Other species we will search for include Barratt's Warbler, Orange (Ground) Thrush and Narina Trogon. When activity slows down we will begin the drive north towards Bonamanzi private game reserve. Depending upon our progress we may stop at either Richard's Bay (for shorebirds) or St. Lucia (for lowland forest species such as Woodward's Batis). We will arrive in Bonamanzi (our lodge for the next three nights) in time for a welcome drink and dinner. Night: Bonamanzi lodge. Meals included: B (box), L, D (Bonamanzi).

Sep 7

(Day 10)

Bonamanzi lodge has superb birding right on the grounds. This extensive private game lodge is somewhat unique in this region. Why? Although there is a good variety of wild game here, there are none of the big five (traditionally considered Africa's most dangerous animals) within the boundaries. As a result, we are not restricted to our vehicles and can enjoy strolling through the varied habitat. This will not be the case in national and state parks, where our walking will be restricted to a few specific areas such as rest camps. The local guides in Bonamanzi are also quite highly skilled in identifying not just the big showy bird species like hornbills, but the myriad of small songbirds that abound here. Some of the specialties we will seek here include Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Rudd's Apalis, several species of Sunbirds, Gorgeous and Orange-fronted Bushshrikes, the scarce Lemon-breasted Canary, African Broadbill, Rosy-throated Longclaw and the stunning Pink-throated Twinspot. On our first day here we will spend most of the morning exploring the floodplain. We will return for a late breakfast and then bird the grounds at a leisurely pace. After lunch, participants may be given a chance to tour a local Zulu village, and then we will take a short night drive to search for goatsuckers and mammals after dinner. Night: Bonamanzi lodge. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 8

(Day 11)

This morning we will head north from Bonamanzi to the renowned Mkuze game park. This park not only contains the 'big five' but is also well known for great birding. We will spend the entire morning birding the trails and hides of Mkuze. In early afternoon we will head east out of the park to the Muze Pan and meet a local Zulu birding guide. Using his local knowledge we will search for several scarce specialties including Pel's Fishing Owl, Lesser Jacana and Green Pygmy Goose. The Muze pan also holds a good variety of shorebirds, herons, egrets, pelicans, terns and other water birds. We will get back early enough so that participants can take a stroll and have a relaxing sundowner before dinner. Night: Bonamanzi lodge. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 9

(Day 12)

For our final morning at Bonamanzi, we will focus on searching for localized species such as Pink-throated Twinspot, African Broadbill and Rudd's Apalis. After a late breakfast, we will bill farewell to this wonderful lodge and head north to the town of Wakkerstroom. We should arrive at our lodge in these high grasslands by mid afternoon. This will allow us time for a break of a few hours. In late afternoon we will head to a local wetland just outside town returning in time dinner. This seasonal wetland often holds Great Crested, Black-necked and Little Grebes, Maccoa Duck, Southern Pochard and Whiskered Tern. Night: Wakkerstroom Country Inn. Meals included: B (Bonamanzi), L, D (Wakkerstroom Country Inn).

Sep 10

(Day 13)

Wakkerstroom is well known as the premier site for finding highveld grassland endemics in South Africa. We will spend the entire day with a local Birdlife South Africa guide searching for the regional specialties. Targets today will include Southern Bald Ibis, Grey-wing Francolin, Marsh Owl, Blue and Southern White-bellied Korhaans, Blue and Crowned Cranes, Ground Woodpecker, Rudd's, Botha's and Pink-billed Larks, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat and Pale-crowned Cistocola. Night: Wakkerstroom Country Inn. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 11

(Day 14)

After another few hours of early morning birding, we will return for breakfast and then head north towards Kruger National Park. This drive will take us roughly five hours (plus birding, restroom and lunch stops!). This should bring us to the entrance gate to Kruger by mid afternoon. After checking into our rest camp at Pretoriuskop (only twenty minutes from the gate), we will go for a late afternoon game drive. This area of Kruger is a good location for the rare Black Rhinoceros (much harder to see than White Rhinoceros), as well as several scarce antelope species. We will return to the rest camp before sunset (when the camp gates close!) for sundowners and dinner. Night: Pretoriuskop rest camp. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 12

(Day 15)

Today will be a full but exciting day. We will be packed up and ready to leave our camp as soon as the gates open. Though the numbers of game in Kruger may not be as great as the Serengeti parks, it has the greatest mammal diversity of any protected area in Africa. We can expect to see large numbers of antelope and wide of diversity of mammals, hopefully including some (if not all) of the 'big five'. Regularly seen species include Impala, Waterbuck, hippos, Giraffe, Elephant and Kudu. Other scarcer species we will search for include Lion, Cheetah, Wild Dog, Leopard, Black and White Rhino and Hyaenas. In addition to mammals, over 500 species of birds have been recorded within its boundaries. Among these, hornbills, starlings, vultures, rollers, bee-eaters and shrikes are well represented in both numbers and variety. Specialties we will search for include Saddle-billed and Open-billed Storks, Kori Bustard, Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture and Ground Hornbill. Eagles are particularly well represented with Bataleur, Martial, Black-chested Snake, Brown Snake, African Hawk, African Fish, Tawny and Wahlberg's all possiblities. Restcamps and water courses are particularly good for birding in Kruger in early spring due to the scarcity of water (typical at this time of year). We will spend a good portion of the morning searching for game and birds in southern Kruger, stopping in mid morning at a rest camp (likely Skukuza or Lower Sabie) for breakfast. We will pick up supplies of a picnic lunch and continue north through the park arriving at Letaba rest camp in late afternoon. Letaba will be our base for the next two nights. Tonight we will join rangers for a bush braais (a bush barbecue outside the rest camps). Night: Letaba rest camp. Meals included: B, L, D (bush braais).

Sep 13

(Day 16)

Today will be another fabulous day exploring the riches of Kruger National Park. This morning we will spend several hours birding the grounds of the rest camp before breakfast. This is usually quite productive with possibilities including Scops Owl, Red-headed Weaver, Goliath Heron, Marabou Stork and Giant Kingfisher. In 2007, we recorded seven African Painted Snipe on our morning walk. We will then explore the Oliphants River loop searching for game and birds, making a lunch stop at the Oliphants rest camp. This drive is especially good for elephants. We will return to Letaba for a mid afternoon break, before again taking a late afternoon game drive. Night: Letaba rest camp. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 14

(Day 17)

After checking out of Letaba rest camp, we will make our way towards the Phalaborwa gate, where we will say goodbye to Kruger. We will try to arrive at the Strijdom tunnel by mid morning. This is probably the best site in the world for viewing the rare Taita Falcon. A pair of these beautiful falcons regularly nests on the cliffs here. Continuing west we will head west towards the mist belt forests near Magoebaskloof. We will arrive at our lodge in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon we will bird the grounds of the lodge and nearby forests. Targets here include Black-fronted Bush-shrike, Cape Parrot, Bat Hawk, Chorister Robin-Chat, Brown Scrub-Robin, White-starred Robin, Kynsna Turaco, Orange Ground-thrush, Narina Trogon, African Crowned Eagle, Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Green Twinspot and Mountain Wagtail. Night: Kurisa Moya lodge. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 15

(Day 18)

This morning will be another opportunity to search for mist belt specialties around the grounds of our lodge. After breakfast, we will head south towards Johannesburg. Depending upon our progress, we should have time to stop at Polokwane Game reserve. This is an excellent site to search for the local Short-clawed Lark as well as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Northern Black Korhaan, Ant-eating Chat, Double-banded Courser, Burnt-necked and Yellow-bellied Eremomelas and Black-faced Waxbill. Night: Dinonyane Lodge. Meals included: B, L, D.

Sep 16

(Day 19)

After a last morning of birding at Dinonyane lodge and a nearby wetland for targets such as Grass Owl, we will pack up and head south to Johannesburg arriving in early afternoon (no later than 1 pm). Participants should not book departures from the international airport any earlier than 4 pm this afternoon.

Meals included: B

For more information call Tom at (519) 981-5994 or peleetom@netcore.ca

TOM'S HOME PAGE ECUADOR Amazon East Jan/Feb 2010

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