South Africa: The West

South Africa is a very popular destination for birdwatchers, and a glance at one of its many excellent field guides soon reveals why. Over 700 different bird species occur here, of which over 100 are endemic or near-endemic. Thousands of kilometers of shoreline harbor migrant and resident birds, and some of the largest concentrations of seabirds in the world congregate offshore. In addition there is a wonderful infrastructure with great roads, comfortable accommodation, and superb food.

Early September is the absolute best time to visit western South Africa. Spring will be under way, and many of the birds will be in full breeding plumage as they busy themselves with the onset of nesting. If the early rains have been good, they will have coaxed life from the desert and we should be treated to some wonderful wildflower displays. Our journey will take us from the rolling red sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert through the hauntingly beautiful plains of Bushmanland to the Atlantic coast. From there we’ll travel to the vast expanse of the Great Karoo before ending our tour where Africa itself ends and two oceans meet, at the windswept Cape of Good Hope. We have been running tours to South Africa for well over 20 years and this itinerary has been designed to show us the best birding the Western Cape has to offer at the very best time to visit the region.

This tour perfectly complements our South Africa: The East- Birds and Mammals tour for complete coverage of South Africa.