South Africa Eastern South Africa X 26th September to 9th October 2015 (14 days) & Cape Extension X th th 9 to 14 October 2015 (6 days)

Little Bee-eater by Gareth Robbins

Trip Report compiled by Tour Leader: Gareth Robbins Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 2

Our first day of the tour started early as we made our way past Pretoria towards the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. One of our first sightings was of a male Northern Black Korhaan, which was then followed by good views of Black-chested Prinia, Rattling and Desert Cisticolas, Bearded Woodpecker, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Magpie Shrike, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Grey Go-away-bird and another Northern Black Korhaan, this time a female. Further down the road we found a small wetland and had a lovely sighting of Black Heron umbrella-fishing with a large flock of Knob-billed Ducks flying in the distance. Other highlights in the area were Scaly-feathered Weaver, Capped Wheatear, African Fish Eagle, Cape Vulture, Marabou and White Storks and great views of a Crimson-breasted Shrike. We continued to bird along the wetland at Kgomo-Kgomo and enjoyed views of some waders including Common Greenshank and Ruff, and at the same time we had a small flock of Quailfinches flying overhead. The bridge proved to be a good vantage point to view Pearl-spotted Owlet by Gareth Robbins White-throated Swallows flying underneath. After a brief lunch stop and finding a local shop selling nice cold cool drinks, we made our way back along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road to look for some birds that we hadn’t found earlier. Eventually we located our other target species: Kalahari Scrub Robin, Violet-eared Waxbill and Southern Pied Babbler. We also saw three species of hornbills, namely Southern Yellow-billed, Grey and Southern Red-billed, as well as a Wahlberg's Eagle and a Black- winged Kite.

After a great breakfast the next morning, we spent some time viewing the Red-headed Finches, Southern Red Bishops and a Karoo Thrush at our guest house bird feeders. Even though this was a fairly long travel day, we still managed to squeeze in a few stops along the way, including some small dams and rivers where we managed to see Common Sandpiper, South African Cliff Swallow, African Darter, Lesser Swamp Warbler and Three- banded Plover. We also stopped at a small park in White River for lunch and successfully managed to obtain good views of Village Weaver, Brown-backed Honeybird, Black- backed Puffback and Speckled Mousebird. Further along the road we visited a small pine plantation and had an excellent sighting of an Olive Bushshrike. We then made our way to the Kruger National Park, where we entered through Orpen Gate and headed in the direction of Satara Rest Camp. Along the way we had two sightings of two Southern Ground Hornbill families, stunning Lilac-breasted Rollers, Arrow-marked Babblers, Tawny Eagle and Southern Ground Hornbill by Gareth Robbins

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White-backed Vulture. We also saw a few African Elephants, Nyala, Giraffe and a Leopard sleeping in a tree. Once we arrived at Satara Rest Camp we managed to find the resident African Scops Owl near the reception and met our local Kruger guide.

With an early start to the day we all waited patiently in the line of cars at the gate. At the same time we saw a Brubru and a Mourning Collared Dove. We then headed in the direction of Olifants Rest Camp along the S41 dirt road in search of a recent Buffalo kill by a large pride of Lions near the Gudzani Dam. We didn’t manage to see the Lions but we soon had some great sightings of White-backed, Lappet-faced and Hooded Vultures and several Yellow-billed Storks. We continued along the S41 and viewed another family of Southern Ground Hornbills, saw some Little Bee-eaters and came across a large herd of Elephants crossing the road, with one cow walking in front of the vehicle with her calf. We had a lovely breakfast in Olifants rest camp and used the camp as a vantage point to find a few more bird species. We were lucky to locate African Openbill, White-crowned Double-banded Sandgrouse by Gareth Robbins Lapwings, Goliath Heron and White-browed Robin-Chat. We then made our way back along the H1 and stopped at the bridge overlooking the Timbavati River, where we were allowed to get out of the vehicle and walk along the bridge and do some birding. Towards the end of the bridge we heard and then saw a magnificent male Klaas’s Cuckoo and, further along, we found a pride of seven Lions sleeping in the shade. We decided to head back to Satara Camp as the temperature was close to 40 degrees centigrade. We did some birding in and around the camp and when it cooled down we headed to Sweni bird hide where we had some nice birding from the cool interior, with a Grey-headed Bushshrike calling just outside. On our way back to the lodge we managed good views of a Red-crested Korhaan, Double- banded Sandgrouse and Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Larks. After a quick dinner that evening we then joined the night drive. We saw the same pride of Lions that we had seen earlier in the day and also a Lioness eating a porcupine, with a large herd of African Buffalo in the distance. We also managed to see three White Rhinos. A little later we had a quick look at a nightjar that was probably a Square-tailed Nightjar, as we had heard them earlier on in the drive. We also had a quick glance at an owl that looked like a Southern White-faced Owl, but the driver did not stop in time for us to obtain a proper view. Displaying Black-backed Puffback by Gareth Robbins

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We were however fortunate to see a Temminck’s Courser in the road, having missed it so far in the trip.

After loading all our bags into the vehicle the next morning, we left Satara and headed in the direction of Lower Sabie. One of our first finds – and also one of the most memorable sightings of the tour – was of a male Leopard with an Impala kill up in a tree. The problem was that the tree was rather small and a Spotted Hyena was waiting patiently down below. The Leopard made one attempt to run off with its Impala breakfast but the hyena was too quick and the Leopard speedily climbed back up the tree, which was probably aided by the bite it received on its tail from the hyena. The hyena eventually lost interest and the Leopard disappeared into the tall grass. Shortly after this excitement we came across a pair of African Hawk-Eagles, and then further down the road we had one of the most memorable bird parties of the trip, with White- throated Robin-Chat, Black-crowned Tchagra, Green-winged Pytilia, Chinspot Batis, Common Scimitarbill, Grey Penduline Tit, Yellow- breasted Apalis, Black-backed Puffback and even a pair of Yellow-throated Longclaw joining the party in the end. Thereafter we found a few more Lions and had a distant view of some White Rhinos resting in the shade. We then stopped at Tshokwane Picnic site where we had our breakfast with some Greater Blue-eared Starlings in attendance. We also found a small pond where we saw a Malachite Kingfisher. After breakfast we visited another well-known picnic site to look specifically for Mocking Cliff Chat. It took a bit of encouraging but eventually a male graced us with his appearance. Our lunch time stop was at the Lower Sabie Rest Camp where we had great looks at Lesser Masked Weavers as they flew in and out of the restaurant. After a good lunch we headed to Skukuza, making only a few stops en route as it was very hot with minimal bird activity. Here we bid farewell to our local guide and before droving to Lake Panic bird hide, Leopard being chased by Spotted Hyena by Gareth where we enjoyed some up-close-and-personal Robbins views of an African Fish Eagle, Grey Heron, African Jacanas and a small pod of Hippos showing off their large incisors.

On our final day in Kruger we decided to do some birding within Skukuza Camp before breakfast. We enjoyed great views of Purple-crested Turaco, Bearded Scrub Robin, African Green Pigeon, Crowned Hornbill, White-fronted Bee-eater, Sombre Greenbul, Terrestrial Brownbul, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Giant Kingfisher and had amazing views of Scarlet-chested Sunbirds. We then exited the park via Kruger gate where we were very lucky to locate an immature Brown Snake Eagle

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 5 along the road and, at the gate itself, we eventually saw a Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird and a Southern Black Flycatcher. From here we travelled through Nelspruit and headed to Wakkerstroom via a small town called Carolina. About 20km after the town we found a lovely wetland where we saw Greater Flamingos, Glossy Ibis, African Swamphen, Whiskered Tern, Ruff, Little Stint, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed, Cape and Hottentot Teals and Spur-winged Geese. We then made our way to our lodge for the evening and had a great dinner at the Bistro in town.

We met our local Wakkerstroom guide at 6:30am after a quick morning stroll around the property, where we had a good sighting of Cape Grassbird. We headed out and after a bit of searching we found a pair of White-bellied Korhaans. We enjoyed our packed breakfast in a nearby quarry where we were treated to lovely views of a delightful Bokmakierie. Over the course of the rest of the morning we had some great sightings of Sentinel Rock Thrush, Blue Cranes, Buff-streaked Chat, Eastern Clapper Lark, numerous Long-tailed Widowbirds and great views of a small group of Botha's Larks, one of the rarest larks in the world. By lunch Cape Grassbird by Gareth Robbins time the weather had started to turn from sunshine to thunder, lightning, hail and rain, so we had our lunch at the Rudd's Lark site in the tour vehicle while waiting for the storm to blow over. Eventually we had a gap of sunlight and our local guide led us out into the grassland where we enjoyed great looks at Rudd's Lark. Later that afternoon we managed to pick up a few more birds including Black-bellied Bustard, about 120 Blue Cranes, Eastern Long-billed Lark and a Yellow-breasted Pipit. We then returned to our lodge and enjoyed another great meal before a well-earned night’s rest.

Before breakfast the next day, we made our way down to the wetlands where we had some fantastic views of African Rails and Olive Woodpeckers. We were also very lucky to have an unforgettable sighting of a Red-chested Flufftail (!), Red- throated Wryneck and brief views of a Spotted-necked Otter. During breakfast we also had three species of weaver at the bird feeder, namely Village, Southern Masked and Cape. After breakfast we made our way to the Hluhluwe area, our base for the next two nights. Upon arrival we were greeted by the resident family of strange-looking Crested Guineafowl. After check-in and a bit of a relaxing we drove to a section of the property where we had a good introduction to sand forest birding. We saw Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Rudd's Apalis, Square- Rudd's Apalis by Gareth Robbins

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 6 tailed Drongo and Southern Boubou with little difficulty, and some of the group also managed a fleeting glimpse of the beautiful Four-coloured Bushshrike.

We were expecting very hot temperatures the next day and therefore left very early to maximise our time in Mkhuze Game Reserve. Upon arrival we had our first sighting of a Brown Snake Eagle and a few Trumpeter Hornbills. We ate breakfast at the Nsumo Pan picnic site where we viewed Little Stints, African Openbills, Spur-winged Geese, African Spoonbills, Little Egrets and a lovely mixed group of Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans. We then made our way to the famous KuMasinga hide and en route we had an amazing sighting of a mother Cheetah and her two cubs resting in the shade under a large Acacia tree. As we turned into the road leading to the hide an Eastern Nicator flew past the vehicle, which we stopped for and which kept us busy for a while. Eventually everybody managed to some great views and even photographs of this very secretive bird. Moving on, the KuMasinga Hide proved once again to live up to its expectations, with no less than seven White Rhinos covered in Red-billed Oxpeckers drinking water, lying in the shade and wallowing in the mud. We also eventually managed amazing views of a Pink-throated Twinspot near the hide. We returned for lunch in the main camp and then drove to another hide where we found two large Elephant bulls coming to Eastern Nicator by Gareth Robbins drink and also found a small group of White-crested Helmetshrikes. It was then time to leave the reserve and spend a few minutes at Muzi Pan, where we had some nice views of African Jacana. We next headed towards another site that was completely dry, but we did manage to locate a small group of another major tour target, the uncommon Lemon-breasted Canary. After returning to our lodge we went back out to the same place where we had seen the Four-coloured Bushshrike the previous day and some of the group managed to see the bird once again.

We decided to have an early morning walk around our lodge the next morning and one of the first birds we heard was the elusive Four-colored Bushshrike. We also managed additional good looks at another Eastern Nicator as well as good views of Purple- banded and Grey Sunbirds, African Emerald Cuckoo and, eventually, near the end of the lodge property, we had yet another sighting of a Four-colored Bushshrike. We then left the lodge and headed to False Bay Park bordering Lake St Lucia, where we enjoyed great views of Purple- banded Sunbirds near the entrance gate. We African Emerald Cuckoo by Richard Jeffers

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 7 made our way down towards the bay and managed to see Saddle-billed and Woolly-necked Storks, Common Ringed Plover, an out of range Chestnut-banded Plover, Red-fronted Tinkerbird, African Yellow White-eye, Long-crested Eagle, Yellow-billed Kite, Caspian Tern and a few Greater Crested Terns. We continued to bird near the entrance gate and managed good views of Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird and a very poor sighting of a Southern Banded Snake Eagle flying overhead. From here we journeyed to the coastal town of St Lucia, stopping off at the main bridge leading into the town for brief but excellent views of Southern Brown- throated Weavers. We then checked into our B&B and had a bit of lunch followed by a well-deserved afternoon break. With everybody feeling fresh and full of energy once again, we made our way down to the Igwala-gwala trail and one of our first main targets for the area, Woodward’s Batis, made an appearance close to the trail. We also had some good sightings of White-eared Barbet, Red-capped Robin-Chat and a few shy but noisy Livingstone’s Turacos. After a very productive day we enjoyed a great seafood Young Black Rhino by Gareth Robbins dinner in the town.

By this stage everybody was well into the routine of waking up early. And so, very early the following morning, we made our way back onto the Igwala-gwala trail and one of the first birds we heard calling – and managed to successfully locate – was a beautiful male Narina Trogon! We also managed to see Dark-backed Weaver, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Brown Scrub Robin and, eventually, we managed to relocate the Livingstone’s Turacos and get good views through the spotting scope. After a successful morning we returned to our B&B and had a very filling German-style breakfast. Thereafter we took our lunch packs and made our way to Cape Vidal. We spent the rest of the day in this coastal reserve with the highlights being a young Black Rhino, both Brown and Black-chested Snake Eagles, Yellow- throated Longclaw, Goliath Heron and even a few Bull Sharks off Catalina Bay. The biggest highlight, however, was seeing a lovely group of Green Twinspots at Cape Vidal.

With a long day of driving ahead of us, we departed St Lucia very early the next morning and headed back along the N2 in the direction of Durban. Our first stop was at Mtunzini to search the Raffia Palms for Palm-nut Vulture. Pink-throated Twinspot by Gareth Robbins It didn’t take too long before Sally spotted a single bird

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 8 flying down and landing on top of one of the palms. After all the excitement we jumped back into the car and headed for the Dlinza Forest in Eshowe. While driving it started to rain, but it still looked hopeful as the cooler conditions would likely increase our chances for finding Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. As we arrived at Dlinza we heard a Spotted Ground Thrush calling and we quickly made our way to the tower overlooking the forest. Here we had some views of White- eared Barbets and, shortly thereafter, we secured a distant view of an Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, before eventually enjoying much better looks as a few more landed close to the tower and proceeded to call. After this success we made our way back to the office area for lunch, where we were entertained by a very tame Blue Duiker and an African Paradise Flycatcher. We then headed down along the forest trail to see what other specials we could find, and here we managed great sightings of our prime target in the forest, the Spotted Ground Thrush, as well as Green Malkoha, another Narina Trogon, Tambourine Dove, Chorister Robin-Chat and Grey Cuckooshrike, as well as a fleeting glimpse of a Red-backed Mannikin. We then made our way back to Mtunzini and birded briefly along the Umlazi River, where we saw a Rufous-winged Cisticola and heard a Mangrove Kingfisher. After a very productive day we drove to our next guest house in the Hilton area, followed by a lovely dinner in town.

Narina Trogon by Gareth Robbins We left Hilton early for the Karkloof and along the way we managed to see African Firefinch and an African Goshawk. Our first stop was at Benvie Gardens, where we had fabulous views of the beautiful Orange Ground Thrush. We then headed back to a small section of forest where we saw Bush Blackcap, Crowned Eagle, African Emerald and Red-chested Cuckoos, Bar-throated Apalis, Southern Double-collared Sunbird and had brief view of Knysna Turacos flying down into the forest. We returned to the Benvie Gardens for breakfast and managed to see a good number of birds including Village Weaver, African Olive Pigeon, more Knysna Turacos, Mountain Wagtail and a White-starred Robin. We also had some lovely views of a Dark- backed Weaver constructing his nest and a Cardinal Woodpecker joined the party briefly. We then moved on to Howick Falls for lunch, where we saw a small family group of Lanner Falcons. Our next stop was along the R617 towards Underberg, where we stopped at the small village of Bulwer to visit the Marutswa Forest. Without having to enter too far into the forest we enjoyed good sightings of Forest Canary and Swee Waxbill. And then, only a few meters further into the forest, we soon Cape Parrots by Gareth Robbins

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 9 located a Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and, at the same time, we heard the call of Cape Parrot. Searching in their direction we found a group of about 20 birds sitting on the bare trees and which entertained us for half an hour, allowing plenty of time for scope viewings and photographs. It was then time to make our way to Himeville at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains, where we would be staying for the next two nights.

At approximately 6 a.m. we met our local guides, and the group then split into two before making our way in our 4x4 vehicles towards Sani Pass, where we managed to find a Barratt’s Warbler and a Fairly Flycatcher at the South African border post. Further along we picked up sightings of Bokmakierie, Sickle-winged and Familiar Chats, Yellow Bishop, Large-billed Larks, Wailing Cisticola, Malachite Sunbird, Long-billed Pipit and had some very good views of a few Gurneys’ Sugarbirds perched on top of some Proteas. Making our way Grey-winged Francolin by Gareth Robbins further up the pass, we located a pair of the much-wanted Drakensberg Rockjumper as well as some Drakensberg Siskins. We also had good views of Bearded Vultures and a Cape Vulture flying overhead. Eventually entering into Lesotho we found Grey Tit, Drakensberg Prinia, Yellow Canary, Sentinel Rock Thrush and some Grey-winged Francolins. After our birding in Lesotho we made our way back down the pass and went to view a family of Spotted Eagle- Owls that had taken up residence in somebody’s house in Himeville.

We left Underberg early the next morning to take a relaxing drive to King Shaka Airport in Durban, where we boarded our plane for the next leg of our journey in the Western Cape. Once having landed in Cape Town we collected our hired vehicle which delayed us for a while, so we therefore opted to bird around Simon’s Town, having less time to spare than would otherwise have been the case. On our way to Simon’s Town we had a lovely sighting of an African Harrier-Hawk and, as it was whale season, we stopped at Glen Cairn for great close views of a Southern Right Whale, showing us its giant flippers and tail. We next birded near Boulders Beach where African Penguins by Gareth Robbins

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 10 we enjoyed great up-close sightings of African Penguins as well as Greater Crested and Sandwich Terns, Kelp and Hartlaub’s Gulls, African Oystercatcher, Cape and White-breasted Cormorants, and Cape Bulbul and Karoo Prinia in Simon’s Town itself.

After receiving news the following day that our pelagic trip would be moved to Sunday due to poor ocean conditions, we decided to follow Sunday's itinerary instead. Even though we had awoken to gale force winds and rain, we nevertheless pushed through on the 1 ½ hour journey to the Rooi Els area. Luckily the weather conditions had improved and it didn’t take too long to find three Cape Rockjumpers – our most important target bird for the region, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Grassbird, Cape Spurfowl and Grey-backed Cisticola. With the weather still on our side we pushed on towards Betty's Bay to view the penguin colony at Stony Point. On the way to Betty's Bay we heard a Victorin's Warbler calling and managed some great, close Orange-breasted Sunbird by Gareth Robbins views of this notoriously tricky skulker in some small, thick fynbos. Continuing to Stony Point we enjoyed lovely views of African Penguins and also managed to see all four species of cormorant, namely Cape, Bank, White-breasted and Crowned. We then visited the Strandfontein Sewage Works where we enjoyed good sightings of Greater Crested and Black-necked Grebes, many Greater Flamingos and a Little Rush Warbler. From here we made our way through the Cape Flats towards Newlands, where we saw a Common Chaffinch and a Common Buzzard. We returned to Simon’s Town via Ou Kaapse Weg and on one of the Silvermine Nature Reserve roads we had good views of a Fiscal Flycatcher.

We awoke the next morning to a perfect day in Cape Town and before we knew it we were aboard our boat and heading past the Cape of Good Hope. We ran into a few larger bumpy waves at the infamous "washing machine" area, which certainly affected a few of us. Nevertheless we started to see our first White-chinned Petrels, Great Shearwaters, Cape Gannets, Black- bellied Storm Petrel, Shy Albatross and even watched the release of a rescued immature Southern Giant Petrel. It was with great anticipation that we searched Shy Albatross by Gareth Robbins

Trip Report - RBT Eastern SA & Cape Extension Sep / Oct 2015 11 for a local trawler, eventually finding a long-line ship that had attracted a fair amount of seabirds. These included Atlantic Yellow-nosed and Black-browed Albatrosses, Cape Petrel, Wilson's Storm Petrel, both Northern and Southern Giant Petrels and a wonderful sighting of a Wandering Albatross. On our way back we saw yet another Wandering Albatross and a Sooty Shearwater. Returning to land, we then visited the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve where we had a brief sighting of a few Cape Siskins.

We left our lovely lodge early the next morning and made our way through Cape Town to our first stop in Table View, where we enjoyed breakfast and were able to take some good panoramic photos of Table Mountain. We then made our way to the West Coast National Park, where, upon arrival, we had our first distant view of a Black Harrier as well as a quick sighting of a Cape Cobra. We also saw many Angulate Tortoises appearing in all various shapes and sizes in and along the road, as well as enjoying great sightings of White-backed Mousebirds, Pearl- breasted Swallows and Karoo Larks. We briefly visited the Geelbek hide and observed a few waders and a small group of Lesser Flamingos. We next travelled along the road towards the viewpoint and were very fortunate to see Southern Black Korhaan and enjoy a lovely, close view of another Black Harrier as it flew past the vehicle. We broke for lunch at the restaurant before making our way towards Ceres. En route we had a few sightings of Black Harrier by Gareth Robbins European Bee-eaters and another brief sighting of a Cape Cobra along the side of the road.

We woke up to a rather chilly morning compared to what we had experienced over the last two weeks, but as we had a big day ahead we appreciated the cooler weather. It did not take us long to locate our first target, the Namaqua Warbler, and further down the road we witnessed a few larks mobbing a predator that was probably a snake. We managed to find the grey form of Mountain Wheatear, Sickle- winged Chat, Large-billed and Cape Clapper Larks, and both Layard’s and Rufous-eared Warblers. Travelling further along we enjoyed good views of a Pale-chanting Goshawk and a Karoo Chat. We then visited the Skitterykloof Pass picnic site where we found Acacia Pied Barbet and a very shy Pririt Batis. We continued towards the direction of the Tankwa Karoo National Park and were lucky enough to locate Black-eared Sparrow-Larks, Karoo Eremomelas and a Tractrac Chat. With not much time on our side we headed back to the Skitterykloof Pass in search of Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, which we eventually heard further down the road and, after some mountain climbing, some of the group managed to see this special bird. Moving on we came across a black Cape Cobra lying in the road, which entertained us by slithering off and opening its hood before slipping under the car and disappearing down the hillside. At the top of Skitterykloof Pass we managed to relocate some Black-headed Canaries in and amongst the Yellow and White-throated Canary flocks. We then took a scenic drive back via the Gydo Pass through Prince Alfred’s Hamlet to our guest house for the evening.

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After a nice late breakfast the next morning, we departed Ceres and took a slow drive to the airport in Cape Town. Here the tour concluded and we said our fond farewells before catching our respective flights home. Many thanks to all the great participants who made this such a rewarding and enjoyable tour!

Group photo at top of Sani Pass, Lesotho by Gareth Robbins

Annotated List of Birds recorded

Nomenclature and taxonomy follows Gill, F & D Donsker (Eds). 2015. IOC World Bird List (v 5.1). Names in square brackets refer to the name given by the IOC, while names in round brackets refer to the alternative name for the species.

Total species recorded: 454 (450 seen and 4 heard only)

E = South African Endemic, RE = Regional Endemic to Southern Africa, RNE = Regional Near- Endemic, BE = Breeding Endemic

NP = National Park, GR = Game Reserve, BG = Botanical Garden, SW = Sewage Works, NR = Nature Reserve

Common Ostrich Struthionidae Common Ostrich Struthio camelus These huge birds were seen in Kruger NP and West Coast NP.

Swans, Geese & Ducks Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata

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Seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis Seen on most days of the tour. Knob-billed Duck Sarkidiornis melanotos Seen around a small dam on Zaagkuilsdrift road and in the Kruger National Park. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca Seen on most days of the tour. South African Shelduck (RE) Tadorna cana Good sightings in Wakkerstroom, Mkhuze Game Reserve and Tankwa Karoo. Cape Teal Anas capensis We had great views at a large dam between Carolina and Ermelo. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulata Commonly recorded at various wetlands during the tour. Cape Shoveler (RE) Anas smithii Good sightings at various wetlands during the tour. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha Good sightings at Wakkerstroom and Strandfontein Sewage Works. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota Good views at dam near Carolina and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Southern Pochard Netta erythrophthalma Good sightings at Wakkerstroom and Strandfontein Sewage Works. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa Great views at Strandfontein Sewage Works.

Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris Recorded on many occasions during the tour. . Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani Small numbers were seen daily in the Hluhluwe and St Lucia areas.

Pheasants & Partridges Phasianidae Grey-winged Francolin Francolinus africanus We had some great sightings in Lesotho and West Coast National Park. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena Were seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd, and in the Kruger NP and Mkhuze GR. Cape Spurfowl (RE) Pternistis capensis We had regular sightings in the Western Cape. Natal Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis natalensis Seen daily in Kruger NP and along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Swainson’s Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis swainsonii Also seen daily in Kruger NP and along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd.

Penguins Spheniscidae African Penguin (RE) Spheniscus demersus Seen well at Stony Point and also along the shoreline in front of our guesthouse in Simon’s Town.

Austral Storm Petrels Hydrobatidae

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Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus We had a few sightings on our pelagic. Black-bellied Storm Petrel Fregetta tropica We had some excellent sightings on our pelagic.

Albatrosses Diomedeidae Wandering Albatross Diomedea oceanicus We had 2 great sightings of this magnificent bird on our pelagic. Black-browed Albatross Thalassarche melanophris We had a few good sightings on our pelagic. Shy Albatross Thalassarche cauta These large birds were numerous on our pelagic. Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatross Thalassarche chlororhynchos We saw a few of these birds on the pelagic.

Petrels & Shearwaters Procellariidae Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus We had a few sightings on the pelagic as well as seeing a young bird being released from the boat. Northern Giant Petrel Macronectes halli We had a few good sightings of this bird on the pelagic. Cape Petrel Daption capense We saw a few of these smart birds on the Pelagic. White-chinned Petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis A common bird during our pelagic. NOTE: The circumpolar White-chinned Petrel (P.a.aequinoctialis) is regarded by many authorities as a separate species from the endangered Spectacled Petrel (P.a.conspicillata), which breeds only on the Inaccessible Islands. Clements does not as yet recognize this split. Sooty Shearwater Puffinus griseus We had surprisingly few sightings on the pelagic. Great Shearwater Puffinus gravis These birds were abundant throughout the pelagic.

Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis Seen at several wetlands throughout the tour. Great Crested Grebe Podiciceps cristatus Good views in Strandfontein Sewage Works Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis We had some good views at Strandfontein Sewage Works.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus Seen at a small pan outside Carolina, False Bay, Strandfontein SW and West Coast National Park. Lesser Flamingo Phoenicopterus minor We saw this smaller flamingo at the West Coast National Park.

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Storks Ciconidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis We saw a number of these attractive storks in Kruger NP. African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus We saw a few in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus We saw this bird in the Hluhlwe/St Lucia areas. White Stork Ciconia ciconia Were seen flying overhead along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Saddle-billed Stork Epippiorhynchus senegalensis We had great looks at this colorful stork in Kruger National Park and False Bay Park. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer Seen well in the Kruger National Park.

Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus A commonly encountered wetland bird during the tour, seen most days of the tour. Southern Bald Ibis (E) Geronticus calvus This unique endemic was seen well around Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash We recorded this popular and noisy bird on every day of the tour. Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus Seen in the Kruger National Park and Strandfontein SW. African Spoonbill Platalea alba We had some good sightings throughout the tour.

Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctocorax nyctocorax Seen at Wakkerstroom. Striated Heron Butorides striata We had a great view in the Kruger National Park. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides Seen well at Wakkerstroom. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis Recorded almost daily on tour. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea Recorded at wetlands on almost every day of tour. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala As with the previous species, seen often during the tour, though typically in drier habitats. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath We saw this large heron in Kruger National Park, Mkhuze GR and Cape Vidal. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea An immature bird was seen in Himeville. Great Egret Ardea alba Seen well in the Kruger National Park. Black Heron Egretta ardesiaca This was one of the tour favorites and it was seen along Zaagkuilsdrift Road and Kruger NP.

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Little Egret Egretta garzetta We had good sightings throughout the trip.

Hamerkop Scopidae Hamerkop Scopus umbretta This distinctive species was a regularly seen during the tour.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus This huge bird was seen well in the Mkhuze National Park and Cape Vidal. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens Seen at Mkhuze GR, with better views at St Lucia.

Gannets Sulidae Cape Gannet (BE) Morus capensis We saw many birds on the Pelagic.

Cormorants & Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus A common wetland bird, seen on most days of the tour. Crowned Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax coronatus We had great sightings on the Pelagic and at Stony Point. Bank Cormorant (RE) Phalacrocorax neglectus We had great sightings at Stony Point. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus Widespread, and seen in both freshwater and marine situations. Cape Cormorant (BE) Leucocarbo capensis This marine species was abundant off the Western Cape coastline.

Anhingas & Darters Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa Seen along Zaagkuilsdrift Rd and in Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius We had great views in the Kruger National Park.

Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus This striking raptor was seen on many occasions from the roadside. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus We had a great view in Cape Town. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis We saw had a good view of one individual in Mtunzini. Bearded Vulture Gypaetus barbatus We saw a few individuals fly over us on the Sani Pass.

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African Cuckoo Hawk Aviceda cuculoidesa We had 2 individuals fly overhead in Dhlinza Forest. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus We had some great views in the Kruger National Park. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus This species was common in Kruger National Park. Cape Vulture (E) Gyps coprotheres We had a few long distant views on the Sani Pass and Zaagkuilsdrift Road. White-headed Vulture Trigonoceps occipitalis We had good sightings in the Kruger National Park. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos We had one good sighting in the Kruger National Park. Black-chested Snake Eagle Circaetus pectoralis Seen at Zaagkuilsdrift Road and in Cape Vidal. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus Seen well in the Mkhuze Game Reserve. Southern Banded Snake Eagle Circaetus fasciolatus We had a poor sighting in False Bay Park. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus This beautiful eagle was seen often in Kruger National Park Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus We saw this bird seen well in the Karkloof. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus This huge bird of prey was seen on a few occasions in the Kruger National Park. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis We had a lovely view in False Bay Park. Wahlberg’s Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi We saw many of these birds in the Kruger National Park. Booted Eagle Hieraaetus wahlbergi We one sighting near Malmsebury. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax A common species in Kruger National Park. African Hawk-Eagle Aquila spilogaster We had a great view of a pair in the Kruger National Park. Pale Chanting Goshawk (RNE) Melierax canorus We saw these lovely raptors in the Tanqua Karoo. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro We had a lovely sighting in the Karkloof. Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus We had a brief sighting along at Zaagkuilsdrift. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus We had scattered sightings in Wakkerstroom and in West Coast National Park. Black Harrier Circus maurus We had some good sightings in the West Coast National Park. Yellow-billed Kite Milvus aegyptius This was .the most common bird of prey on the tour. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer

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This handsome eagle was seen often, including at Kruger National Park and Mkuze Game Reserve. Common Buzzard Buteo buteo Seen in the Western Cape. Jackal Buzzard (RE) Buteo rufofuscus We found this great endemic around Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof.

Bustards Otididae Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori We had very good sightings in the Kruger National Park. Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami We had a good sighting in Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis barrowii Two birds showed well near Dirkiesdorp and we had another brief sighting in Wakkerstroom. Blue Korhaan (E) Eupodotis caerulescens We saw one of these lovely endemics in the distance near Wakkerstroom. Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista We saw one of these birds displaying in the Kruger National Park. Southern Black Korhaan Afrotis afra We had a good sighting in the West Coast National Park. Northern Black Korhaan (NE) Afrotis afraoides We had some good sightings at Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Black-bellied Bustard Lissotis melanogaster We had an amazing close sighting in Wakkerstroom.

Flufftails Sarothruridae Red-chested Flufftail Sarothruridae elegans After a bit of work we managed to get an unforgettable sighting in Wakkerstroom.

Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae African Rail Rallus caerulescens We had some great views in Wakkerstoom. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra Seen at scattered wetlands throughout the tour. African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis This colourful bird was seen well in Wakkerstroom. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Seen at most waterbodies. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata Common at wetlands throughout the country.

Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum We had a lovely views in Wakkerstroom and in the Karkloof. Blue Crane (RE) Grus paradisea We saw a large group of 120 birds at Wakkerstroom.

Thick-knees Burhinidae

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Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus We saw few of these birds in the Kruger National Park.

Oystercatchers Haematopididae African Oystercatcher (E) Haematopus moquini We saw this bird well in Cape Town.

Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus Commonly seen throughout the tour. Pied Avocet Recurvirostra avosetta This elegant wader showed well at the West Coast National Park. .

Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus We had regular sightings throughout the tour. White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps We had some good sightings in the Kruger National Park. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus Recorded daily at scattered open-country sites throughout the first week of the tour. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus Good views were in the Kruger National Park. Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola We saw a few individuals in the West Coast National Park. Common Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula We saw a few birds around the False Bay Park and the West Coast National Park. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius Seen on a regular basis throughout the tour. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris Seen in the Kruger National Park. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus We had a lovely sighting in False Bay Park. Chestnut-banded Plover Charadrius leschenaultia An out of range bird was seen in False Bay Park.

Jacanas Jacanidae African Jacana Actophilornis africanus Seen well in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze.

Sandpipers & Allies Scolopacidae African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis Birds were seen well at Carolina and at Wakkerstroom. Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus Good sightings were had in the WCNP. Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia Seen in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze. Wood Sandpiper Tringa glareola

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Seen well in the Kruger National Park. Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Seen at the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpresi We had some good sightings at Catalina Bay, Cape Vidal. Little Stint Calidris minuta We saw a few birds in the Hluhluwe area. Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea We saw a few birds in the Hluhluwe area and WCNP. Ruff Philomachus pugnax Seen on a few occasion on the tour.

Coursers & Pratincoles Glareolidae Temmink’s Courser Cursorius rufus We had a good view on our night drive in the Kruger National Park. Collared Pratincole Glareola pratincola We had some good views in Cape Vidal and Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus We had regular sightings in Kempton Park and False Bay Park. Hartlaub’s Gull (RE) Chroicocephalus hartlaubii Plentiful along the Western Cape coastline. Kelp Gull (NE) Larus dominicanus Large numbers were seen around the Cape Peninsula. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia We saw this large tern at St Lucia and in the WCNP. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii Seen at St Lucia and very common along the Western Cape coast. Sandwich Tern Thalasseus sandvicensis Seen well in Simon’s Town. Common Tern Sterna hirundo Briefly seen on the Pelagic. Arctic Tern Sterna paradise We had some brief views on the pelagic. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida We saw this tern at the dam near Carolina.

Skuas Stercorariidae Brown Skua Stercorarius antarcticus We had some great close views on the Pelagic.

Sandgrouse Pteroclidae Namaqua Sandgrouse Pterocles namaqua A great sighting of a pair in the Tankwa Karoo. Double-banded Sandgrouse Pterocles bicinctus We had some quick views of these birds as they flew off when we drove past.

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Pigeons & Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia A common bird seen in the vicinity of human settlements throughout South Africa. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea This handsome pigeon was seen on a number of occasions throughout. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix Seen in the Karkloof area. Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeons Columba delegorguei We had a great sighting in Dlinza Forest. Lemon Dove Columba larvata There was one brief sighting in Dlinza Forest. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata Commonly recorded in tall woodland and forest during the tour. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola Seen on most days during the first half of the tour and around Cape Town. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis Another commonly encountered dove seen on numerous days of tour across the country. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos This lovely dove showed well in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria We had good views in Dlinza Forest. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis This pretty Dove was seen well in the Kruger National Park, WCNP and Malmesbury. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus We saw this species particularly well in the Kruger National Park, especially in Skukuza

Turacos Musophagidae Livingstone’s Turaco Tauraco livingstonii We had a few quick sighting in St Lucia. Knysna Turaco (E) Tauraco corythaix We had equally quick sightings in Benvie Gardens. Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus This colorful species showed extremely well in Skukuza. Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor Common in Kruger National Park and the Zaagkuilsdrift road.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Burchell’s Coucal Centropus superciliosus We had a great sighting in the Kruger National Park. Green Malkoha Ceuthmochares australis We had a wonderful sighting of this bird; however it did make us work very hard to see it. Klaas’s Cuckoo Chrysococcyx klaas This pretty bird showed well in the Kruger National Park. African Emerald Cuckoo Chrysococcyx cupreus We had great sighting at Umkhumbi Lodge and in the Karkloof. Black Cuckoo Cuculus clamosus

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There was one brief sighting in Dlinza Forest. Red-chested Cuckoo Cuculus solitaries We had a great close view of one bird as it flew past us in the Karkloof.

Typical Owls Strigidae African Scops Owl Otus senegalensis We had a great view of one in Satara, Kruger National Park. Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus A family of Spotted Eagle-Owls were seen in Himeville. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus One bird was seen nesting along the N’wanetsi River in the Kruger National Park. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum We had great sightings along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road.

Nightjars Caprimulgidae Square-tailed Nightjar Caprimulgus fossii We only saw and heard one nightjar on the whole trip and this was probably the species we saw.

Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus Regularly seen on the tour. Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba Seen in Tanqua Karoo and the Karkloof. African Black Swift Apus barbatus Seen near Wakkerstroom. Little Swift Apus affinis Seen a few times earlier on in the tour. White-rumped Swift Apus caffer This bird was seen on a regular basis throughout the tour.

Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus Commonly seen throughout the tour. White-backed Mousebird (RNE) Colius colius Seen well in the Tanqua Karoo and West Coast National Park. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus Commonly seen throughout the tour.

Trogons Trogonidae Narina Trogon Apaloderma narina We had some great sightings in St Lucia and Dlinza Forest.

Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius Seen a few times in the Kruger National Park. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus

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This colourful species was seen well in the Kruger National Park.

Kingfishers Alcedin idae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris Seen in Kruger National Park and St Lucia. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus This tiny kingfisher was seen in Kruger National Park. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima This massive kingfisher was seen in Kruger National Park and Dirkiesdorp. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis Seen on a regular basis. Mangrove Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti Possibly seen flying over vehicle, but we otherwise only managed to hear this bird.

Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus Seen well in the Kruger National Park and seen using a nesting hole in Cape Vidal. White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides We had several sightings in Skukuza, Kruger National Park and near Nelspruit. European Bee-eater Merops apiaster We had great views just outside the West Coast National Park.

Hoopoes Upupidae African Hoopoe Upupa africana Seen in the Kruger National Park and Wakkerstroom.

Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus We had some great sightings in the Kruger National Park and in the Hluhluwe area Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas Seen well in Skukuza, Kruger National Park.

Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvis leadbeateri We had had excellent viewings of a few family groups in the Kruger National Park.

Hornbills Bucerotidae Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris Seen regularly along the Zaagkuilsdrift road and in Kruger National Park. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (RNE) Tockus leucomelas Seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift road and in the Kruger National Park. Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus We had a sighting in Skukuza Camp, Kruger NP as well as in Mkhuze Game Reserve. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus Seen in Kruger National Park and along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator

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Great views around St Lucia, Mtunzini and Eshowe.

Barbets Ramphastidae White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis Commonly encountered in the St Lucia area. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus Seen nicely in St Lucia and False Bay Park. Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus We saw had a lovely sighting near the False Bay Park entrance gate. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus We eventually found this bird at Paul Kruger Gate. Acacia Pied Barbet (RNE) Tricholaema leucomelas We had one good sighting in the Tanqua Karoo. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus Seen at scattered woodland areas on the first half of the tour. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii We had good sightings on the first half of the tour.

Honeyguides Indicatoridae Brown-backed Honeybird Prodotiscus regulus Seen well in White-river and the Sani Pass Lesser Honeyguide Indicator minor We saw one individual along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road and in the St Lucia area. Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegates We only heard this bird at Dlinza Forest and Benvie Gardens.

Woodpeckers & Allies Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis We had good sightings of birds in Wakkerstroom and along the Sani Pass. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni Good views were had in the Kruger National Park. Ground Woodpecker (E) Geocolaptes olivaceus We have had good sightings in Wakkerstroom and along the Sani Pass. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens This small woodpecker was seen in the Kruger NP, Benvie Gardens and the West Coast NP. Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus We had an excellent sighting of a bird perched on a telephone pole along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus A pair was seen well in Wakkerstroom.

Falcons & Caracaras Falconidae Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus Seen a few times on the tour, especially in the Tankwa Karoo. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus Seen well at Howick Falls

Parrots Psittacidae

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Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus We saw around 20 individuals at Marutswa Forest. Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus crytpoxanthus We had a few sightings in the Kruger National Park.

Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis (RE) Batis capensis We had superb views of this bird in Dhlinza Forest and Benvie Gardens. Woodward’s Batis (RNE) Batis fratrum We saw a pair in Cape Vidal. Chinspot Batis Batis molitor This bushveld inhabitant was seen well in the Kruger National Park. Pririt Batis Batis Pririt We had 2 sightings in the Tankwa Karoo.

Helmetshrikes and Allies White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus We eventually located a few individuals in Mkhuze GR.

Bushshrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti We has a great sighting in the Kruger National Park. Olive Bushshrike Chlorophoneus olivaceus We had an excellent sighting at Bergvliet Plantation near White River. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus Seen well in the Kruger National Park. Four-colored Bushshrike Chlorophoneus quadricolor Excellent views at Umkhubi Lodge. Bokmakierie (RNE) Telophorus zeylonus This pretty species was seen in Wakkerstroom. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis We found this species along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Black-crowned Tchagra Tchagra senegalus We had a great sighting in the Kruger National Park. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla We saw this small bushshrike in Kruger National Park. Southern Boubou (RE) Laniarius ferrugineus We had a good sighting if this bird in the St Lucia area. Crimson-breasted Shrike (RNE) Laniarius atrococcineus This incredible bird was seen along Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Brubru Nilaus afer We had a beautiful view in the Kruger National Park.

Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia We had good views in Dhlinza Forest. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava

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We had a distant view of an individual in the Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Shrikes Laniidae Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus Frequently seen during the first few days of tour. Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens We had a lovely sighing in the Kruger National park. Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris Recorded on most days of the tour, except in the Kruger National Park.

Figbirds, Orioles Oriolidae Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus Seen at Kruger National Park, Mkhuze Game Reserve and Benvie Gardens.

Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii This forest species was seen well in Hluhluwe and St Lucia. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis Were seen on most days of the tour.

Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas We managed to get a great sighting at Umkhumbi Lodge. African Paradise Flycatcher Terpsiphone viridis We had good views of this species in Dlinza Forest.

Crows & Jays Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis Fairly common at higher elevation grassland sites such as Wakkerstroom. Pied Crow Corvus albus A common and frequently encountered species during the tour. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis Seen well along the Sani Pass.

Rockjumpers Chaetopidae Cape Rockjumper (E) Chaetops frenatus We had a good views of a few individuals at Rooi Els. Drakensberg Rockjumper (E) Chaetops aurantius We had wonderful views on Sani Pass.

Fairy Flycatchers Stenostiridae Fairy Flycatcher (RE) Stenostira scita We had great sightings in Lesotho.

Tits Paridae Southern Black Tit Melani parus niger

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Seen in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Grey Tit Melaniparus afer We had a good sighting on the Sani Pass and the Tanqua Karoo.

Penduline Tits Remizidae Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli We had an excellent sighting at a bird party in Kruger National Park.

Nicators Nicatoridae Eastern Nicator Nicator gularis We had a lovely close view in Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Larks Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark (RNE) Chersomanes albofasciata We had good views of these larks near Wakkerstroom. Eastern Long-billed Lark (E) Certhilauda semitorquata We had lengthy looks at this species near Wakkerstroom. Black-eared Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix australis We had good views in the Tankwa Karoo Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark Eremopterix leucotis We had some good views in the Kruger National Park. Sabota Lark (RNE) Mirafra sabota Common in Kruger National Park, also seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Karoo Lark (E) Certhilauda albescens We got a few good views in the West Coast National Park. Rudd's Lark (E) Heteromirafra ruddi We saw one of these critically endangered larks near Wakkerstroom. Eastern Clapper Lark (RNE) Mirafra fasciolata We had a brief but good view in Wakkerstroom. Cape Clapper Lark Mirafra apiata We had some great sightings of a few birds in the Tankwa Karoo mobbing a predator, possibly a snake Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra africana Seen in Wakkerstroom. Botha’s Lark (E) Spizocorys fringillaris Four of these range-restricted Larks were seen near Wakkerstroom. Pink-billed Lark (RNE) Spizocorys conirostris We saw three birds well near Wakkerstroom. Large-billed Lark (E) Galerida magnirostris Our first views were in Lesotho with more in the Tanqua Karoo. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea Common around Wakkerstroom and also seen in Lesotho.

Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Cape Bulbul (E) Pycnonotus capensis Seen daily in the Western Cape. Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor Seen daily during the eastern portion of the tour.

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Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus We had views at Mkhuze Game Reserve, St Lucia and Dhlinza Forest. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris This species gave us some great views in St Lucia and the Kruger National Park Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris We had a few sightings in the St Lucia area.

Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera These swallows were seen well in the Hluhluwe area. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola Were seen well near wetlands throughout the tour. Banded Martin Riparia cincta We had a quick sighting in the West Coast NP. Barn Swallow Hirundo rustica This Swallow was seen on a few occasions throughout the tour. White-throated Swallow Hirundo albigularis This Swallow was seen well throughout the tour. Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii Seen well in Kruger National Park. Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiata A few were seen in the West Coast National Park. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula Seen well throughout the tour. Greater Striped Swallow Cecropis cucullata Seen well throughout the tour. Lesser Striped Swallow Cecropis abyssinica This lowland savannah species showed well in Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe areas. Red-breasted Swallow Cecropis semirufa Seen well along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road and in the Kruger NP. South African Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon spilodera Were seen well along bridges en route to the Kruger NP and in Dirkiesdorp, Wakkerstroom.

Crombecs & African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird (RE) Sphenoeacus afer Seen well at Wetlands Guest House and Sani Pass. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens Commonly seen on tour. Victorin’s Warbler (E) Cryptillas victorini We had a fantastic sighting near Rooi Els.

Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla This pretty little forest warbler was seen very well in the Marutswa Forest.

Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris

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Seen well at most wetland areas. African Reed Warbler Acrocephalus baeticatus Showed well in Himeville. African Yellow Warbler Iduna natalensis We had some good sightings in Wakkerstroom and Himeville.

Grassbirds and Allies Locustellidae Little Rush Warbler Bradypterus baboecala We had one good sighting in the Strandfontein Sewage Works. Barrat’s Warbler Bradypterus barratti We had at least three good sightings along the Sani Pass.

Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana A common species in bushveld and scrubby vegetation in Kruger NP, Mkhuze GR and along Zaagkuilsdrift Rd. Grey-backed Cisticola (RNE) Cisticola subruficapilla Seen well in the Western Cape. Wailing Cisticola Cisticola lais We found this bird along the Sani Pass. Rufous-winged Cisticola Cisticola galactotes We had a brief sighting in Mtunzini Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens Seen well in Wakkerstroom. Neddicky Cisticola fulvicapilla Seen in the Karkloof. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis Seen in the Karlkloof area Desert Cisticola Cisticola aridulus One individual was seen will at Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Wing-snapping Cisticola (RE) Cisticola ayresii Seen well at Wakkerstroom. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava Seen well in the Kruger National Park. Black-chested Prinia Prinia flavicans Seen well along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Karoo Prinia (RE) Prinia maculosa First seen in Lesotho and thereafter abundant in the Cape. Drakensberg Prinia (E) Prinia hypoxantha We had great sightings along the Sani Pass. Namaqua Warbler Phragmacia substriata We had some great sighting at Karoopoort, Tankwa Karoo. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica Seen well in Benvie Gardens. Rudd’s Apalis (RE) Apalis ruddi We found this subtropical endemic at our lodge near Hluhluwe and at St Lucia. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida

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Seen in Kruger NP, St Lucia and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Rufous-eared Warbler Malcorus pectoralis We had many great views of this neat little bird in the Tankwa Karoo. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura Commonly seen and heard in Kruger NP, Mkhuze Game Reserve and St Lucia. Karoo Eremomela (RE) Eremomela gregalis We had a few great sighting in the Tankwa Karoo.

Babblers & Parrotbills Timaliidae Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii Common in seen in the Kruger National Park. Southern Pied Babbler Turdoides bicolor We were lucky to find one of these handsome birds along Zaagkuilsdrift Rd at the very eastern edge of their range.

Sylviid Babblers Sylviidae Bush Blackcap Lioptilus nigricapillus We had a lovely close sighting of a single bird in the Karkloof. Chestnut-vented Warbler (RNE) Sylvia subcaerulea Seen along Zaagkuilsdrift Rd and in the Tankwa Karoo. Layard’s Warbler] (RE) Sylvia layardi We managed get a good sighting in the Tankwa Karoo and along the Sani Pass.

White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (RE) Zosterops capensis Recorded at scattered locales throughout the tour. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis We saw this species at St Lucia and False Bay Park

Sugarbirds & Allies Promeropidae Cape Sugarbird (E) Promerops cafer This great fynbos endemic was seen well at Rooi Els. Gurney's Sugarbird (RE) Promerops gurneyi We had some great sightings on the Sani Pass.

Starlings Sturnidae Common Myna Acridotheres tristis This invasive exotic was unfortunately seen on a number of occasions in urban and semi-urban settings during the tour. Common Starling Sturnus vulgaris This, also an alien, was seen in the Western Cape. Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea We had a few sightings in the Kruger National Park. Black-bellied (Glossy-) Starling Lamprotornis corruscus Found in coastal forest and moist woodland at St Lucia and Dhlinza Forest. Cape (Glossy-) Starling (RNE) Lamprotornis nitens Seen daily during the first week of the tour.

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Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus We had good views of this spectacular species in Kruger National Park. Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis Seen daily over the first five days. Pied Starling (E) Spreo bicolor We had sightings of this endemic around Ermelo, Wakkerstroom, and the Western Cape. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio Encountered in Kruger NP, the KZN Midlands and in the Western Cape.

Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus Seen in association with large game in Kruger National Park, Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Thrushes Turdidae Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi Seen well at Benvie Gardens. Spotted Ground Thrush Geokichla guttata We had nice but distant views of a bird in Dhlinza Forest. Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyanus Was seen in the Kruger National Park. Olive Thrush (RE) Turdus olivaceus Common in Benvie Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Karoo Thrush (RE) Turdus smithii Our guest house in Johannesburg provided good sightings of this endemic.

Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Karoo Scrub Robin (E) Cercotrichas coryphaeus We had good sightings in Lesotho, West Coast National Park and Tankwa Karoo. Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata This pretty scrub robin showed well in Skukuza, Kruger National Park. White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys We had many good sightings along the Zaagkuilsdrift road and in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Brown Scrub Robin Cercotrichas signata We had a brief sighting of one individual in St Lucia. Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelaina We had a good sighting at Paul Kruger Gate, Kruger NP. Marico Flycatcher (RNE) Bradornis mariquensis Commonly seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift road. Fiscal Flycatcher (RE) Sigelus silens Seen at Silvermine NR, Cape Town. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens Mkhuze Game Reserve and Kruger National Park provided views of this species. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta Seen well a couple of times throughout the tour. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra Seen almost daily in the latter half of the tour.

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White-throated Robin-Chat (RE) Cossypha humelaris This endemic was seen in the Kruger NP. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini Fabulous views were enjoyed in Olifants, Kruger National Park. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis This stunner was common at False Bay Park and St Lucia. Chorister Robin Chat Cossypha dichroa Seen well in Dhlinza Forest. White-starred Robin Pogonocichla stellata With some hard work we got a good sighting in Benvie Gardens. Cape Rock Thrush (E) Monticola rupestris Seen on the Sani Pass and in Rooi Els. Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) Monticola explorator This lovely endemic was seen at Wakkerstroom and in Lesotho. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus Seen in open country around Wakkerstroom and along the Sani Pass Buff-streaked Chat (E) Saxicola bifasciata Seen at well in Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and the Karkloof. Sickle-winged Chat (RE) Cercomela sinuata Seen in Lesotho and Tankwa Karoo. Karoo Chat (RNE) Cercomela schlegelii A few individuals were seen in the Tankwa Karoo. Tractrac Chat (RNE) Cercomela tractrac We had a few sightings in the Tankwa Karoo. Ant-eating Chat (RNE) Myrmecocichla formicivora Recorded around Ermelo and Wakkerstroom. Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris Seen well in the Kruger National Park. Mountain Wheatear (RNE) Oenanthe monticola Seen in Wakkerstroom and in the Tankwa Karoo. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata Seen at Kgomo-Kgomo (Zaagkuilsdrift) and in the Tankwa Karoo. Familiar Chat Cercomela familiaris Seen along the Sani Pass and later in various rocky areas in the Western Cape.

Sunbirds & Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris Seen in y in Zululand. Orange-breasted Sunbird (E) Anthobaphes violacea We had good views in the Western Cape. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea Seen very well at St Lucia. Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii Seen well at False Bay Park. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina We had great looks at this pretty bird in Dlinza Forest. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis

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Seen well in the Kruger National Park and neat the False Bay Park. Malachite Sunbird Nectarinia famosa We had sightings along the Sani Pass, Wakkerstroom and in the Western Cape. Southern Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris chalybeus First seen at Benvie Garden and then in the Western Cape. Greater Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris afer We saw this bird near Nelspruit and along the Sani Pass. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris mariquensis We had a great sightings in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus Abundant in the False Bay Park and we saw a pair occupying a nest. White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala Seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd and well in the Kruger National Park. Dusky Sunbird Cinnyris fuscus We had a good view of an out of breeding plumage male.

Old World Sparrows Passeridae White-browed Sparrow-Weaver Plocepasser mahali This species was seen along the Zaagkuilsdrift Rd, near its eastern distribution limit. House Sparrow Passer domesticus A widespread species, seen in association with human habitation, across the country. Cape Sparrow (RNE) Passer melanurus Quite common, and seen at sites throughout the country. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus This species was seen regularly during the tour. Yellow-throated [Petronia] (Sparrow) Gymnoris superciliaris Seen well in Mkuze Game Reserve at Kumusinga Hide.

Weavers & Allies Ploceidae Red-billed Buffalo Weaver Bubalornis niger Seen in Kruger National Park. Scaly-feathered [Weaver] (Finch) (RNE) Sporopipes squamifrons Seen right at the eastern edge of their range along the Zaagkuilsdrift road. Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons This Weaver was seen well en route to False Bay Park. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis Seen in Kruger National Park and St Lucia. Cape Weaver (E) Ploceus capensis We found this endemic around Wakkerstroom. Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus These bright yellow birds were common in St Lucia. Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus. We had a brief but good sighting in St Lucia. Lesser Masked Weaver Ploceus intermedius Seen well in Lower Sabie, Kruger National Park. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus Common around Johannesburg, Zaagkuilsdrift Rd and Wakkerstroom.

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Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus Seen well throughout the Eastern part of the tour. Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor This forest-dwelling weaver was seen well in Hluhluwe, St Lucia and Benvie Gardens. Red-billed Quelea Quelea quelea We had a few sightings during the tour. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix Seen well throughout the tour. Yellow Bishop Euplectes capensis Seen well along the Sani Pass and in the Western Cape. White-winged Widowbird Euplectes albonotatus We had some good sightings in the Kruger National Park. Red-collared Widowbird Euplectes ardens Seen in the Karkloof area. Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne We had many sightings in the Wakkerstroom area.

Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba This bird was seen in the Kruger National Park. Red-headed Finch (RNE) Amadina erythrocephala Only seen at the feeders at our guest house in Johannesburg. Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula Excellent views at Cape Vidal. Pink-throated Twinspot (RE) Hypargos margaritatus We had great views of this bird in Mkhuze Game Reserve. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala We found this along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricata We had one brief sighting of this bird. Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis This neat species was common in bushveld habitat during our first week. Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis We had great sightings along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Swee Waxbill (E) Estrilda melanotis We saw a few on at Marutswa Forest and in Newlands in the Western Cape. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild We had scattered sightings across the country. African Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis We saw a few flying overhead at Kgomo-kgomo, Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata Small flocks were seen in Kruger National Park, Hluhluwe and around St. Lucia. Red-backed Mannikin Lonchura nigriceps We had one brief sighting at Dlinza Forest.

Indigobirds Viduidae Long-tailed Paradise Whydah Vidua chalybeate

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Some of the guests saw this bird in Wakkerstroom.

Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis Seen regularly at scattered localities throughout the country. Mountain Wagtail Motacilla clara Seen well at Benvie Gardens. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp Seen well during the tour. Cape Longclaw (RE) Macronyx capensis Seen well in Wakkerstroom. Yellow-throated Longclaw Macronyx croceus This stunner was seen well in the Kruger National Park. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus Very common around Wakkerstroom. Long-billed Pipit Anthus hoeschi Seen along the Sani Pass. Yellow-breasted Pipit (E) Anthus chloris We had a great view Wakkerstroom.

Finches & Allies Fringillidae Common Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs We had a good sighting in Newlands, Cape Town. Forest Canary (E) Crithagra scotops This endemic canary showed nicely at Marutswa Forest. Black-throated Canary Crithagra atrogularis Seen well at Zaagkuilsdrift Road. Lemon-breasted Canary Crithagra citrinipectus Seen well in Hluhluwe. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica Regularly seen throughout the tour. Cape Siskin (E) Crithagra totta We had brief views in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. Drakensberg Siskin (E) Crithagra symonsi Good views were had of this species on our Sani Pass day trip. Yellow Canary (RNE) Crithagra flaviventris Seen in Lesotho and then in West Coast NP and the Tankwa Karoo. Streaky-headed Seedeater (RNE) Crithagra gularis Seen well along the Sani Pass. White-throated Canary (RNE) Crithagra albogularis We found this near-endemic in the Tankwa Karoo. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis Seen well near Underberg. Black-headed Canary Serinus alario Seen well in the Tankwa Karoo.

Buntings Emberizidae

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Lark-like Bunting Emberzia impetuani Seen well in the Tankwa Karoo. Cape Bunting (RNE) Emberiza capensis Seen along Sani Pass and then almost daily in the Western Cape. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris Seen well along the Zaagkuilsdrift Road.

Annotated List of Mammal Species recorded

Nomenclature and taxonomy follows The Field Guide to the Mammals of Southern Africa by Chris & Tilde Stuart (2007).

Total species recorded: 49

Jackals Canidae Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas We saw a few in the Kruger National Park.

Cats Felidae Cheetah Acinonyx jubatus We had a lovely sighting of a mother and two cubs in Mkhuze Game Reserve. African Wildcat Felis silvestris We had a few sightings within Satara Camp. Lion Panthera leo We has numerous sightings in the Kruger National Park. Leopard Panthera pardus We had some great views of Leopards in the Kruger National Park.

Mongooses Herpestridae Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata This species was common around Wakkerstroom. Cape Grey Mongoose (RE) Galerella pulverulenta We had brief sightings in Cape Town. Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea We saw this elegant mongoose in Mkhuze Game Reserve. Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo We had some great views in St Lucia. Suricate (Meerkat) Suricata suricatta We had a great sighting in Wakkerstroom.

Hyaenas Hyaenidae Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta We had great sightings of this scavenger in the Kruger National Park.

Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae

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Spotted-necked Otter Lutra maculicollis We had one brief sightings in Wakkerstroom.

Fur Seals Otariidae Afro-Australian Fur Seal Arctocephalus pusillus Seen in good numbers along the Western Cape coastline.

Vivets, Genets – Viverridae African Civet Civettictis civetta One individual was see near the fence at Satara Camp, Kruger National Park.

Right & Gray Whales Balaenidae Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis We had an amazing sighting close to the shore in Glencairn, Cape Town.

Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus A common antelope in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Springbok Antidorcas marsupialis Seen outside Wakkerstroom. Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis This richly-coloured mammal was seen well in Hluhluwe and St Lucia. Black Wildebeest (E) Connochaetes gnou We saw many of these endemic animals outside Wakkerstroom. Commmon Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus We encountered this odd animal regularly in Kruger NP and the Zululand reserves. Blesbok (E) Damaliscus pygargus We saw a few just on a game reserve just outside Wakkerstroom. Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus We saw some lovely bulls in the Kruger National Park. Klipspringer Oreotragus oreotragus Seen in the Kruger and near Rooi Els. Grey Rhebok (E) Pelea capreolus We saw a few near Malmsebury. Blue Duiker Cephalophus monticola We saw these delightful tiny antelope in Dhlinza Forest. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris We saw these small antelope daily in Kruger National Park. Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum We saw a few in Cape Vidal and Himeville. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia We had a quite a few sightings in Mkhuze Game Reserve. African Buffalo Syncerus caffer We only saw a few bulls and some small herds in the Kruger National Park. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii This beautiful antelope was seen in the Kruger NP, Hluhluwe area, Mkhuze Game Reserve and False Bay Park.

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Common Eland Tragelaphus oryx We saw a few cows near Wakkerstroom, Sani Pass and in the West Coast National Park. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus We had close views of confiding individuals in Kruger National Park and at St Lucia. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros This regal antelope was seen mainly in the Kruger National Park, with some bulls showing off their magnificent set of horns. Oceanic Dolphins Delphinidae Short-beaked Common Dolphin Delphinus delphis We had a wonderful sighting of a pod of these dolphins as we arrived at Whale View Manor.

Giraffes Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis We enjoyed multiple sightings of this unique creature in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze GR

Hippopotami Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius We had many sightings in the Kruger National Park, Mkhuze Game Reserve and St Lucia estuary.

Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus We had great sightings in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Hyraxes Procavidae Rock Hyrax (Dassie) Procavia capensis Seen at Stony Point, Simon’s Town and Tankwa Karoo.

Hares & Rabbits Leporidae Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis Seen in Wakkerstroom.

Zebras Equidae Common (Burchell's/Plains) Zebra Equus quagga burchelli Seen well in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum Seen well on night drive in Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve. Black Rhinoceros Diceros bicornis We had a lovely sighting of a young bull in Cape Vidal.

Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops A commonly encountered primate throughout the east of the country. Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus Seen on numerous occasions in Kruger National Park and in the Western Cape.

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Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxondonta africana We had some lovely sightings in the Kruger National Park and Mkhuze Game Reserve.

Rats & Mice Cricetidae & Muridea Sloggett’s Vlei Rat Otomys sloggetti This rodent was seen at the top of Sani Pass and in Lesotho. Acacia Rat Thallomys paedulcus Seen in the Tankwa Karoo

Squirrels Sciuridae Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi Fairly common in Kruger NP. Red Bush Squirrel Paraxerus palliates Seen in St Lucia

Annotated List of Reptiles

Total species recorded: 14

Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus Some really massive crocs were seen in Kruger NP and at the St Lucia estuary. Southern Tree Agama Agama atricollis We saw this attractive lizard in Kruger NP. Southern Rock Agama Agama atra Seen along the Sani Pass and Tankwa Karoo. House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia Commonly seen on walls of our accommodation. Cape Dwarf Gecko Lygodactylus capensis We had two sightings of this Gecko. African Five-lined Skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata We had a nice close view of one specimen at Satara Rest Camp, Kruger National Park. Variable Skink Trachylepis varia We had a good look at one in the Kruger National Park. Savannah Monitor Varanus exanthematicus We had a quick view of one in the Kruger National Park. Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa Seen well in the Kruger NP. Angulated Tortoise Chersina angulata Many were seen in the West Coast National Park. Loggerhead Turtle Caretta caretta We had a great view of a single turtle on our pelagic off Simon’s Town. Boomslang Dispholidus Typus We had a lovely view of a male Boomslang in Mkhuze Game Reserve. Cape Cobra Naja Nivea We saw one in the West Coast NP and another along the Skitterykloof Pass in the Tankwa Karoo.

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Striped Skaapsteker Psammophylax tritaeniatus We saw the snake cross the road in front of the tour vehicle.

Rockjumper Birding Ltd C/o Summit Trust (Mauritius) Limited Labourdonnais Village Mapou Mauritius Tel (USA & Canada) toll free: 1-888-990-5552 Email: [email protected] Alternative email: [email protected] Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com