Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Budget Eastern South Africa II 5th to 16th July 2016 (12 days)
Half-collared Kingfisher by Gareth Robbins
Trip report by compiled by tour leader Gareth Robbins Tour photos by Gareth Robbins, Stefan Johansson and Chuck Holliday.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Today was the first day of the Budget East Tour II and after arriving at OR Tambo International Airport we made our way across the Highveld in the direction of the Kruger National Park. Black- winged Kites, Common Fiscals and Wattled Lapwings were seen along the way. We stopped in Nelspruit to collect stock for the tour and saw Village Weavers and Amethyst and Scarlet- chested Sunbirds in the parking lot of the shopping centre. We entered the Kruger National Park through Numbi Gate, here we saw a Martial Eagle, Crested and Black-collared Barbets and Greater Blue-eared Starlings. We then drove to Shitlhave Dam and managed to get great views of Giraffe along the way and spotted birds such as Fork-tailed Drongos, Southern Black Flycatcher, Bateleur, Brown Snake Eagle, Dark-capped Bulbul, Cape Starling and Southern Grey Female Saddle-billed Stork by Gareth Robbins Hornbills. Once we arrived at the dam, we saw young elephant bulls sparring in the cool water. Hippopotamus, Crocodile, Waterbuck and a large herd of Elephants were also present at the dam. We had great views of Black, Woolly- necked and Saddle-billed Storks, Blacksmith Lapwings, Three-banded Plover and an African Fish Eagle. We then made our way to Pretoriuskop Rest Camp and saw a Hyena with her cubs in a culvert along the side of the road. We finally arrived at our camp and had a relaxing barbeque outside our chalets.
At first light, we left Pretoriuskop Rest Camp and headed in the direction of Skukuza Rest Camp. It did not take us long to see White Rhinoceros, African Elephant, one Lioness and a Hyena with cubs. As the sun rose, we started to see birds such as Striped Kingfisher, a melanistic Gabar Goshawk, Lilac-breasted Roller and Arrow-marked Babbler. We stopped at a large Dam and saw an African Fish Eagle, African Green Pigeon, Grey Go-away-bird, Green Woodhoopoes, African Grey and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills and Brown-headed Parrots. As we continued towards Skukuza, we viewed Magpie Shrikes, Hooded Vulture, Tawny Eagle and Bateleur, Cape and Greater Blue-eared Starlings, Southern Grey-headed Sparrows, Blue
Waxbills, Southern Black Flycatchers and three Bateleur by Gareth Robbins Pearl-spotted Owlets. By midday, we had successfully seen mammals such as Common Dwarf Mongoose, Impala, Plains Zebra,
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Greater Kudu, Common Duiker, Bushbuck, Giraffe and Common Warthog. We stopped in Skukuza Rest Camp and took a short walk around the camp which produced great sightings of Collared, Scarlet-chested and White-bellied Sunbirds which were feeding on flowering aloes near the restaurant. We also saw a Long-billed Crombec, Cape White-eye, Dark-capped Bulbul, Red-faced Cisticola, White-fronted Bee-eater, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, White-browed Robin- Chat, along with a good view of a Martial Eagle flying overhead. We then took a drive along the Sabie River and were very lucky to see White-throated Robin- Chat, Cape Batis, Tawny-flanked Prinia, Yellow- breasted Apalis and Great Egret. We turned around and drove through a drier section away from the river where we saw Southern Black Tits, White-browed Black-headed Oriole by Gareth Robbins Scrub Robin, African Hoopoe and a Marico Flycatcher. Our next visit was to the Skukuza Nursery and along the way, we saw a small group of Marabou Storks flying overhead. We took a short walk around the nursery and got good views of Black Crake and Black-headed Oriole. We arrived at Skukuza Golf Club where we saw Grey and Goliath Herons, White-breasted Cormorants, African Darter, African Jacana, Pied and Giant Kingfishers, Speckled Mousebirds, Golden-tailed Woodpecker, African Pied Wagtail, Burchell’s Starling, Wire-tailed Swallow, African Dusky Flycatchers and Emerald-spotted Wood-Dove. We also had some great views of Hippopotamus and Nile Crocodiles. Our highlight of the day was finding a Lesser Jacana which does not normally occur in this part of South Africa. On our way back to Pretoriuskop we had an excellent view of two Spotted Eagle Owls perched on a tree not too far from the road, as well as Purple Rollers and Water Thick-knees. Back in Pretoriuskop, we took a walk around the camp, managing to see a tree full of Purple-crested Turacos and we were also very fortunate to see a juvenile Green Twinspot in the trees next to our chalets. Today, we made our way to Skukuza Rest Camp. As soon as we left Pretoriuskop, we passed the hyena den and had close views of one adult Hyena. Our next sighting was male Sable Antelope which crossed the road in front of the vehicle. There are Purple-crested Turaco by Gareth Robbins
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
less than two hundred of these beautiful animals left in the park which made this sighting even more special. Between Pretoriuskop and Skukuza, we saw Brown-crowned Tchagra, Blue Waxbills, Cardinal Woodpecker, Tawny Eagle and Yellow-throated Petronias. At the small waterhole, we saw Grey Go-away-birds and a small group of Brown-headed Parrots drinking. We also managed to see a few more White Rhinoceros and a large herd of Buffalo. We then made a brief stop in Skukuza before heading further north in the park where we were very
Sable Antelope by Stefan Johansson fortunate to get close views of two Lionesses with a cub as they crossed the road behind our car. A little further along the way, we saw a herd of Elephants and had fantastic looks at a Giant Eagle Owl sitting in a large tree. We then entered a drier area of the park where we saw Brown Snake-Eagle and a Lappet-faced Vulture in its nest. We arrived at Mlondozi Lookout Point where we saw a pair of Cardinal Woodpeckers as well as better views of a Long-billed Crombec. We left Mlondozi and headed the direction of Lower Sabie where we were very fortunate to see Red-crested Korhaan and the huge Kori Bustard. We crossed the Sabie River, seeing Goliath Heron, African Jacana, Great Egret, Yellow-billed Stork, Little Bee-eater, Pied Kingfisher and a brief glimpse of an African Black Duck flying past the vehicle. We stopped for lunch at Lower Sabie and walked around the camp, coming across Blue Waxbill, Spectacled Weaver, Black-collared Barbet, Southern Boubou, White- browed Robin-Chat, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Whiskered Tern, African Spoonbills, Little Egret, Grey-rumped Swallows and we even had a brief look at a Bearded- Woodpecker as it flew overhead. We then left Lower Sabie and made our way back to Skukuza. We stopped at Sunset Dam and had great views of Yellow-billed Storks, around fifty Water Thick-knees and a few White- crowned Lapwings. We then stopped to gaze at a Leopard that was sleeping in a tree, with two male Lions walking nearby. The leopard could not have cared less and a pile up of around 200 Leopard in tree by Stefan Johansson cars had suddenly appeared. Closer to Skukuza, we got a brief glimpse of a Little Sparrowhawk too. After a very successful day, we
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
had a well-deserved meal at the local steak ranch in the camp. An interesting fact is that Skukuza means “he who sweeps clean” (James Stevenson Hamilton swept the area clean of poaching). Skukuza was the Tsonga name for James Stevenson-Hamilton, who was the park warden of the Sabie Nature Reserve which later became the Kruger National Park. Skukuza is also the administrative headquarters and main camp of the Kruger National Park. Today we left Skukuza before sunrise and headed in the direction of the Malelane Gate. We took a short detour to the Sabie River and saw Three- banded Plover and a Malachite
Southern Ground Hornbill by Gareth Robbins Kingfisher. As the sun rose, we started to see a few birds, including White- browed Scrub-Robin, Cape Batis, Black-backed Puffback, along with a great sighting of a Grey-headed Bushshrike. As we continued, we came across a couple of bird parties. Within these parties were a Pearl-spotted Owlet, Yellow-fronted Canaries, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Golden-breasted Buntings, Brubru, Orange-breasted Bushshrike, Yellow-throated Petronia and a Verreaux’s Eagle Owl. One of the highlights of this drive was the close views of Hippopotamus and a Violet-eared Waxbill. As we neared the Afsal Picnic Site, we came across four Southern Ground Hornbills, African Stonechats and a beautiful pair of Southern White-faced Owls as well as Dwarf and Slender Mongoose. We had a delicious roosterkoek (grilled roll) for lunch and then made our way to Pretoriuskop where we saw White-backed Vultures and a Spotted Hyena devouring the scraps of an animal carcass. After arriving in Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, we joined the Sunset Drive where we had good views of African Elephants sparring and a large herd of African Buffalo. We were also very fortunate to see a Serval in the tall grass. Little Sparrowhawk, Spotted Eagle Owl, Spotted Hyena, Scrub Hare and Common Duiker were also well observed. In total, we saw four different species of Owls in one day! Southern White-faced Owl by Gareth Robbins Our plan for the morning was to spend a few hours before breakfast birding the Pretoriuskop rest camp. Just as the sun had risen, we started to walk around the perimeter fence, finding Spectacled Weavers and a Kurrichane Thrush. We birded the area around swimming pool, which turned out to be one of the best birding spots in the Kruger National Park for us. We saw Red-billed, African and Jameson’s Firefinches, two
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
immature Green Twinspots, Cape White-eyes, Golden-tailed and Cardinal Woodpeckers, a male Black Cuckooshrike, Brown-headed Parrot, Bronze and Red-backed Mannikins, Dark-backed Bulbuls, Blue Waxbills and two Yellow-fronted Tinkerbirds. In the garden outside the swimming pool area, we saw a Groundscraper Thrush and a pair of Bearded Woodpeckers before heading to breakfast. After breakfast, we packed the tour vehicle and made our way to Numbi Gate. At the gate, we saw Scarlet-chested Sunbird, Southern Black Flycatcher, Black-backed Puffback and Yellow-fronted Canaries. We took a back road to White River to look at a Bat Hawk nesting site, unfortunately, all we managed to see was an empty nest. Fortunately, we saw a Lizard Buzzard which was a nice consolation prize. We then made our way through the town of Nelspruit Cheeky Elephant by Chuck Holliday and headed back onto the Highveld, seeing two Jackal Buzzards along the Schoemanskloof Pass. As we entered the higher elevation of the Highveld, we started to see Long-tailed Widowbirds, Southern Red Bishops, African Stonechats, Black-winged Kites, Ant-eating Chats, Cape Longclaws, Southern Bald Ibises and two Capped Wheatears. We came across a wetland near Breyten, where we saw African Snipes, Red-billed, Cape and Hottentot Teals, African Swamphen, Red-knobbed Coots, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Blacksmith Lapwing, Cape Wagtail, Three-banded Plover, Yellow-billed Duck, Black-winged Stilts, Rock and Brown-throated Martins and a Purple Heron flew overhead. We finally arrived at Wakkerstroom after sunset, managing to get a brief glimpse of a Spotted Eagle Owl sitting on a telephone pole close to the town. We woke to cold conditions in Wakkerstroom and made our way through the mist in the direction of Dirkiesdorp. Along the way we saw a Long-billed Pipit sitting on a large boulder, along with plenty of Pied Starlings, a Jackal Buzzard and a great view of an Eastern Clapper Lark. We arrived at the small town of Dirkiesdorp, where we saw Black-winged and Crowned Lapwings, Red-capped Larks, Cape Crows, Buffy and African Pipits and a great view of two White-bellied Bustards. A little further down the road, we managed to get a Ground Woodpecker by Gareth Robbins long distance view of a Denham’s Bustard. We then turned around and made our way back to Wakkerstroom for breakfast, managing to see
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Ground Woodpecker and Buff-streaked Chat, as well as a wonderful sighting of two Secretarybirds on a private game reserve near the town. After breakfast, we made our way towards Amersfoort and saw two more Secretarybirds, as well as Southern Red Bishops, Long-tailed Widowbirds, Cape Longclaws, Plain-backed Pipits and a few more Southern Bald Ibises, Bokmakierie and a Yellow Mongoose. We arrived at a small village where, after a bit of searching, we had great views of two Botha’s Larks. We continued on a few more dirt roads, managing to see Eastern Long-billed and
Botha’s Lark by Gareth Robbins Spike-heeled Larks and Mountain Wheatears, along with great views of a Black Harrier and an Immature African Fish Eagle soaring over the road. We then entered another community farm where we had great views of a Rudd’s Lark as well as views of Maccoa Duck, Little Grebe, African Snipe, Pink-billed Larks, Quailfinches - we also managed to flush out a Marsh Owl, experiencing excellent views of this marvellous bird in flight. We then headed back to the town of Wakkerstroom managing to see Yellow-crowned Bishops, Blue Cranes, Sentinel Rock Thrush and a few Meerkats along the way. We stopped at the wetlands in Wakkerstroom where we saw African Marsh Harrier, Lesser Swamp Warbler, African Swamphen, Red-knobbed Coots, Common Moorhen and Yellow-billed Ducks. We made our final stop just behind the town where we managed to see a pair of Drakensberg Prinias before finally calling it a day - and what a day it was! This morning, we experienced the coldest day of the tour yet - with the tour vehicle’s thermometer reading of -3.5 Degrees Centigrade. After defrosting the windshield and prying open the sliding door that was iced shut, we made our way down to the wetlands. On arrival, we were greeted by four Spotted-necked Otters, African Swamphens, Yellow-billed Ducks and a Lanner Falcon. We drove to the outer edge of the wetland where we saw two African Rails and a pair of Bokmakieries calling from the iced Willow Trees. We then visited another section of the wetlands where we searched for the Red-chested Flufftail. After some patient waiting, the entire group managed to see this small bird. At the same spot, African Swamphen by Gareth Robbins we saw Little Bittern, Squacco Heron, Black- crowned Night Heron, Cape and Southern Masked Weavers and four Kingfisher species
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
namely: the Half-collared, Pied, Malachite and Giant. We had another look across the wetland and saw Common Moorhen, Black Crake and Cape Shovelers. After breakfast, we left Wakkerstroom and headed in the direction of Mkuze Game Reserve, successfully finding a pair of Red- throated Wrynecks near Dirkiesdorp. We finally arrived at Mkuze Game Reserve to some much welcomed warm weather, seeing Impala, Plains Zebra, Nyala and a Sabota Lark as we made our way through the reserve to reception. We had a lovely barbeque that evening listening to the sounds of the Fiery-necked Nightjar and Thick-tailed Galago (Bushbaby). We all managed to see the resident Fiery-necked Nightjar sitting on the spotlight pole behind one of the rooms.
Eastern Nicator by Gareth Robbins We met Patrick - our guide – who took us along the Fig Forest Walk. The birds we saw included Yellow-breasted Apalis, Trumpeter Hornbill and a Red-capped Robin-Chat before we got a look at a Pel’s Fishing Owl flying amongst the Quinine and Fig Trees. We all managed to get a few looks at this very shy bird. This was definitely one of the highlights of the tour! After all the excitement we still managed to see some great birds, such as Dark-backed Weavers, Crowned Hornbills, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, White-eared Barbet, Black-backed Puffback, Spectacled Weavers, Terrestrial Brownbuls and a pair of Rudd’s Apalises. We then made our way back to Mantuma Rest Camp, yielding great views of an Eastern Nicator. After the successful walk, we visited the KuMasinga Hide, obtaining excellent views of four Pink- throated Twinspots near the entrance to the hide. Once in the hide, we saw Nyala, Impala, Red Duiker, Three-banded Plover, Yellow-fronted Canary, Emerald-spotted Wood Dove, Square- tailed Drongo, Red-eyed Dove, Black-collared Barbet and a Chinspot Batis. We then made our way back to camp, seeing a few White-crested Helmetshrikes and a male Marico Sunbird next to the road. After lunch, we went out for an afternoon drive and saw a Fiscal Flycatcher, Striped Kingfisher, Crowned Lapwings, Golden- breasted Buntings and a pair of Burnt-necked Eremomelas. We visited the KuMahlala hide, where we saw Nyala and Red Duiker, as well as Square-tailed Drongo, Red-eyed Doves, Chinspot Batis, Bearded Scrub-Robin and a Tambourine
Dove. On the night drive a Spotted Thick-knee, Pink-throated Twinspot by Gareth Robbins
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Large-spotted Genet and White-tailed Mongoose were seen. The resident Fiery-necked Nightjar was also seen outside our chalets. We left Mkuze Game Reserve at sunrise and made our way to the Ophasni Gate. We stopped just beyond the gate to see a female Green-winged Pytilia, Purple-banded Sunbird, a pair of Burnt-necked Eremomelas and a Grey Penduline-Tit. We then traveled a little further down the road, yielding us views of Trumpeter Hornbills, Green-backed Camaroptera, Yellow-rumped and Red-fronted Tinkerbirds, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Terrestrial Brownbul, African Yellow White- eyes, African Goshawk and a pair of African Paradise Flycatchers. Our next stop was at Muzi Pan, it was here that we saw Pink- Burnt-necked Eremomela by Gareth Robbins backed and Great White Pelicans, African Jacana, Blacksmith and African Wattled Lapwings, African Openbill, Glossy Ibis and a couple of Whiskered Terns. Travelling in the direction of Hluhluwe, we visited the dry Mpempe Pan where and saw Black-winged and Crowned Lapwings, Rufous-naped Lark, Cape Wagtail and four Temminck’s Coursers. Just before the town of Hluhluwe, we stopped along the road leading to the False Bay Park, seeing Grey Waxbills, Dark-backed Weaver, Black-headed Oriole, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Yellow-bellied Greenbul and a Grey Sunbird. We made our way through Hluhluwe and towards Eshowe. The drive, along with a brief stop in St Lucia, landed us views of Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Red-capped Robin-Chat, Olive Sunbird, a fleeting glimpse of a Livingstone’s Turaco and Thick-billed and Eastern Golden Weavers. At the Estuary, we saw Goliath Heron, Caspian and Greater-crested Terns, Goliath Heron, White-faced Whistling Dusks, White-fronted Plovers and Grey-headed and Kelp Gulls. We made a brief stop just outside the town where we saw a few Hippos and Southern Brown- throated Weavers. Along the way to Eshowe we saw Long-crested Eagles. A brief stop in Mtunzini landed us a sighting of one Palm-nut Vulture sitting on top of the Raffia Palms. We arrived in Eshowe and, after dinner, we went searching for some African Wood Owls luckily we managed to hear three birds and get one great view these fantastic birds. We left our accommodation in Eshowe before sunrise and made our way along the Dhlinza Aerial Crowned Hornbill by Gareth Robbins Boardwalk to the tower overlooking the forest
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
canopy. We started to see Trumpeter and Crowned Hornbills and acquired a long distance view of an Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. We also saw a Little Sparrowhawk and a Crowned Eagle flying over the canopy with a large prey item in its huge talons. White-eared Barbets appeared and we also saw African Green Pigeons, Red-winged Starlings, Cardinal and Olive Woodpeckers, Grey Cuckooshrike, Olive Sunbird, Cape White-eyes and Yellow-bellied Greenbuls. We all finally had excellent views of two Eastern Bronze Naped Pigeons flying over the tree tops! We then took a walk on the forest floor where we saw White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Terrestrial Brownbul, Green Twinspots, Black-bellied Starlings and a pair of Cape Batises. We visited Rutledge Dam and saw a couple of White-backed Ducks and African Mangrove Kingfisher by Stefan Johansson Jacanas. We then drove to Mtunzini and visited the Umlalazi River, getting great views of Palm-nut Vultures and African Fish Eagles flying overhead, as well as wonderful views a Mangrove Kingfisher. We then made our way to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, where we would be staying for the next two days. This was the final full day of the tour and we had a good number of specials to seek out during the day. We arrived in the Karkloof just after Sunrise, taking a short loop on a farm road where we saw Denham’s Bustard, fifteen Grey Crowned Cranes and a Black-winged Kite mobbing an African Marsh Harrier. We then found one Blue Crane in a burnt field and, on another farm road, we saw a Wattled Crane fly across the road and land in a nearby field. We continued in the direction of Benvie Gardens and spotted African Olive Pigeons, Rock Kestrel and a Forest Buzzard before birding in a small patch of Forest. It was here where we saw Bush Blackcap, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Cape White-eye and a Collared Sunbird. We arrived at Benvie Gardens and it did not take us long to locate the much anticipated Orange Ground Thrush. Our walk around the gardens landed us Olive Thrush, Forest Canary, Knysna Turaco and an immature White-starred Robin. Heading back in the direction of Howick for lunch, we spotted African Spoonbills and an Intermediate Egret at a small dam. After Lunch, we visited the Midmar Reserve and saw African Stonechats, Fan-tailed Widowbirds, Common Waxbills, Blue Cranes, Blacksmith, Wattled and
Black-winged Lapwings as well as a couple of Red Wattled Crane by Chuck Holliday
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Hartebeest. We then made our way up to Bulwer through the Amahwaqa Mountains (meaning the Misty One) and visited the Marutswa Forest to look for Cape Parrots. We waited on the forest edge, spotting White-necked Ravens, Cape Grassbird, Grey Cuckooshrikes, Black-headed Orioles, Southern Double-collared Sunbirds and Olive Woodpeckers before hearing the call of the Cape Parrot and eventually seeing six birds fly over the forest canopy. After all the excitement and a great day full of excellent sightings we made our way back to Midmar, spotting an immature African Harrier Hawk along the way. We celebrated with a delightful dinner at the Snooty Fox in Tweedie. Today was the final day of the Budget East II Tour. We set out for a relaxing morning drive around the Midmar Reserve where we finally managed to see Orange breasted Waxbills in the tall grass near the chalets. We also saw Cape Longclaw, African Stonechats, African Pipits, Fan- Bush Blackcap by Stefan Johansson tailed Widowbirds, Cape White-eye, Jackal Buzzard, Grey-crowned Cranes, Hadada Ibis, Fork-tailed Drongo, African Hoopoe, Green-Woodhoopoes, Southern Grey- headed Sparrows, Amethyst Sunbird, Blacksmith Lapwing, Sacred Ibis, Bronze Mannikins, Southern-masked Weaver and an African Fish Eagle. After the morning session of birding, we packed the tour vehicle for the final time and made our way to King Shaka International Airport spotting two Long-crested Eagles along the way. Once we arrived at the airport we bid farewell to one another and went our separate ways.
ANNOTATED LIST OF BIRDS SPECIES RECORDED
Total species recorded: 320 (318 seen and 2 heard)
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
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Swans, Geese & Ducks Anatidae White-faced Whistling-Duck Dendrocygna viduata We managed to see these pretty ducks in the Kruger NP and the St Lucia Estuary. White-backed Duck Thalassornis leuconotus We saw a few individuals at Rutledge Dam in Eshowe. Spur-winged Goose Plectropterus gambensis This large bird was seen on farmlands and dams in Wakkerstroom, Zululand and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Egyptian Goose Alopochen aegyptiaca These common birds were seen on every day of the tour. South African Shelduck (RE) Tadorna cana We saw these pretty birds in the wetlands at Wakkerstroom. Cape Teal Anas capensis We saw these birds at the large wetland near wetland near Breyten en route to Wakkerstroom. African Black Duck Anas Sparsa We had a brief look at these ducks in the Kruger NP. Yellow-billed Duck Anas undulate We saw these ducks in Wakkerstroom and Zululand. Cape Shoveler (RE) Anas smithii We had good sightings at the wetlands in Wakkerstroom. Red-billed Teal Anas erythrorhyncha We saw these birds at the large wetland near Breyten and in Muzi Pan outside Mkuze GR. Hottentot Teal Anas hottentota We managed to get some good sightings at the wetland near Breyten. Maccoa Duck Oxyura maccoa We were able to see this duck at Fickland Pan near Wakkerstroom.
Guineafowl Numididae Helmeted Guineafowl Numida meleagris This pretty but common bird was seen on many occasions during the tour. Crested Guineafowl Guttera pucherani Good numbers of these intriguing birds were seen in the Mkuze GR.
Pheasants & Partridges Phasianidae Grey-winged Francolin Francolinus africanus We had a great close view on a dirt road just near Wakkerstroom. Crested Francolin Dendroperdix sephaena We saw this lovely little francolin in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Natal Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis natalensis These birds were seen in the Kruger NP and at Midmar Dam. Swainson’s Spurfowl (RNE) Pternistis swainsonii These birds were seen in the Kruger NP and Wakkerstroom.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Grebes Podicipedidae Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis We had several sightings at water bodies throughout the tour.
Flamingos Phoenicopteridae Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus We saw these graceful birds at a wetland near Breyten and at Muzi Pan near Mkuze GR. Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor We saw these beautiful birds at the wetland near Breyten and at Muzi Pan. Storks Ciconidae Yellow-billed Stork Mycteria ibis We had a couple of good sightings of these storks in the Kruger NP. African Openbill Anastomus lamelligerus We saw a few of these storks at Muzi Pan. Black Stork Ciconia nigra We saw these storks regularly at the Shitlhave Dam near Pretoriuskop. Woolly-necked Stork Ciconia episcopus These storks were seen regularly in the Kruger NP, Zululand and the Karkloof. Saddle-billed Stork Epippiorhynchus senegalensis We had great looks at this colourful stork in Kruger NP. Marabou Stork Leptoptilos crumenifer These unattractive birds were seen near Skukuza Rest Camp in the Kruger NP.
Ibises & Spoonbills Threskiornithidae Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus This ibis was commonly encountered at wetlands during the tour. Southern Bald Ibis (E) Geronticus calvus We were very lucky to see these birds near Ermelo and in the Wakkerstroom area. Hadada Ibis Bostrychia hagedash We recorded this popular and noisy bird on most days of the tour. African Spoonbill Platalea alba We had some good sightings in the Kruger NP and the Karkloof.
Bitterns & Herons Ardeidae Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutes We had a fantastic look at this normally shy bird at the Wetland in Wakkerstroom. Black-crowned Night Heron Nyctocorax nyctocorax After some good spotting, we all saw this bird at the wetland in Wakkerstroom. Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides We saw this heron in Wakkerstroom. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis We saw these birds as we made our way to the Kruger NP and as we drove from Mkuze GR to Eshowe. Grey Heron Ardea cinerea
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Was had regular sightings of this heron on tour. Black-headed Heron Ardea melanocephala We had regular sightings of these birds on various farmlands in Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof. Goliath Heron Ardea goliath We saw this large heron in Kruger NP and St Lucia. Purple Heron Ardea purpurea We saw this shy heron at the wetland near Breyten and in Wakkerstroom. Great Egret Ardea alba These large egrets were seen in the Kruger NP. Intermediate Egret Egretta intermedia We saw one bird in the Karkloof. Little Egret Egretta garzetta We saw this egret in the Kruger NP and Zululand.
Pelicans Pelecanidae Great White Pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus We saw these large pelicans in Muzi Pan and a few birds flying over the road as we made our way to Midmar. Pink-backed Pelican Pelecanus rufescens These different looking pelicans were seen in Muzi Pan.
Cormorants & Shags Phalacrocoracidae Reed Cormorant Phalacrocorax africanus This common wetland bird was seen on most days of the tour. White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax lucidus This large cormorant was seen in the Kruger NP and in the wetlands at Wakkerstroom.
Anhingas & Darters Anhingidae African Darter Anhinga rufa We had good sightings of this snake-like bird in the Kruger NP. Secretarybird Sagittariidae Secretarybird Sagittarius serpentarius We managed to get some great views of this popular bird in the Wakkerstroom area.
Kites, Hawks & Eagles Accipitridae Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus This striking raptor was seen a couple of times on the side of the road during the tour. African Harrier-Hawk Polyboroides typus We saw this fascinating bird of prey in the Karkloof and in the Kwazulu-Natal Midlands. Palm-nut Vulture Gypohierax angolensis We were very lucky to see one individual in the Raffia Palms in Mtunzini. Hooded Vulture Necrosyrtes monachus These vultures were seen in the Kruger NP. White-backed Vulture Gyps africanus
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
This species was common in Kruger NP and were also seen in Mkuze GR. Lappet-faced Vulture Torgos tracheliotos We saw this large vulture in the Kruger NP. Brown Snake Eagle Circaetus cinereus We managed to get a few good looks at this unique bird of prey in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Bateleur Terathopius ecaudatus This beautiful bird of prey was seen often in Kruger NP. Crowned Eagle Stephanoaetus coronatus This huge bird of prey was seen with a kill flying across the Dhlinza Forest canopy. Martial Eagle Polemaetus bellicosus This large bird of prey was seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger NP. Long-crested Eagle Lophaetus occipitalis We had a few sightings of this bird of prey in the Karkloof area. Tawny Eagle Aquila rapax This bird of prey was seen a few times in the Kruger NP. Lizard Buzzard Kaupifalco monogrammicus We had fantastic looks at one individual in near White River and another near St Lucia. Gabar Goshawk micronisus gabar We were very fortunate to see a dark morph of this bird near Pretoriuskop Camp in the Kruger NP. African Goshawk Accipiter tachiro We had an excellent sighting of this bird of prey in the Mkuze GR, and another, just outside the Mkuze GR. Little Sparrowhawk Accipiter minullus We saw this small bird of prey in the Kruger NP and in the Dhlinza Forest. African Marsh Harrier Circus ranivorus We saw this harrier in Wakkerstroom and in the Midmar Dam Reserve. Black Harrier Circus maurus We had a great look at this bird near Fickland Pan, Wakkerstroom. African Fish Eagle Haliaeetus vocifer This handsome eagle was viewed a couple of times in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and Zululand. Jackal Buzzard (RE) Buteo rufofuscus We found this great endemic around the Wakkerstroom area and in the Karkloof.
Bustards Otididae
Kori Bustard Ardeotis kori This huge bird was seen in the Kruger NP. Denham’s Bustard Neotis denhami We had a long distance sighting of this bird near Dirkiesdorp and a few more in the Karkloof. White-bellied Bustard Eupodotis barrowii We had fantastic views of these birds in the Karkloof. Blue Korhaan (E) Eupodotis caerulescens We were very fortunate to see these birds close to the road in the Wakkerstroom area.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Red-crested Korhaan Lophotis ruficrista This vocal bird was seen in the Kruger NP.
Flufftails Sarothruridae Red-chested Flufftail Sarothruridae rufa We were very fortunate to see two individuals in the Wakkerstroom wetlands.
Rails, Crakes & Coots Rallidae African Rail Rallus caerulescens We had some great views in Wakkerstroom. Black Crake Amaurornis flavirostra We saw these pretty birds in the Kruger NP and in Wakkerstroom. African Purple Swamphen Porphyrio madagascariensis This colourful bird was seen in the wetland near Breyten and in the wetlands at Wakkerstroom. Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus These birds were seen at the wetland near Breyten and Wakkerstroom. Red-knobbed Coot Fulica cristata This bird was common at the wetlands near Breyten and Wakkerstroom.
Cranes Gruidae Grey Crowned Crane Balearica regulorum We saw many of these beautiful cranes in the Karkloof. Blue Crane (RE) Grus paradisea We had great sightings of the South Africa’s National Bird of Prey in Wakkerstroom and the Karkloof. Wattled Crane Grus carunculata We were very fortunate to one bird close to the road in the Karkloof.
Thick-knees Burhinidae Water Thick-knee Burhinus vermiculatus We saw few of these birds in the Kruger National Park and in St Lucia. Spotted Thick-knee Burhinus capensis We managed to see these birds on our night drive in Mkuze GR.
Stilts & Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus This tall wader was seen in the Kruger NP, the Breyten wetland, Wakkerstroom and at Muzi Pan.
Plovers & Lapwings Charadriidae Blacksmith Lapwing Vanellus armatus We had regular sightings of this lapwing throughout the tour. White-crowned Lapwing Vanellus albiceps
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
We had some good views of these birds at Sunset Dam in the Kruger NP. Black-winged Lapwing Vanellus melanopterus These vocal lapwings were seen in Wakkerstroom, Mpempe Pan and in the Karkloof. Crowned Lapwing Vanellus coronatus We had regular sightings of this lapwing on tour. African Wattled Lapwing Vanellus senegallus We saw these birds en route to the Kruger NP, Mpempe Pan and in the Midmar Reserve. Kittlitz’s Plover Charadrius pecuarius This plover was seen in good numbers at Mpempe Pan. Three-banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris This pretty plover was seen in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. White-fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus We were fortunate to see this plover in the St Lucia Estuary.
Jacanas Jacanidae Lesser Jacana Microparra capensis We saw this small jacana at the Skukuza Golf Club in the Kruger NP. African Jacana Actophilornis africanus This popular bird was seen in the Kruger NP and at Muzi Pan just outside Mkuze GR.
Sandpipers & Allies Scolopacidae African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis These strange looking birds were seen at a large wetland near Breyten and in Wakkerstroom.
Pratincoles and Coursers Glareolidae
Temminck’s Courser Cursorius temminckii We had fantastic looks at a few of these birds at Mpempe Pan.
Gulls, Terns & Skimmers Laridae Grey-headed Gull Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus We saw a couple of these gulls in the St Lucia Estuary. Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus We saw this large gull in St Lucia. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia We had good views of this bird in the St Lucia Estuary. Greater Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii We saw a few of these terns at St Lucia Estuary. Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida We saw this tern in the Kruger NP and Muzi Pan.
Pigeons & Doves Columbidae Rock Dove Columba livia This bird was seen en route to Wakkerstroom. Speckled Pigeon Columba guinea
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
This handsome pigeon was seen in Wakkerstroom. African Olive Pigeon Columba arquatrix We saw these lovely pigeons in the Karkloof. Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon Columba delegorguei We were very lucky to see these birds in the Dhlinza Forest, Eshowe. Red-eyed Dove Streptopelia semitorquata This large dove was commonly recorded in tall woodland and forest during the tour. Ring-necked Dove Streptopelia capicola These vocal doves were seen on most days of the tour. Laughing Dove Streptopelia senegalensis This smaller dove was encountered on numerous days of our tour across the country. Emerald-spotted Wood Dove Turtur chalcospilos This pretty dove showed well in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Tambourine Dove Turtur tympanistria We saw this dove on the Fig Forest Walk in the Mkuze GR. Namaqua Dove Oena capensis We saw this dove in the Kruger NP. African Green Pigeon Treron calvus We had good sightings of these birds in the Kruger NP and the Dhlinza Forest.
Turacos Musophagidae Livingstone’s Turaco Tauraco livingstonii We only managed to get a brief view of the bird flying across the road in St Lucia. Knysna Turaco (E) Tauraco corythaix We had some fantastic views of these birds in Benvie Gardens. Purple-crested Turaco Tauraco porphyreolophus This colourful species showed well in the Kruger NP and in Zululand. Grey Go-away-bird Corythaixoides concolor We had regular sightings of this bird in the Kruger NP.
Cuckoos Cuculidae Green Malkoha Ceuthmochares australis We had excellent views of this bird just outside the Mkuze GR.
Typical Owls Strigidae Southern White-faced Owl Ptilopsis granti We had a fantastic look at two birds near the Afsaal picnic site. Spotted Eagle-Owl Bubo africanus We saw this owl in the Kruger NP. Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl Bubo lacteus We had a few good sightings of this large owl in the Kruger NP. African Wood Owl Strix woodfordii We had a lovely sighting of this bird in Eshowe. Pearl-spotted Owlet Glaucidium perlatum We managed to see one this bird a couple of times in the Kruger NP.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Pel’s Fishing Owl Scotopelia peli One of the highlights of the tour! This sought after owl was seen in the Mkuze GR.
Nightjars Caprimulgidae Fiery-necked Nightjar Caprimulgus pectoralis We got great looks at one bird in the Mantuma Camp, Mkuze GR.
Swifts Apodidae African Palm Swift Cypsiurus parvus We saw these swifts in the Kruger NP and Zululand. Little Swift Apus affinis We had regular sightings of these small swifts in the Kruger NP.
Mousebirds Coliidae Speckled Mousebird Colius striatus This mouse-like bird was seen in the Kruger NP and Wakkerstroom. Red-faced Mousebird Urocolius indicus We saw these gregarious birds en route to Wakkerstroom and in Zululand.
Rollers Coraciidae Purple Roller Coracias naevius We had great sightings of this roller in the Kruger NP. Lilac-breasted Roller Coracias caudatus This colourful species was seen well in the Kruger NP.
Kingfishers Alcedinidae Brown-hooded Kingfisher Halcyon albiventris We saw this kingfisher in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and Mkuze GR. Striped Kingfisher Halcyon chelicuti This kingfisher was seen in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Mangrove Kingfisher Halcyon senegaloides We were very fortunate to see one bird in the Umlalazi NR. Malachite Kingfisher Corythornis cristatus This striking kingfisher was seen in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and Zululand. Giant Kingfisher Megaceryle maxima We saw this large kingfisher in the Kruger NP and Wakkerstroom. Pied Kingfisher Ceryle rudis We had regular sightings of this kingfisher during the tour.
Bee-eaters Meropidae Little Bee-eater Merops pusillus This little beauty was seen well in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides We had several sightings in the Kruger NP.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Hoopoes Upupidae African Hoopoe Upupa africana We saw this bird in the Kruger NP.
Wood Hoopoes Phoeniculidae Green Wood Hoopoe Phoeniculus purpureus We had lovely views of these noisy birds in the Kruger NP. Common Scimitarbill Rhinopomastus cyanomelas We managed to get a couple of sightings in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Hornbills Bucerotidae Crowned Hornbill Tockus alboterminatus We had some good sightings of these hornbills in Zululand. African Grey Hornbill Tockus nasutus These hornbills were seen in the Kruger NP. Southern Red-billed Hornbill Tockus rufirostris We had regular views of these hornbills in the Kruger NP. Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill (RNE) Tockus leucomelas These hornbills were plentiful in the Kruger NP. Trumpeter Hornbill Bycanistes bucinator We had great views of this noisy large hornbill in the Mkuze GR ad Eshowe.
Ground Hornbills Bucorvidae Southern Ground Hornbill Bucorvis leadbeateri We had excellent views of a few small family groups in the Kruger NP.
Barbets Ramphastidae White-eared Barbet Stactolaema leucotis We had come across this barbet a couple Mkuze GR and Dhlinza Forest. Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird Pogoniulus bilineatus We managed to see this bird in Mkuze GR. Red-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus pusillus We had a great sighting of this bird just outside Mkuze GR. Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird Pogoniulus chrysoconus We finally saw this bird in Pretoriuskop Rest Camp in the Kruger NP. Acacia Pied Barbet Tricholaema leucomelas We saw this barbet in the Kruger NP. Black-collared Barbet Lybius torquatus We saw a couple of these birds in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Crested Barbet Trachyphonus vaillantii We saw this colourful barbet in the Kruger NP.
Honeyguides Indicatoridae Scaly-throated Honeyguide Indicator variegates Poor views were had of this bird in Dhlinza Forest, Eshowe.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Woodpeckers & Allies Picidae Red-throated Wryneck Jynx ruficollis We had good sightings of birds near Dirkiesdorp. Golden-tailed Woodpecker Campethera abingoni Good views were had of this in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Ground Woodpecker (E) Geocolaptes olivaceus We saw these birds between Wakkerstroom and Dirkiesdorp. Cardinal Woodpecker Dendropicos fuscescens This small woodpecker was seen in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Zululand. Bearded Woodpecker Dendropicos namaquus We were very fortunate to see these woodpeckers in the Kruger NP. Olive Woodpecker Dendropicos griseocephalus We had a great sighting of two birds in the Dhlinza Forest.
Falcons & Caracaras Falconidae Rock Kestrel Falco rupicolus We saw this small bird of prey near Wakkerstroom and in the Karkloof. Lanner Falcon Falco biarmicus We managed to see this falcon in the Wakkerstroom area.
Parrots Psittacidae Cape Parrot Poicephalus robustus We managed to see six birds flying over the forest canopy at Marutswa Forest, Bulwer. Brown-headed Parrot Poicephalus crytpoxanthus We had good sightings of these vocal birds in the Kruger NP.
Wattle-eyes and Batises Platysteiridae Cape Batis (RE) Batis capensis We had great views of this batis in the Dlinza Forest. Chinspot Batis Batis molitor This bushveld inhabitant was seen well in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Helmetshrikes and Allies White-crested Helmetshrike Prionops plumatus We eventually located a few individuals in Mkuze GR. Retz’s Helmetshrike Prionops retzii We saw a small group in Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger NP.
Bushshrikes & Allies Malaconotidae Grey-headed Bushshrike Malaconotus blanchoti We managed to see this bushshrike in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. Orange-breasted Bushshrike Chlorophoneus sulfureopectus This vocal bird was seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger NP. Brown-crowned Tchagra Tchagra australis
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
We saw this bird a few times in the Kruger NP. Black-backed Puffback Dryoscopus cubla We had regular sightings of this inquisitive bird on tour. Southern Boubou (RE) Laniarius ferrugineus We saw this bird in the Kruger NP and just outside the Mkuze GR. Brubru Nilaus afer We had great views of this bird in the Kruger NP.
Cuckooshrikes Campephagidae Grey Cuckooshrike Coracina caesia We had fantastic looks at this bird from the lookout tower in Dhlinza Forest, Eshowe. Black Cuckooshrike Campephaga flava We saw this pretty bird in Pretoriuskop Kruger NP and Zululand.
Shrikes Laniidae Magpie Shrike Urolestes melanoleucus This large shrike was seen frequently seen in the Kruger NP. Southern White-crowned Shrike Eurocephalus anguitimens We had a sighting if this shrike in the Kruger NP. Southern Fiscal Lanius collaris This common bird was recorded on most days of the tour, but not seen in the Kruger NP.
Figbirds, Orioles Oriolidae Black-headed Oriole Oriolus larvatus This pretty bird was seen in the Kruger NP, Zululand and the Karkloof.
Drongos Dicruridae Square-tailed Drongo Dicrurus ludwigii This drongo was seen in the Mkuze GR. Fork-tailed Drongo Dicrurus adsimilis We saw this drongo on most days of the tour.
Monarch Flycatchers Monarchidae Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher Trochocercus cyanomelas We had excellent views of this bird just outside Mkuze GR.
Crows & Jays Corvidae Cape Crow Corvus capensis We saw this crow at higher elevation grassland sites such as Wakkerstroom. Pied Crow Corvus albus This crow was common and frequently encountered species during the tour. White-necked Raven Corvus albicollis This large bird was seen at Marutswa Forest, Bulwer.
Chickadees and Tits Paridae
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Southern Black Tit Melani parus niger We had great views of this bird in the Kruger NP and in Mkuze GR.
Penduline-Tits Remizidae Grey Penduline Tit Anthoscopus caroli We had fantastic looks at this tiny bird just outside the Mkuze GR.
Larks Alaudidae Spike-heeled Lark (RNE) Chersomanes albofasciata We had good views of these social larks near Wakkerstroom. Eastern Long-billed Lark (E) Certhilauda semitorquata We had lengthy looks at this species near Wakkerstroom. Sabota Lark (RNE) Mirafra sabota This lark was seen in the Mkuze GR. Rudd's Lark (E) Heteromirafra ruddi We had excellent views of this critically endangered lark at Fickland Pan near Wakkerstroom. Rufous-naped Lark Mirafra Africana We saw one bird at Mpempe Pan near Mkuze GR. Botha’s Lark (E) Spizocorys fringillaris We managed to get fantastic views of this small lark near Wakkerstroom. Pink-billed Lark Spizocorys conirostris We saw these small larks near Wakkerstroom. Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea This pretty lark was common around the Wakkerstroom area.
Bulbuls Pycnonotidae Dark-capped Bulbul Pycnonotus tricolor This bulbul was seen every day of the tour. Sombre Greenbul Andropadus importunus We managed to see this bird near Mkuze GR. Yellow-bellied Greenbul Chlorocichla flaviventris This species gave us some great views in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Zululand. Terrestrial Brownbul Phyllastrephus terrestris We saw these noisy birds in the Mkuze GR and Dhlinza Forest.
Swallows & Martins Hirundinidae Black Saw-wing Psalidoprocne pristoptera These swallows were seen in St Lucia and Dhlinza Forest. Grey-rumped Swallows Pseudhirundo griseopyga We had brief views of these birds at Lower Sabie in the Kruger NP. Brown-throated Martin Riparia paludicola These martins were seen near dam and wetlands during the tour. Rock Martin Ptyonoprogne fuligula We only managed to see this martin at the wetland near Breyten.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Wire-tailed Swallow Hirundo smithii We had great views of these swallows in the Kruger NP.
Crombecs & African Warblers Macrosphenidae Cape Grassbird (RE) Sphenoeacus afer This vocal bird was seen at Marutswa Forest. Long-billed Crombec Sylvietta rufescens This short-tailed bird was often seen in the Kruger NP.
Leaf Warblers & Allies Phylloscopidae Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler Phylloscopus ruficapilla This pretty little forest warbler was seen very well in the forest patch near Benvie Gardens.
Reed Warblers & Allies Acrocephalidae Lesser Swamp Warbler Acrocephalus gracilirostris We had a good sighting of a couple of these birds in the wetlands at Wakkerstroom.
Cisticolas & Allies Cisticolidae Red-faced Cisticola Cisticola erythrops After some searching, we eventually found this vocal bird in the reed beds in Skukuza Rest Camp. Rattling Cisticola Cisticola chiniana This common Cisticola was seen in bushveld and scrubby vegetation in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Levaillant’s Cisticola Cisticola tinniens We had a couple of good sightings of this vocal cisticola in the Wakkerstroom area. Zitting Cisticola Cisticola juncidis This tiny cisticola was seen at Mpempe Pan near the Mkuze GR. Tawny-flanked Prinia Prinia subflava We had a couple of good sightings of this small inquisitive bird in the Kruger NP. Drakensberg Prinia (E) Prinia hypoxantha We saw this prinia in Wakkerstroom. Bar-throated Apalis Apalis thoracica This pretty bird was seen in the Karkloof. Rudd’s Apalis (RE) Apalis ruddi We found this subtropical endemic in Mkuze GR. Yellow-breasted Apalis Apalis flavida We had great sightings in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Green-backed Camaroptera Camaroptera brachyura We had a great view of this bird just beyond the Mkuze GR gate. Stierling’s Wren-Warbler Calamonastes stierlingi We had a fantastic look at this bird in the Kruger NP. Burnt-necked Eremomela (RE) Eremomela ustcollis We had excellent views of these birds at the Airstrip and Ophansi gate in the Mkuze GR.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Babblers & Parrotbills Timaliidae Arrow-marked Babbler Turdoides jardineii These noisy birds were commonly seen and heard in the Kruger NP.
Sylviid Babblers Sylviidae Bush Blackcap Lioptilus nigricapillus We had a fantastic sighting of one individual in a small patch of forest in the Karkloof.
White-eyes Zosteropidae Cape White-eye (RE) Zosterops capensis These little birds were recorded at scattered locations throughout the tour. African Yellow White-eye Zosterops senegalensis We saw this species just beyond the Ophansi Gate, Mkuze GR.
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 A couple of these starlings were seen en route to from the Kruger NP to Wakkerstroom. Black-bellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus We saw these starlings in the Dhlinza Forest. Cape Starling (RNE) Lamprotornis nitens This colourful bird was seen on a number of occasions during the tour. Greater Blue-eared Starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus We had good views of this spectacular species in Kruger NP. Burchell’s Starling Lamprotornis australis This large starling was seen well in the Kruger NP. Pied Starling (E) lamprotornis bicolor We had sightings of this starling around Carolina, Breyten, Ermelo and Wakkerstroom. Red-winged Starling Onychognathus morio This starling was frequently encountered in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and the KwaZulu- Natal Midlands.
Oxpeckers Buphagidae Red-billed Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus This oxpecker was seen in association with game in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Thrushes Turdidae Orange Ground Thrush Geokichla gurneyi This pretty thrush was seen at Benvie Gardens. Spotted Ground Thrush Geokichla guttata We only managed to hear this bird in the Dhlinza Forest. Groundscraper Thrush Turdus litsitsirupus We had a great view of one bird at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Kurrichane Thrush Turdus libonyana We saw this thrush in the Kruger NP and in the Mkuze GR. Olive Thrush (RE) Turdus olivaceus This thrush was seen in Benvie Gardens.
Chats & Old World Flycatchers Muscicapidae Bearded Scrub Robin Cercotrichas quadrivirgata This pretty scrub robin showed well in the Mkuze GR. White-browed Scrub Robin Cercotrichas leucophrys We had good sightings of this vocal bird in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Grey Tit-Flycatcher Myioparus plumbeus We only managed to hear this flycatcher in Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP.
Southern Black Flycatcher Melaenornis pammelania We managed to find this bird in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Pale Flycatcher Melaenornis pallidus We saw this flycatcher in the Mkuze GR. Marico Flycatcher Melaenornis mariquensis We saw one individual in the Kruger NP. Fiscal Flycatcher (RE) Sigelus silens We managed to see this flycatcher in Mkuze GR. Ashy Flycatcher Muscicapa caerulescens We saw this flycatcher in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. African Dusky Flycatcher Muscicapa adusta This sweet flycatcher was seen in the Kruger NP and Zululand. Cape Robin-Chat Cossypha caffra We saw this inquisitive bird in the Karkloof. White-throated Robin-Chat (RE) Cossypha humelaris This pretty robin-chat was seen well in the Kruger NP. White-browed Robin-Chat Cossypha heuglini We had good views of this bird in the Kruger NP. Red-capped Robin-Chat Cossypha natalensis This stunner was seen well in Mkuze GR and St Lucia. Chorister Robin-Chat Cossypha dichroa We eventually saw this bird in Dhlinza Forest and Benvie Gardens. White-starred Robin Pogoncichla stellate We were very fortunate to see an immature bird in Benvie Gardens and had a brief glimpse of an adult bird in the Dhlinza Forest. Cape Rock Thrush (E) Monticola rupestris This pretty thrush was seen between Wakkerstroom and Dirkiesdorp. Sentinel Rock Thrush (E) Monticola explorator This lovely thrush was seen in the Wakkerstroom area. African Stonechat Saxicola torquatus We saw this bird in open country around Wakkerstroom and in the Karkloof. Buff-streaked Chat (E) Saxicola bifasciata We had excellent views of this bird on a rocky outcrop near Wakkerstroom.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Mocking Cliff Chat Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris We saw this bird on large granite boulders in the Kruger NP. Ant-eating Chat (RNE) Myrmecocichla formicivora This chat was recorded around Ermelo and Wakkerstroom. Mountain Wheatear (RNE) Oenanthe monticola This bird was seen in the Wakkerstroom area. Capped Wheatear Oenanthe pileata We saw this bird sitting on a farm fence near Breyten as we were making our way to Wakkerstroom.
Sunbirds & Spiderhunters Nectariniidae Collared Sunbird Hedydipna collaris This tiny sunbird was seen well in the Kruger NP and Zululand. Olive Sunbird Cyanomitra olivacea This vocal sunbird was seen near False Bay Park, Hluhluwe and in Dhlinza Forest. Grey Sunbird Cyanomitra veroxii We saw this sunbird in the Hluhluwe area. Amethyst Sunbird Chalcomitra amethystina We had great looks at this pretty sunbird in Nelspruit and in the Karkloof. Scarlet-chested Sunbird Chalcomitra senegalensis This spectacular sunbird was seen well in the Kruger NP and Zululand. Southern Double-collared Sunbird (E) Cinnyris chalybeus We saw this vocal sunbird in the Karkloof. Marico Sunbird Cinnyris afer We saw this sunbird in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Purple-banded Sunbird Cinnyris bifasciatus This pretty bird was seen at the Ophansi Gate, Mkuze GR. White-bellied Sunbird Cinnyris talatala This busy sunbird was seen in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Old World Sparrows Passeridae House Sparrow Passer domesticus This species was seen in association with human habitation, across the country. Cape Sparrow (RNE) Passer melanurus This sparrow was seen in Wakkerstroom. Southern Grey-headed Sparrow Passer diffusus This species was seen in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and at Midmar Dam. Yellow-throated Petronia Gymnoris superciliaris We had a few sightings of this bird in the Kruger NP.
Weavers & Allies Ploceidae Thick-billed Weaver Amblyospiza albifrons This weaver was seen in St Lucia. Spectacled Weaver Ploceus ocularis
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
This weaver was seen in Kruger National NP and in Hluhluwe/St Lucia areas. Eastern Golden Weaver Ploceus subaureus These bright yellow birds were seen in Zululand. Southern Brown-throated Weaver Ploceus xanthopterus We saw this weaver in St Lucia. Southern Masked Weaver Ploceus velatus This weaver was seen in the Mkuze GR. Village Weaver Ploceus cucullatus We saw this weaver en route to the Kruger NP. Dark-backed Weaver Ploceus bicolor This forest-dwelling weaver was seen well in Mkuze GR. Yellow-crowned Bishop Euplectes afer A couple of birds in non-breeding plumage were seen in Wakkerstroom. Southern Red Bishop Euplectes orix We saw a few of these birds in non-breeding plumage in Wakkerstroom. Fan-tailed Widowbird Euplectes ardens We saw these birds in non-breeding plumage in the Karkloof. Long-tailed Widowbird Euplectes progne We saw a few of these birds in non-breeding plumage in Wakkerstroom.
Waxbills & Allies Estrildidae Green-winged Pytilia Pytilia melba A female bird was seen at the Ophansi Gate, Mkuze GR. Green Twinspot Mandingoa nitidula We were fortunate to see two immature e birds at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP. Pink-throated Twinspot (RE) Hypargos margaritatus We had excellent views of this bird in Mkuze GR. Red-billed Firefinch Lagonosticta senegala We found this bird at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP. African Firefinch Lagonosticta rubricate We saw a couple of these birds in the Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP. Jameson’s Firefinch Lagonosticta rhodopareia We saw these firefinches in Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP. Blue Waxbill Uraeginthus angolensis We had regular sightings of these pretty birds in the Kruger NP. Violet-eared Waxbill Uraeginthus granatinus We had good looks at these fantastic birds in the Kruger NP. Grey Waxbill Estrilda perreini This pretty waxbill was seen near False Bay Park, Hluhluwe. Common Waxbill Estrilda astrild We saw these birds in Wakkerstroom and at Midmar Dam. Orange-breasted Waxbill Amandava subflava We had brief looks at these little birds at Midmar Dam. Quailfinch Ortygospiza atricollis We had very brief looks at these birds flying overhead at Fickland Pan, Wakkerstroom. Bronze Mannikin Lonchura cucullata
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
We had good sightings in the Kruger NP and Zululand. Red-backed Mannikin Lonchura nigriceps We were fortunate to see these birds in a mixed flock at Pretoriuskop Rest Camp, Kruger NP.
Wagtails & Pipits Motacillidae Cape Wagtail Motacilla capensis This bird was seen regularly at scattered localities throughout the country. African Pied Wagtail Motacilla aguimp We had many views of this bird in the Kruger NP. Cape Longclaw (RE) Macronyx capensis We had good views of this bird in the Wakkerstroom area and Midmar Dam. African Pipit Anthus cinnamomeus We saw this pipit in the Kruger NP, Wakkerstroom and Mpempe Pan and in the Karkloof. Long-billed Pipit Anthus hoeschi This bird was seen in the rocky areas near Wakkerstroom. Buffy Pipit Anthus vaalensis We saw a few of these pipits near Dirkiesdorp. Plain-backed Pipit Anthus leucophrys These pipits were seen near Dirkiesdorp.
Finches & Allies Fringillidae Forest Canary (E) Crithagra scotops We got some great views of these birds in the Karkloof. Yellow-fronted Canary Crithagra mozambica We had regular sightings of these canaries during the tour. Cape Canary Serinus canicollis This canary was seen in the Wakkerstroom area.
Buntings Emberizidae Cape Bunting (RNE) Emberiza capensis This Bunting was seen on a small rocky outcrop between Wakkerstroom and Dirkiesdorp. Golden-breasted Bunting Emberiza flaviventris This pretty bunting was seen in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR.
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: 40
Jackals Canidae Black-backed Jackal Canis mesomelas These cunning animals were seen in the Kruger NP.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Cats Felidae Serval Leptailurus Serval We were very fortunate to see this animal on our night drive in the Kruger NP. Lion Panthera leo We had some great lion viewing in the Kruger NP. Leopard Panthera pardus We saw one leopard in a tree near Lower Sabie Rest Camp in the Kruger NP.
Mongooses Herpestridae Yellow Mongoose Cynictis penicillata We saw a couple of these mongooses in the farmlands near Wakkerstroom. Common Dwarf Mongoose Helogale parvula We managed to get some good looks at this social mongoose in the Kruger NP. Slender Mongoose Galerella sanguinea A couple of quick sightings of this mongoose were had in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. White-tailed Mongoose Ichneumia albicauda This mongoose was seen on the night drive in the Mkuze GR. Banded Mongoose Mungos mungo We saw these social animals in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Meerkat Suricata suricatta We had a couple of good sightings of these popular animals in the Wakkerstroom area.
Hyaenas Hyaenidae Spotted Hyena Crocuta crocuta We had great sightings of this scavenger in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR.
Weasels, Skunks, Otters Mustelidae Spotted-necked Otter Lutra maculicollis We were fortunate to see these otters at the wetlands in Wakkerstroom.
Vivets, Genets – Viverridae South African Large-spotted Genet Genetta tigrina We saw this nocturnal animal on the night drive in the Mkuze GR.
Cattle, Antelopes, Sheep, Goats Bovidae Impala Aepyceros melampus This was a common antelope in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Hartebeest Alcelaphus buselaphus We saw these antelope in the Midmar Reserve. Natal Red Duiker Cephalophus natalensis This richly-coloured mammal was seen well in Mkuze GR and St Lucia. Black Wildebeest Connochaetes gnou We saw these interesting looking animals on a private game reserve just outside Wakkerstroom.
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Common Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus We encountered this odd animal regularly in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Common Waterbuck Kobus ellipsiprymnus We had some lovely sightings of these beautiful animals in the Kruger NP. Suni Nesotragus moschatus These small antelopes were seen in the Mkuze GR. Blue Duiker Philantomba monticola We had exceptional close views of these tiny animals in the Dhlinza Forest. Steenbok Raphicerus campestris We saw these small antelopes daily in Kruger NP. Southern Reedbuck Redunca arundinum We saw a few of these shy animals in the Mkuze GR. Common Duiker Sylvicapra grimmia We had a few sightings in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. African Buffalo Syncerus caffer We managed to see the large animals in the Kruger NP. Nyala Tragelaphus angasii This beautiful antelope was seen in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR. Bushbuck Tragelaphus scriptus We had a couple of sightings of these confiding animals in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR. Greater Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros This regal antelope was seen in the Kruger NP .
Giraffes Giraffidae Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis We enjoyed multiple sightings of this unique creature in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Hippopotami Hippopotamidae Hippopotamus Hippopotamus amphibius We had many sightings in the Kruger NP and the St Lucia Estuary.
Pigs Suidae Common Warthog Phacochoerus africanus We had great sightings in the Kruger NP and the Mkuze GR.
Old World Fruit Bats Pteropodidae Peter’s Epauletted Fruit Bat Phacochoerus africanus We managed to get lovely close views of these bats in Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger NP.
Hares & Rabbits Leporidae Scrub Hare Lepus saxatilis We saw a few of these nocturnal animals on our night drives in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Zebras Equidae
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Common (Burchell's/Plains) Zebra Equus quagga burchelli We had great sightings in the Kruger NP, Mkuze GR and Midmar Reserve.
Rhinoceroses Rhinocerotidae White Rhinoceros Ceratotherium simum These prehistoric animals were seen well in the Kruger NP.
Baboons & Monkeys Cercopithecidae Vervet Monkey Cercopithecus aethiops This was a commonly encountered primate during the tour. Chacma Baboon Papio ursinus We saw baboons on numerous occasions in Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Galagos Galagidae Thick-tailed Greater Galago Otolemur crassicaudatus This animal was seen on the night drive in the Mkuze GR. Elephants Elephantidae African Elephant Loxondonta africana We had some great viewing in the Kruger NP and Mkuze GR.
Squirrels Sciuridae Smith's Bush Squirrel Paraxerus cepapi This little squirrel was seen on a couple of occasions in the Kruger NP. Red Bush Squirrel Paraxerus palliates We saw this squirrel in St Lucia.
Annotated List of Reptiles
Total species recorded: 5
Crocodiles and Relatives Crocodylidae Nile Crocodile Crocodylus niloticus We had a couple of good sightings in the Kruger NP and St Lucia.
Geckos Gekkonidae House Gecko Hemidactylus mabouia This gecko was seen in the Kruger NP.
Skinks Scincidae African Five-lined Skink Trachylepis quinquetaeniata We had a nice close view of this skink in the Kruger NP.
Monitor Lizards Varanidae
Trip Report - RBT Budget Eastern South Africa II July 2016
Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus This huge reptile was seen in the Kruger NP.
Afro-American Sideneck Turtles Pelomedusidae
Helmeted Turtle Pelomedusa subrufa We had numerous sightings of these turtles in small dams and rivers in the Kruger NP.
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