World Seabird Conference Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics 31st October to 2nd November 2015 (3 days) Cinnamon-breasted Warbler by Markus Lilje The Tanqua Karoo is part of the unique Succulent Karoo biome, one of three biodiversity hotspots occurring in South Africa. With a staggering 18 bird endemics almost wholly restricted to this region, the Karoo is one of the essential destinations for any birder visiting South Africa. The Tanqua Karoo is an accessible area of semi-desert in the south-western corner of the Karoo that contains most of the region’s birding gems. This three day tour is aimed at providing the opportunity of finding a good number of these endemics. Itinerary - WSC Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics 2015 2 THE TOUR AT A GLANCE… DETAILS Tour Dates 31st October to 2nd November 2015 (3 days) ZAR 10,400.00 per person sharing (approx. US$ 905.00 per person sharing at Tour Price current exchange rates); The tour price is fixed in ZAR, while other rates subject to exchange rate fluctuations (see financial arrangements below) Tour Size 6 participants and 1 RBT leader THE ITINERARY 31st October Cape Town to Ceres via the West Coast National Park 1st November Ceres and the Tanqua Karoo 2nd November Ceres to Cape Town and depart THE TOUR IN DETAIL… Day 1, 31st October: Cape Town to Ceres via West Coast National Park. This morning we leave the city of Cape Town early and head up the western coast of South Africa. Our first stop today will be at a nature reserve near the town of Darling. The grassland habitat here is excellent for Cloud Cisticola, whilst other possible species include Large-billed and Red-capped Larks, Capped Wheatear and if we are lucky, Common Quail. Thereafter, we continue onto West Coast National Park. The short, coastal vegetation (Strandveld) in this park is home to the endemic Southern Black Korhaan, Grey-winged Francolin, Grey Tit, Cape Penduline Tit, Fiscal Flycatcher and the magnificent Black Harrier, surely one of the world’s most attractive raptors. Other species that we should regularly encounter in this habitat type include Cape Spurfowl, Black-winged Kite, Karoo Scrub Robin, White-backed Mousebird, Karoo Prinia, Southern Double- collared and Malachite Sunbirds, Cape Bulbul and Grey-backed Cisticola. The park has a number of hides (blinds) overlooking strategic parts of Langebaan Lagoon. We will spend some time at one of these hides scanning the large numbers of waders that over winter here in Black Harrier by Adam Riley search of Red Knot, Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruddy Turnstone, Grey Plover, Terek Sandpiper, Greater Sand Plover and Eurasian Curlew, as well as Kittlitz’s Plover. In addition to the shorebirds, these areas also support large numbers of Greater and Lesser Flamingos, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler and other waterfowl. Large raptors such as Osprey, African Marsh Harrier and the striking African Fish Eagle may also be seen on the edges of the lagoon. In the late afternoon we will make our way to the farming village of Ceres, gateway to the Tanqua Karoo. En route we will look out for groups of Blue Crane often seen in the agricultural fields in these parts. If time allows, we will make a stop just outside the town of Ceres to look for Itinerary - WSC Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics 2015 3 another endemic, Protea Canary. At this site we may also encounter Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Canary, Alpine and African Black Swift and with luck the local pair of Verreaux’s Eagle. Rock Hyrax, the favoured prey of these eagles is common in the area and is regularly seen in the late afternoon amongst the rocky ridges and cliffs. Day 2, 1st November: Ceres and the Tanqua Karoo. Just a short drive from the village of Ceres is the semi-arid, central plateau of South Africa known as the Karoo; a land of endless vistas and spectacular sunsets, renowned for its endemic larks, chats and canaries. We leave the famous fruit-growing valley of Ceres before reaching our first stop at Karoopoort, a narrow canyon that forms the gateway to the Succulent Karoo. Birds inhabiting the arid, rocky slopes and acacia-filled watercourses of this area include Acacia Pied Barbet, Mountain Wheatear, Layard’s and Chestnut- vented Warblers, the dainty Fairy Flycatcher, Dusky Sunbird (after rains) and Pririt Batis, whilst the adjacent reedbeds are home to the endemic Namaqua Warbler. One of Karoo Eremomela by Hugh Chittenden the area’s most charismatic birds is the highly localised Cinnamon-breasted Warbler. Though fairly vocal, this species is highly elusive and seeing it in its habitat of jumbled boulders and rocky scree will require a combination of patience and perseverance. Continuing northwards onto the open flats of the Karoo, we will watch the roadsides carefully for Karoo and Spike-heeled Larks, Tractrac, Sickle-winged and Karoo Chats, the elusive Karoo Eremomela, Rufous-eared Warbler and Yellow and White-throated Canaries. Pale Chanting Goshawk and sometimes Greater Kestrel perch conspicuously on any vantage points and, if we are lucky, we may find Booted Eagle or Lanner Falcon. We will also stop to listen for the distinctive flight calls of Namaqua Sandgrouse, Karoo Long-billed Lark and the strange, croaking of the Karoo Korhaan, which may help us to locate these cryptically coloured birds. If very fortunate we may even see the nomadic Ludwig’s Bustard striding through the desolate plains or come across a group of highly nomadic Burchell’s Coursers on the barren gravel flats. Day 3, 2nd November: Ceres to Cape Town and depart. This morning we have the opportunity to target one final endemic species, the range-restricted Protea Canary. This uncommon and local bird is fairly regularly seen on the high Protea clad mountain slopes above Ceres and we will spend time at key positions listening for its distinctive call. The moist gullies here also hold a few other endemics such as the skulking Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Cape Protea Canary by Markus Lilje Sugarbird and Bokmakierie. After our mornings birding we will then depart from Ceres for Cape Town International Itinerary - WSC Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics 2015 4 Airport, where the tour will conclude. GROUP SIZE This is limited to 6 participants with a Rockjumper tour leader FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS The price for this WSC Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics trip is ZAR 10,400.00 per person sharing (approx. US$ 905.00 per person sharing at current exchange rates) Single supplement cost is ZAR 230.00 (approx. US$ 20.00) and will be charged if you wish to have single accommodations. Please note: The price above is fixed in the currency printed in BOLD (ZAR – South African Rand). Any other currencies listed will be converted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing. The price above INCLUDES: All meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3; All accommodations on a sharing basis (subject to availability); Ground transportation in a VW Kombi T5 or similar & related fuel costs; All reserve entrance fees and conservation fees as required by the itinerary; Gratuities for hotel/lodge staff and Guiding services and costs of a Rockjumper leader. The price above EXCLUDES: Accommodation on the evening of the 30th of October; Breakfast on the 31st of October; ANY international or domestic flights (and associated taxes); Visa fees of any kind; Any beverages/additional drinks or bottled drinking water (water is potable in South Africa); Trip Insurance of any kind; Special gratuities and Telephone calls, laundry and other items of a personal nature. IMPORTANT NOTES: a) Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we now quote our tours in the currency pertaining to the destination in question. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold (ZAR – South Africa Rand), and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing (usually 4 months before the tour). b) Rates are based upon group tariffs; if the tour does not have sufficient registration, a small party supplement will have to be charged. c) Furthermore, these costs are subject to unforeseen increases in tour related costs and may have to be adjusted as a result. d) Lastly, we may be forced to change or alter the itinerary and / or leader at short or no notice due to unforeseen circumstances; please be aware that we will attempt to adhere as close to the original program as possible. Itinerary - WSC Tanqua Karoo’s Western Endemics 2015 5 Special Notes: Much of our time is spent in vehicles, as we do have to cover long distances in order to get to the best areas for birds and animals. The more luggage you pack the less room there is in the vehicle, so it is important for the comfort of yourself and your fellow travellers that you do not over-pack. Kindly stick to 20kg (44lb) for check in luggage and 8kg (+-18lb) for hand luggage. A related issue is that in all areas that contain potentially dangerous animals, you are confined to the vehicle and are, quite understandably, not allowed to exit. Crime is problematic in certain areas of South Africa. Exercise caution as you would for any big city where crime exists. Do not unnecessarily flaunt cash and valuables and do not leave valuables exposed in the vehicle. ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS: This tour does not include ANY airfares. The tour will depart from Cape Town at 6:00am on day 1. Further meeting details in this regard will be forwarded to you in due course.