DAY 1: Durban Botanical Gardens → Umbogavango Private Reserve → Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary
9am collection from Durban airport or Umhlanga hotel. We begin at the Durban Botanical Gardens, where many birds are habituated – easier to photograph.We then head to Umbogavango Nature Reserve, with private access to bird hides followed by the Amanzimtoti Bird Park, which is fantastic for breeding weavers in summer. We finish with an afternoon shoot of flying birds from the hotel deck with its magnificent vista. Stay: 305 Guest House (Amanzimtoti)

DAY 2: Illovo River Mouth → Private Garden  → Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Early morning at Illovo River Mouth which is frantastic for coastal birds. After breakfast, we depart for Oribi Gorge visiting a private garden with bird feeders on route. Afternoon birding session at the dramatically beautiful Oribi Gorge. Stay: Oribi Gorge

Day 3:  Vultures → Howick → Karkloof Hide
Start with one of the most exciting photographic mornings of the tour with incredible eye level photography of vultures from a cliff top. After breakfast, 3hr drive inland to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The Afternoon session is spent around Karkloof where open grasslands and a bird hide offer great opportunity. Stay: Old Mushroom Farm (Howick)

DAY 4: Benvie Gardens → Karkloof Grasslands & Hide
A full day focused on the rich Midlands’ birding. Benvie Gardens is a beautiful manicured private garden, home of the rare Orange Thrush. We spend time in teh grasslands looking for cranes, raptors and spend time in the hide. In summer breeding male widow birds are spectacular subjects with their long flowing tails. Dec/Jan is the best time as their tails are long and not too damaged. Stay: Old Mushroom Farm (Howick)

DAY 5: Karkloof  → Eshowe
We depart after an early breakfast. Its a long drive we’ll stop at Mtunzini to look for the rare Palmnut Vulture (yes a vegetarian vulture) before continuing  north to Eshowe, a forest region. Stay: Eshowe Birding Guest House

DAY 6: Dlinza Forest Aerial Canopy + boardwalk sunrise → St Lucia
Sunrise in Dlinza Forest photographing birds from the aerial canopy and along the boardwalk. We return to our accommodation for breakfast, departing for St Lucia the gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. After dinner we look for the ‘townies’ the local hippo that often wonder the streets in the evening Stay: St Lucia

DAY 7: St Lucia boat trip → Mkuze Hides. We start with a boat tour; excellent for waterbirds, weavers, hippos, crocs and if lucky the elusive African Finfoot. After the cruise, we drive to Mkuze, a Big 5 reserve that is one of South Africa’s best birding destinations because of its excellent hides. Stay: Mkuze Game reserve

DAY 8: Sunrise lookout tower → Full day Mkuze We begin with a magnificent sunrise from the lookout tower and spend a full day rotating between hides as well as the camp which has a very active bird hide. Stay: Mkuze

DAY 9, 10 & 11: Mkuze → Manyoni Private Game Reserve
After the morning session we  travel to Manyoni, a premium private reserve offering excellent wildlife  (Big 5 + cheetah) and a bird count of over 400 species.

We stay three nights, doing 2 guided safaris a day in open 4×4 vehicles. Expect scenic vistas and excellent photographic opportunities.

Stay: Manyoni Private Game Reserve

Day 12: Morning drive → Transfer to Airport 
Enjoy one last morning safari , then depart for a 3-hour road transfer for your flight out of King Shaka International Airport or drop-off at an Umhlanga hotel.

Tour ends: Durban / King Shaka Airport