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A Cape Grassbird belts out its song at Stoney Point in this photo by participant John Catto.
Our October 2013 South Africa tour was rather strange in that we had far more cold weather than on any previous visit -- but fabulous weather for the pelagic trip off the Cape of Good Hope gave us our best birding there ever. With a list of 480 birds and 54 mammals, plus the knowledge and humor of our new co-leader Joe Grosel, and a great group of eager participants, we really had many wonderful experiences in one of Africa's most modern and progressive countries.
Once again we followed our well-tried route, beginning with a flight west to Upington and then driving through the arid desert and sheep country to our base at Pofadder. During two days in this area we enjoyed such varied species as Karoo Bustard, Namaqua Sandgrouse, White-backed Mousebird, Pygmy Falcon, Black-eared Sparrowlark, Fairy Flycatcher (now in the new family Stenostiridae), Karoo Prinia, Tractrac Chat, Pale-winged Starling, Yellow Canary, Social Weaver (at huge 'haystack' nests), and -- although not the most gorgeous bird of the tour -- we had our best views ever of the extremely local and endemic Red Lark. The mammals were exceptional, too, with the mainly nocturnal African Porcupine and Bat-eared Fox seen in broad daylight, plus nice looks at Springbok, Gemsbok, and Mountain Zebra.
We then continued south to Lambert's Bay, West Coast National Park, and the Cape Town region. As always, the Cape Gannet colony at Lambert's Bay was fantastic for photography, while in WCNP our views of male Black Harriers were just outstanding. In the Cape we added all of our groups most-wanted birds, including Cape Francolin, Jackass Penguin (right in our hotel garden), Blue Crane, Cape Batis, Cape Rockjumper (perhaps the bird of the trip?), Cape Grassbird, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rock-Thrush, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, and Cape Weaver. Skippered by our longtime friend Captain Harry, the pelagic trip was superb, with extremely close looks at five species of albatross (including Northern Royal, White-capped, and Yellow-nosed), both Northern and Southern giant-petrels, Cape and Soft-plumaged petrels, Black-bellied Storm-Petrel, Great Shearwater, Brown Skua, and Sabine's Gull -- several species were gathered behind a trawler in their hundreds.
We then took a flight to Durban and began a journey inland to the Drakensberg (and the tiny country of Lesotho), the forests at Oribi Gorge and St. Lucia, and the sandveld and mixed habitats of Mkuze. Birds and mammals seen during this week are far too numerous to mention here but, in addition to a wide variety of wetland birds, just some of the highlights were Bald Ibis, Lammergeier, Cape Griffon, Brown-necked (Cape) Parrot, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Ground Woodpecker (one of the most interesting endemics), Woodward's Batis, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Rudd's Apalis, Bush Blackcap, Gurney's Sugarbird, White-throated and Chorister robin-chats, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Mountain Pipit, and the simply beautiful Pink-throated Twinspot. We also added some memorable species to our mammal list, from the rather cute Sloggett's Ice Rat to the huge ambling White Rhino, Banded Mongoose, Burchell's Zebra, Hippo, Common Giraffe, Nyala, Greater Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, and Impala.
We then headed north towards Kruger, stopping along way in the high-altitude grasslands around Wakkerstroom -- the specials here are Blue Bustard, Wattled Crane, Rudd's, Botha's and Eastern Long-billed larks, and Yellow-tufted and Yellow-breasted pipits. We eventually found all of them, but we appreciated having the full two days to do so.
Kruger National Park is of course one of the most famous attractions of South Africa (and not without reason), and amongst our many highlights were Natal Francolin, Martial Eagle, Gray Go-away-bird, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Magpie Shrike, Groundscraper Thrush, Burchell's Glossy-Starling, Red-billed and Yellow-billed oxpeckers (another new family, Buphagidae), and the gorgeous Red-headed Weaver. Twenty-six species of mammals were seen, including Lion, Cheetah, African Wild Cat, Spotted Hyaena, African Elephant (some with enormous tusks), African Buffalo, Warthog, Common Waterbuck, and Bushbuck.
Finally, we then began our journey west and south as we returned to Johannesburg. A stop near Magoebaskloof gave us fantastic close views of Bat Hawk, and then in the nearby forests, Olive Bushshrike, Gray Cuckooshrike, and Yellow-streaked Greenbul. However, the most rewarding area on this last leg of the tour was at Polokwane. Here in the acacia scattered grasslands we enjoyed a fabulous last morning adding a wonderful mix of both birds and mammals, including the striking Crimson-breasted Gonolek, the extremely localized Short-clawed Lark, Ashy Tit, Burnt-neck Eremomela, Mariqua Flycatcher, the gorgeous Violet-eared Waxbill, Sable Antelope, and Topi.
Many thanks to the group for joining us on this exciting tour. Joe and I look forward to returning in October, 2014!
--Terry
KEYS FOR THIS LIST
One of the following keys may be shown in brackets for individual species as appropriate: * = heard only, I = introduced, E = endemic, N = nesting, a = austral migrant, b = boreal migrant
BIRDS
Struthionidae (Ostrich)
OSTRICH (Struthio camelus) – Common in dry country in a wide range of scattered sites throughout the tour; in all we saw about 80.
Anatidae (Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl)
EGYPTIAN GOOSE (Alopochen aegyptiaca) – The most numerous waterfowl with no less than 450 at Mkuzi, and a total of about 500 for the tour.
SOUTH AFRICAN SHELDUCK (Tadorna cana) – Widespread (mainly on fresh water pools and lakes), we saw a total of about 35. [E]
SPUR-WINGED GOOSE (Plectropterus gambensis) – Widespread in damp grasslands, farmland, and at freshwater pools; in total we saw about 160.
AFRICAN BLACK DUCK (Anas sparsa) – One on the river at Oribi Gorge.
Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, photographed by participant John Catto
CAPE SHOVELER (Anas smithii) – Ten near Lambert's Bay, a dozen at Cape Town, and 6 near Lydenburg. [E]
RED-BILLED DUCK (Anas erythrorhyncha) – Two at Cape Town, 20+ at Wakkerstroom, and 2 near Lydenburg.
HOTTENTOT TEAL (Anas hottentota) – Four at Wakkerstroom, and 6 near Lydenburg.
CAPE TEAL (Anas capensis) – Six at Lambert's Bay, and then at least 150 in the Cape Town area.
SOUTHERN POCHARD (Netta erythrophthalma) – Two males near Cape Town, and then about a dozen at Wakkerstroom, and 10 near Lydenburg.
Numididae (Guineafowl)
HELMETED GUINEAFOWL (Numida meleagris) – Small flocks were widespread in a variety of scattered dry bush and grassland; in all we saw about 130.
CRESTED GUINEAFOWL (Guttera pucherani) – Great looks at about 30 at St. Lucia, and then 20 at Mkuzi.
Phasianidae (Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies)
CRESTED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus sephaena) – Two at Mkuzi, and 8 at Kruger.
GRAY-WINGED FRANCOLIN (Francolinus africanus) – Heard calling from across the valley at the top of Sani Pass. [E]
CAPE FRANCOLIN (Francolinus capensis) – Great close looks in West Coast NP, and then a few others near Cape Town. [E]
NATAL FRANCOLIN (Francolinus natalensis) – Most common at Kruger (30+), but we also saw pairs near Magoebaskloof, and at Polokwane.
SWAINSON'S FRANCOLIN (Francolinus swainsonii) – Four at Wakkerstroom, and then about 40 at Kruger, and 8 near Polokwane.
COMMON QUAIL (Coturnix coturnix) – Two were flushed at Lambert's Bay airport, and then another (also seen in flight) near Amersfoort.
Podicipedidae (Grebes)
LITTLE GREBE (Tachybaptus ruficollis) – Widespread of a variety of wetlands throughout the tour.
GREAT CRESTED GREBE (Podiceps cristatus) – One near Lambert's Bay, and 6 at Wakkerstroom.
EARED GREBE (Podiceps nigricollis) – Six near Cape Town.
Phoenicopteridae (Flamingos)
GREATER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus roseus) – We saw a total of about 350 at Lambert's Bay, near Cape Town, Mkuze, and near Lydenburg.
LESSER FLAMINGO (Phoenicopterus minor) – One hundred and fifty at Lambert's Bay, 20 at Mkuze, and about 50+ near Lydenburg.
Spheniscidae (Penguins)
JACKASS PENGUIN (Spheniscus demersus) – Great views of this sadly declining endemic at Boulder's Beach and Stoney Point. [E]
Diomedeidae (Albatrosses)
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (ATLANTIC) (Thalassarche chlororhynchos chlororhynchos) – About 20 on our pelagic off Cape Point.
YELLOW-NOSED ALBATROSS (INDIAN) (Thalassarche chlororhynchos bassi) – Six were following the fishing trawler off Cape Point.
WHITE-CAPPED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche cauta) – Also known as Shy Albatross, this was by far the most numerous albatross species seen off Cape Point; several hundred.
BLACK-BROWED ALBATROSS (Thalassarche melanophris) – About 20 during the pelagic trip off Cape Point.
ROYAL ALBATROSS (NORTHERN) (Diomedea epomophora sanfordi) – One put in a couple of short appearances behind the trawler off Cape Point.
Procellariidae (Shearwaters and Petrels)
SOUTHERN GIANT-PETREL (Macronectes giganteus) – One during the pelagic trip.
NORTHERN GIANT-PETREL (Macronectes halli) – About 12 during the pelagic trip.
CAPE PETREL (Daption capense) – We had great views of at least 40 of these gorgeous petrels.
GREAT-WINGED PETREL (Pterodroma macroptera) – Two singles on the pelagic trip.
SOFT-PLUMAGED PETREL (Pterodroma mollis) – Two singles on the pelagic trip.
WHITE-CHINNED PETREL (Procellaria aequinoctialis) – One of the most common seabirds seen on the pelagic trip with perhaps as many as 500 for the day.
GREAT SHEARWATER (Puffinus gravis) – About 200 on the pelagic trip.
SOOTY SHEARWATER (Puffinus griseus) – About 80 on the pelagic trip.
Hydrobatidae (Storm-Petrels)
WILSON'S STORM-PETREL (Oceanites oceanicus) – Less than usual, but we still enjoyed about 10 of these tiny delightful ocean wanderers.
BLACK-BELLIED STORM-PETREL (Fregetta tropica) – An excellent year for this normally rather uncommon species; we saw them throughout much of the pelagic trip, with a total of about 80.
Ciconiidae (Storks)
AFRICAN OPENBILL (Anastomus lamelligerus) – Eight at Mkuze, and 1 at Kruger.
WOOLLY-NECKED STORK (Ciconia episcopus) – Singles near St. Lucia and Mkuze, and then a pair at Kruger.
SADDLE-BILLED STORK (Ephippiorhynchus senegalensis) – We saw a total of 8 at Kruger.
MARABOU STORK (Leptoptilos crumenifer) – Five at Kruger.
YELLOW-BILLED STORK (Mycteria ibis) – About 20 at Mkuze.
Sulidae (Boobies and Gannets)
CAPE GANNET (Morus capensis) – Spectacular close views of about 6000 at the Lambert's Bay colony, and perhaps 200 off Cape Point.
Phalacrocoracidae (Cormorants and Shags)
GREAT CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax carbo) – Fifteen at Stony Point and 10 at Wakkerstroom were the most, but we also saw a few singles at scattered sites elsewhere.
CAPE CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax capensis) – Very common around the Cape area. [E]
Orange-throated Longclaw, photographed by participant John Catto
LONG-TAILED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax africanus) – Small numbers were common and widespread at fresh water wetlands throughout the tour.
CROWNED CORMORANT (Phalacrocorax coronatus) – Ten at Lambert's Bay. [E]
Anhingidae (Anhingas)
AFRICAN DARTER (Anhinga rufa rufa) – Singles at Mkuze and Wakkerstroom.
Pelecanidae (Pelicans)
GREAT WHITE PELICAN (Pelecanus onocrotalus) – Three at Veldriff.
PINK-BACKED PELICAN (Pelecanus rufescens) – Four at the St. Lucia estuary, and 6 at Mkuze.
Scopidae (Hamerkop)
HAMERKOP (Scopus umbretta) – Singles at St. Lucia, Mkuze, and Wakkerstroom.
Ardeidae (Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns)
LITTLE BITTERN (Ixobrychus minutus) – Some of the group saw 1 in flight at Wakkerstroom.
GRAY HERON (Ardea cinerea) – Widespread at wetlands throughout the tour.
BLACK-HEADED HERON (Ardea melanocephala) – Not so common as Gray Heron, but still seen frequently throughout the tour.
GOLIATH HERON (Ardea goliath) – Good looks at the world's largest heron at both St. Lucia and Mkuze.
PURPLE HERON (Ardea purpurea) – About 15 at St. Lucia, and 4 at Wakkerstroom.
GREAT EGRET (Ardea alba) – Two at Kruger.
INTERMEDIATE EGRET (Mesophoyx intermedia) – One at Franklin Marsh, and 3 at Wakkerstroom.
LITTLE EGRET (Egretta garzetta) – Six at Veldriff, 1 at St. Lucia, and 4 at Wakkerstroom.
SQUACCO HERON (Ardeola ralloides) – One at Mtubatuba, and 6 at Wakkerstroom.
STRIATED HERON (Butorides striata) – One at Mkuze, and 2 at Kruger.
BLACK-CROWNED NIGHT-HERON (Nycticorax nycticorax) – Six were roosting in the trees along the road at Wakkerstroom.
Threskiornithidae (Ibises and Spoonbills)
GLOSSY IBIS (Plegadis falcinellus) – About 70 in the Wakkerstroom to Lydenburg area, plus a few others at scattered sites.
SACRED IBIS (Threskiornis aethiopicus) – Common and widespread.
BALD IBIS (Geronticus calvus) – First seen on the top of Sani Pass, and then surprisingly 2 were near Durban, and 30 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
HADADA IBIS (Bostrychia hagedash) – Very common and widespread.
AFRICAN SPOONBILL (Platalea alba) – About 40 at Mkuze and Wakkerstroom, and a few other singles at scattered wetland areas.
Sagittariidae (Secretary-bird)
SECRETARY-BIRD (Sagittarius serpentarius) – Nice looks, we saw 3 in the Wakkerstroom area, and 2 at Polokwane.
Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Kites)
BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE (Elanus caeruleus) – Widespread in open grasslands and farm areas throughout the tour.
AFRICAN HARRIER-HAWK (Polyboroides typus) – One at Bonamanzi, 1 taking a baby Pied Starling from a nest at Wakkerstroom, and 1 near Magoebaskloof.
LAMMERGEIER (Gypaetus barbatus) – Nice looks at a flying adult in Lesotho.
AFRICAN CUCKOO-HAWK (Aviceda cuculoides) – Fabulous looks at a close bird in Mkuze.
WHITE-HEADED VULTURE (Trigonoceps occipitalis) – Three at Kruger.
LAPPET-FACED VULTURE (Torgos tracheliotus) – Two at Kruger.
WHITE-BACKED VULTURE (Gyps africanus) – About 40 at Mkuze, and 60 at Kruger.
CAPE GRIFFON (Gyps coprotheres) – Three at Sani Pass, and about 10 at the Abel Erasmus Pass. [E]
BATELEUR (Terathopius ecaudatus) – About 20 at Kruger.
BROWN SNAKE-EAGLE (Circaetus cinereus) – One at Bonamanzi, and 3 at Kruger.
BAT HAWK (Macheiramphus alcinus) – Fantastic close scope views at our usual site near Magoebaskloof.
CROWNED HAWK-EAGLE (Stephanoaetus coronatus) – One in flight at Oribi Gorge.
MARTIAL EAGLE (Polemaetus bellicosus) – We saw an immature near Pofadder, and then and adult and an immature at Kruger.
LONG-CRESTED EAGLE (Lophaetus occipitalis) – Small numbers at a variety of sites in the east.
WAHLBERG'S EAGLE (Hieraaetus wahlbergi) – Two at Mkuze, and about 14 at Kruger.
TAWNY EAGLE (Aquila rapax) – Two at Mkuze, and about 10 at Kruger.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE (Aquila verreauxii) – Six in the Pofadder to Springbok area, and then 2 near Betty's Bay.
LIZARD BUZZARD (Kaupifalco monogrammicus) – One at Mkuze.
DARK CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax metabates) – Two singles at Kruger.
PALE CHANTING-GOSHAWK (Melierax canorus) – At least a dozen between Pofadder and Lambert's Bay. [E]
GABAR GOSHAWK (Micronisus gabar) – Singles at Kruger and Polokwane.
AFRICAN MARSH-HARRIER (Circus ranivorus) – We saw a total of 6 at a variety of widespread marshlands.
BLACK HARRIER (Circus maurus) – We saw 4 of these beautiful endemic harriers in the West Coast National Park. [E]
AFRICAN GOSHAWK (Accipiter tachiro) – Three in the Magoebaskloof area.
BLACK KITE (YELLOW-BILLED) (Milvus migrans parasitus) – Common and widespread.
AFRICAN FISH-EAGLE (Haliaeetus vocifer) – Two near Port Shepstone, 1 at Mkuze, and 2 at Kruger.
COMMON BUZZARD (STEPPE) (Buteo buteo vulpinus) – About 15 were seen at widespread sites, but mainly across the north-east.
JACKAL BUZZARD (Buteo rufofuscus) – Widespread in small numbers; in all we saw about 12. [E]
Otididae (Bustards)
LUDWIG'S BUSTARD (Neotis ludwigii) – Four at the Goe Gap Nature Reserve, and 2 near Lambert's Bay. [E]
STANLEY BUSTARD (Neotis denhami) – One in the high altitude grasslands near Wakkerstroom.
WHITE-BELLIED BUSTARD (BARROW'S) (Eupodotis senegalensis barrowii) – Nice looks at 6 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
BLUE BUSTARD (Eupodotis caerulescens) – About 10 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
KAROO BUSTARD (Eupodotis vigorsii) – Six near Pofadder. [E]
RED-CRESTED BUSTARD (Eupodotis ruficrista) – Two singles at Kruger.
BLACK BUSTARD (Eupodotis afra) – Two at West Coast National Park. [E]
WHITE-QUILLED BUSTARD (Eupodotis afraoides) – Five in the Pofadder area. [E]
BLACK-BELLIED BUSTARD (Lissotis melanogaster) – One at Mkuze, and 1 at Kruger.
Rallidae (Rails, Gallinules, and Coots)
BUFF-SPOTTED FLUFFTAIL (Sarothrura elegans) – Heard at St. Lucia and near Magoebaskloof.
AFRICAN RAIL (Rallus caerulescens) – Two were flushed as we walked along the edge of the marsh at Wakkerstroom.
BLACK CRAKE (Amaurornis flavirostra) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Wakkerstroom, and Kruger.
PURPLE SWAMPHEN (Porphyrio porphyrio) – One near Hluehlwe, and about 5 at Wakkerstroom.
EURASIAN MOORHEN (Gallinula chloropus) – Most common at Franklin Marsh where we saw about 60, a few others were seen at a variety of wetlands elsewhere.
RED-KNOBBED COOT (Fulica cristata) – About 300 at Franklin Marsh and 750 at Wakkerstroom where by far the most, but small numbers were widespread elsewhere.
Gruidae (Cranes)
GRAY CROWNED-CRANE (Balearica regulorum) – Two near Cape Town, and then at least 80 in the Durban to Himeville area, and about 90 near Wakkerstroom.
BLUE CRANE (Anthropoides paradiseus) – Four in the farmland near Piketburg, and then at least 20 around Wakkerstroom. [E]
WATTLED CRANE (Bugeranus carunculatus) – Thanks to our local guide we had good looks at 1 near Wakkerstroom.
Burhinidae (Thick-knees)
WATER THICK-KNEE (Burhinus vermiculatus) – Two at Bonamanzi, and about 10 at Kruger.
SPOTTED THICK-KNEE (Burhinus capensis) – One near Wakkerstroom.
Charadriidae (Plovers and Lapwings)
BLACKSMITH PLOVER (Vanellus armatus) – Common and widespread at a variety of wetlands.
CROWNED LAPWING (Vanellus coronatus) – Four at Bonamanzi, 8 at Kruger, and 2 at Polokwane.
WATTLED LAPWING (Vanellus senegallus) – About 15 in the Wakkerstroom area.
KITTLITZ'S PLOVER (Charadrius pecuarius) – Four at West Coast NP, and 2 at Stony Point.
COMMON RINGED PLOVER (Charadrius hiaticula) – About half a dozen at West Coast NP.
THREE-BANDED PLOVER (Charadrius tricollaris) – Two at Bonamanzi, 1 at Wakkerstroom, and 4 at Kruger.
WHITE-FRONTED PLOVER (Charadrius marginatus) – One at Lambert's Bay.
Haematopodidae (Oystercatchers)
AFRICAN OYSTERCATCHER (Haematopus moquini) – More commonly known as South African Black Oystercatcher, we saw 5 in the Cape region. [E]
Recurvirostridae (Stilts and Avocets)
BLACK-WINGED STILT (Himantopus himantopus) – Fairly common at a variety of wetlands; we saw a total of about 120.
PIED AVOCET (Recurvirostra avosetta) – One near Lambert's Bay.
Jacanidae (Jacanas)
AFRICAN JACANA (Actophilornis africanus) – Singles at Mtubatuba and Mkuze, and then 8 at Wakkerstroom.
Scolopacidae (Sandpipers and Allies)
COMMON SANDPIPER (Actitis hypoleucos) – Five singles were seen at a variety of widespread sites.
COMMON GREENSHANK (Tringa nebularia) – About 30 at Veldriff, and a few singles elsewhere.
WOOD SANDPIPER (Tringa glareola) – Two near Wakkerstroom, and 6 at Kruger.
LITTLE STINT (Calidris minuta) – About 20 at West Coast NP.
CURLEW SANDPIPER (Calidris ferruginea) – One at West Coast NP.
RUFF (Philomachus pugnax) – One at Belfast.
AFRICAN SNIPE (Gallinago nigripennis) – Three singles at Wakkerstroom.
Turnicidae (Buttonquail)
SMALL BUTTONQUAIL (Turnix sylvaticus) – Two were flushed from the grasslands near Amersfoort.
Laridae (Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers)
SABINE'S GULL (Xema sabini) – Three on our pelagic trip off Cape Point.
GRAY-HOODED GULL (Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus) – Six at Johannesburg, and about 20 at St. Lucia.
HARTLAUB'S GULL (Chroicocephalus hartlaubii) – Very common all along the coasts of the Cape region. [E]
KELP GULL (CAPE) (Larus dominicanus vetula) – Common around the Cape. [E]
LITTLE TERN (Sternula albifrons) – Six at St. Lucia.
CASPIAN TERN (Hydroprogne caspia) – One at Veldriff, and 8 at St. Lucia.
WHISKERED TERN (Chlidonias hybrida) – Three at Mkuze, and 2 at Wakkerstroom.
COMMON TERN (Sterna hirundo) – Two at Lambert's Bay, and about 100 in the Cape region.
ARCTIC TERN (Sterna paradisaea) – Two from our boat near Cape Point.
GREAT CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bergii) – About 20 at Lambert's Bay, 2 at Stoney Point, and 6 at St. Lucia.
SANDWICH TERN (Thalasseus sandvicensis) – About 6 off Cape Point.
LESSER CRESTED TERN (Thalasseus bengalensis) – Some of the group saw 1 at the St. Lucia river estuary.
Stercorariidae (Skuas and Jaegers)
BROWN SKUA (FALKLAND) (Stercorarius antarcticus antarcticus) – About 10 on our pelagic trip off Cape Point.
POMARINE JAEGER (Stercorarius pomarinus) – One near the Cape of Good Hope.
PARASITIC JAEGER (Stercorarius parasiticus) – Three near the Cape of Good Hope.
Pteroclidae (Sandgrouse)
NAMAQUA SANDGROUSE (Pterocles namaqua) – About 60 were around the sheep drinking troughs near Pofadder.
Columbidae (Pigeons and Doves)
ROCK PIGEON (Columba livia) – A few around Upington and at Lydenburg.
SPECKLED PIGEON (Columba guinea) – Common and widespread.
RAMERON PIGEON (Columba arquatrix) – We scoped 1 high on a dead tree at Bulwer Forest.
MOURNING COLLARED-DOVE (Streptopelia decipiens) – About 20 at Kruger.
RED-EYED DOVE (Streptopelia semitorquata) – Common and widespread away from very arid areas.
RING-NECKED DOVE (Streptopelia capicola) – Common and widespread.
LAUGHING DOVE (Streptopelia senegalensis) – Fairly common and widespread.
EMERALD-SPOTTED WOOD-DOVE (Turtur chalcospilos) – About 10 at Mkuze, and 1 at Kruger.
TAMBOURINE DOVE (Turtur tympanistria) – Nice looks at 1 on the road at Oribi Gorge.
NAMAQUA DOVE (Oena capensis) – About 10 near Pofadder, and 30 in the Lambert's Bay area.
AFRICAN GREEN-PIGEON (Treron calvus) – Twenty at Oribi Gorge, and 6 feeding on figs at Letaba Lodge in Kruger NP.
Musophagidae (Turacos)
LIVINGSTONE'S TURACO (Tauraco livingstonii) – We saw about 6 of these gorgeous turacos at St. Lucia.
KNYSNA TURACO (Tauraco corythaix) – Six at Bulwer Forest, and 10 near Magoebaskloof. [E]
PURPLE-CRESTED TURACO (Tauraco porphyreolophus) – Small numbers at Klaserie, Kruger, and Tzaneen.
GRAY GO-AWAY-BIRD (Corythaixoides concolor) – About 30 at Kruger, and 12 at Polokwane.
Cuculidae (Cuckoos)
LEVAILLANT'S CUCKOO (Clamator levaillantii) – One in the grounds of Satara Lodge, Kruger.
RED-CHESTED CUCKOO (Cuculus solitarius) – Heard in several areas and seen as a 'fly-by' at Mkuze.
KLAAS'S CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx klaas) – Singles at West Coast NP and Bonamanzi.
AFRICAN EMERALD CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx cupreus) – Some of the group saw a male at St. Lucia.
DIDERIC CUCKOO (Chrysococcyx caprius) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane - most noticeable around the weaver colonies which they parasitize.
YELLOWBILL (Ceuthmochares aereus) – Heard at Bulwer Forest.
WHITE-BROWED COUCAL (BURCHELL'S) (Centropus superciliosus burchellii) – Heard at St. Lucia and seen (about 10) at Kruger.
Tytonidae (Barn-Owls)
BARN OWL (Tyto alba) – One was seen sheltering under the roof at the Mountain Park Hotel, Bulwer.
Strigidae (Owls)
AFRICAN SCOPS-OWL (Otus senegalensis) – Great looks a both Letaba and Satara in Kruger NP.
SPOTTED EAGLE-OWL (Bubo africanus) – One at Paleisheuwelkloof, 2 (for some of the group) at Kristenbosch Botanical Gardens, and 1 at Bulwer.
VERREAUX'S EAGLE-OWL (Bubo lacteus) – One on a after dinner walk at Kruger.
Apodidae (Swifts)
ALPINE SWIFT (Apus melba) – Six near Upington, about 50 at Howick Falls, and another 50 at Abel Erasmus Pass.
AFRICAN SWIFT (Apus barbatus) – Six at Howick Falls, and about 50 at Abel Erasmus Pass.
LITTLE SWIFT (Apus affinis) – Very common and widespread.
WHITE-RUMPED SWIFT (Apus caffer) – Singles at Goe Gap and St. Lucia, and then about 10 near Wakkerstroom.
AFRICAN PALM-SWIFT (Cypsiurus parvus) – Small numbers at St. Lucia, Kruger, and Polokwane.
Coliidae (Mousebirds)
SPECKLED MOUSEBIRD (Colius striatus) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 90.
WHITE-BACKED MOUSEBIRD (Colius colius) – About 40 in the Pofadder to Lambert's Bay area. [E]
RED-FACED MOUSEBIRD (Urocolius indicus) – Fifteen near Upington, and then about another 30 (seen at various sites) in the north-east.
Trogonidae (Trogons)
NARINA TROGON (Apaloderma narina) – Great looks at these beautiful birds at Oribi Gorge and Klaserie.
Alcedinidae (Kingfishers)
AFRICAN PYGMY-KINGFISHER (Ispidina picta) – Fabulous close looks from a bird-hide at Mkuze.
BROWN-HOODED KINGFISHER (Halcyon albiventris) – We saw a total of 8 at Mkuze, Kruger, and in the Magoebaskloof area.
STRIPED KINGFISHER (Halcyon chelicuti) – One at Mkuze.
PIED KINGFISHER (Ceryle rudis) – Seen at a wide variety of wetland sites throughout the tour.
Meropidae (Bee-eaters)
LITTLE BEE-EATER (Merops pusillus) – One at Mkuze.
EUROPEAN BEE-EATER (Merops apiaster) – Small numbers at Goe Gap, Mkuze and Kruger, and then a flock of 300+ at Polokwane.
Coraciidae (Rollers)
LILAC-BREASTED ROLLER (Coracias caudatus) – About 30 at Kruger.
RUFOUS-CROWNED ROLLER (Coracias naevius) – Four at Kruger.
BROAD-BILLED ROLLER (Eurystomus glaucurus) – One at Mkuze.
Upupidae (Hoopoes)
EURASIAN HOOPOE (AFRICAN) (Upupa epops africana) – Most common at Polokwane (12) but we also saw others at a variety of widely scattered sites.
Phoeniculidae (Woodhoopoes and Scimitar-bills)
GREEN WOODHOOPOE (Phoeniculus purpureus) – Small numbers at Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, Kruger and Polokwane.
COMMON SCIMITAR-BILL (Rhinopomastus cyanomelas) – One near Springbok, 4 at Mkuze, and 2 at Kruger.
Bucerotidae (Hornbills)
SOUTHERN RED-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus rufirostris) – About a dozen at Kruger.
SOUTHERN YELLOW-BILLED HORNBILL (Tockus leucomelas) – Two at Mkuze, and 30+ at Kruger. [E]
CROWNED HORNBILL (Tockus alboterminatus) – Four at Oribi Gorge.
AFRICAN GRAY HORNBILL (Tockus nasutus) – About 15 at Kruger.
TRUMPETER HORNBILL (Ceratogymna bucinator) – Great looks in the garden of our hotel at Oribi Gorge, and then again near St. Lucia, and at Kruger.
Bucorvidae (Ground-Hornbills)
SOUTHERN GROUND-HORNBILL (Bucorvus leadbeateri) – We were very surprised to see to near Kokstadt, and we then a further 8 at Kruger.
Lybiidae (African Barbets)
CRESTED BARBET (Trachyphonus vaillantii) – Small numbers at Johannesburg, Oribi Gorge, Wakkerstroom, and Kruger; in all we saw about 14.
WHITE-EARED BARBET (Stactolaema leucotis) – Six at St. Lucia.
YELLOW-RUMPED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus bilineatus) – Small numbers at St. Lucia, Klaserie, near Kruger.
RED-FRONTED TINKERBIRD (Pogoniulus pusillus) – Nice looks at a very tame bird at Oribi Gorge.
PIED BARBET (Tricholaema leucomelas) – Two near Pofadder, and then singles at Mkuze and Kruger.
BLACK-COLLARED BARBET (Lybius torquatus) – Two in the garden at Oribi Gorge, 2 at Mkuze, and 4 at Wakkerstroom.
Indicatoridae (Honeyguides)
WAHLBERG'S HONEYGUIDE (Prodotiscus regulus) – One in the Mkuze area.
LESSER HONEYGUIDE (Indicator minor) – One at Oribi Gorge.
SCALY-THROATED HONEYGUIDE (Indicator variegatus) – Fabulous looks in the forest at St. Lucia.
Picidae (Woodpeckers)
RUFOUS-NECKED WRYNECK (Jynx ruficollis) – Singles at Himeville and Oribi Gorge.
GOLDEN-TAILED WOODPECKER (Campethera abingoni) – Singles at St Lucia, Mkuze, and Wakkerstroom.
KNYSNA WOODPECKER (Campethera notata) – At least 2 were heard at Oribi Gorge - but neither of them would show. [E]
GROUND WOODPECKER (Geocolaptes olivaceus) – We saw 5 of these strange endemic woodpeckers at Sani Pass. [E]
CARDINAL WOODPECKER (Dendropicos fuscescens) – The most common woodpecker, with a total of at least 14 at a variety of widespread sites.
BEARDED WOODPECKER (Dendropicos namaquus) – One at Kruger.
OLIVE WOODPECKER (Dendropicos griseocephalus) – Two at Bulwer Forest, and 2 near Magoebaskloof.
Falconidae (Falcons and Caracaras)
PYGMY FALCON (Polihierax semitorquatus) – Two along the road south of Pofadder.
EURASIAN KESTREL (ROCK) (Falco tinnunculus rupicolus) – The race 'rupicolus' is often split as Rock Kestrel; we saw about 10 near Pofadder, and a couple in the Wakkerstroom area.
GREATER KESTREL (Falco rupicoloides) – About 8 near Pofadder.
EURASIAN HOBBY (Falco subbuteo) – Singles at Kruger (distantly) and then better at Polokwane.
LANNER FALCON (Falco biarmicus) – Four in the Wakkerstroom area.
PEREGRINE FALCON (Falco peregrinus) – One near Betty's Bay, and then amazingly 8 (with 5 together) at Oribi Gorge.
Psittacidae (Parrots)
BROWN-NECKED PARROT (CAPE) (Poicephalus robustus robustus) – We had great scope views of 4 of these endangered parrots at Bulwer Forest.
BROWN-HEADED PARROT (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) – Two at Kruger.
Platysteiridae (Wattle-eyes and Batises)
CAPE BATIS (Batis capensis) – Small numbers at Betty's Bay, Bulwer Forest, Oribi Gorge, and near Magoebaskloof. [E]
WOODWARD'S BATIS (Batis fratrum) – Good looks at this very localised endemic at St. Lucia.
CHINSPOT BATIS (Batis molitor) – We saw a pair at Bayala Lodge, near Mkuze.
Prionopidae (Helmetshrikes and Allies)
WHITE HELMETSHRIKE (Prionops plumatus) – Four at Mkuze.
Malaconotidae (Bushshrikes and Allies)
BRUBRU (Nilaus afer) – Two at Klaserie, and 2 at Kruger.
BLACK-BACKED PUFFBACK (Dryoscopus cubla) – Two with a mixed species flock at Kruger.
BLACK-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra senegalus) – Two at Kruger.
BROWN-CROWNED TCHAGRA (Tchagra australis) – Two at Mkuze, and 2 at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN BOUBOU (Laniarius ferrugineus) – Four in the Bulwer to Sani Pass area, 6 at Oribi Gorge, and 1 at Polokwane. [E]
CRIMSON-BREASTED GONOLEK (Laniarius atrococcineus) – We saw 4 of these striking bushshrikes at Polokwane. [E]
BOKMAKIERIE (Telophorus zeylonus) – Small numbers at Goe Gap, Lambert's Bay, and Sani Pass; in all we saw about 10. [E]
SULPHUR-BREASTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus sulfureopectus) – Great looks at this gorgeous bird at Bayala Lodge near Mkuze.
OLIVE BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus olivaceus) – We saw an immature at Bulwer Forest, and an adult near Magoebaskloof.
BLACK-FRONTED BUSHSHRIKE (Telophorus nigrifrons) – Heard by all and seen briefly by some near Magoebaskloof.
FOUR-COLORED BUSHSHRIKE (FOUR-COLORED) (Telophorus viridis quadricolor) – Heard near St. Lucia, and then seen by a couple of the group at Mkuze.
GRAY-HEADED BUSHSHRIKE (Malaconotus blanchoti) – Heard at Kruger.
Campephagidae (Cuckooshrikes)
GRAY CUCKOOSHRIKE (Coracina caesia) – Two in the forest canopy near Magoebaskloof.
BLACK CUCKOOSHRIKE (Campephaga flava) – We saw a female at Oribi Gorge, and then 4 more at Mkuze.
Laniidae (Shrikes)
RED-BACKED SHRIKE (Lanius collurio) – One at Polokwane.
LESSER GRAY SHRIKE (Lanius minor) – One at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN FISCAL (Lanius collaris) – We saw a total of about 40 in the high country near Sani Pass and Bulwer, and then at Oribi Gorge, and around Wakkerstroom.
SOUTHERN FISCAL (Lanius collaris subcoronatus) – Often split as Latakoo Fiscal we saw about 20 in the Upington to Lambert's Bay area. [E]
MAGPIE SHRIKE (Corvinella melanoleuca) – About 30 at Kruger, and 20 at Polokwane.
WHITE-CROWNED SHRIKE (Eurocephalus anguitimens) – Two at Kruger.
Oriolidae (Old World Orioles)
EURASIAN GOLDEN ORIOLE (Oriolus oriolus) – One at Kruger.
AFRICAN BLACK-HEADED ORIOLE (Oriolus larvatus) – Small numbers at Bulwer, Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, Kruger and Polokwane; we saw a total of about 10.
Dicruridae (Drongos)
SQUARE-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus ludwigii) – One at Oribi Gorge, 6 at St. Lucia, and 6 in the Magoebaskloof area.
FORK-TAILED DRONGO (Dicrurus adsimilis) – Quite common around Bulwer, Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane.
Monarchidae (Monarch Flycatchers)
AFRICAN CRESTED-FLYCATCHER (Trochocercus cyanomelas) – One (for some of the group) at Magoebaskloof.
AFRICAN PARADISE-FLYCATCHER (Terpsiphone viridis) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 15.
Corvidae (Crows, Jays, and Magpies)
CAPE CROW (Corvus capensis) – Ten in the Bulwer area, and about a dozen near Wakkerstroom.
PIED CROW (Corvus albus) – Common and widespread.
WHITE-NECKED RAVEN (Corvus albicollis) – Small numbers in the Cape region, around Bulwer, and at Abel Erasmus Pass.
Chaetopidae (Rockjumpers)
CAPE ROCKJUMPER (Chaetops frenatus) – Good scope views of this great looking bird at Rooiels. [E]
DRAKENSBERG ROCKJUMPER (Chaetops aurantius) – Due to the weather this species was difficult this year, but eventually we all got good looks in Lesotho. [E]
Nicatoridae (Nicators)
EASTERN NICATOR (Nicator gularis) – This secretive bird was heard by all, and seen by just a few of the group at St. Lucia.
Alaudidae (Larks)
RUFOUS-NAPED LARK (Mirafra africana) – One at Mkuze, and 2 at Polokwane.
CAPE CLAPPER LARK (Mirafra apiata) – One was seen displaying near Lambert's Bay.
EASTERN CLAPPER LARK (Mirafra fasciolata) – Heard near Wakkerstroom. [E]
RUDD'S LARK (Heteromirafra ruddi) – We saw this extremely localised endemic near Wakkerstroom. [E]
SABOTA LARK (Calendulauda sabota) – Six at Kruger, and 1 at Polokwane.
RED LARK (Calendulauda burra) – Another extremely localised endemic lark; we had just amazing close views of 1 at our usual site near Pofadder. [E]
KAROO LARK (Calendulauda albescens) – One at Goe Gap, and 2 at Lambert's Bay. [E]
SPIKE-HEELED LARK (Chersomanes albofasciata) – About 20 in the Pofadder area, and 8 near Wakkerstroom. [E]
CAPE LARK (Certhilauda curvirostris) – Also known as Cape Long-billed Lark, some of the group saw 1 near Lambert's Bay. [E]
EASTERN LONG-BILLED LARK (Certhilauda semitorquata) – Four in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
KAROO LONG-BILLED LARK (Certhilauda subcoronata) – Three near Pofadder. [E]
SHORT-CLAWED LARK (Certhilauda chuana) – Nice looks at yet another extremely localised endemic lark - this one at Polokwane. [E]
BLACK-EARED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix australis) – Not often seen on this tour, so we were lucky to see a nice looking male at Goe Gap. [E]
CHESTNUT-BACKED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix leucotis) – About 30 at Kruger.
GRAY-BACKED SPARROW-LARK (Eremopterix verticalis) – One as we were stopped for road works near Lambert's Bay.
RED-CAPPED LARK (Calandrella cinerea) – Six at Goe Gap, 2 near Sani Pass, and about 10 near Wakkerstroom.
STARK'S LARK (Spizocorys starki) – We saw a flock of 7 to the south of Pofadder. [E]
PINK-BILLED LARK (Spizocorys conirostris) – Six near Wakkerstroom. [E]
BOTHA'S LARK (Spizocorys fringillaris) – We saw two of these endemic larks near Wakkerstroom. [E]
LARGE-BILLED LARK (Galerida magnirostris) – One in Lesotho. [E]
Hirundinidae (Swallows)
PLAIN MARTIN (Riparia paludicola) – Six near Upington, and about 10 at Wakkerstroom.
BANDED MARTIN (Riparia cincta) – Two at Franklin Marsh, and about 10 near Wakkerstroom.
ROCK MARTIN (Ptyonoprogne fuligula) – Widespread in areas with cliffs, rocky outcrops, and large buildings.
BARN SWALLOW (Hirundo rustica) – Quite common during the latter part of the tour.
WHITE-THROATED SWALLOW (Hirundo albigularis) – Usually near water, small numbers were widespread throughout the tour.
WIRE-TAILED SWALLOW (Hirundo smithii) – Small numbers at Mkuze and Kruger.
GREATER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis cucullata) – Quite common from Upington to the Cape, and then in the Sani Pass area, and finally at Wakkerstroom.
LESSER STRIPED-SWALLOW (Cecropis abyssinica) – Another widespread swallow (away from the south-west).
RUFOUS-CHESTED SWALLOW (Cecropis semirufa) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Kruger, and Polokwane; in all we saw about 12.
SOUTH AFRICAN SWALLOW (Petrochelidon spilodera) – Often known as South African Cliff Swallow, we saw about 30 at Wakkerstroom.
BLACK SAWWING (Psalidoprocne pristoptera) – Six at Betty's Bay, 10 at Oribi Gorge, and 6 at Magoebaskloof.
Stenostiridae (Fairy Flycatchers)
FAIRY FLYCATCHER (Stenostira scita) – We saw these delightful little birds at Goe Gap and Sani Pass. [E]
Paridae (Chickadees and Tits)
SOUTHERN BLACK-TIT (Melaniparus niger) – One at Oribi Gorge, and then about 12 at Mkuze, and 6 at Kruger.
ASHY TIT (Melaniparus cinerascens) – Six at Polokwane. [E]
GRAY TIT (Melaniparus afer) – Pairs near Pofadder and Sani Pass. [E]
Remizidae (Penduline-Tits)
AFRICAN PENDULINE-TIT (Anthoscopus caroli) – Two at Mkuze.
Pycnonotidae (Bulbuls)
SOMBRE GREENBUL (Andropadus importunus) – Three at Betty's Bay, and 6 at Mkuze.
YELLOW-BELLIED GREENBUL (Chlorocichla flaviventris) – Eight in the forest at St. Lucia.
TERRESTRIAL BROWNBUL (Phyllastrephus terrestris) – Five at St. Lucia, 8 at Klaserie, and 2 near Kruger.
YELLOW-STREAKED GREENBUL (Phyllastrephus flavostriatus) – Nice looks in the forest near Magoebaskloof.
COMMON BULBUL (DARK-CAPPED) (Pycnonotus barbatus tricolor) – Common and widespread away from the Pofadder and Cape region.
BLACK-FRONTED BULBUL (Pycnonotus nigricans) – Largely replaces the previous species in the arid west; we saw a total of about 40. [E]
CAPE BULBUL (Pycnonotus capensis) – Four at Goe Gap, and about a dozen in the Cape region. [E]
Macrosphenidae (African Warblers)
CAPE CROMBEC (Sylvietta rufescens) – Two at Mkuze, and 4 at Kruger.
CAPE GRASSBIRD (Sphenoeacus afer) – We saw 3, but most outstanding was an extremely extrovert bird in the car park at Stoney Point. [E]
VICTORIN'S WARBLER (Cryptillas victorini) – Normally a super skulker, but we all had great looks this year at Betty's Bay. [E]
Phylloscopidae (Leaf-Warblers)
YELLOW-THROATED WOOD-WARBLER (Phylloscopus ruficapilla) – Four at Oribi Gorge, and 1 near Wakkerstroom.
Acrocephalidae (Reed-Warblers and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW-WARBLER (Iduna natalensis) – Two at the bottom of Sani Pass.
AFRICAN REED-WARBLER (Acrocephalus baeticatus) – Four in the marshes at Wakkerstroom.
LESSER SWAMP-WARBLER (Acrocephalus gracilirostris) – Three in the mashes at Wakkerstroom.
Locustellidae (Grassbirds and Allies)
LITTLE RUSH-WARBLER (Bradypterus baboecala) – Singles near Cape Town and Wakkerstroom.
BARRATT'S WARBLER (Bradypterus barratti) – Another super skulker - we saw this one at the bottom of Sani Pass.
Cisticolidae (Cisticolas and Allies)
BAR-THROATED APALIS (Apalis thoracica) – Small numbers at Bulwer Forest, Oribi Gorge, and near Kruger.
YELLOW-BREASTED APALIS (Apalis flavida) – We saw a total of 10 at Oribi Gorge, St. Lucia, and Mkuze.
RUDD'S APALIS (Apalis ruddi) – We saw pairs of this localised endemic at St. Lucia and Mkuze. [E]
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (Camaroptera brachyura) – Seen at Oribi Gorge, Mkuze, and near Kruger.
GREEN-BACKED CAMAROPTERA (GRAY-BACKED) (Camaroptera brachyura brevicaudata) – We saw this gray-backed form at Kruger.
BARRED WREN-WARBLER (Calamonastes fasciolatus) – One at Polokwane. [E]
RUFOUS-EARED WARBLER (Malcorus pectoralis) – Singles at Pofadder and Goe Gap. [E]
RED-FACED CISTICOLA (Cisticola erythrops) – Four in a small marsh at Tzaneen.
RATTLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola chiniana) – Small numbers at Mkuze, Kruger and Polokwane.
RED-HEADED CISTICOLA (Cisticola subruficapilla) – More commonly known as Gray-backed Cisticola, we saw about 12 between Springbok and Cape Town. [E]
WAILING CISTICOLA (Cisticola lais) – One at the Sani Pass.
TINKLING CISTICOLA (Cisticola tinniens) – More commonly known as Levaillant's Cisticola, we saw them in several marshy areas throughout the tour.
CROAKING CISTICOLA (Cisticola natalensis) – One near Wakkerstroom.
PIPING CISTICOLA (Cisticola fulvicapilla) – One at Polokwane.
ZITTING CISTICOLA (Cisticola juncidis) – One at Kruger.
DESERT CISTICOLA (Cisticola aridulus) – Two at Polokwane.
CLOUD CISTICOLA (Cisticola textrix) – Heard by all, and seen as a 'dot in the sky' by some near Wakkerstroom. [E]
WING-SNAPPING CISTICOLA (Cisticola ayresii) – At least 4 in the Wakkerstroom area.
TAWNY-FLANKED PRINIA (Prinia subflava) – Six at Mkuze, 4 at Kruger, and 2 at Tzaneen.
BLACK-CHESTED PRINIA (Prinia flavicans) – Two at Pofadder, and 4 at Polokwane.
KAROO PRINIA (Prinia maculosa) – About 20 between Springbok and the Cape. [E]
DRAKENSBERG PRINIA (Prinia hypoxantha) – Singles at Lesotho, and in the Magoebaskloof area. [E]
YELLOW-BELLIED EREMOMELA (Eremomela icteropygialis) – Singles at Pofadder and Goe Gap.
YELLOW-RUMPED EREMOMELA (Eremomela gregalis) – Heard at Goe Gap. [E]
BURNT-NECK EREMOMELA (Eremomela usticollis) – Nice looks at Polokwane.
Sylviidae (Sylviids, Parrotbills and Allies)
BUSH BLACKCAP (Lioptilus nigricapillus) – Great looks at this rather local endemic at Sani Pass and Bulwer Forest. [E]
LAYARD'S WARBLER (Parisoma layardi) – One at Goe Gap, and 4 at Sani Pass. [E]
RUFOUS-VENTED WARBLER (Parisoma subcaeruleum) – Singles at Lambert's Bay and Polokwane.
Zosteropidae (Yuhinas, White-eyes, and Allies)
AFRICAN YELLOW WHITE-EYE (Zosterops senegalensis) – Two at Bonamanzi.
CAPE WHITE-EYE (CAPE) (Zosterops pallidus capensis) – Also known as 'Zosterops virens' they were common and widespread away from the arid west. [E]
CAPE WHITE-EYE (ORANGE RIVER) (Zosterops pallidus pallidus) – African authorities now split this as Orange River White-eye; we saw about 10 between Upington and Pofadder. [E]
Leiothrichidae (Laughingthrushes)
ARROW-MARKED BABBLER (Turdoides jardineii) – About 20 at Mkuze, and 16 at Polokwane.
Promeropidae (Sugarbirds)
GURNEY'S SUGARBIRD (Promerops gurneyi) – Nice looks at 3 of these attractive sugarbirds as we climbed the Sani Pass. [E]
CAPE SUGARBIRD (Promerops cafer) – Eight between Rooiels and Betty's Bay. [E]
Muscicapidae (Old World Flycatchers)
PALE FLYCATCHER (Bradornis pallidus) – One at Mkuze.
CHAT FLYCATCHER (Bradornis infuscatus) – About 10 in the Pofadder region. [E]
MARIQUA FLYCATCHER (Bradornis mariquensis) – Six in the acacia country at Polokwane.
SOUTHERN BLACK-FLYCATCHER (Melaenornis pammelaina) – Four at Oribi Gorge, and 8 at Mkuze.
FISCAL FLYCATCHER (Sigelus silens) – Five at Paleisheuwelkloof, and 1 at Polokwane. [E]
DUSKY-BROWN FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa adusta) – Small numbers at Betty's Bay, Bulwer, and Oribi Gorge.
ASHY FLYCATCHER (Muscicapa caerulescens) – Two at Oribi Gorge.
GRAY TIT-FLYCATCHER (Myioparus plumbeus) – Singles at Mkuze and Kruger.
KAROO SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas coryphaeus) – About 30 between Pofadder and West Coast NP. [E]
BROWN SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas signata) – A few of the group saw 1 at Oribi Gorge, but then we all saw 2 more at St. Lucia. [E]
BEARDED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas quadrivirgata) – Three at Bonamanzi.
RED-BACKED SCRUB-ROBIN (Cercotrichas leucophrys) – Four at Mkuze.
CAPE ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha caffra) – Fairly common and widespread; in all we saw about 40.
WHITE-THROATED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha humeralis) – We saw this beautiful robin-chat at Mkuze and again in the west side of Kruger. [E]
WHITE-BROWED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha heuglini) – Two at Tzaneen.
RED-CAPPED ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha natalensis) – One at Klaserie, and 1 at Kruger.
CHORISTER ROBIN-CHAT (Cossypha dichroa) – We saw this shy robin-chat at the edge of Bulwer Forest. [E]
WHITE-STARRED ROBIN (Pogonocichla stellata) – Heard at Bulwer Forest.
SENTINEL ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola explorator) – For at the top of Sani Pass, and 2 near Wakkerstroom. [E]
CAPE ROCK-THRUSH (Monticola rupestris) – Three at Rooiels. [E]
AFRICAN STONECHAT (Saxicola torquatus) – Widespread in small numbers, with a total of about 40.
BUFF-STREAKED BUSHCHAT (Saxicola bifasciatus) – We saw this attractive chat at the Sani Pass and then again near Wakkerstroom. [E]
SOUTHERN ANTEATER-CHAT (Myrmecocichla formicivora) – About 20 between Pofadder and Lambert's Bay , and then another 20 around Wakkerstroom.
MOCKING CLIFF-CHAT (Thamnolaea cinnamomeiventris) – Three at the Abel Erasmus Pass.
SICKLEWING CHAT (Cercomela sinuata) – Ten in Lesotho (included 1 with a nest). [E]
KAROO CHAT (Cercomela schlegelii) – About 6 in the Pofadder area. [E]
TRACTRAC CHAT (Cercomela tractrac) – Four at Pofadder. [E]
FAMILIAR CHAT (Cercomela familiaris) – About 10 from Upington to the Cape region.
MOUNTAIN WHEATEAR (Oenanthe monticola) – Twelve around Pofadder, 2 near Lambert's Bay, and 2 near Wakkerstroom. [E]
CAPPED WHEATEAR (Oenanthe pileata) – Ten at Goe Gap, and 3 near Lambert's Bay.
Turdidae (Thrushes and Allies)
ORANGE GROUND-THRUSH (Geokichla gurneyi) – Seen by some of the group saw 1 in the Bulwer Forest, and then heard by all at Magoebaskloof.
GROUNDSCRAPER THRUSH (Psophocichla litsitsirupa) – Two at Kruger, a 1 at Polokwane.
KURRICHANE THRUSH (Turdus libonyana) – One at Mkuze, 3 at Kruger, and 1 at Tzaneen.
OLIVE THRUSH (Turdus olivaceus) – About 14 in the forest areas around Bulwer and Oribi Gorge.
KAROO THRUSH (Turdus smithi) – Common around Upington, and then 1 near Cape Town, and 4 at Polokwane. [E]
Sturnidae (Starlings)
COMMON MYNA (Acridotheres tristis) – Common and widespread away from the arid west. [I]
EUROPEAN STARLING (Sturnus vulgaris) – Fairly common throughout the Cape region and near Durban, and then a few at Wakkerstroom. [I]
WATTLED STARLING (Creatophora cinerea) – Ten in the Lambert's Bay area, and then 6 at Wakkerstroom, and finally about 100 at Kruger included some in fne breeding plumage.
CAPE GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis nitens) – A few near Springbok, and then common from Mkuze to Kruger and west to Polokwane. [E]
GREATER BLUE-EARED GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis chalybaeus) – About 20 at Kruger.
BURCHELL'S GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis australis) – About 80 at Kruger. [E]
BLACK-BELLIED GLOSSY-STARLING (Lamprotornis corruscus) – Four at Oribi Gorge, and about 10 at St. Lucia.
VIOLET-BACKED STARLING (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster) – This gorgeous starling (well at least the males) were common from Mkuze to Kruger and west to Polokwane.
AFRICAN PIED STARLING (Spreo bicolor) – Ten at Lambert's Bay, about 50 near Bulwer, and a couple of hundred between Wakkerstroom and Lydenburg. [E]
RED-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus morio) – Common and widespread.
PALE-WINGED STARLING (Onychognathus nabouroup) – About a dozen between Pofadder and Goe Gap. [E]
Buphagidae (Oxpeckers)
RED-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus erythrorhynchus) – Seen in three areas with game big animals; Mkuze (12), Kruger (40), and Polokwane (6).
YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER (Buphagus africanus) – Six (all on African Buffalo) in Kruger.
Nectariniidae (Sunbirds and Spiderhunters)
COLLARED SUNBIRD (Hedydipna collaris) – Small numbers at near the Cape, at Bulwer Forest, St. Lucia, and at Kruger; in all we saw about 20.
ORANGE-BREASTED SUNBIRD (Anthobaphes violacea) – Ten between Rooiels and Betty's Bay. [E]
EASTERN OLIVE SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra olivacea) – About 10 at Oribi Gorge and St. Lucia, and then 1 neat Magoebaskloof.
MOUSE-COLORED SUNBIRD (Cyanomitra veroxii) – Good looks at 2 at Oribi Gorge.
AMETHYST SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra amethystina) – Widespread in small numbers.
SCARLET-CHESTED SUNBIRD (Chalcomitra senegalensis) – About 10 at Mkuze, and 2 at Kruger.
MALACHITE SUNBIRD (Nectarinia famosa) – We saw these gorgeous sunbirds at Goe Gap, Paleisheuwelkloof, and Betty's Bay.
SOUTHERN DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris chalybeus) – Small numbers at Lambert's Bay and near Cape Town. [E]
GREATER DOUBLE-COLLARED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris afer) – Six at the bottom of Sani Pass, 4 at Bulwer, and 2 near Magoebaskloof. [E]
MARIQUA SUNBIRD (Cinnyris mariquensis) – Another gorgeous sunbird; these were most common at Kruger, but we also saw them at Mkuze.
PURPLE-BANDED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris bifasciatus) – Fairly common in the St. Lucia and Mkuze areas.
WHITE-BREASTED SUNBIRD (Cinnyris talatala) – One at Oribi Gorge, and 6 at Mkuze.
DUSKY SUNBIRD (Cinnyris fuscus) – Common from Upington to Lambert's Bay. [E]
Motacillidae (Wagtails and Pipits)
CAPE WAGTAIL (Motacilla capensis) – Common and widespread.
MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Motacilla clara) – One at Oribi Gorge.
AFRICAN PIED WAGTAIL (Motacilla aguimp) – Pairs at St. Lucia and Mkuze, and a single at Kruger.
AFRICAN PIPIT (Anthus cinnamomeus) – Widespread in small numbers; with a total of about 20.
MOUNTAIN PIPIT (Anthus hoeschi) – Good looks at this localised endemic for the whole group in Lesotho. [E]
LONG-BILLED PIPIT (Anthus similis) – Two at Paleisheuwelkloof.
YELLOW-TUFTED PIPIT (Anthus crenatus) – After a good deal of trying we finally all saw this localised endemic near Wakkerstroom. [E]
YELLOW-BREASTED PIPIT (Hemimacronyx chloris) – Another of the localised and difficult endemic pipits - we finally all saw this one in the mountain grasslands above Wakkerstroom. [E]
ORANGE-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx capensis) – One near Bulwer, and then about 30 in the Wakkerstroom area. [E]
YELLOW-THROATED LONGCLAW (Macronyx croceus) – One near Bonamanzi.
Emberizidae (Buntings and New World Sparrows)
LARK-LIKE BUNTING (Emberiza impetuani) – Very common around Pofadder. [E]
CAPE BUNTING (Emberiza capensis) – Small numbers from Pofadder to Lambert's Bay and down to the Cape. [E]
GOLDEN-BREASTED BUNTING (Emberiza flaviventris) – Two at Mkuze.
Fringillidae (Siskins, Crossbills, and Allies)
CAPE SISKIN (Pseudochloroptila totta) – Repeated good looks at Betty's Bay. [E]
DRAKENSBERG SISKIN (Pseudochloroptila symonsi) – At least 3 on top of the Sani Pass in Lesotho. [E]
CAPE CANARY (Serinus canicollis) – Small numbers near Lambert's Bay, at Bulwer, and at Wakkerstroom; in all we saw about 60. [E]
YELLOW-FRONTED CANARY (Serinus mozambicus) – Three at Oribi Gorge, about a dozen at Mkuze, and 2 near Tzaneen.
FOREST CANARY (Serinus scotops) – This endemic is sometimes difficult, but we had good looks this tour at Bulwer Forest, Oribi Gorge, and near Magoebaskloof. [E]
BLACK-THROATED CANARY (Serinus atrogularis) – Two near Springbok.
BRIMSTONE CANARY (Serinus sulphuratus sulphuratus) – We saw the nominate race at Betty's Bay -(sometimes split as Bully Canary).
YELLOW CANARY (Serinus flaviventris) – About 6 in the Pofadder area. [E]
WHITE-THROATED CANARY (Serinus albogularis) – Eight between Pofadder and Goe Gap. [E]
PROTEA CANARY (Serinus leucopterus) – Great looks at this localised (but erratically wandering) endemic at Paleisheuwelkloof. [E]
STREAKY-HEADED SEEDEATER (Serinus gularis) – Singles at Sani Pass and Tzaneen.
Passeridae (Old World Sparrows)
HOUSE SPARROW (Passer domesticus) – Common and widespread throughout much of the tour.
GREAT RUFOUS SPARROW (Passer motitensis) – Two at Polokwane.
CAPE SPARROW (Passer melanurus) – Fairly common and widespread. [E]
SOUTHERN GRAY-HEADED SPARROW (Passer diffusus) – Widespread away from the west and Cape areas.
YELLOW-THROATED PETRONIA (Petronia superciliaris) – Four at Bayala Lodge near Mkuze.
Ploceidae (Weavers and Allies)
RED-BILLED BUFFALO-WEAVER (Bubalornis niger) – Ten at Kruger.
SCALY WEAVER (Sporopipes squamifrons) – Some of the group saw 4 at Polokwane.
WHITE-BROWED SPARROW-WEAVER (Plocepasser mahali) – Ten at Upington, and then about another 20 at Polokwane.
SOCIAL WEAVER (Philetairus socius) – More commonly known as Sociable Weaver, we saw about 300 (many at their huge nests) in the Pofadder area.
RED-HEADED WEAVER (Anaplectes rubriceps) – Two as we were leaving Kruger NP.
SPECTACLED WEAVER (Ploceus ocularis) – Four at Mkuze, and 10 in the Magoebaskloof area.
CAPE WEAVER (Ploceus capensis) – Very common from Springbok to to Cape, and then seen widely in the Durban area, and finally at Wakkerstroom; in all we saw about 600. [E]
AFRICAN GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus subaureus) – Ten in the reeds near St. Lucia.
HOLUB'S GOLDEN-WEAVER (Ploceus xanthops) – Two at Tzaneen.
SOUTHERN BROWN-THROATED WEAVER (Ploceus xanthopterus) – We watched about 30 of these endemic weavers building their nests in the St. Lucia marshes. [E]
LESSER MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus intermedius) – Small numbers from St. Lucia to Kruger and then west to Magoebaskloof.
SOUTHERN MASKED-WEAVER (Ploceus velatus) – Small numbers were seen at a variety of scattered sites.
VILLAGE WEAVER (Ploceus cucullatus) – About 100 in the Mkuze and Wakkerstroom areas.
FOREST WEAVER (Ploceus bicolor) – We saw a total of about a dozen in the forested areas of Oribi Gorge, St. Lucia, and Mkuze.
RED-BILLED QUELEA (Quelea quelea) – A few at Wakkerstroom and Kruger and then a couple of flocks of several hundred at Polokwane.
RED BISHOP (Euplectes orix) – About 30 at Springbok (in non-breeding plumage), and then 6 at Wakkerstroom included a few nice looking males.
YELLOW BISHOP (Euplectes capensis) – Small numbers (including several in good breeding plumage) were seen near Lambert's Bay, the Cape area, Bulwer, and Magoebaskloof.
WHITE-WINGED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes albonotatus) – About 20 near Wakkerstroom.
RED-COLLARED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes ardens) – A total of about 10 were seen between Bulwer, Oribi Gorge, and Wakkerstroom.
FAN-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes axillaris) – Two near Oribi Gorge.
LONG-TAILED WIDOWBIRD (Euplectes progne) – About 50 near Franklin Marsh, and 200+ in the Wakkerstroom area.
GROSBEAK WEAVER (Amblyospiza albifrons) – Small numbers from Oribi Gorge to Mkuze and then to the west to Magoebaskloof.
Estrildidae (Waxbills and Allies)
SWEE WAXBILL (Coccopygia melanotis) – Two at Betty's Bay, and then 3 at Magoebaskloof. [E]
COMMON WAXBILL (Estrilda astrild) – About 10 at Paleisheuwelkloof, and then about 40 at Klaserie.
BLACK-CHEEKED WAXBILL (Estrilda erythronotos) – More commonly know as Black-faced Waxbill; we saw about 10 in the acacia bushes at Polokwane.
BLUE-BREASTED CORDONBLEU (Uraeginthus angolensis) – Thirty at Mkuze, and then about 100 between Kruger and Polokwane.
VIOLET-EARED WAXBILL (Granatina granatina) – We saw a pair of these gorgeous waxbills at Polokwane.
PINK-THROATED TWINSPOT (Hypargos margaritatus) – Another just fabulous looking waxbill; we all had wonderful close looks in the sandveld forest at Mkuze. [E]
GREEN-WINGED PYTILIA (Pytilia melba) – One at Kruger.
RED-BILLED FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta senegala) – Six at Kruger.
AFRICAN FIREFINCH (Lagonosticta rubricata) – A pair were flushed along the road at Oribi Gorge.
BRONZE MANNIKIN (Spermestes cucullatus) – About 20 at Tzaneen, and 8 at Polokwane.
BLACK-AND-WHITE MANNIKIN (RED-BACKED) (Spermestes bicolor nigriceps) – Some of the group saw 1 at St. Lucia.
Viduidae (Indigobirds)
PIN-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua macroura) – We saw a total of about 10 (including some males in breeding plumage) at Lambert's Bay, Mkuze, and Polokwane.
SHAFT-TAILED WHYDAH (Vidua regia) – We saw a single female at Polokwane.
VILLAGE INDIGOBIRD (Vidua chalybeata) – One at Kruger.
MAMMALS
WAHLBERG'S EPAULETTED FRUIT BAT (Epomophorus wahlbergi) – Three at Kruger; but note recent work on the genus Epomophorus suggests several species may be involved.
BLUE MONKEY (Cercopithecus mitis) – Variously split and lumped by different authorities; the 2 we saw at Oribi Gorge are commonly known in South Africa Samango Monkey - Kingdon puts them in what he calls the 'White-throated Monkey cluster'.
BLACK-FACED VERVET MONKEY (Cercopithecus aethiops) – Fairly common and widespread in a variety of woodland and bush country; we saw a total of about 250.
CHACMA BABOON (Papio ursinus) – Common and widespread.
SCRUB HARE (Lepus saxatalis) – One at Polokwane.
CAPE HARE (Lepus capensis) – Singles at Amersfoort and Kruger.
CAPE GROUND SQUIRREL (Xerus inaurius) – Small numbers in the Pofadder area.
RED BUSH SQUIRREL (Paraxerus palliatus) – Seen by a few of the group at St. Lucia.
TREE SQUIRREL (Paraxerus cepapi) – About 40 at Kruger.
FOUR-STRIPED GRASS MOUSE (Rhabdomys pumilio) – One at Goe Gap, and 3 at Betty's Bay.
SLOGGETT'S ICE RAT (Otomys sloggetti) – One at the top of the Sani Pass.
OLD WORLD PORCUPINE SP. (Hystrix africaeaustralis) – We found an apparently lost youngest wandering along the road near Pofadder.
HUMPBACK WHALE (Megaptera novaeangliae) – One seen on the pelagic trip off Cape Point.
SOUTHERN RIGHT WHALE (Eubalaena australis) – One seen on the pelagic trip off Cape Point.
BAT-EARED FOX (Otocyon megalotis) – Four in the Pofadder area.
COMMON (SMALL-SPOTTED) GENET (Genetta genetta) – One seen on the after dinner walk at Kruger.
CAPE GRAY MONGOOSE (Herpestes pulverulentus) – Two in the West Coast NP, and 1 near Cape Town.
SLENDER MONGOOSE (Herpestes sanguineus) – Singles at Mkuze and Kruger.
BANDED MONGOOSE (Mungos mungo) – About 40 early one morning in St. Lucia town, and then 4 at Polokwane.
DWARF MONGOOSE (Helogale parvula) – Thirty at Kruger.
YELLOW MONGOOSE (Cynictis penicillata) – Five near Pofadder, and about 10 in the Wakkerstroom area.
SLENDER-TAILED MEERKAT (Suricata suricatta) – Six near Pofadder, and 4 near Wakkerstroom; both groups were rather shy.
SPOTTED HYAENA (Crocuta crocuta) – Two on the after dinner walk at Kruger.
AFRICAN WILD CAT (Felis silvestris) – One at Satara Camp, Kruger.
LION (Panthera leo) – We saw a female, a mating pair, and then 2 males all between Lataba and Satara in Kruger NP.
CHEETAH (Acinonyx jubatus) – Good looks at 2 near Satara Lodge, Kruger.
CAPE (AUSTRALIAN) FUR SEAL (Arctocephalus pusillus) – About 200 at Lambert's Bay, and 100+ in the Cape region.
AFRICAN ELEPHANT (Loxodonta africana) – Many great encounters in Kruger; with a total of about 150.
ROCK HYRAX (Procavia capensis) – Small numbers at Pofadder, Goe Gap, and Abel Erasmus Pass.
MOUNTAIN ZEBRA (Equus zebra) – Five at Goe Gap.
BURCHELL'S ZEBRA (Equus burchelli) – At least 500 at Kruger, and a number of others at Mkuze, Wakkerstroom and Polokwane; in all we saw about 700.
WHITE RHINOCEROS (Ceratotherium simum) – Five at Mkuze, 3 at Kruger, and 2 at Polokwane; despite three different sightings this year poaching is at its highest level for years and they are now seriously endangered.
WARTHOG (Phacochoerus aethiopicus) – Three at Mkuze, 20 at Kruger, and about 30 at Polokwane.
HIPPOPOTAMUS (Hippopotamus amphibius) – First seen in the estuary at St. Lucia (4), and then at Mkuze (60), and finally Kruger (20).
COMMON GIRAFFE (Giraffa camelopardalis) – Twenty at Mkuze, 40 at Kruger, and 20 at Polokwane.
NYALA (Tragelaphus angasi) – Great looks at Mkuze (50+), and then abut a dozen at Polokwane.
BUSHBUCK (Tragelaphus scriptus) – One at Oribi Gorge, and 10 at Kruger.
GREATER KUDU (Tragelaphus strepsiceros) – Great looks at these wonderful huge antelopes at Kruger, and also a few at Mkuze and Polokwane.
COMMON ELAND (Taurotragus oryx) – About 100 at West Coast NP, 1 at Sani Pass, and 20 at Polokwane.
AFRICAN BUFFALO (Syncerus caffer) – About 150 near Wakkerstroom, and then 600+ at Kruger - great close encounters, and lots of oxpeckers too!
RED DUIKER (Cephalophus natalensis) – Eight at St. Lucia, and 2 at Mkuze.
BUSH (GRAY) DUIKER (Sylvicapra grimmia) – Singles at Lambert's Bay, Mkuze, Wakkerstroom, and then 3 at Kruger.
COMMON WATERBUCK (Kobus ellipsiprymnus) – Five at Mkuze, and about 80 at Kruger.
SABLE ANTELOPE (Hippotragus niger) – We saw 6 of the gorgeous antelopes at Polokwane.
GEMSBOK (Oryx gazella) – Sixteen in the Pofadder area.
BONTEBOK (Damaliscus dorcas) – We saw about 300 of the race 'phillipsi' (commonly known as Blesbok) in the Wakkerstroom area.
TOPI (Damaliscus lunatus) – Eight at Polokwane.
BLACK WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes gnou) – Forty at Wakkerstroom.
BLUE WILDEBEEST (Connochaetes taurinus) – Forty at Mkuze, 400+ at Kruger, and about 20 at Polokwane.
KLIPSPRINGER (Oreotragus oreotragus) – One at Goe Gap, and 3 at Rooiels.
STEENBOK (Raphicerus campestris) – About a dozen near Pofadder, 20 at Kruger, and 1 at Polokwane.
SUNI (Neotragus moschatus) – Some of the group saw 1 at Mkuze.
IMPALA (Aepyceros malampus) – At least 1000 at Kruger, and smaller numbers Mkuze (100) and Polokwane (30).
SPRINGBOK (Antidorcas marsupialis) – Fifteen near Pofadder, and 1 at West Coast NP.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Reptiles seen on the tour included:
Blue-headed Rock Agama; several at Goe Gap.
Blue-headed Tree Agama; 6 at Kruger.
Spiny Agama; 6 at Pofadder.
Crag Lizard; 5 at Pofadder.
Rainbow Rock Skink; several at Abel Erasmus Pass.
Striped Skink; 4 at Kruger.
Cape Dwarf Gecko; 1 at Kruger.
Savanna Monitor; 1 at Kruger
Water Monitor; 1 at Kruger.
Angulate Tortoise; common in West NP.
Leopard Tortoise; 1 at Mkuze.
Marsh Terrapin; several at Mkuze.
Hinged Terapin; several at Mkuze.
Thread Snake; 1 at Polokwane.
Puffadder; 2 singles at West Coast NP.
Nile Crocodile; seen at Mkuze, Bonamanzi, and Kruger.
Totals for the tour: 480 bird taxa and 54 mammal taxa