FEATURED TOUR:   Across the Great Karoo:  An epic birding and wildlife journey through the Eastern Cape Provine; 1- 12 March 2012   Once known as ‘Frontier Country’, South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province still remains as something of an unknown to the international birder, usually being overshadowed by other more well-known destinations such as the Kruger Park region or the Western Cape. The Eastern Cape is the second largest province in the country and has a diverse range of altitudes, climatic zones and associated habitats, from a long Indian Ocean coastline to the high peaks on the border with Lesotho; montane and coastal forest; extensive grasslands; the unique Albany Thicket and the Great Karoo, a remarkably diverse arid region five times the size of great Britain in the south / central parts of the country. This tour takes in a range of habitats, with the focus being the scenically spectacular Great Karoo, experienced at three different national parks, where the unique arid-region birding is augmented by fantastic mammals and awe-inspiring scenery. This is truly a tour for those who want something a little different or have already visited the more well-known regions of the country.