South Africa Birding Safari – Eastern Endemics Tour - Lawson's Birding, Wildlife & Custom Safaris

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November 2025 / 2026: Eastern South Africa Endemics

See the endemic birds of South Africa on this intensive birding tour through the eastern regions of the country. Following our Western South Africa Birding Safari, this tour focuses on the endemic-rich eastern habitats. Combine both for a South African endemics mega-tour, or enjoy this journey as a stand-alone experience.

Why South Africa for Birding?

South Africa is a global birding hotspot, home to 69 endemic and near-endemic bird species. Two bird families — Rockjumpers and Sugarbirds — are essentially endemic to the region, shared only with Lesotho and eSwatini.

According to The Birder’s Guide to Africa by Michael Mills, South Africa ranks first in three out of five major birding categories. This tour is designed to focus on those endemics, giving global birders the opportunity to see a majority of these in one trip.

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Areas Covered on This Birding Safari in South Africa

Our Eastern South Africa Birding Safari starts in Umhlanga, near the port city of Durban. The route includes:

Sani Pass and the Southern Drakensberg
Eshowe and Dlinza Forest
St Lucia and iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Tembe Elephant Park (open-sided safari drives)
Wakkerstroom (home to Botha’s and Rudd’s Larks)
Kruger National Park (open safari vehicle birding)
Magoebaskloof (misty montane forests)
Polokwane, ending in Johannesburg

Each stop offers unique bird habitats and maximised opportunities to spot South African birds and regional endemics.

Accommodation

Enjoy medium-plus standard accommodation throughout the tour, including:

Comfortable guest houses
Tented safari lodge
National park chalets
Small hotels

All accommodations offer en-suite facilities and are selected for comfort, cleanliness, and proximity to birding hotspots.

Birding Highlights – Endemic & Near-Endemic Birds of South Africa

This itinerary has been crafted to target key birds of South Africa, especially endemics. These include:

Endemics:

Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin
Gurney’s Sugarbird, Ground Woodpecker
Bush Blackcap, Cape Parrot, Eastern Long-billed Lark
Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark, Blue Korhaan
Buff-streaked Chat, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Cape Vulture

Near-Endemics & Other Specials:

Blue Crane, Lammergeier, Jackal Buzzard
Secretarybird, Narina Trogon, Livingstone’s Turaco
Southern Ground Hornbill, African Broadbill
Orange Ground Thrush, Short-clawed Lark, Bokmakierie

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Other Wildlife on Safari

Though primarily a birding tour, the Eastern South Africa Endemics Safari offers exceptional wildlife viewing. Possible sightings include:

Elephant, African Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, South African Giraffe
Antelope species, primates, mongooses, and Honey Badger
A variety of reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, and insects

Is This Tour Right for You?

This is a fast-paced birding safari designed for serious birders wanting to focus on endemics and near-endemics. Due to its intensity and coverage, it’s best suited to those with prior birding experience and a focused interest.

Combine this with the Western Endemics Tour for a full sweep of South Africa’s endemic bird species.

Combine With Western Tour