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Holidays to Cape Town Tours Safaris in South Africa Stellenbosch Hermanus

Birding Holiday, South Africa: Cape Town (Bird Guides) + Kirstenbosch Vacation

Birding Holiday - Cape Town (guided) + Hermanus/Winelands
Birding Holiday South Africa Cape Town Bird Guides Kirstenbosch Vacation
10 NIGHTS FROM:
$2,943
Per person sharing
Scheduled flights quoted separately
7SPA10C
• Birding Holiday, Cape Town
• Table Mountain
• Cape Point
• Kirstenbosch Gardens
• West Coast National Park
• Hottentots Holland Mountains
• Harold Porter Gardens
• Stoney Point Penguin Colony
• Bird Guides
• Vacation: Stellenbosch & Hermanus

On this birding holiday in South Africa explore all the key birding sites in Cape Town with private bird guides -including Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Gardens, West Coast National Park, Hottentots Holland Mountains, Sir Lowry's Pass, Harold Porter Gardens & the penguin colony at Stoney Point. End your vacation relaxing independently in Hermanus & Stellenbosch. All transfers & birding included.

Day 1
You will be met at Cape Town Airport and transferred to your hotel in this beautiful city, within sight of Table Mountain.
 
In the afternoon enjoy your first birding around the Cape Town Reservoir, accompanied by a local birding guide, with wonderful views over the 'Mother City'.
Day 2
Today you will be collected by your guide for a full day of birding in the Rondevlei Nature Reserve and Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, with a boxed picnic lunch included.
 
Rondevlei is situated inland from Muizenberg on False Bay and is Cape Town's premier bird reserve. It covers over 290 hectares (720 acres) of permanent wetland that offers sanctuary to over 225 different bird species, as well as a variety of small mammals and reptiles such as the caracal, porcupine, Cape fox, grysbuck, steenbuck and mongoose. You can also see hippo here.
 
Rondevlei has five bird hides, as well as two observation towers.and a series of paths. Waterbirds are well represented with a few specials including the African purple swamphen, Black crake and the Little bittern. African marsh-harriers can be seen quartering the reedbeds, while African fish eagles swoop down on unsuspecting fish. We will also look out for Cape longclaw, Cape weaver, Cape white-eye, Southern boubou and Cape shoveler. This area is also particularly good for dragonflies.
 
Kirstenbosch is nestled on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain and regarded as one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in the world. Here you can hope to see many fynbos endemics such as the Cape sugarbird, Southern double-collared sunbird, Orange-breasted sunbird and Cape francolin. The sheltered forested gorges host many forest species such as the Cape batis, Forest canary and many more.
Day 3
Today you will be collected by your guide for a full day of birding along the beautiful Cape Peninsula, with a boxed picnic lunch included.
 
We drive via Chapman’s Peak Drive to spectacular Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve and near the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, where you can hope to see the African penguin, African oystercatcher, Cape siskin, Orange-breasted sunbird, Southern double-collared sunbird, Cape sugarbird and many more colourful coastal and fynbos species. You may also see baboons, ostrich and perhaps even dolphins or whales in season (July/November).
 
Along the way there is also the option to take a short boat trip from Hout Bay to view Cape Fur seals at Seal Island (pay locally).
Day 4
Today there is the option (supplement payable) to rise early and transfer to a local harbour for a full day of Pelagic Birding, with 7-hours at sea.
 
At 07.00 we leave shore and head for the trawling grounds in the nutrient rich waters off Cape Town. Here you can view thousands of pelagic birds - including several species of albatross, petrel, shearwater and skua. You can also hope to see various gannets, prions, terns, fulmars & gulls.
 
Weather conditions can vary hugely, so come well prepared. Bring a waterproof jacket, waterproof trousers, sweater, spare clothing, beanie or hat which won't be blown off, motion tablets (if required), sunglasses & sunscreen. Also splash covers for binoculars & cameras. A light lunch is provided, but bring extra snacks and drinks if you think you will need them.
 
Note: This trip only runs on a Saturday - with Sunday as back-up in case of inclement weather, so be sure to be available on both days. Minimum of 6 pax on the day to guarantee departure.
Day 5
Today is free for independent sightseeing in Cape Town.
 
To orientate yourself, use your pre-paid pass for the Red Route Hop-Off Bus, which stops at all Cape Town’s key sights and attractions, including the Table Mountain cable car (a Fast Track ticket is included). Here you can ascend and enjoy one of the world's most famous views.
 
Continue to trendy Camps Bay beach and the many attractions of the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront.
 
Note: Don't let the colour of the bus confuse you. All buses are red, but they run two different routes - the Red City Route and the Blue Kirstenbosch Route.
 
The Table Mountain cable car is usually closed for annual maintenance from late July to early August.
Days 6 To 7
Today enjoy a full day private birding tour from Cape Town, travelling 2-hours northwards to West Coast National Park on the shores of Langebaan Lagoon, with a boxed picnic lunch included.
 
This rugged lagoon is a Ramsar Wetland of international significance, with thousands of seabirds roosting on its nearby sheltered islands. Large concentrations of flamingos and migrants can be seen wading on the salt marshes in the reserve. Whale watching is possible from July to November.
 
Birds you can hope to see include the Southern black korhaan, Black harrier, Grey-winged francolin , Chestnut-banded plover, Cape long-billed lark, Clapper lark, Grey tit, Cape penduline tit, Cisticola and many other coastal wetland species.
Days 8 To 9
At leisure to relax in the small clifftop town of Hermanus.
 
You can wander around the village and along the coastal path, with its indigenous fynbos and birdlife. You can also visit the small Fernkloof Nature Reserve, a gem of a fynbos wildflower sanctuary, cared for by the local botanical society and set against a mountain at the end of the village.
Day 10
At leisure to explore the old university town Stellenbosch, which is surrounded by beautiful mountains and vineyards.
 
You can wander through its many street markets, craft shops and museums, including the Modern & Contemporary Art Gallery, or visit Stellenbosch Botanical Gardens.
 
Alternatively enjoy wine tasting using the Vine Hopper hop-off bus (advance booking online recommended).
 
Note: Vine Hopper bus operates on specific days depending on the route.
Day 11
Transfer 1-hour to Cape Town Airport for your flight home.