Discover Southern Africa’s spectacular mountain birdlife through a premium small-group expedition across South Africa and Lesotho.
The Highlands Birding Expedition is a twelve-day, small-group birding expedition through the mountain regions of South Africa and Lesotho, designed to locate many of Southern Africa’s most sought-after high-altitude bird species while exploring some of the country’s most spectacular and least-visited landscapes.
Following a carefully planned circular route, the expedition links together birding localities that are seldom combined within a single itinerary. From the Highveld, the journey climbs into the remote Thaba Putsoa Range of Lesotho before crossing the Eastern Cape Highlands, traversing the southern and eastern Drakensberg, and concluding in the mist-belt forests, wetlands and rolling countryside of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Along the way, guests experience alpine grasslands, mountain passes, forests and high-altitude wetlands, with opportunities to observe more than 300 bird species, including numerous endemic, near-endemic and range-restricted specialities.
Designed for enthusiastic birders, wildlife photographers and natural history travellers, the expedition combines exceptional birding with comfortable accommodation and meticulous logistical planning. From the moment you arrive in Johannesburg until your return, every aspect of the journey is taken care of, allowing you to concentrate on the birds, the landscapes and the experience.
Southern Africa’s mountain regions offer some of the continent’s most rewarding birding, yet they remain among its least explored by international visitors. The highlands of South Africa and Lesotho support a remarkable concentration of endemic, near-endemic and range-restricted bird species, many of which are difficult to encounter elsewhere.
Unlike many birding holidays that concentrate on a single reserve or region, the expedition follows a continuous journey through the mountains of South Africa and Lesotho. As altitude, climate and geology change, so too does the birdlife, creating opportunities to encounter an exceptional variety of species within a single expedition.
The route has been developed to balance productive birding with spectacular scenery, quiet mountain roads and comfortable overnight stops. Every day introduces something different, ensuring the experience never feels repetitive while allowing enough time to appreciate each location properly.
For many guests, it is this combination of exploration, birding and constantly changing landscapes that makes the expedition such a rewarding journey.
The expedition offers opportunities to encounter many of Southern Africa’s most iconic mountain birds. While wildlife can never be guaranteed, the route has been specifically designed around the habitats most likely to produce these sought-after species.
Among the expedition’s signature species are Drakensberg Rockjumper, Bearded Vulture, Drakensberg Siskin, Mountain Pipit, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Parrot, Cape Vulture, Grey-winged Francolin, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Buff-streaked Chat, Sickle-winged Chat, Southern Bald Ibis, Rudd’s Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, together with all three southern African crane species and many additional regional specialities.
Rather than simply compiling a species list, the expedition follows these birds through the remarkable landscapes that define them, creating an experience where memorable encounters are as important as the final tally.
No two days are identical, but each follows a similar rhythm. Early mornings maximise bird activity, with the first few hours of daylight usually spent travelling between carefully selected birding localities, stopping whenever conditions and timing allow. Breakfast is typically enjoyed en route before the expedition continues through the day’s planned landscapes.
Throughout the day there are regular opportunities to stop for birding, photography and to appreciate the scenery. Some days involve covering greater distances between regions, while others are deliberately more relaxed, allowing time to explore a particular area in greater depth. Lunches are generally informal and depend on the day’s location, while refreshments and snacks are always available in the vehicle.
Evenings are spent in comfortable accommodation, providing time to relax, review the day’s sightings and prepare for the following day’s journey. Although each day is carefully planned, the itinerary remains flexible enough to take advantage of weather, exceptional bird sightings and other unexpected opportunities that arise along the way.
Included
Not Included
The Highlands Expedition is offered as a private, fully guided small-group expedition for two to four guests.
From ZAR 95,000 per person (based on four guests).
Private departures are available by arrangement during the recommended operating season. For solo travellers or customised itineraries, please contact us for a tailored quotation.
The Highlands Birding Expedition is primarily scheduled between October and November, when spring and early summer bird activity is at its peak. The mountain ranges traversed during the expedition are subject to highly variable weather due to both their altitude and proximity to the Indian Ocean. This seasonal window falls between the harshest winter conditions and the onset of the summer rainfall, offering the best balance of access, favourable bird activity and comfortable travelling conditions.
Departures outside this period may be possible by prior arrangement, subject to weather, road conditions and accommodation availability.
If you would like to discuss the Highlands Birding Expedition, check availability, or request a quotation, we’d be pleased to hear from you.
As every departure is privately operated for small groups, we are happy to discuss your preferred travel dates, group size and any particular birding, wildlife or natural history interests when planning your expedition.
“An incredible tour, so well organised. Plenty of amazing views, exciting roads, birds galore. Interesting and varied accommodation offering history, nature and comfort. Mark is a natural guide, offering insights into the people and culture, and his ability to spot and identify birds is up there with the best. Paired with an unrivalled sense of humour, the trip flew past oh so quickly.” – Andy, UK (2026)
