Safari Information
Kenya is one of only 15 countries globally where more than 1,000 bird species have been recorded, and it lies third on the African avian diversity list after DR Congo and Tanzania. This list includes the world’s two largest birds (common and Somali ostrich, now regarded as separate species) and its bulkiest flying creature (Kori bustard), along with a wealth of raptors and a dazzling array of colourful bee-eaters, turacos, parrots, rollers and passerines.
Birdwatching is rewarding everywhere in Kenya. For dedicated birdwatchers, a well-planned two-week itinerary is likely to result in a trip list of 350–400 species, a figure that compares favourably with anywhere in the world.
For visitors with limited exposure to the rainforests of west-central Africa, Kakamega Forest and Saiwa Swamp protect dozens of forest species at the very eastern extreme of their range.
For coastal birds endemic or near-endemic to Kenya, Arabuko-Sokoke National Park near Watamu is home to Clarke’s weaver, Sokoke scops owl, grey-crested helmet-shrike, Sokoke pipit and Amani sunbird. The central highlands also host several endemics, notably Sharpe’s longclaw, Aberdare cisticola and Hinde’s babbler.
Kenya offers excellent birdwatching throughout the year, but the prime season runs from October to March, when resident populations are boosted by Palaearctic migrants. This also broadly coincides with Kenya’s rainy season, when several resident species shed their drab eclipse plumage in favour of bright breeding colours.
BIRDING SAFARIS – SAFARI 1 - 6 NIGHTS
FROM US$ 7,650 PER PERSON SHARING
Single Supplement – on request
SOUTH AFRICA – Twitcher’s Trail
Departing 01 October – Guided
Pack. Arrive. Enjoy
Guaranteed departure for 6 guests
3 Nights — Reflections Eco Reserve
3 Nights — Roam Private Game Reserve
Inclusions
Meet and greet on arrival into George; Airport transfers to and from George Airport; Half board accommodation at Reflections Eco Reserve; Tea, coffee and 2 glasses of wine or beer included with dinner at Reflections; Full board accommodation at ROAM private Game Reserve; Tea & coffee at ROAM; Park entrance fees; Private game drives in a 4 wheel drive vehicle while at ROAM Game Reserve; Transport in a 10 seater vehicle during transfers and while at Reflections Eco reserve; Pelagic birding excursion, guided forest birding excursions, honey tasting and sundowner excursion while at Reflections Eco Reserve; Cheetah walk at ROAM, guided birding walks/drives, sundowners and bird ringing while at ROAM Private Game Reserve; All transfers mentioned above.
7 Breakfasts; 5 Lunches; 6 Dinners – included.
All properties, services and staff strictly adhere to all Covid safety protocols throughout the tour.
Exclusions
All International flights; All meals not specified; All items of a personal nature; Extra drinks & Laundry at Reflections Eco Reserve; Drinks and Laundry at ROAM Private Game Reserve; Champagne, luxurious wines and spirits; Any additional sightseeing entrance fees; Flights to and from George airport, Gratuities to camp staff; All additional activities and excursions not specified; Gratuities for camp staff; Visas and passport (If applicable); Comprehensive Travel and Medical insurance; All other services not specified; All statutory increases beyond our control.
REFLECTIONS ECO RESERVE
Reflections Eco-Reserve is one of the biggest conservation projects on the Garden Route. They have an active land rehabilitation programme in place and the indigenous vegetation is already thriving. Each new season produces new plant highlights and furthers their goal of greater plant diversity. The aim is to remove non-native vegetation and try to restore the land, as much as possible, to a wild state. The owners have cleared 42 hectares and planted in excess of 3 500 trees. The resulting increase in birdlife has been phenomenal and guests can enjoy regular sightings of caracal, bushbuck and bushpig.
Truly eco-friendly, Reflections Eco-Reserve is powered by a wind/solar system and is 100% off-grid. They offer self-catering accommodation in either a timber eco-chalet or a luxury tent. Spacious and airy, each chalet accommodates 4 adults in two bedrooms and 2 children in an upstairs loft room. A large bathroom with bath and shower is complemented by an outside shower and an additional toilet. The outdoor shower is a perfect way to enjoy nature!
There is a large open plan kitchen with dining and sitting areas and a fireplace, which open onto an expansive wrap-around deck with views across the reserve. Each chalet has its own braai (barbecue) area.
Accommodation is all on a self-catering basis, although breakfast and dinners can be arranged, with enough notice. Breakfast is a continental platter that your hosts will deliver to your chalet and dinner is presented as a braai (barbeque).
Activities offered from camp:
Walking trail: Put on your walking shoes and enjoy an easy 3,5km trail through the rehabilitated Cape coastal fynbos on the reserve along a level path. Along the way you will be able to visit a late Stone Age site, a fascinating way to explore the history of the area. Relax, breathe in the fresh air and enjoy nature at her best! If you are a keen birder, don’t forget your binoculars!
Picnics and sundowners: Your deck is perfect for a picnic or sundowners, or you could venture out for a short walk to the Rondevlei and set up your picnic on the banks of the lake. The Garden Route is known for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, and there are many viewpoints in the reserve which will show off this spectacular display of nature to its best vantage.
Birding: There are over 250 species of birds in the Garden Route. Keep your binoculars and your bird book handy because on Reflections Eco Reserve there is a wide range of habitats including wetlands, coastal bush and fynbos which are host to many of these species. Don’t be surprised if you are awakened by the cry of fish eagles!
With its pristine forests, beautiful lakes, lagoons, rivers and waterfalls, the Garden Route is nature’s playground for outdoor and adventure lovers. Off the property there is an incredible range of activities for the whole family, from mountain biking to canoeing and paragliding.
ROAM PRIVATE GAME RESERVE
Roam Private Game Reserve is located on 5000 hectares of scrubveld in the Great Karoo, an ancient and endless semi-desert landscape covering 400 000 square kilometers in its entirety. The looming Swartberg Mountains form the backdrop to Roam, while the surrounding archetypal landscapes of flat-topped koppies, deep rock-filled valleys, dry riverbeds littered with shell fragments and blankets of acacia scrub define the endless landscape.
Roam Safari Lodge offers its visitors a touch of country luxury in the heart of the arid Karoo region.
The lodge has panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, and even has its own waterhole that attracts a plethora of game. The lodge has that classic Karoo country feel, where simplicity and comfort provide an escape from the semi-desert environment cocooning the accommodation.
Three adjoining thatched roof houses surround a massive courtyard that cascades down to the lawns, wooden decked swimming pool area and small waterhole. The main area is perfect for relaxation, and even has a secluded lounge complete with fireplace. There’s a second lounge and dining area that flows out onto the patio, where you’ll find a braai, dining table and seating area under the awning.
Activities offered from camp:
Enjoy guided bush walks, game drives, star gazing, bird watching, cheetah observation and tracking meerkat colonies. The mystery and magic of the vast and hypnotic Great Karoo awaits. Endless horizons, brazen sunsets and star-studded night skies await your arrival.