Day 1: Arrival in Mbombela - Transfer to Mount Sheba (Afromontane Forest)
Upon morning/early-afternoon arrival in Nelspruit, meet your specialist birding guide and depart in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle towards the highlands. The road winds upward through pine forests and picturesque farmland toward the historic town of Pilgrim’s Rest, then onto Mount Sheba, perched on the edge of the Drakensberg Escarpment. We arrive by mid-afternoon, allowing time to settle in amid the lush surroundings (altitude ~1,400 m) and begin birding the hotel grounds and nearby forest trails.
Afternoon Birding: The indigenous Afromontane forest at Mount Sheba is one of Mpumalanga’s premier forest birding localities. We’ll take a leisurely walk on forest trails, listening for the calls of Chorister Robin-Chat (endemic), White-starred Robin, and the haunting “kok-kok-kok” of the Narina Trogon echoing through the mossy trees. Bird activity peaks in late afternoon as temperatures cool: look for mixed feeding flocks moving through the canopy – species like Cape Batis, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher are often present. The understorey may reveal the secretive Orange Ground-Thrush, a local specialty often hopping quietly among leaf litter. As dusk approaches, keep an ear out for night birds such as the African Wood Owl or Fiery-necked Nightjar.
Enjoy a hearty dinner at the lodge’s restaurant and a relaxed evening. The forest at night comes alive with sounds – distant baboon barks, insect chirps, and perhaps the odd call of a Tree Hyrax.
Accommodation: Mount Sheba Rainforest Hotel (2 nights). The lodge is set within a private reserve, featuring cozy rooms and forest views. Check-in is typically from 14:00, but early arrival can be arranged; check-out on Day 3 is by 10:00.
Drive: ~2 hours from Nelspruit to Mount Sheba.
Habitat: Escarpment foothills; mistbelt forest.
Accommodation: Mount Sheba Rainforest Hotel (check-in ~14:00).
Day 2: Mount Sheba – Afromontane Forest Birding & Panorama Route Option
Habitats: Montane forest and grasslands; escarpment cliffs (Panorama Route).
Key Birding: Forest endemics & specials in the morning; optional highveld grassland and cliff raptors mid-day.
Activities: Full day at Mount Sheba area or include Panorama Route excursion.
A male Narina Trogon – one of the most sought-after birds in Mount Sheba’s mistbelt forest – perches quietly on a lichen-covered branch. This species’ resonant calls and vivid emerald-and-crimson plumage are a highlight of the Afromontane birding experience.
We start with coffee and rusks at dawn (a South African tradition) to be in the forest at first light (~05:30). Early morning is prime for bird activity in the cool, often misty forest. Walking slowly under towering mossy trees, we’ll seek mixed flocks and calling birds. Likely sightings include the Knysna Turaco gliding between treetops, Bar-throated Apalis and Grey Cuckooshrike among canopy flocks, and the soft whistles of Orange Ground-Thrush from the forest floor. We’ll also keep watch for Crowned Eagle circling above. Mount Sheba’s trails vary from gentle paths to moderate inclines; terrain can be damp and uneven, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
Mid-day: After a late breakfast, you have a choice: continue birding the forest and nearby grasslands or embark on the Panorama Route scenic excursion. If you stay, we’ll explore montane grassland where Wing-snapping Cisticola, Wailing Cisticola, and Southern Bald Ibis may be seen. In summer, wildflowers and butterflies abound, and there’s a small chance of encountering the endangered Blue Swallow.
Panorama Route Excursion (Optional): Depart late morning for a full-day outing to sites like God’s Window, Bourke’s Luck Potholes, and Blyde River Canyon. Birding highlights may include Cape Batis, Knysna Turaco, Swift and Swallow species, Cape Vulture, Peregrine Falcon, Jackal Buzzard, and potentially Taita Falcon. At Three Rondavels, scan for Drakensberg Prinia, Buff-streaked Chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Mocking Cliff-Chat, and White-necked Raven. Enjoy a picnic or café stop with canyon views.
Afternoon: Return to Mount Sheba by ~16:00. Relax at the lodge or go for a final forest walk. Dusk brings chances to hear Buff-spotted Flufftail, and see Woodlands Dormouse or Thick-tailed Bushbaby near the gardens. Dinner concludes a rich day of birding, likely with 100+ species on the growing trip list.
Note: We recommend doing the Panorama Route on transfer day (Day 3) if maximizing forest birding is the goal. Your guide will help tailor the schedule based on preferences and weather.
Day 3: Mount Sheba to Southern Kruger (Transfer via Escarpment to Savanna)
Drive: ~3.5–4.5 hours (with stops) from Mount Sheba to Kruger (enter at Orpen or Phabeni Gate).
Habitat: Transition from high escarpment to lowveld savanna.
Accommodation: Kruger National Park Rest Camp (e.g. Satara or Skukuza, 1st of 3 nights in Kruger).
We depart Mount Sheba after breakfast (around 08:00). If the group opted not to do the Panorama Route yesterday, we will incorporate some of it today. This makes for a longer travel day but is very rewarding. We’ll check out of the lodge by mid-morning and descend the escarpment, possibly stopping at remaining Panorama Route sights (time permitting) such as Berlin/Lisbon Falls or a quick stroll through the montane grassland at Long Tom Pass if there are target species still sought. By late morning, we leave the highlands behind, winding down into the subtropical lowveld plains. You’ll notice a dramatic change in climate and habitat: the air becomes warmer and drier, and acacia and marula trees replace the ferns and forests. En route, we pass through the town of Hazyview (or Hoedspruit if taking the Orpen Gate route) where we can have lunch and a short break. Keep your binoculars handy – even gas station stops can produce birds like Burchell’s Starling or Little Swift overhead.
Entering Kruger National Park: Aim to reach a Kruger entrance gate by early-to-mid afternoon. (Exact timing depends on our route; for example, via Orpen Gate around 13:30, or via Phabeni Gate by 14:00). After formalities at the gate (entry fees are covered in your tour), we begin our Kruger adventure! The Kruger National Park, nearly 20,000 km² of protected wilderness, is one of Africa’s greatest wildlife reserves – home to 500+ bird species and the Big Five mammals. Over the next three days we’ll explore southern Kruger, focusing on its rich birdlife amidst spectacular game viewing.
This afternoon’s drive will be a leisurely game-drive transfer to our rest camp. We’ll switch to safari mode: windows open (or pop-top roof if available) to take in the smells and sounds of the bush. From the gate to camp can be 1–2 hours’ drive, but we’ll likely take longer as we stop for sightings. In the heat of mid-afternoon, large mammals might be resting, but birds are still active. Almost immediately you’ll notice prolific birdlife: flocks of Red-billed Queleas swirling over grasslands, dazzling Lilac-breasted Rollers perched on thorn branches, and European Bee-eaters hawking insects. Watch for Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills and Burchell’s Glossy-Starlings, plus raptors like Brown Snake-Eagle and Bateleur. Waterholes could hold Egyptian Geese, Three-banded Plovers, or even a Saddle-billed Stork.
By sunset (~18:00–18:30), we must be inside our rest camp – such as Satara or Skukuza – depending on our game-drive plans. Check-in at Kruger camps is from ~14:00 (we’ll already be in the park). Settle into your air-conditioned chalet or safari tent, which includes en-suite bathroom and basic amenities. Kruger accommodation is comfortable but simple – the focus is the wild surroundings. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the camp restaurant or a catered braai under the stars. Camps are fenced but wildlife like bushbuck, vervet monkeys, or genets may visit. After dinner, take a short walk with flashlights to look for Southern Lesser Galago or listen for owls. Drift to sleep to the calls of hyenas or distant lions.
Notable Birds (Afternoon / Camp): Southern Ground Hornbill, Crested Francolin, Martial Eagle, Tawny Eagle, Diderick Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher, White-faced Scops-Owl, Water Thick-knee, and fruit bats or Bibron’s Gecko around lights. If staying at Skukuza, the Sabie River deck offers scenic evening viewing.
Day 4: Southern Kruger – Big Game and Big Birds (Satara to Skukuza)
Route: Morning in Satara area; afternoon drive south to another camp (e.g. Skukuza).
Habitat: Open savanna and acacia woodlands; riverine corridors.
Birding Focus: Savanna specialists – bustards, korhaans, raptors – and mixed bushveld birds.
We start at first light (camp gates typically open around 04:30–05:30 in these months). Early morning is prime time for both birding and mammal activity before the heat builds. After a quick coffee, we depart on a pre-breakfast game drive. If we overnighted at Satara, a famous option is the S100 loop, known as one of Kruger’s legendary game drive routes. This road traverses open marula/knobthorn savanna – ideal habitat for Kori Bustard and Northern Black Korhaan. We’ll keep eyes peeled for these plus the elegant Secretarybird striding through the grass. Red-crested Korhaans are common here too, often only detected when they burst into their comical “dive-bombing” display flight. Raptors are abundant: we could spot Martial Eagle, Bateleur, or Gabar Goshawk. Savannah songbirds include Sabota Lark, Blue Waxbill, and Red-billed Firefinch.
We pause at a picnic site or waterhole for a packed breakfast. While we enjoy coffee and cereal, we’ll watch for birds and other wildlife. After breakfast, we continue our drive south, passing through mixed woodland and thorn thickets. This variety yields Grey-headed Bushshrike, Black-crowned Tchagra, and White-crested Helmetshrikes. Look out for vultures circling overhead – White-backed, Hooded, and the imposing Lappet-faced Vulture may all be seen, especially near carcasses that attract dramatic feeding frenzies involving Marabou Storks.
By midday or early afternoon, we reach Skukuza Rest Camp, the park’s largest. After check-in (~14:00), we’ll take a break during the heat of the day. Skukuza lies on the Sabie River and is a great birding spot in its own right. After lunch or a siesta, we’ll enjoy a bird walk around camp. Riverine trees here host Purple-crested Turaco, Brown-headed Parrot, and African Green Pigeon. In the camp gardens, look for Bearded Scrub-Robin, Scarlet-chested Sunbird, and Wahlberg’s Epauletted Fruit Bats roosting under thatch. Thick-tailed Bushbaby is a known dusk visitor, and the Square-tailed Nightjar is often heard after dark.
Before sunset, we’ll take a short game drive near Skukuza. A recommended stop is the Lake Panic Bird Hide, set on a tranquil dam. Here, we may see Malachite and Pied Kingfishers, Black Crake, African Jacana, and possibly Goliath Heron or Greater Painted-snipe. This is also a good area for photography, with late-afternoon light and active birdlife. Occasionally, even Leopard is spotted nearby.
We return to camp by gate closing and enjoy dinner – possibly a traditional braai under the stars. As night falls, we’ll listen for Fiery-necked Nightjar or a distant leopard call. Expect the species list to pass 200+ today, with a blend of forest and savanna birds. Plans for tomorrow’s full Kruger day will be discussed this evening.
Notable Birds Today: Southern Ground Hornbill, Ostrich (near Satara), Black-bellied Bustard, Golden-breasted Bunting, Yellow-throated Petronia, European Roller, Lilac-breasted Roller, and rare chances at Thick-billed Cuckoo. Resident raptors and summer visitors like Woodland Kingfisher and Red-backed Shrike round out the day’s diversity. Large mammals including elephants, giraffes, and possibly rhino or lion add to the excitement.
Day 5: Southern Kruger – Exploring Riverine and Bushveld Habitats (Skukuza Region)
Route: Skukuza area loops (e.g. Sabie River Road, Pretoriuskop excursion, or Lower Sabie round-trip).
Habitat: Riverine forest, mixed sourveld bushland, and seasonal pans.
Birding Focus: Maximum diversity – waterbirds, woodland birds, migrant songbirds.
Activities: Morning and afternoon game drives; optional mid-day break or guided walk.
Our second full day in Kruger allows flexibility to target any missing specialties and to enjoy the southern region’s variety. After another early start out of camp, we might begin with a short walking trail inside Skukuza camp before the gates open. The camp’s old trees host seven species of flycatchers (from tiny Grey Tit-Flycatcher to the graceful African Paradise-Flycatcher) and when flowering, the Sycamore Fig trees attract Purple-crested Turaco, African Green Pigeon, and Brown-headed Parrot.
For the morning drive, one option is to head eastward along the Sabie River toward Lower Sabie. The Sabie River Road (H4-1) is famous for both birds and big game. We’ll stop at viewpoints along the river to scan for Goliath Heron, Saddle-billed Stork, and Nile Crocodile. Riverine forests here hold Black-collared Barbet, Terrestrial Brownbul, and Trumpeter Hornbill, while reedbeds may yield Red-faced Cisticola and White-fronted Bee-eater colonies. African Fish Eagles call overhead, and we’ll scan for early morning raptors like Martial or African Hawk-Eagle.
We reach Lower Sabie by late morning to enjoy brunch on the camp deck overlooking the dam. It’s a great place to spot Giant Kingfisher, Hamerkop, and various swallows and swifts. After a rest, we may return via Doispane Road or head west toward Pretoriuskop if certain species are still being sought. Pretoriuskop’s higher elevation and sourveld grassland support birds like Dark Chanting Goshawk, Lazy Cisticola, Crowned Hornbill, and possibly even Sable Antelope. A stop at Shabeni Granite Koppie may provide Lizard Buzzard, Brown-crowned Tchagra, and Gorgeous Bushshrike.
During the midday heat (13:00–15:00), we’ll rest at Skukuza – with options to nap, swim, or bird around camp. Optional activities include a SANParks-guided walk or a visit to the camp’s museum and nursery, where sunbirds are often active.
For our final Kruger afternoon, we might explore the Mlaleni/Doispane Road (S1) toward Phabeni Gate. This productive stretch yields Carmine Bee-eaters, Yellow-billed Kites, and mixed seedeater flocks including Green-winged Pytilia, Blue Waxbill, and Jameson’s Firefinch. We’ll check waterholes for African Jacana and Egyptian Goose, and scan known spots for Southern Ground Hornbill. Toward dusk, we may find Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl or Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark.
Our last night in Kruger includes a celebratory dinner and the option of a SANParks night drive (typically 20:00–22:00). These drives offer chances for civets, genets, porcupines, and African wild cat, plus night birds such as Square-tailed Nightjar, Pennant-winged Nightjar (summer), and owls like Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl and African Scops-Owl. Those staying at camp may enjoy stargazing under pristine skies. Our bird list by now could exceed 250 species, reflecting the region’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Day 6: Kruger to Sabi Sand Private Reserve (Umkumbe Lodge)
Drive: ~2 hours from Skukuza to Umkumbe Safari Lodge (exit Kruger at Paul Kruger Gate).
Habitat: Lowveld riverine bushveld in a private reserve (Sabie Game Reserve, part of Sabi Sands).
Accommodation: Umkumbe Safari Lodge, Sabie Game Reserve (Night 1 of 3).
This morning offers one last Kruger game drive. We’ll depart Skukuza at gate opening time for a farewell drive west toward Paul Kruger Gate. Perhaps we’ll follow the Sabie River once more to check off any missed species – maybe even try for the elusive Pel’s Fishing Owl if reports are promising. More likely, we’ll soak in final sightings: elephants at sunrise or a troop of Chacma baboons warming in the early sun. Around 08:00–09:00, we exit Kruger at Paul Kruger Gate, concluding our time in the national park.
After exiting, it’s a short drive on the R536 toward Hazyview, then onto gravel into the Sabi reserve. We arrive at Umkumbe Safari Lodge around 11:00. Overlooking the Sand River in the southern Sabi Sands, the lodge offers fantastic wildlife viewing right from the deck. After check-in and lunch (~13:00), enjoy time to relax – look for impala, waterbuck, or elephants at the river. Around the lodge, common birds include Arrow-marked Babbler, Grey Go-away-bird, and Pied Kingfisher.
Afternoon Game Drive (Sabi Sands): At 15:30, we meet our ranger and tracker for a private game drive. Open 4x4 vehicles and off-road access make this reserve a top safari experience. While mammals – especially leopard – are a highlight, our team understands our birding interest. We’ll drive through riverine thickets, clay pans, and knobthorn veld. Look for Southern White-crowned Shrike, Purple Roller, Marico Sunbird, and perhaps Pearl-spotted Owlet. At sunset, we stop for sundowners, then continue with a spotlight to search for nocturnal life: Fiery-necked Nightjar, African Civet, Large-spotted Genet, Scops Owl, and more.
Return to Umkumbe by ~19:00 for a delicious outdoor dinner (weather permitting). Dining is often beside a fire under the stars. Enjoy calls of hyenas, sightings of Thick-tailed Bushbaby, and stories of the bush. The lodge offers comfortable chalets; fall asleep to the sounds of the Sabie River – perhaps a Scops Owl trill or distant lions.
Bird & Wildlife Notes: Sabi Sands has high predator densities, especially leopards. Birds largely overlap with Kruger but include nuances like Bushveld Pipit, Burnt-necked Eremomela, and Orange-breasted Bushshrike. Off-road access improves photo opportunities – from Ground Hornbills to Lilac-breasted Rollers. Waterbirds include Hadeda Ibis, Black-winged Stilt, and with luck, African Finfoot. At night, expect insect and frog choruses – the immersive soundtrack of summer bushveld.
Day 7: Sabi Sands (Umkumbe Lodge) – Private Reserve Birding & Big Game
Schedule: Morning and Evening Game Drives, with mid-day break. Optional bush walk.
Habitat: Lowveld combretum woodland, riverine forest, and open clearings.
Birding Highlights: Savanna residents + summer migrants; night birds and raptors.
Wildlife: Intimate encounters with game (Big Five and more). Photographic opportunities abound.
At Umkumbe, the day begins with a 05:00 wake-up and tea or coffee, followed by a 05:30 departure for the morning game drive. The open vehicles and off-road tracking make every drive an adventure. If fresh lion or wild dog tracks are found, the ranger may pursue them – and while mammals are a focus, birds are always on our radar. Early morning sightings may include Brown Snake-Eagle, Martial Eagle, and Bateleur, with calls of Grey-headed and Orange-breasted Bushshrikes from the thickets. Crested Guineafowl, Southern Ground Hornbill, Carmine Bee-eater, and Grey-headed Kingfisher are possible highlights. With luck, we may even spot a roosting Pennant-winged Nightjar.
We stop mid-morning for coffee and snacks in the bush. Keep an ear out for Cuckoo Hawk or chattering Puffbacks. Afterward, we return to the lodge by ~09:30–10:00 for breakfast.
Mid-day Leisure: The lodge offers a pool and shaded river deck for relaxing. Birding continues with Marico Sunbird, Brubru, Chinspot Batis, or Green-backed Camaroptera. Optional guided bush walks reveal tracks, nesting weavers, or the call of Black Cuckooshrike. Walks are easy-paced and about 1–1.5 hours long.
After lunch and siesta, we reconvene at 15:30 for the afternoon drive. This session may explore lush riparian forest in the south. Look and listen for African Green Pigeon, White-crowned Lapwing, and the iconic Woodland Kingfisher. With sharp eyes and local knowledge, we might locate Bearded Woodpecker, African Barred Owlet, or Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. At dusk, Fork-tailed Drongos or Helmeted Guineafowl alarm calls may help us locate a prowling leopard. Nocturnal targets include Spotted Eagle-Owl, Fiery-necked Nightjar, and – if lucky – Bronze-winged Courser.
Return to the lodge by ~19:00 for dinner under the stars. It’s our final safari night – a time to celebrate the journey and reflect on highlights, from the forests of Mount Sheba to the Kruger savannas and the intimate Sabi bushveld. We’ll review our checklist, now likely bursting past 250 species. Tonight, perhaps a Scops Owl or distant lion call will serenade us into restful sleep.
Day 8: Sabi Sands (Umkumbe Lodge) – Final Safari Day
Schedule: Last full day of morning & afternoon drives in Sabi Sands.
Focus: Target any remaining species or mammals; enjoy photography and the overall experience.
Pace: Relaxed, with flexibility – this day can be tailored (e.g. longer drive or time in a hide).
On our final full day, we have the freedom to shape the schedule to our interests. If our bird list is missing a few tricky species, we can dedicate time to find them – perhaps Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, Senegal Lapwing, or Temminck’s Courser on open grassland. Alternatively, we might focus on photography – revisiting a waterhole or staking out a flowering tree for sunbirds.
Morning Drive: We may visit a neighboring property for new terrain – open savanna or marshy zones to search for species like Coqui Francolin, African Crake, or Black Coucal (in wet years). Summer may bring nomads like Locustfinch or Quailfinch. The guide and tracker will follow up on any rare sightings. We may extend this drive and enjoy a special bush brunch, dining al fresco with bird calls all around.
Midday: Back at camp, time to relax, pack, or visit the lodge hide if available. The waterhole may draw Blue Waxbill, Green Pigeon, Amethyst Sunbird, or Yellow-throated Petronia. Nyala or Warthogs often appear here too.
Afternoon Drive: One last game drive to enjoy every moment. We might track African Wild Dogs, or spend golden hour near a waterhole. Expect birds like Yellow-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Grey Heron, Jacanas, and perhaps Hippos becoming active. Our final sundowner marks the trip’s close, followed by spotlighting for Wild Cat, Bushbaby, or Pennant-winged Nightjar.
After returning to camp, a festive farewell dinner is served. Staff may sing or dance in celebration. We’ll share highlights, complete the checklist, and reflect on the birds and memories made. Sleep one final night to the soundtrack of the wild – a Scops Owl trill or the echo of hyenas calling through the dark.
Day 9: Sabi Sands to Nelspruit – Departure
Drive: ~2.5 hours to Nelspruit (Mbombela), depending on drop-off location and stops.
Morning: Final game drive or bush walk (time permitting), then depart lodge by late morning.
Tour Ends: Early afternoon in Nelspruit (or at KMIA airport, depending on your plans).
On our last morning, we have the option of a short game drive at dawn or a relaxed breakfast at camp, depending on your departure timing. If time allows, we’ll definitely do one more early outing – perhaps catching a final glimpse of a Cheetah or Denham’s Bustard. Those staying behind may enjoy sunrise from the deck with coffee, surrounded by the morning chorus: Orange-breasted Bushshrikes duetting, Laughing Doves cooing, and maybe the distant call of hyenas.
We say farewell to the Umkumbe team and check out around 10:30. The drive to Nelspruit takes us through scenic lowveld farmland and rural villages. We might make one or two birding stops en route – even roadside sightings can include Wire-tailed Swallow or Lesser Kestrel.
By early afternoon, we reach Nelspruit or KMIA airport, where the tour concludes. Your guide will assist with airport drop-off or transfers. It’s the end of an incredible journey: from Afromontane forests with Chorister Robin-Chats to bushveld sunsets with Fiery-necked Nightjars.
We provide a comprehensive trip report including your full bird and mammal checklist. Don’t hesitate to reach out post-trip for photo IDs or to share your highlights. This itinerary offers a stunning snapshot of South Africa’s birdlife and biodiversity – we hope it’s sparked lasting memories and perhaps the start of more birding safaris to come!