No unfortunately this bird is very rare. A highlight yes but never a guaranteed sighting. We do know where they are regularly seen and our professional Guides keep in contact with local rangers as to the birds whereabouts. The following Aves tours cover areas where the Pel's Fishing Owl are found.

Aves Highlands / Tembe Tour / Safari.

Aves KZN Tour / Safari.

Aves North East Tour / Safari.

Aves North West Tour / Safari.

Crime in South Africa tends to be largely centered in impoverished informal settlements around certain urban areas. This is true for most developing countries worldwide. Aves Tours DO NOT enter these areas. Aves birding is done in safe, secure, conserved lands, reserves, private farms and in National Parks. The safety of all Aves Client’s is paramount. Our professional guides ensure that Aves Client's do not enter areas that are not secure.

 Inoculations

Please contact your relevant travel medical doctor in your home country.

Malaria

The following Aves Tours / Safaris are in Malaria free areas: -

Aves Arid Tour / Safari.

Aves Eastern Cape Tour / Safari.

Aves Western Cape Tour / Safari.

Aves West Coast Tour / Safari.

For advice on malaria please go to the following websites –

www.travelclinic.co.za

Or

www.malaria.org.za

The African Sun

The African Sun is harsh. We recommend that you wear a wide brimmed hat and use of a good sun screen.

You will be pleasantly surprised with the traveling conditions in South Africa. Aves tours offer the best available, luxurious accommodation, fine food and wine and great hospitality. Please look on the Aves website for links to all Aves tour accommodation.

 The main focus of our tours is birding. All Aves tours take advantage of opportunities to see a wide variety of mammals, as well as Flora of the region. In the Western Cape our flora focus is on Fynbos and all other regions we focus on the trees of the region. All our South African tours offer the opportunity to see the “Big Five.” [Elephant, Lion, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino.]  

 All Aves tours offer the opportunity to see Birds of Prey. The following Aves tours cover regions with the greatest variety.

Aves Arid Tour

Aves Highland Tour

Aves KZN Tour

Aves North East Tour

Aves North West Tour

Birds are the primary interest of Aves Tours. However daily plans often allow those who so wish to take part of the day off to explore other interests, or take a more relaxed approach to birding.We usually start the days early, either with an optional pre-breakfast walk or an early breakfast, prior to leaving for more distant points. Bird watching is continuous and we rest as necessary. All activities are optional within the general framework of the tour.  

Our tours are ideal for participants who prefer a little lengthier afternoon break, and a shorter afternoon outing. Walking is limited to short walks of usually not more than a half mile, avoiding difficult terrain.

The South African summer is from September to April and the winter from May to August. Summer midday temperatures average between 15-32ºC while our winters are generally mild, with snow limited to highest peaks.

Aves scheduled tours are scheduled for the best birding in the respective regions at a certain time of the year, which generally is also the best climatic conditions for that region.

 Your Binoculars and Camera. South Africa has a wide selection of books on birds, mammals and flora. Listed below are a number of the field guides. These can be purchased from the Aves book shop.

Birds

            Mammals

            Trees/Fynbos

All Aves tours fees include all accommodation, meals, Reserve and National Park entrance fees and ground transportation during the tour, as well as all tour-based tips.

Not included in the fees: -

Travel insurance, passport costs, visas, immunizations, excess baggage charges, optional excursions, telephone calls, drinks, laundry, room service, snacks and anything of a purely personal nature.

The vehicles are driven by the tour Leader. They are the latest models, air-conditioned, spacious, comfortable and chosen for the conditions of specific tours.

 

 The prices depend on the tour selected and what type of accommodation you select. Accommodation costs vary from $65 USD for a 4 star guest house to $1,350 for an exclusive Game Lodge.