This was a two day Aves Birding Tour / Safari and Aperture Wild Photographic and Viewing tour to the Little Karoo and Overberg regions of Western South Africa and what a fantastic tour it was. We enjoyed some memorable encounters with wildlife, including the Plains Zebra, Oryx [Gemsbok], Springbok in the huge, 540 square kilometer, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, which is home to the “Big Five”[Lion Elephant, Buffalo, Leopard and Rhino]. This spectacular reserve is home to a pride of white lion, San rock art, magnificent rock formations dating back more than 350 million years, the critically endangered riverine Rabbit [Less than 300 worldwide] and most of the Karoo and Western Cape endemic bird species. The reserve has five unique vegetation zones, home to Southern African endemic bird species such as the striking Jackal Buzzard, Karoo Korhaan, Fairy Flycatcher and the Cinnamon–breasted Warbler. Add to this all the chameleons, geckos, lizards and insects, and you have the makings of a very special natural history experience.

The lodges are as good as or better than anywhere in the world. The passion and knowledge, of our ranger was exceptional, with regard to birds, mammals, and reptiles, fossils and the amazing rock art. This greatly enhanced our tour and I cannot wait to return.

On leaving the reserve we traveled through the spectacular Tradoux pass between Barrydale and Swellendam and into the Overberg to see many Blue Crane [The South African National Bird] with young, Lanner Falcon, Karoo Korhaan, Bokmakiere and a large number of different species.

This part of South Africa is truly a remarkable region with an assemblage of plants and wildlife that is nothing short of astonishing. The gravel road to the old pont at Malgas, was alive with a wide variety of bird species. We crossed on the pont and birded the south western banks of the lower Breede River around Mudlark Lodge, getting good photographs of Southern Tchagra, Africa Spoonbill, Little Egret, Bokmakierie and Barn Owl.

While a tour report tells something of what we saw and heard, it only tells part of the story and can never really convey the wonderful overall sights, sounds and the delightful people of this region.

It is always a privilege to explore this region, especially in the company of such a wonderful group. Thank you one and all.