SOUTH AFRICA OVERVIEW

With a population of 58 million, spread across a broad spectrum of vibrant cultures and traditional languages, South Africa has rightfully and affectionally referred to as the ‘rainbow nation’.

Likewise, with close on 200 mammals, including the dangerous ‘Big Five’ – elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion and leopard –  and over 850 bird species, including two very distinctive bird families endemic to South Africa, the rockjumpers (Chaetopidae) and the sugarbirds (Promeropidae), combined with our cultural heritage, diverse scenery, and beautiful beaches means there is something for everyone across the spectrum of interests.

Birds and mammals, to a certain extent, are habitat specific regarding their biological requirements and, in this respect, their needs are well served within a spectrum of 8 distinctive habitat types. These range in composition from cool evergreen forest on the east coast to the hot and dry desert conditions in the west of the country.

Collectively, these terrestrial micro-climates, together with the nutrient rich convergence zone of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, are home to wide variety of mammal and bird species, including an impressive line- up of albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels and cetaceans off the Cape of Good Hope.

Birding routes and wildlife safaris, as well as photographic tours are tailored to enquiries received focussing on combining diverse habitats together to generate as many wildlife and / or bird sightings as possible, within whatever the specified time frame, with the austral spring and summer months the best time for birding and mammal sightings on safari in South Africa.

Avian Leisure focusses on travellers with a birding and wildlife interest in particular, but as our tours are all private customized tours, we can ensure your itinerary covers your individual interests no matter how unique they may be.

CONTACT US

Patrick and Marie-Louise Cardwell
PO Box 74, Simons Town 7995 South Africa
Ph/Fax: +27 21 786 1414
Mobile: +27 83 272 2455
Skype: mlcardwell
Email: enquiries@avianleisure.com