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KwaZulu-Natal Bird Photography Expedition 2027

Seven days through the forests, wetlands and coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, from Benvie Gardens to Cape Vidal, built around bird photography.

Duration
7 days, 6 nights
Group size
3 guests at most
Starts and ends
Centurion
Price per person
R22,000
Palm-nut Vulture taking off from a sandbank near Mtunzini, wings spread, with breaking waves behind

2027 departures

Each departure runs once all three seats are booked. A 50% deposit holds your seat, with the balance due 60 days before departure.

About the expedition

Experience some of South Africa’s premier birding destinations on a carefully planned seven-day, six-night bird photography expedition through the diverse habitats of KwaZulu-Natal.

From indigenous forests and coastal woodlands to estuaries, wetlands and grasslands, the route is designed to maximise our time in productive birding areas, with real opportunities to photograph some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most sought-after species.

The itinerary includes an extra night near Benvie Gardens and an extra night in St Lucia. That means less time rushing between destinations and more time in the field photographing birds.

This is not simply a birding trip. Everything is planned around photography, so you can work on your images in real field conditions, and head home with photographs you’re proud of as well as memorable sightings.

The route

From Centurion, through six birding areas of KwaZulu-Natal, and back.

  1. Benvie Gardens 2 nights

    Our journey begins around Benvie Gardens, an important stop for forest and woodland species. The extra night gives us room to work around weather, bird activity and light rather than leaving after a single morning.

    Target species Orange Ground Thrush, Crowned Eagle, Red-backed Mannikin, Knysna Turaco, Mountain Wagtail, Chorister Robin-Chat

    Orange Ground Thrush foraging among leaves on the forest floor at Benvie Gardens
    Orange Ground ThrushBenvie Gardens

  2. Mtunzini 2 nights

    Coastal forest, wetlands and the surrounding habitats hold a range of specialist species.

    Target species African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, Mangrove Kingfisher, Palm-nut Vulture, Green Twinspot, Grey Sunbird, Southern Banded Snake Eagle

    A quiet river at dusk near Mtunzini, framed by dark coastal forest
    Mtunzini

  3. Dlinza Forest

    Dense indigenous forest and a completely different photographic environment, with several forest specialists.

    Target species Grey Cuckooshrike, Spotted Ground Thrush, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Narina Trogon

    A wooden boardwalk leading into the tall indigenous trees of Dlinza Forest
    Dlinza Forest

  4. Ongoye Forest

    A unique forest with distinctive birdlife. Our key target here is the Green Barbet.

    Target species Green Barbet

    A narrow road winding through dense indigenous trees in Ongoye Forest
    Ongoye Forest

  5. St Lucia 2 nights

    Coastal forest, wetlands, grasslands and estuaries. The extra night gives us more time for some of the area’s more challenging species.

    Target species Spotted Ground Thrush, Brown Scrub-Robin, Woodward’s Batis, Green Malkoha, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Rudd’s Apalis, Crested Guineafowl, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mangrove Kingfisher, African Finfoot, Neergaard’s Sunbird

    Lake St Lucia below forested hills, under a clear blue sky
    Lake St Lucia

  6. Cape Vidal

    Coastal habitats, wetlands and surrounding vegetation.

    Target species African Pygmy Goose, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Pink-throated Twinspot, Rosy-throated Longclaw, Sunbirds

    African Pygmy Goose swimming between water lilies near Cape Vidal
    African Pygmy GooseNear Cape Vidal

Targets are species we’ll look for in each area. We can’t promise every bird, and the order can change with weather, access and bird activity.

Photography coaching in the field

This is not simply a birding trip. Christo works with each guest in real field conditions, so you head home with sightings you’ll remember and photographs you’re proud of.

  • Camera settings and exposure
  • Autofocus techniques
  • Choosing shutter speed and aperture
  • Composition
  • Working with difficult light
  • Birds in flight
  • Behavioural photography
  • Positioning in the field
  • Making the most of different habitats

What’s included

  • 6 nights’ accommodation in guest houses
  • Breakfast every day
  • Transport from and back to Centurion
  • Fuel and toll fees
  • Park and conservation entrance fees
  • Daily birding with your photo host
  • Photography coaching in the field
  • Morning coffee and rusks

Breakfast is included every day. Lunch, dinner and snacks can be arranged with the guest houses we stay at, so you can choose what suits you and any dietary needs.

Not included

  • Lunches and dinners, unless arranged with the guest houses
  • Additional snacks and refreshments
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Camera equipment

Who it’s for

  • Bird photographers
  • Wildlife photographers
  • Birders who want to improve their photography
  • Beginners interested in bird photography
  • Experienced photographers looking for new species

You don’t need to be an expert photographer or birder. The focus is on enjoying the experience, finding birds and improving your photography along the way.

Good to know

This expedition is designed for photographers and birders who are comfortable spending long periods in the field. Bird photography means early mornings, changing weather and long waits for the right moment. Sightings and photographs can’t be guaranteed, because we’re working with wild birds in their natural environment, and the itinerary may change with the weather, bird activity and access.

How last year’s expedition went

Join the KwaZulu-Natal Bird Photography Expedition

Send an enquiry for the departure that suits you, or ask any questions first. Christo replies personally.

Send an enquiry WhatsApp Christo