Our itinerary has been designed to offer a unique opportunity to see virtually all non-Madagascar endemic birds of the western Indian Ocean Islands - the Comoros; including Mayotte, the Mascarenes and the Seychelles. The Mascarenes Isles consist of Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues and are perhaps most famous for their extinct birds - Dodo and Solitaire. However, due to ongoing conservation efforts we have the privilege of seeing the special birds that have escaped a similar fate.
The Comoros, Mascarenes and Seychelles Islands offer a total of more than 50 bird endemics, plus impressive seabird spectacles, spectacular landscapes, unique plants and varied cultures, offering ample for both the world lister and more generalist birders. This trip has a strong focus on watching birds, but there are opportunities too for some mammal watching and very good chances for photography. We will also take a few pelagic/seabird trips.
The tour runs conveniently back-to-back with our Remote Madagascar Tour, allowing you to make the most of being in the region already by extending your birding holiday.
Email us about availability: email info@birdingafrica.com
Featured
Leader: Michael Mills
Michael Mills grew up "in the bush" in the Kalahari and Kruger National Parks where his parents were carnivore researchers. His incredible focus, dedication and ability to locate and show people Africa's toughest birds is probably unequalled on the continent.
Michael has led dozens of tours in Southern, East, Central, West and North Africa and his experience in locating birds on just the softest of calls or briefest of views impresses those who have travelled with him.
There is seldom a tour where Michael doesn't make an interesting discovery such as finding a new species for a country or record an undescribed bird call (and he has published these in the scientific literature).
Not only is Michael one of our principal leaders, but he also helps extensively with scouting and planning our most challenging itineraries.
For keen birders and mammal enthusiasts. Designed
to focus on birds, but while on the walks
we may also look for other aspects of wildlife.
We can also customise any itinerary to suit to the keen birder,
the wildlife enthusiast or both.
Photography
Many participants on our trips are amateur wildlife photographers.
And when we get excellent views of a bird or mammal, some time
is usually spent watching and photographing it. However, this
is not a photographic tour and once the majority of the people
have felt that they have absorbed the animal or bird to their
satisfaction, then we move on in search of the next encounter.
Thus, while the photographic opportunities are very good, the
group will only occasionally wait for somebody who wants to
spend even longer getting better photos.
Fitness
A moderate level of fitness is required.
Timing
Various times. Please enquire.
Climate
Warm to hot.
Comfort
A good standard of accommodation in guest houses, lodges and
small hotels.
Transport
A combination of local air travel, minibus and/or four wheel drive vehicle.
Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.
About Birding Africa
Birding Africa is a specialist birding tour
company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed
holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies,
botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's
and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides'
knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength
and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations
with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home
continent. We've even written two acclaimed guide
books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best
birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and
we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled
with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997,
we've run bird watching tours
in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders,
small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've
run Conservation Tours
in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult
for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC
Natural History Unit.