Rockjumper 2013 Brochure by Grant Day

2 0 1 3

Wo rl dw ide B irding A dventures

T o u r

Worldwide Photographic Expeditions

B r o c h u r e

Our

1y5ear!

Front cover: White-necked Rockfowl photographed at Bonkro community forest, Ghana by Adam Riley

King Penguin on South Georgia by Marius Coetzee

We offer professional tour leaders, small groups, solid value for money and a long-established reputation

Rockjumper

Wo r l d w i d e Bi rd i ng A d ventures

PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa • Telephone: +27 333 940 225 • USA & Canada toll free: 1-888-990-5552 • Fax: +27 880 333 0940 225 • Skype: Rockjumperbt • Facebook: Rockjumper – Worldwide Birding Adventures • Blog: www.rockjumperbirding.blogspot.com • Email: info@rockjumperbirding.com • Website: www.rockjumperbirding.com

Worldwide Photographic Expeditions 4 Sunbird Circle, Kommetjie, Cape Town, 7975, South Africa • Telephone: +27 217 834 380 • USA & Canada toll free: 1-888-990-5552 • Fax: +27 21 783 4380 • Facebook: Indri Ultimate Wildlife Tours • Email: info@indritours.com • Website: www.indritours.com

PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa • Telephone: +27 333 940 225 • USA & Canada toll free: 1-888-990-5552 • Fax: +27 880 333 0940 225 • Facebook: Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions • Email: info@oryxphotography.com • Website: www.oryxphotography.com

PO Box 13972, Cascades, 3202, South Africa • Telephone: +27 33 394 0225 • USA & Canada toll free: 1-888-990-5552 • Fax : +27 88 033 394 0225 • Facebook: Tau Anthropological Safaris • Email: info@tauanthro.com • Website: www. tauanthropologicalsafaris.com

WELCOME Dear Friends of Rockjumper, Indri, Oryx & Tau Welcome to our 2013 brochure. We are thrilled to be in our 15th year of arranging and leading professional birding and wildlife tours throughout our glorious planet. Over the past decade and a half we have introduced thousands of birders, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers to the world’s most productive wildlife destinations. In the process, we have shared countless thrilling sightings, including many a life-changing experience and fantastic memories that will remain with our participants for the rest of their lives. The past 15 years have certainly been a sensational journey of discovery and we would like to thank our loyal supporters who have backed us as we have grown from very modest beginnings to where we are now, one of the most highly regarded ecotourism companies in the world. Our 2013 brochure offers you 200 carefully designed set-departure birding, wildlife, photographic and anthropological tours. These tours span 70 nations across the globe, all chosen for their outstanding natural and cultural highlights. Many of our standard tours have remained unchanged over the years as they have proven to deliver the very best of their respective destinations. However, others have been altered as new sites have been discovered, and we are constantly on the alert to improve every aspect of our tours to ensure the best experience for our clients. This year we have introduced a variety of exciting new tours, many of them at the forefront of the market. These include Rockjumper’s Colombia 1,000 Birds Mega tour where our participants can expect over 1,000 species in less than a month; Indri’s Best of Indonesian Wildlife tour, visiting the very richest and most diverse wildlife sites across this under-explored chain of islands and Oryx’s Zambia – Ultimate Predators & Fruit Bat Migration photo adventure, expertly tutored by two of the world’s top photographic leaders, Christopher Dodds and Greg du Toit. We are also excited to introduce our newest specialist sister company, Tau Anthropological Safaris. Additional details of Tau’s unique tours are presented in this brochure.

Lion in Ngorongoro Crater by Elliott Neep

We look forward to sharing further adventures with you in 2013. If you have not yet had the pleasure of traveling with us, we do hope you decide to join our family, we guarantee you the ultimate tour experience! The Rockjumper, Indri, Oryx & Tau Team As part of our commitment to reducing our environmental impact, this brochure has been printed on Triple Green paper. This paper is made primarily from sugar cane fiber, using a bleaching process that is elemental chlorine-free. All wood fiber used in production is sourced from sustainable and internationally certified sources.

CONTENTS Rockjumper in a Nutshell Indri Ultimate Wildlife Tours Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions Tau Anthropological Safaris 2013 Tour Calendar Our Team Custom Tours AFRICA & THE MIDDLE EAST South Africa & Zimbabwe Namibia, Botswana & Zambia Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda Ethiopia & Uganda Angola, São Tomé & Príncipe, Gabon & Central African Republic Cameroon & Ghana Madagascar Morocco, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Jordan & Turkey EUROPE & ASIA Bulgaria, Ukraine, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Spitsbergen & Spain China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan & Russia India & Sri Lanka Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam & Cambodia Thailand & Malaysia Indonesia, The Philippines & Japan THE AMERICAS Argentina, Chile, Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica Brazil & Guyana Ecuador, Peru & Colombia Panama, Costa Rica & Guatemala Cuba, Dominican Republic & Jamaica United States of America, Canada & Mexico AUSTRALASIA Papua New Guinea & the Western Pacific Odyssey Australia, New Zealand & SubAntarctic Islands GLOBAL CRUISES Cruises

04 05 06 07 08 10 12

Canada Pg 56, 62

14 17 19 22 24 26 28 30

United States of America Pg 56

32 36 38 40 42 44

Mexico

Cuba

Pg 56

Dominican Republic Pg 54

Pg 54

Guatemala

Jamaica

Pg 52

Pg 54

Guyana Pg 48

Costa Rica

46 48 50 52 54 56

Pg 52

Panama

Colombia Pg 50

Pg 52

Ecuador Pg 50

Peru Pg 50

Brazil Pg 48

58 60 62

Rockjumper Birding Tours

Chile Pg 46

Indri Ultimate Wildlife Tours

Argentina Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions

Pg 46

Falkland Islands Tau Anthropological Safaris

Pg 46, 62

South Georgia Pg 46, 62

Antarctica Pg 46, 62

Spitsbergen Pg 32, 62

Sweden Pg 32

Pg 36, 62

Pg 32

Ukraine

Bulgaria

Kazakhstan

Pg 32

Spain

Pg 36

Turkey

Pg 32

Morocco

Russia

Finland

Denmark

Pg 30

Japan

Bhutan

Jordan Pg 30

Pg 44

Pg 40

Uzbekistan Pg 36

China Pg 36

India Pg 38

United Arab Emirates

Central African Republic

Pg 30

Oman

Pg 24

Gabon Pg 24

The Philippines Pg 44

Vietnam Pg 40

Malaysia Sri Lanka

Pg 42

Papua New Guinea Pg 58

Pg 38

Pg 19

Pg 26

São Tomé & Príncipe Pg 24

Pg 22

Cameroon

Solomon Islands Pg 58, 62

Indonesia Pg 44

Rwanda

Pg 19

Thailand

Uganda Kenya

Tanzania

Pg 40

Pg 42

Pg 22

Pg 26

Cambodia

Pg 40

Pg 30

Ethiopia

Ghana

Myanmar

Pg 19

Angola Pg 24

Zambia Pg 17

Madagascar Pg 28

Namibia Pg 17

Australia Pg 60

Botswana Pg 17

South Africa Pg 14

Zimbabwe Pg 14

New Caledonia Pg 58, 62

New Zealand Pg 60, 62

ROCKJUMPER IN A NUTSHELL Our tour leaders are all passionate birders and accomplished tour coordinators who derive great pleasure from sharing their birding experiences with others. Most of our tours are guided by full time Rockjumper leaders, often with the backup of the most experienced local birders across the globe. Whilst we guarantee that our leaders have superb birding skills, we also appreciate that they need to be personable, professional, friendly, attentive and dedicated to delivering a rewarding, educational, safe and enjoyable birding experience! Our office team is based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and is highly skilled at orchestrating the complex arrangements that efficient and organized traveling requires. Questions are gladly answered in a friendly and comprehensive manner, and you will find that booking with us is nothing but a pleasure. We do our utmost to ensure that all your requests and requirements are met; whether before, during or after your tour with us. Our leader to guest ratio is one of the best in the birding tour industry and most of our tours have a maximum of eight participants, giving our guests a very personalized tour experience. For some destinations we provide two leaders with an absolute maximum of 12 participants. The only exception to this is cruises where larger groups are unavoidable. Our tour costs and booking conditions represent excellent value for money and are very reasonable. Although we are not always the least expensive in the market, it is important to compare exactly what you are getting when dealing with low cost or local operators. In particular, the services of a professional tour leader can make or break your vacation, especially in remote countries where traveling provides additional challenges. Due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, we quote our tours in 4 currencies. The tour price is however fixed only in the currency printed in bold, and the actual cost in the other currencies listed will be adjusted according to prevailing exchange rates at the time of final invoicing. Approximate domestic flight (where applicable) and single supplement rates

(ss) have been converted to US$ for the purpose of this brochure but are also subject to exchange rate movements. Please note that even though domestic flight costs have been quoted separately, the Rockjumper office will still book these flights for you at no extra charge. We accept payment by credit card, wire transfer, PayPal and check in all major currencies. Please note that although we will adhere to the tour dates, leaders and prices listed in this brochure as closely as possible, they are subject to change. Our scheduled tours are generally designed for the keen birder, although the pace varies from tour to tour. For example, our Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game tour is a relaxed birding journey with time dedicated to exploring the tapestry of spectacular wildflowers that grace the Cape region of South Africa. On the other hand, our Kenya Mega Birding tour is a more intense adventure suited to hardcore birders looking to increase their life lists. Between these extremes fall the balance of our tours, which are designed to maximize the birding experience without feeling rushed. We also include the salient highlights of every region we visit, be it the Taj Mahal and Tigers in India or Jaguars and Giant Otters in Brazil. Our loyalty program offers a 10% discount (limited to US$600) on every 5th full (14-day or longer) tour booked directly with Rockjumper. We also give a $300 discount to anyone who signs up for two back-to-back full Rockjumper tours. This is designed Bluethroat by Ignacio Yufera to assist guests who wish to travel for longer periods and make the most of expensive flights to distant parts of the world. We also offer a US$400 referral discount to any of our loyal guests who refer someone who has not yet traveled with us before, provided the referred person signs up for one of our scheduled departures. (For full terms and conditions, please see our website.) Our conservation initiative includes activities undertaken by the Rockjumper Birding Conservation Fund. A proportion of the fees from each tour sign-up are used solely to conserve the birds that give our lives so much fulfillment and joy.

“Our tours aim to deliver the holiday of your dreams while visiting some of the planet’s most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich destinations.” The idea for a wildlife focused tour company first came to mind seven years ago whilst trekking for Giant Panda in the remote Tien Shan Mountains of China. Indri - Ultimate Wildlife Tours has since blossomed into a highly successful tour company with a suite of tours that showcase much of the iconic wildlife gracing our planet. With Indri you can be enthralled by authentic wildlife experiences, including being serenaded by Indris in Madagascar, tracking Black Rhino on foot in Africa, searching for Tigers, Snow Leopards and One-horned Rhinoceros in the thriving parks of India, or enjoying a bounty of cetaceans and Polar Bears in the icy reaches of Spitsbergen.

Great White Shark by Chris Fallows

Our tours aim to deliver the holiday of your dreams while visiting some of the planet’s most remote, beautiful and wildlife rich destinations. Our passion for nature, strong commitment to conservation, wealth of knowledge and service excellence has led to our proven track record in both scheduled departures and privately customized tours.

East Africa’s Great Wildebeest migration by Elliott Neep

www.indritours.com

Gelada by Adam Riley

Worldwide Photographic Expeditions

“We offer a variety of photographic safaris, suitable for both amateur and professional photographers, either as set departure expeditions, or as customized tours to fit your particular photographic needs or travel desires.” Founded in 2010 in response to the rapidly growing passion for photography amongst naturalists, Oryx prides itself on crafting unique and specialized wildlife photographic expeditions to some of the world’s wildest and most photogenic destinations. We offer a variety of photographic safaris, suitable for both amateur and professional photographers, either as set departure expeditions, or as customized tours to fit your particular photographic needs or travel desires. In order to offer you a more personal experience and one-on-one tutoring, our maximum group size is usually limited to 6 participants per Oryx leader.

Peringuey’s Adder by Dale Morris

Our expedition leaders are not only award-winning photographers who have been published worldwide, but are also extremely knowledgeable naturalists and experienced tour leaders, dedicating their lives to capturing truly breath-taking, inspiring and evocative images. Nothing gives them greater pleasure than sharing their passion and skills during unforgettable expeditions to destinations handpicked for the phenomenal photographic opportunities that they provide.

Great White Pelicans by Greg du Toit

South African Ground Squirrels by Greg du Toit

www.oryxphotography.com

“Adventures with Tau Anthropological Safaris are without doubt life-changing, intelligent travel experiences.” Tau Anthropological Safaris is the latest addition to our company portfolio. Our goal with Tau is to weave together and explore four diverse and fascinating fields; namely anthropology, archaeology, traditional and modern interactions between man and wildlife (including game tracking), and the story of human evolution. In the process we will visit some of the world’s most important prehistoric sites and more modern architectural marvels, discover areas of pristine wilderness, spend time observing primate behavior and interact with tribes who proudly maintain their traditional cultures.

San rock art by Tim Forssman

Led by Lee Gutteridge, a professional guide and tracker with over twenty years safari experience and author of four books on various wildlife and anthropological subjects, our tours aim to deliver a unique and fascinating insight into our past. Adventures with Tau Anthropological Safaris are without doubt life-changing, intelligent travel experiences; together we will experience the world’s wildlife as man has done since time immemorial, meet with some of the world’s last unchanged traditional cultures, explore our human history and study fascinating primate species - including some of our closest relatives, in whose eyes we may hope to see ourselves reflected.

Hamar girls in Ethiopia’s Omo Valley by Adam Riley

www.tauanthropologicalsafaris.com

2013 TOUR CALENDAR ROCKJUMPER BIRDING TOURS JANUARY Myanmar - Endemics of Remote Asia I: 5 - 17 Jan Guatemala - Central American Specialties: 11 - 19 Jan; Tikal Ext: 19 - 23 Jan Ethiopian Endemics Birding I: 11 - 29 Jan; Lalibela Historical Ext I: 29 Jan - 1 Feb Costa Rica - Cloud Forest & Quetzals: 24 Jan - 6 Feb FEBRUARY Ethiopian Endemics Birding II: 1 - 19 Feb Ethiopian Endemics Birding III: 1 - 19 Feb; Omo Valley Ext: 19 - 26 Feb Budget Morocco Birding: 8 - 15 Feb Bulgaria Winter Birding Tour: 9 - 16 Feb Eastern South Africa I: 9 - 22 Feb; Cape Ext I: 22 - 27 Feb Oman & UAE - Arabian Birding Adventure: 10 - 23 Feb; Jordan - Petra Ext: 24 - 26 Feb Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola: 15 - 22 Feb Morocco - Atlas to Sahara: 16 - 26 Feb Northern & Central Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best I: 20 Feb - 9 Mar; Southern Thailand Ext I: 9 - 15 Mar Texas: Whooping Cranes & the Lower Rio Grande Valley: 22 Feb - 2 Mar Jamaica - Island Endemics: 23 Feb - 1 Mar MARCH Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding I: 3 - 12 Mar Antarctic Peninsula Adventure I: 16 - 26 Mar Mexico - Yucatan Ext: 13 - 19 Mar Eastern South Africa II: 11 - 24 Mar; Cape Ext II: 6 - 11 Mar Cameroon - Rainforest, Rockfowl & Sahel I: 12 Mar - 2 Apr Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding II: 20 - 29 Mar Assam - Kaziranga & Nameri Birding & Big Game Ext I: 20 - 24 Mar Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom I: 24 Mar - 12 Apr Western Pacific Odyssey: 25 Mar - 13 Apr South Ecuador Endemics: 26 Mar - 10 Apr; Shiripuno Amazon Adventure Ext: 11-15 Apr APRIL Cameroon - Rainforest, Rockfowl & Sahel II: 3 - 24 Apr Kenya - Mega Birding Tour: 6 Apr - 1 May Colorado - The Prairie Chicken Tour: 11 - 20 Apr North Eastern India - Eagle’s Nest & Beyond: 14 Apr - 1 May Kenya & Tanzania - Birds & Big Game I: 14 - 30 Apr Northern Ecuador - Birding the Andes to the Amazon: 16 Apr - 1 May Assam - Kaziranga & Nameri Birding & Big Game Ext II: 15 - 19 Apr Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom II: 19 Apr - 8 May

Birding Spain: 24 Apr - 10 May MAY Rwanda Ext - Gorillas & Albertine Rift Endemics: 1 - 9 May Kenya & Tanzania - Birds & Big Game II: 1 - 17 May Kazakhstan - The Best of Central Asia: 4 - 17 May Uzbekistan - Deserts & Mountains Ext: 17 - 23 May The Philippines - Endangered Endemics: 8 - 25 May; Visayan Islands Ext: 25 - 31 May Tanzania - Lake Victoria to Pemba Endemics: 9 - 25 May Birding Denmark & Sweden: 17 - 29 May; Birding Finland Ext: 11 - 16 May Russia’s Ring of Fire: 24 May - 5 Jun JUNE Borneo - Island of Pittas, Broadbills & Orangutan: 2 - 18 Jun Alaska - Nome & the Seward Peninsula: 3 - 7 Jun; Barrow: the High Arctic: 8 - 10 Jun; Denali & Kenai: 11 - 19 Jun Birding Eastern Turkey: 15 - 25 Jun Malaysia & Borneo - Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 19 Jun - 7 Jul Russia - In the Wake of Bering: 21 Jun - 4 Jul Eastern South Africa III: 29 Jun - 12 Jul; Cape Ext III: 12 - 17 Jul Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise I: 30 Jun - 17 Jul; New Britain Endemics Ext I: 17 - 21 Jul JULY São Tomé & Príncipe Endemics Ext: 6 - 12 Jul Budget Madagascar Birding: 8 - 19 Jul Gabon - Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 12 - 25 Jul; Ivindo River Martin Ext: 26 - 29 Jul Budget Uganda Birding: 16 - 27 Jul Budget Western South Africa: 19 - 30 Jul Madagascar Highlights I: 20 Jul - 3 Aug Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise II: 21 Jul - 7 Aug; New Britain Endemics Ext II: 7 - 11 Aug Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland I: 23 Jul - 9 Aug Uganda - Birds & Gorillas: 28 Jul - 15 Aug AUGUST Madagascar Comprehensive I: 4 - 25 Aug Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams I: 6 - 16 Aug Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland II: 10 - 27 Aug Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise III: 11 - 28 Aug Classic Peru - Machu Picchu to Manu: 13 Aug - 1 Sep Canadian Arctic - Northwest Passage: 14 - 25 Aug Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams II: 16 - 24 Aug Indonesia Sulawesi & Halmahera - Wallacean Endemics: 17 Aug - 3 Sep

South Africa - Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game: 18 - 31 Aug Ukraine - Birding the Black Sea & Crimea: 24 Aug - 1 Sep Budget Eastern South Africa: 30 Jul - 10 Aug SEPTEMBER Brazil - Birds & Wildlife of the Pantanal & Cerrado: 5 - 14 Sep, Iguaçu Ext: 1 - 5 Sep; Amazon Rainforest Birding Ext: 14 - 19 Sep South Africa - Cape to Windhoek - The Best of the West: 1 - 16 Sep Tanzania Mega Birding: 1 - 26 Sep Angola - Endemics Overland Adventure: 7 - 25 Sep Indonesia - Lesser Sunda Endemics: 9 - 26 Sep; Bali Birding Ext: 3 - 9 Sep Eastern South Africa IV: 11 - 24 Sep; Cape Ext IV: 6 - 11 Sep Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland III: 16 Sep - 3 Oct Argentina Northwest - Yungus Cloud Forest & Puna: 25 Sep - 9 Oct; Iguazú Ext: 21 - 24 Sep; Hooded Grebe & Andes Ext: 9 - 13 Oct Australia - Eastern Top to Bottom: 26 Sep - 15 Oct; Southwestern Endemics Ext: 21 - 26 Sep; Tasmania Birds & Wildlife Ext: 15 - 19 Oct OCTOBER Guyana - Birds & Wildlife: 1 - 12 Oct; Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin Ext: 12 - 18 Oct Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland IV: 4 - 21 Oct Madagascar Comprehensive III: 5 - 26 Oct South Africa - Mega Birding Tour I: 6 - 29 Oct Best of Panama: 10 - 23 Oct; Chiriquí Highlands Ext: 23 - 26 Oct Madagascar Comprehensive II: 11 Oct - 1 Nov Budget Borneo Birding 13 - 22 Oct; Budget Malaysia Birding Ext: 22 - 26 Oct Colombia - Andean Endemics: 17 Oct - 4 Nov; Santa Marta Ext: 4 - 9 Nov Madagascar’s Remote North - Pochard & Endangered Endemics: 19 Oct - 5 Nov Eastern South Africa V: 19 Oct - 1 Nov; Cape Ext V: 1 - 6 Nov Brazil - Northeastern Endemics Part I - Alagoas & Beyond: 20 Oct - 3 Nov Comprehensive New Zealand: 20 Oct - 6 Nov Madagascar Comprehensive IV: 26 Oct - 16 Nov Madagascar Highlights II: 27 Oct - 10 Nov NOVEMBER Brazil - Northeastern Endemics Part II - Bahia & Beyond: 3 - 16 Nov Madagascar Comprehensive V: 2 - 23 Nov Southern India - Birding & Wildlife of the Western Ghats: 9 - 20 Nov Colombia Highlights: 10 - 24 Nov Myanmar - Endemics of Remote Asia II: 12- 24 Nov Ethiopian Endemics Birding IV: 12 - 30 Nov; Lalibela Historical Ext IV: 30 Nov - 3 Dec

2013 TOUR CALENDAR Ghana Highlights: 13 - 26 Nov China Winter Birding: 18 - 29 Nov, Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Expedition: 7 - 17 Nov Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game: 20 - 30 Nov Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica I: 20 Nov - 8 Dec Colombia 1,000 Birds Mega Tour: 22 Nov - 20 Dec South Africa - Mega Birding Tour II: 24 Nov - 15 Dec Japan - Dancing Cranes & Winter Birding: 23 Nov - 10 Dec; Southern Islands Ext: 17 - 23 Nov Ghana Mega Birding: 27 Nov - 19 Dec Eastern South Africa VI: 30 Nov -13 Dec; Cape Ext VI: 13 - 18 Dec Northern & Central Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best II: 30 Nov - 17 Dec; Southern Thailand Ext II: 17 - 23 Dec DECEMBER Best of Cambodia & Vietnam: 1 - 18 Dec; Cambodia - Angkor Watt & Remote Birding Ext: 25 Nov - 1 Dec Chile - Birds, Wildlife & Andean Landscapes: 1 - 13 Dec; Arica Ext: 13 - 18 Dec Northern India - Birds & Tigers: 1 - 18 Dec Brazil - Serra dos Tucanos: 3 - 10 Dec Ethiopian Birding in Style: 4 - 15 Dec; Northern Ext: 15 - 22 Dec Budget Namibia Birding: 9 - 18 Dec Antarctic Peninsula Adventure II: 20 - 28 Dec Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II: 28 Dec - 15 Jan 2014 Galápagos of the Southern Ocean: 30 Dec - 11 Jan 2014

INDRI WILDLIFE TOURS MARCH Antarctic Peninsula Adventure I: 6 - 16 Mar APRIL Southern Spain - Mammal Adventure: 15 - 22 Apr Tanzania & Kenya - Mega Mammal Safari: 27 Apr - 13 May MAY Uganda - Primates & Big Game: 20 - 31 May JUNE Botswana - Okavango Delta & Beyond: 8 - 17 Jun Malaysian Borneo - Rainforest Mammals of Tropical Asia: 10 - 18 Jun; Peninsular Malaysia Ext: 4 - 10 Jun

AUGUST Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams I: 6 - 16 Aug Namibia - Wildlife of the Deserts & Wilderness: 14 - 25 Aug Canadian Arctic - Northwest Passage: 14 - 25 Aug Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams II: 16 - 24 Aug Best of Indonesian Wildlife: 18 - 29 Aug South Africa - Sabi Sands & Cape Wildlife Safari: 29 Aug - 6 Sep Brazil - Neotropical Mammals of the Amazon & Pantanal 29 Aug - 9 Sep; Iguaçu Falls Ext: 9 - 13 Sep OCTOBER India - Snow Leopard Expedition 21 Oct - 1 Nov NOVEMBER India - Tigers of Kanha & Bandhavgarh 1 - 10 Nov; One-horned Rhinoceros Ext: 10 - 15 Nov China - Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Expedition: 7 - 17 Nov Madagascar - Mammals of a Magical Island: 8 - 19 Nov; Ranomafana Ext: 19 - 23 Nov Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica I: 20 Nov - 8 Dec DECEMBER Ethiopia - Endemic Mammals & Ancient Cultures: 2 - 17 Dec; Omo Valley Tribal Ext: 17 - 22 Dec Tanzania - Serengeti Migration & Ngorongoro Crater: 8 - 19 Dec Antarctic Peninsula Adventure II: 20 - 28 Dec Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II: 28 Dec - 15 Jan 2014 ORYX PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPEDITIONS FEBRUARY Tanzania - Migration & Wildebeest Calving: 12 - 22 Feb India - Tigers & Taj Mahal: 1 - 12 Feb Canada - Winter Snowy Owls of Quebec & Ontario: 11 - 15 Feb MARCH Antarctic Peninsula Adventure I: 6 - 16 Mar Alaska - Bald Eagles of Homer - Eagles Galore: 18 - 22 Mar APRIL Finland Photographic Expedition: 14 - 25 Apr Best of Texas Photo safari workshop: 22 - 26 Apr

Alaska - Saint Paul Island Photo Tour: 16 - 23 Jun JULY Central African Republic - Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant & Pygmies: 20 - 31 Jul AUGUST Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams I: 6 - 16 Aug Botswana - Duba Plains & Selinda 12 - 23 Aug Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams II: 16 - 24 Aug Kenya - Wildebeest Migration: 20 - 27 Aug Brazil - Wildlife of the Pantanal: 12 - 22 Aug SEPTEMBER South Africa - Africa’s Big 5: 23 - 30 Sep OCTOBER Madagascar - Endemic Wildlife: 14 - 23 Oct; Morondava & Kirindy Ext: 24 - 28 Oct Zambia - Ultimate Predators & Fruit Bat Migration: 27 Oct - 9 Nov NOVEMBER Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica I: 20 Nov - 8 Dec Ethiopia - Endemic Mammals & Ethnic Diversity: 28 Nov - 10 Dec; Vanishing Cultures of Omo Valley Ext: 10 - 16 Dec DECEMBER Antarctic Peninsula Adventure II: 20 - 28 Dec Classic Antarctica - The Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II: 28 Dec - 15 Jan 2014 TAU ANTHROPOLOGICAL SAFARIS MAY Tanzania - Cultural & Wildlife Extravaganza: 12 - 21 May Rwanda Ext - Apes & Man: 21 - 27 May SEPTEMBER South Africa - Tracking Mankind’s Past: 15 - 25 Sep Zimbabwe - Sango Ext: 25 - 29 Sep NOVEMBER Ethiopia’s Omo Valley Tribes: 13 - 25 Nov; Northern Cultural Ext: 25 Nov - 3 Dec

JUNE South Africa & Botswana - Big Cats & Giants: 5 - 13 Jun Plains Zebra by Elliott Neep

OUR TEAM Our team consists of a diverse group of dedicated people who, from the ever-busy admin department to our local ground agents throughout the world, have one thing in common: a commitment to delivering the ultimate birding, wildlife, cultural and photographic experience! This space is dedicated to introducing you to some of the core members of the team who make your travel dreams come true. ROCKJUMPER, INDRI, ORYX & TAU TOUR LEADERS Adam Riley qualified as a chartered accountant, but his lifelong passion for birding, wildlife and travel led to him co-founding Rockjumper Birding Tours in 1998. Adam has traveled extensively throughout the world, leading birding tours to more than 60 countries and in the process racking up a bird list of over 2,000 species on the African continent and 7,000 worldwide. Adam is the Managing Director of Rockjumper and co-founder of Indri, Oryx and Tau.

Dale Morris has spent over 20 years travelling the world photographing wildlife and wilderness. He has been involved with several awardwinning wildlife documentary projects, and his feature articles and photo stories have appeared in over 40 magazine titles, ranging from BBC Wildlife to National Geographic. David Hoddinott is one of the world’s most talented birders and has extensive experience leading birding tours throughout the globe. His zeal for birds has earned him the position of Rockjumper’s senior leader, and he is well known in birding circles for his endless energy and legendary spotting ability. He is one of only 4 birders to have seen over 2,000 birds in Africa. David Lloyd is a talented wildlife and travel photographer, photographic guide and part time leader for Oryx. Imbued with a strong conservation ethic, David hopes to make a real difference to conservation through his photography. David’s giraffe image is on the cover of the latest Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year Portfolio.

Christopher Dodds is a professional nature photographer, nature photography workshop and safari leader, blogger and lecturer specializing in birds. Chris travels the world to capture breath-taking images, many of which have been featured in world-class publications, including National Geographic.

Elliott Neep has successfully established himself as one of the “best professional photographers in Europe” (Dentsu London), while also holding true to a strong ethical and moral code. Elliott produces feature articles and has his own column in Practical Photography magazine, one of Britain’s leading photography publications.

Cuan Rush first earned a conservation diploma before launching his career in bird related work, including spending several years developing birding multi-media products. Cuan divides his time between heading Rockjumper’s custom tour department and leading tours throughout Africa and Asia.

Erik Forsyth is a superb birder, raconteur and has a wonderful gift for sharing his enthusiasm and knowledge in the field. Erik, who has been a full time Rockjumper tour leader for more than 10 years, is now based in New Zealand and guides tours throughout Asia and Australasia.

Forrest Rowland took his first trip to the Neotropics at the tender age of 9 and this has blossomed into a lifelong love affair with the region’s birds and wildlife. Forrest has spent many years in the field, honing his birding skills throughout the Americas. Forrest heads up Rockjumper’s New World division and is our primary tour leader in this exciting region. Glen Valentine’s unquestionable passion for birds developed at an extremely tender age. Glen has traveled extensively in Africa and is fast becoming Rockjumper’s lead Asia/ New Guinea birding tour leader. He possesses exceptional birding skills and a personable nature, coupled with hearty levels of enthusiasm. Greg du Toit, our senior Oryx tour leader, is a professional wildlife photographer who has lived and worked throughout Africa. His photographic works-of-art convey intimate interactions with the natural world and have rightfully brought him international acclaim. Greg is a highly sought-after photographic expedition leader with many years experience in the tourism industry. Jan Pienaar spent many years as a lodge based guide near Kruger National Park. Since joining Rockjumper, Jan has birded extensively throughout Africa and Asia. His wealth of bush experience, wide general knowledge and great sense of humor will certainly be a bonus to participants on his tours. Keith Valentine plays an essential role in the management of Rockjumper, Indri and Tau, as well as guiding throughout Africa, Asia and Madagascar. His calm demeanor and in-depth knowledge of each region’s birds and wildlife make him one of our most popular leaders.

Lawrence Weitz’s in-depth understanding of animal behavior and his love of wildlife, coupled with his personable character and fun-loving nature, ensure an unforgettable wildlife journey. He has over 13 years experience as a wildlife guide and tour leader, and is fluent in German. Lee Gutteridge is a professional tour leader, guide trainer and tracker with over 20 years of bush experience. He has published 4 books on various wildlife and anthropological subjects and his interest and infectious passion for paleao-anthropology and traditional cultures has led him to co-found Tau Anthropological Safaris in partnership with Adam Riley. Marius Coetzee co-founded Oryx Photography with Adam Riley. Marius has many years experience as a professional safari leader and is an award-winning wildlife photographer whose images have graced numerous significant publications. His knowledge of and enthusiasm for both wildlife and photography are immense, and traveling with Marius cannot be more highly recommended. Mark Beevers hails from the UK and has been a passionate birder for most of his life. Mark has enviable people skills and an incredible knowledge of Palearctic birds, much to the advantage of our European, Middle East and North African tours. Markus Lilje’s incredible knowledge of the natural world makes him an invaluable asset to both Rockjumper and Indri, for which he leads birding and wildlife tours throughout Africa, Asia and the Americas. He is also fluent in German and an accomplished photographer.

OUR TEAM Rich Lindie has traveled, birded and photographed on every continent, amassing an incredible knowledge of the world’s birds and wildlife in the process. Attentive and enthusiastic, Rich enjoys showing others the natural world as much as he loves discovering its wonders for himself. Simon Bellingham developed a love for wildlife whilst growing up in Zimbabwe and later guiding at Richard Branson’s private reserve near the Kruger Park. Simon is both an experienced big game tracker and enthusiastic birder, and his infectious enthusiasm makes traveling with him a delight. Simon is a co-founder of Indri. Wayne Jones worked as a research assistant at South Africa’s University of Cape Town’s Avian Demography Unit and is a passionate birder with a thorough knowledge of the region’s birds. His amiable and enthusiastic nature make him a superb birding tour leader.

Local birding, wildlife, photographic and cultural leaders and experts from throughout the world have also been carefully chosen to lead or co-lead some of our tours, and you can rest assured that we have selected them for their superior knowledge, engaging personalities and guiding abilities. Many of our local leaders are among the top birders or wildlife experts in their regions, while others are young and upcoming guides, passionate and eager to make their mark in the guiding world. Regardless, all can be counted on to do their utmost to ensure your vacation with Rockjumper, Indri, Oryx or Tau exceeds your expectations.

ROCKJUMPER, ORYX & TAU HEADQUARTERS STAFF Alison Wakelin is one of those rare individuals who is 100% committed to service excellence. She excels at communicating in a clear, friendly and efficient manner the often complicated travel logistics to a mind-boggling diversity of countries. Anthea Pillay is the latest addition to our ever-growing Rockjumper family. She assists in our busy admin department and is presently studying towards a degree in business administration. Crystal Brook is responsible for our sales and bookings department, and also plays an important role in the operations side of Rockjumper. Crystal’s dedication to her work is exceptional, and she handles all queries in a cheerful and efficient manner. David Kaplan has been in love with birds since his earliest childhood memories. Having joined Rockjumper in 2009, David now manages our website, blog, Facebook page, itineraries, photos and trip reports, amongst other tasks. Kirsty Horne has over 12 years experience in the travel industry. She strives to provide the best possible service at all times, and her friendly and hardworking nature ensures that our guests enjoy an easy and hassle free booking process.

Rose Hall holds a degree in

Architecture and ran her own design and renovation business. Since the birth of her sons, Rose has been involved in website content management, marketing and communication, which she now performs brilliantly for Rockjumper, Indri, Oryx and Tau.

Sue Anderson worked at KwaZulu-Natal Wildlife for 14 years, followed by 7 years for BirdLife South Africa before joining our team, where she heads our travel division. Sue ensures that our guests enjoy a completely hassle-free tour by arranging all the necessary bookings.

INDRI HEADQUARTERS STAFF Jenifer Goldberg is a founding partner of Indri and uses her impressive administrative capacities to head our Indri office. Jen’s knowledge on marine life and diving has led to the publication of a very popular dive guide. She is also a qualified Chiropractor. Lisa Dematteis has a diploma in IT but her passion for nature and wildlife led her to Indri, where she is a

valuable member of the team. She is also an avid diver and volunteers for ocean conservation and awareness projects. Shelly Weatherall uses her degree in Commerce to assist Indri with all financial and tour related matters, while her calm and level-headed nature ensures that she deals with all tour requests in an efficient and friendly manner.

CUSTOM TOURS Since our establishment in 1998 we have specialized in both customized tours and scheduled departures. The spirit of our customized private tours is rooted in assisting you to realize your dream wildlife vacation, whatever your special interests or budget. Our team of specialist consultants and tour leaders are highly experienced and meticulously design each expedition, resulting in a creatively crafted tour to fit your specific requirements. Whether it be a relaxed family wildlife vacation, a hardcore expedition to find rare birds, a photographic tutoring tour to an exotic destination or a romantic honeymoon to a luxury game lodge, our customized private tour departments within Rockjumper, Indri, Oryx and Tau can arrange customized tours for single travelers through to large groups. We offer the flexibility of comfortable 3-star through to luxury 5-star lodgings, ensuring that you enjoy your adventure at whatever comfort level suits your budget. How we go about planning a custom tour: 1) You contact us Let us know your desires and special interests – you can either be very specific, or if you are uncertain, allow our travel planning experts to make suggestions on your behalf. 2) We design your itinerary Taking into account your requirements, we will draft a suggested itinerary, which we can discuss and adjust until you are perfectly satisfied with the locations, timings, travel arrangements, focus and budget. 3) You secure your booking You secure your trip by simply filling out a booking form and sending us a deposit (we accept checks in US Dollars, Pound Sterling or Rand, bank transfers to our US or South African accounts, PayPal and credit cards through PayPal.) 4) We provide you with all necessary pre-departure information A pre-departure information pack to prepare you for your upcoming travel will be sent to you. Our knowledgeable team will also be on standby to answer all your questions on visas, flights, vaccinations, recommended reference books, photographic and other equipment, and anything else that crosses your mind. 5) We whisk you away for a wildlife vacation of a lifetime You depart on your trip along with one of our specialized tour leaders who will take care of all the logistical details of your travels, sharing

along the way his expertise, passion and knowledge, whether for birds, wildlife, photography, culture or a combination of these. If you decide on an unguided tour instead, then you can relax in the knowledge that our office team is always only a phone call away (day or night) to smooth out any unexpected hiccups or to make any last minute changes you may require. Here’s what some of our guests had to say about their custom travel experiences with us: Rockjumper Birding Tours “Our trip has become even more exciting and memorable in retrospect, and we can’t thank you enough. It was planned particularly well, giving us a great idea of the varied terrain and landscape across eastern South Africa, and it would be hard to choose the best of the places we stayed in they were all so good and yet so varied. The birds were tremendous, and the animals scarcely behind; I don’t think we shall ever forget the elephants in the mudbath. Nor shall we forget the Sani Pass and the rockjumpers! It really was a magnificent trip, and we enjoyed it enormously.”

Photographing Mountain Gorilla in Rwanda by Elliott Neep

Evelyn and Rose Ebsworth, United Kingdom Indri Ultimate Wildlife Tours “Where do I begin? Our Tanzanian safari had unbelievable sightings daily – from four lion cubs coming to within 10 feet of our vehicle, to a leopard stalking, catching and climbing a tree with his prey, to witnessing the wildebeest migration. The animal interaction exceeded anything I could have imagined. Markus - thank you for willingly sharing your knowledge, whether it be about birds, animals or photography. I look forward to traveling with you again.” Mary Anne Hershberger, USA

Viewing Indian One-horned Rhinoceros in India’s Kaziranga NP by David Shackelford

Oryx Worldwide Photographic Expeditions “Having travelled with Oryx on two previous occasions, when I decided to visit India again they was the first choice company to arrange it for me .I wanted some culture to sit alongside an Indian wildlife experience. The trip was perfect - great hotels, great sightseeing and best of all wonderful wildlife. Our tiger sightings were phenomenal and I we really could not have asked for more. The local guides were excellent and Marius Coetzee could not do enough for us and improved everyone’s photography over the course of the trip. We have all decided to travel with Oryx in India again next year and look forward to another great trip.” Alan Sturrock, United Kingdom Birding Ethiopia’s Liben Plains by Matthew Matthiessen

South Africa & Zimbabwe

ur home country of South Africa is in our opinion quite simply one of the most pleasurable destinations in which to travel on earth, offering great value for money along with world-class infrastructure. In addition, South Africa boasts the most endemic bird species of any African country, as well as a rich seabird assemblage and vast numbers of more widespread, yet no less spectacular African birds and large mammals. Add to this the rich botanical heritage, fine food and wines, friendly people, intriguing anthropological history and the scenic splendor of Africa’s most varied country, and it’s not hard to see why South Africa is our most popular destination! The combination of Rockjumper’s two-week Eastern South Africa tour and six-day Cape Extension is one of our top sellers. Eastern South Africa offers the classic African savannas of the world-renowned Kruger National Park along with the teeming Zululand game reserves. Besides the exhilarating array of colorful bushveld birds, we spend time seeking big game and other wildlife. We also explore endemic-rich mist-belt forests and highveld grasslands, as well as scaling the lofty peaks of the Drakensberg into the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Target birds include Drakensberg Rockjumper, Ground Woodpecker, Blue Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, Taita Falcon and the lovely Pink-throated Twinspot. On our Cape Extension we spend unforgettable days exploring the breath-taking Cape Peninsula and its offshore pelagic waters, before searching the succulent Tanqua-Karoo and flower-laden West Coast for endemics. Cape targets include African Penguin, Black Harrier, Southern Black Korhaan, the glittering Orangebreasted Sunbird, gaudy Cape Sugarbird and Cape Rockjumper. These tours typically produce up to 500 bird and 50 mammal species.

Orange-breasted Sunbird by Adam Riley

Our Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game tour, co-guided by one of South Africa’s most knowledgeable botanists, is scheduled to take in the very best of the fairest Cape at a time when the Cape Fynbos and Namaqualand spring flowers are at their peak. This wildflower display is one of Mother Nature’s most colorful spectacles and a once-in-a-lifetime event that no nature-lover should miss! In addition we spend time searching for endemic birds on the plains of Bushmanland and also big game in the famous Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park. Our Cape to Windhoek - The Best of the West tour is a two-week adventure that can be taken in conjunction with our Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland tour. Besides covering much of the same ground as our Wildflowers tour, we also include a pelagic birding trip off the Cape and visit the Great Fish River Canyon. Our South Africa - Mega Birding Tour is the ultimate South African birding adventure. We visit every far-flung corner of our beautiful land and target almost all 143 regionally endemic bird species! From Barlow’s Lark in Port Nolloth to Knysna Woodpecker at Agulhas and Short-clawed Lark near Polokwane, we traverse deserts, Fynbos, high mountain passes, rolling grasslands, tropical dune forests and prime Acacia savanna in our quest. In the course of this 24-day tour we can expect to amass a very impressive bird list, observe scores of mammal

Cheetah by Marius Coetzee

Southern Africa species and intimately get to know one of the world’s most spectacular countries. Rockjumper’s Budget Eastern South Africa and Budget Western South Africa tours showcase the most important birding and wildlife sites in the country. With fewer frills than our classic tours, these tours will appeal to the avid birder looking for an inexpensive but thorough exploration of this vast and biodiverse nation.

Cape Sugarbird by Hugh Chittenden

Southern Bald Ibis by Adam Riley

Indri’s Sabi Sands & Cape Wildlife Safari explores the savanna of one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious private reserves, world famous for its exceptional leopard sightings. We will explore the Sabi Sands by vehicle and on foot as we attempt to locate the “Big 5”, as well as a myriad of other no less spectacular wildlife. Some nights we will head out in open 4x4 vehicles in search of nocturnal mammals, and we may be fortunate to observe a thrilling hunt! While in Cape Town we will cruise on the deep waters of the icy Atlantic seeking Southern Right Whales and Great White Sharks, walk the flowerladen slopes of the Cape Mountains in the company of Chacma Baboons and enjoy what is widely considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Oryx’s Africa’s Big 5 photographic expedition is an 8-day wildlife and nature photographic expedition into the heart of one of Africa’s premier private game reserves, the fabulous Timbavati. This is a game viewing and wildlife photographic haven, with the main photographic targets being Africa’s legendary “Big 5”. Numerous territorial Leopards have made Kings Camp their home, as well as several prides of magnificent Lion. Buffalo and Elephant also congregate here in large numbers, and we can expect to see and photograph them at very close range. We also have the opportunity to view and photograph the increasingly endangered White Rhinoceros and, if we are extremely fortunate, even a roaming pack of African Wild Dog. Our lodging is the 4-bedroomed Waterbuck Private Villa, boasting a personal butler and chef to take care of our every need. Our Big Cats & Giants photographic expedition traverses two of Southern Africa’s most celebrated private reserves: South Africa’s MalaMala and Botswana’s Mashatu Game Reserve. World-famous MalaMala Game Reserve lies strategically sandwiched between Kruger National Park and the Sabi Sand Game Reserve. This special wilderness is home to startling numbers of big cats and other charismatic African wildlife. At Mashatu, in the Northern Tuli Game Reserve, our photography will take place from hides offering unbeatable low-angle shots of this area’s big game, especially its famous giants, the mighty African Elephant. Tau’s Tracking Mankind’s Past is a fascinating anthropological and cultural adventure through northern South Africa. We will visit the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site, the dramatic Waterberg and Blouberg Mountains, the remote Makgabeng Plateau and Mapungubwe National Park. In the process, we will explore a range of unique rock art shelters, archaeological digs and Stone and Iron Age sites, whilst enjoying our time in incredibly scenic savanna filled with the big game that influenced the evolution of our species. Our lead guide Lee Gutteridge is a Senior tracker and will graphically demonstrate how early man interacted and survived in this environment. Our Sango Extension to south-eastern Zimbabwe will take us via the enigmatic Great Zimbabwe Ruins to the vast and wild Savé Valley Conservancy. Here we will explore beautiful panels of rock art and even relive ancient memories by spending a night in the wilderness at a San rock shelter.

Drakensberg Rockjumper by Adam Riley

Leopard by Marius Coetzee

South Africa & Zimbabwe Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Cape to Windhoek - The Best of the West: 1 - 16 Sep (16 days)

US$4,350 • £2,790 • €3,490 • ZAR35,500 ss: US$480

6 with Jan Pienaar

Eastern South Africa I: 9 - 22 Feb (14 days)

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Wayne Jones

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Wayne Jones

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Wayne Jones

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Wayne Jones

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Wayne Jones

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Wayne Jones

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Wayne Jones

Cape Extension IV: 6 - 11 Sep (6 days)

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Wayne Jones

Eastern South Africa V: 19 Oct - 1 Nov (14 days)

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Athol Marchant

Cape Extension V: 1 - 6 Nov (6 days)

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Athol Marchant

Eastern South Africa VI: 30 Nov - 13 Dec (14 days)

US$4,010 • £2,580 • €3,230 • ZAR32,800 ss: US$290

6 with Wayne Jones

US$1,840 • £1,180 • €1,480 • ZAR15,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$100

6 with Wayne Jones

South Africa - Mega Birding Tour I: 6 - 29 Oct (24 days)

US$6,580 • £4,230 • €5,290 • ZAR53,750 Flights approx US$120 ss: US$640

6 with Markus Lilje

South Africa - Mega Birding Tour II: 24 Nov - 15 Dec (24 days)

US$6,580 • £4,230 • €5,290 • ZAR53,750 Flights approx US$120 ss: US$640

6 with Glen Valentine

Cape Wildflowers, Birding & Big Game: 18 - 31 Aug (13 days)

US$3,790 • £2,440 • €3,050 • ZAR31,000 ss: US$450

12 with Cliff Dorse & Wayne Jones

Budget Western South Africa: 19 - 30 Jul (12 days)

US$2,200 • £1,420 • €1,770 • ZAR18,000 ss: US$130

12 with Wayne Jones

Budget Eastern South Africa: 30 Jul - 10 Aug (12 days)

US$2,200 • £1,420 • €1,770 • ZAR18,000 ss: US$290

12 with Wayne Jones

South Africa - Sabi Sands & Cape Wildlife Safari: 29 Aug - 6 Sep (9 days)

US$5,190 • £3,340 • €4,170 • ZAR42,385 Flights approx US$860 ss: US$490

8 with Lawrence Weitz

South Africa & Botswana - Big Cats & Giants: 5 - 13 Jun (9 days)

US$9,850 • £6,330 • €7,920 • ZAR80,500 ss: US$1,975

8 with Roger & Pat de la Harpe

South Africa - Africa’s Big 5: 23 - 30 Sep (8 days)

US$6,120 • £3,940 • €4,920 • ZAR50,000 ss: US$2,450

8 with Marius Coetzee

South Africa - Tracking Mankind’s Past: 15 - 25 Sep (11 days)

US$3,640 • £2,340 • €2,930 • ZAR29,800 ss: US$560

12 with Lee Gutteridge & Adam Riley

Zimbabwe - Sango Extension: 25 - 29 Sep (5 days)

To be announced

12 with Lee Gutteridge & Adam Riley

Cape Extension I: 22 - 27 Feb (6 days)

Eastern South Africa II: 11 - 24 Mar (14 days) Cape Extension II: 6 - 11 Mar (6 days)

Eastern South Africa III: 29 Jun - 12 Jul (14 days) Cape Extension III: 12 - 17 Jul (6 days)

Eastern South Africa IV: 11 - 24 Sep (14 days)

Cape Extension VI: 13 - 18 Dec (6 days)

Namibia, Botswana & Zambia

ockjumper’s popular Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland safari visits the major highlights of three of Africa’s most remarkable countries. This comprehensive tour combines the endemic birds of the Namib Desert with spectacular tropical savanna and wetland species. Spending time observing mammals will also be a major feature as we seek creatures ranging from elephant-shrews to elephants, as well as the fabled “Big 5”. We explore the rugged Khomas highlands around Windhoek, the desert plains of the Namib-Naukluft, Walvis Bay where thousands of flamingos and other waterbirds feast on the riches of the cold Atlantic Ocean, unrivalled game-viewing in Etosha National Park, the world famous Okavango Delta in Botswana, the floodplains of the Okavango and Zambezi River systems, ending in Livingstone where we marvel at one of the natural wonders of the world, the mighty Victoria Falls. Birding targets on this fabulous adventure include Slaty Egret, Wattled Crane, Ludwig’s Bustard, Rüppell’s Korhaan, Pel’s Fishing Owl (one of ten possible owls!), Rockrunner, White-tailed Shrike and an incredible diversity of larks. Our Budget Namibia Birding tour is a comfortable camping circuit around Namibia’s prime birding and wildlife sites. We will seek Namibia’s endemic and near-endemic birds whilst visiting the dramatic red Sossusvlei dunes, Swakopmund, Spitzkoppe, big-game rich Etosha and Waterberg National Park. This tour offers a comprehensive cross-section of the very best that arid Namibia has to offer, at an extremely reasonable price. Indri’s Namibia - Wildlife of the Deserts & Wilderness adventure begins in the desolately beautiful Sossusvlei, where Gemsbok and Springbok are seen against towering red dunes. At the quaint seaside town of Swakopmund, we seek out the endemic Heaviside’s Dolphin, before journeying inland to the ancient Erongo Mountains where unique Dassie Rats and Damara Dik-diks abound. Our adventure culminates in Etosha with elephants slaking their thirst at crowded waterholes, Lions snoozing in the shade of thorn scrub, endangered Black Rhinoceros staring us down and, if we are lucky, hunting Cheetah. Our Botswana - Okavango Delta & Beyond tour takes us into the heart of the Delta, made up of a checkerboard of islands and waterways brimming with wildlife. Journeying onwards to the Savuti, wildlife is best viewed as it congregates around a series of isolated waterholes, the lifeblood of this arid savanna. Our final destination is the Chobe River where an astonishing 30,000+ Elephant thrive, and we can be assured of incredible encounters with these magnificent giants.

African Elephants by Marius Coetzee

Oryx’s Duba Plains & Selinda photographic expedition in Botswana explores Duba Plains, an island world famous for its daytime Lion and Buffalo interactions. We then depart for the savanna riches of Selinda where we will focus our lenses on its most celebrated residents, the vast herds of Elephant. You can expect world class bird and game photographic opportunities at these two remarkable sites. Our Ultimate Predators & Fruit Bat Migration photo adventure offers a two week nature and wildlife photographic expedition into the heart of Zambia’s most famous national parks; South Luangwa and Kasanka. Our expedition is timed for the end of the dry season, perfect for the mind-blowing photography that this beautiful country has to offer. Temperatures and light conditions are near perfect, allowing you to explore your inner creativity, and with the assistance of our professional photographic leaders (Christopher Dodds and Greg du Toit), to produce some of your finest images yet! This photo adventure features roomy, low angle view blinds and one person per row jeep safaris. Rosy-faced Lovebird by Adam Riley

Southern Africa

Black Rhinoceros by Adam Riley

Ludwig’s Bustard by Hugh Chittenden

Rockrunner by Hugh Chittenden

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland I: 23 Jul - 9 Aug (18 days)

US$5,875 • £3,780 • €4,720 • ZAR48,000 ss: US$460

8 with tba

Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland II: 10 - 27 Aug (18 days)

US$5,875 • £3,780 • €4,720 • ZAR48,000 ss: US$460

8 with tba

Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland III: 16 Sep - 3 Oct (18 days)

US$5,875 • £3,780 • €4,720 • ZAR48,000 ss: US$460

8 with Jan Pienaar

Namibia, Okavango & Victoria Falls Overland IV: 4 - 21 Oct (18 days)

US$5,875 • £3,780 • €4,720 • ZAR48,000 ss: US$460

8 with Jan Pienaar

Budget Namibia Birding: 9 - 18 Dec (10 days)

US$2,390 • £1,530 • €1,920 • ZAR19,500 ss: US$20

12 with tba

Botswana - Okavango Delta & Beyond: 8 - 17 Jun 2013 (10 days)

US$5,220 • £3,360 • €4,200 • ZAR42,600

8 with Lawrence Weitz

Namibia - Wildlife of the Deserts & Wilderness: 14 - 25 Aug (12 days)

US$4,770 • £3,070 • €3,840 • ZAR39,000 ss: US$230

8 with Lawrence Weitz

Botswana - Duba Plains & Selinda: 12 - 23 Aug (12 days)

US$19,750 • £12,700 • €15,880 • ZAR161,360 ss: US$5,250

6 with Chris Dodds

Zambia - Ultimate Predators & Fruit Bat Migration: 27 Oct - 9 Nov (14 days)

US$16,950 • £10,900 • €13,630 • ZAR138,500 ss: US$2,900

8 with Greg du Toit & Chris Dodds

Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda

Rockjumper’s Kenya & Tanzania - Birds & Big Game safaris are designed to maximize both big game and birding experiences by selecting the very best and most accessible destinations of these two fantastic African nations. In Tanzania we explore the floor of the legendary Ngorongoro Crater, literally teeming with mammals and birdlife, the endless plains of the Serengeti, and the verdant riverbeds of Tarangire. In Kenya we visit key reserves offering a variety of habitats, from Amboseli in the shadows of Mt. Kilimanjaro, to the montane forests of Mt. Kenya, fantastic Shaba in the dry Samburu region, as well as Lake Nakuru, regularly glowing pink with up to two million Lesser Flamingos! Offering over 450 bird species and unparalleled African mammal experiences, it’s no surprise that this remains one of our most popular tours. Furthermore, a small group size of just six guests makes for a very personalized and enjoyable experience. Our Tanzania - Lake Victoria to Pemba Endemics tour combines the famous big game parks of Tanzania with the spice island of Pemba, the verdant Usambara Mountains and other special sites for Tanzania’s endemics. This is the definitive northern Tanzania birding and wildlife tour. Rwanda is a fascinating add-on to either of the above tours. We thoroughly explore this tiny nation, tracking the Virunga race of Mountain Gorilla and seeking out a plethora of Albertine Rift endemics in the vast, beautiful Nyungwe Forest are just a few of the highlights. In addition, we visit Akagera National Park where we bird mixed broad-leaved and Acacia woodlands and papyrus swamps for Papyrus Gonolek, Shoebill and one of Africa’s toughest birds, the rare Ring-necked Francolin. Other potential specials include Ruwenzori Turaco, Red-collared Babbler, Kungwe Apalis, Ruwenzori Double-collared Sunbird and the enigmatic Shelley’s Crimsonwing.

Our Kenya Mega Birding tour provides 26 days of non-stop birding! This tour typically produces an astounding total of over 800 bird species, as well as an amazing diversity of large mammals. Not only do we obtain a huge list of mouth-watering species, but also Kenya’s most sought-after rarities and endemics. We explore areas that include Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, Tsavo West and East, the isolated Taita Hills, Lake Baringo, Kakamega and the plains of the Masai Mara. This is simply the finest tour available for those wanting a complete Kenyan birding experience. Our Tanzania Mega Birding tour has been specifically designed to target almost all the Tanzanian endemic bird species, including such megas as Udzungwa Forest Partridge, Dapplethroat and the endangered Uluguru Bushshrike. This 26-day adventure begins on the idyllic island of Pemba, before launching our assault on the numerous Eastern Arc Mountain endemics, which takes us into the remote reaches of the Udzungwa, Uluguru, Ukaguru and Usambara Mountains where a number of exceedingly range restricted species occur. Our exploration continues with a visit to the Kilombero Swamps for three newly discovered species, before making our way into the dry Acacia woodlands and game-filled plains of northern Tanzania. Indri’s Tanzania & Kenya - Mega Mammal Safari visits the prime big game sanctuaries of East Africa, from Samburu in the north to the fabulous Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti in the south. Our visit is timed to coincide with the great Wildebeest migration winding through the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, and this tour offers the ultimate East African mammal experience. The Tanzania - Serengeti Migration & Ngorongoro Crater tour is

Cheetah by Elliott Neep

enya and Tanzania, each boasting a bird list in excess of a thousand species, epitomize Africa’s reputation as ‘the birding continent’, hosting a profusion of outrageously colorful and easily observable birds! Augmenting this incredible birding, you are guaranteed front row seats to the finest mammal show on the planet. Over our many years of operation in this region we have tailored an exciting portfolio of tours to satisfy every visitor, from hardcore birders and photographers to travelers seeking a more diverse vacation blending birding, wildlife, photography and cultural activities with luxury game lodges.

Kenya, Tanzania & Rwanda the premier northern Tanzania big game safari. This includes an unforgettable encounter with the wildebeest migration as they calve on the Ndutu Plains as well as intimate encounters with an abundance of African megafauna, including the highest concentrations of big cats and other predators in the world.

Lion by Elliott Neep

Oryx’s Kenya - Wildebeest Migration and Tanzania - Migration & Wildebeest Calving photographic tours are guided by professional wildlife photographers, ensuring that you return with an outstanding portfolio of images, ranging from mind-boggling herds of wildebeest and the incomparable ‘Big Five’ to striking birds, such as Kori Bustard and Superb Starling. These tours are the ultimate African wildlife photographic expeditions, and besides experiencing the phenomenal wildlife of the “greatest show on Earth,” you can also expect some of the most breathtaking landscapes in all of Africa!

Tau’s specially crafted Tanzania - Cultural & Wildlife Extravaganza is an East African safari with a difference! We spend quality time visiting the Meru, nomadic Maasai, Iraqw and hunter-gatherer Hadza tribes, offering us an opportunity of intimately getting to know the customs and lifestyles of these traditional cultures. We also explore the endless Serengeti Plains, which at this time of year is home to the great wildebeest migration, the Ngorongoro Crater and Olduvai Gorge, site of incomparable fossil finds, in the process discussing the story of humankind and our species’ interaction with the African environment. Our Rwanda - Apes & Man Extension includes opportunities for spending time with our closest living relatives, the mighty Mountain Gorilla and Chimpanzee. Further highlights include visiting Royal Palaces and sobering genocide sites, experiencing exciting traditional dances and familiarizing ourselves with the people of this nation, including the marginalized BaTwa pygmies.

Mountain Gorilla by Jonathan Rossouw

East Africa Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Kenya Mega Birding Tour: 6 Apr - 1 May (26 days)

US$8,950 • £5,760 • €7,200 • ZAR73,100 Flights approx US$140 ss: US$595

12 with David Hoddinott & Brian Finch

Kenya & Tanzania - Birds & Big Game I: 14 - 30 Apr (17 days)

US$6,550 • £4,210 • €5,270 • ZAR53,500 ss: US$350

6 with Wayne Jones

Kenya & Tanzania - Birds & Big Game II: 1 - 17 May (17 days)

US$6,550 • £4,210 • €5,270 • ZAR53,500 ss: US$350

6 with Wayne Jones

Tanzania Mega Birding Tour: 1 - 26 Sep (26 days)

US$11,450 • £7,360 • €9,210 • ZAR93,500 Flights approx US$280 ss: US$925

8 with Glen Valentine

Tanzania - Lake Victoria to Pemba Endemics: 9 - 25 May (17 days)

US$6,975 • £4,490 • €5,610 • ZAR57,000 Flights approx US$310 ss: US$725

6 with Jan Pienaar

Rwanda Extension - Gorillas & Albertine Rift Endemics: 1 - 9 May (9 days)

US$3,975 • £2,560 • €3.200 • ZAR32,500 ss: US$675

6 with Jan Pienaar

Tanzania - Serengeti Migration & Ngorongoro Crater: 8 - 19 Dec (12 days)

US$6,475 • £4,160 • €5,210 • ZAR52,900 ss: US$390

6 with Lawrence Weitz

Tanzania & Kenya - Mega Mammal Safari: 27 Apr - 13 May (17 days)

US$6,975 • £4,490 • €5,610 • ZAR57,000 ss: US$375

6 with Lawrence Weitz

Tanzania - Migration & Wildebeest Calving: 12 - 22 Feb (11 days)

US$8,150 • £5,240 • €6,550 • ZAR66,600 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$500

6 with Elliott Neep

Kenya - Wildebeest Migration: 20 - 27 Aug (8 days)

US$6,975 • £4,490 • €5,610 • ZAR57,000 ss: US$600

6 with David Lloyd

Tanzania - Cultural & Wildlife Extravaganza: 12 - 21 May (10 days)

US$4,750 • £3,050 • €3,820 • ZAR38,800 ss: US$275

12 with Lee Gutteridge & tba

Rwanda Extension - Apes & Man: 21 - 27 May (7 days)

US$2,575 • £1,660 • €2,070 • ZAR21,000 ss: US$585

12 with Lee Gutteridge & tba

Lesser Flamingos by Adam Riley

Ethiopia & Uganda

Rockjumper’s comprehensive Ethiopian Endemics Birding tour loops through the central and southern regions as we seek out the very best birding that Ethiopia has to offer, including targeting every possible endemic and near-endemic bird on this route. Participants can expect to see over 500 species, including the fabled Ruspoli’s Turaco, strange Stresemann’s Bush Crow, Rouget’s Rail, Spotbreasted Lapwing, remarkable Thick-billed Raven, the extremely localized Salvadori’s Seedeater, rare Red-billed Pytilia and even Ethiopian Wolf! Our Lalibela Historical Extension explores the astounding series of 12th century monolithic churches hewn out of solid rock. The Omo Valley Extension is a cultural and birding experience that will take us to one of the wildest and most ethnically diverse places on Earth - the South Omo Valley, home to more than ten distinct tribes each with their own language, clothing, hairstyles and body ornamentation. Our tour takes us through the very heart of this vast and varied cultural melting pot, and promises to make an exciting and memorable end to our Ethiopia birding experience! For our Ethiopian Birding in Style tour we have handpicked the prime birding locations in central Ethiopia and chosen only premier lodges for a more upmarket package. Our In Style Northern Extension visits Lalibela, Gondar (famed for its medieval castles) as well as the fantastic Simien Mountains, where we will have up close and personal encounters with massive troops of Geladas and the magnificent but highly endangered Walia Ibex. Indri’s Endemic Mammals & Ancient Cultures tour commences with an exploration of the high Bale Mountains, home of the critically endangered Ethiopian Wolf, the world’s rarest canid. We also visit Awash National Park, rich in plains game that include the rare Soemmerring’s Gazelle, as well as Lion, Striped Hyena, Aardwolf and Aardvark. The grand finale of our travels is the spectacular Simien Mountains where we will spend time closely observing Geladas and their fascinating social lives, second in complexity only to humans! A further highlight includes Gondar’s medieval castles and ornate Debre Birhan Selassie church. In the remote south our Omo Valley Tribal Extension allows us to meet fascinating traditional tribes people, colorfully adorned with fantastic accouterments and tattoos.

Oryx’s Endemic Mammals & Ethnic Diversity photographic safari concentrates on some of the world’s most spectacular and photogenic animals, including the Ethiopian Wolf, Mountain Nyala, Gelada and Walia Ibex. We will also spend time photographing the “Camelot of Africa” - the famous castles of Gondar, as well as the incredible rock-hewn churches of Lalibela. Our Vanishing Cultures of Omo Valley Extension allows us opportunity to photograph several tribal communities including the famous plate-lipped Mursi tribe and colorfully adorned Hamar tribe. Tau’s Omo Valley Tribes tour gives an even more in-depth experience of the diverse tribes of this UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Besides the aforementioned Mursi and Hamar, we will visit and get to know the Karo, Konso, Dorze, Dassenech and other tribes. Our Northern Cultural Extension takes in Gondar, the intriguing Geladas of the Simien Mountains, Lalibela as well as Ethiopia’s holiest city, Axum in the far north. Our visit to Axum is timed to witness the joyous festival of Tsion, when tens of thousands of pilgrims gather to pay homage to the Ark of the Covenant. Mursi tribeswoman by Marius Coetzee

thiopia’s highlights include the second highest endemic bird list on the African continent, a remarkable mammalian assemblage, an ancient Christian culture and remote tribes little influenced by the modern world. This combination of unique features makes for a thoroughly enjoyable and fascinating journey to one of the world’s most remarkable countries.

We are extremely proud of our vast wealth of experience in Uganda, where we have successfully arranged and guided more than 30 tours over the past twelve years. Our fantastic Uganda - Birds & Gorillas tour visits Kibale, famed for its primates, ranging from minuscule galagos to Chimpanzees, as well as being the best site for the mythical Green-breasted Pitta. We also marvel at the towering trees of the fabled Royal Mile, and five days are enjoyed in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to more than half the world’s surviving Mountain Gorillas. Although the Gorilla trek can be strenuous, staring into the eyes of one of these magnificent beasts from only a few feet away is nothing short of a lifechanging experience and is rated by many as the greatest wildlife encounter on the planet! In the drier country we visit the mighty Murchison Falls where the Nile is forced through a tiny gap forming the most powerful water surge on Earth. A boat cruise allows us to watch the birds and animals that throng the river’s banks, and here we expect to find one of the world’s most wanted birds, the bizarre Shoebill. Straddling the Equator is the vast Queen Elizabeth NP, boasting impressive crater-lake scenery, grasslands and forests, huge herds of Elephant and Buffalo and predators including Lion and Leopard. Over 530 species of birds and a diverse array of mammals can be expected on this unbeatable tour. Further potential avian highlights include Nahan’s Francolin, Grauer’s Broadbill,

East Africa Papyrus Gonolek, Red-throated Alethe, Neumann’s Warbler and Jameson’s Antpecker. Our Budget Uganda Birding tour covers the highlights of this diverse country, from opportunities to track wild Mountain Gorillas and Chimpanzees, to seeking out rare Albertine Rift endemics and other forest specialties. This 12-day tour offers an excellent overview at a much-reduced price.

Shoebill by Jonathan Rossouw

Indri’s Uganda Primates & Big Game tour focuses on the highlight mammals of Uganda, the stars being Mountain Gorilla (we can expect an incredibly intimate and close encounter with these amazing creatures in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest), Chimpanzee and 10 other primate species. Further highlights include an impressive range of other readily-viewed big game, including Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Hippopotamus and Giant Forest Hog, to name but a few! Spotlighting excursions may reveal rarely seen species, from African Palm Civet to Lord Derby’s Anomalure and the curious Potto.

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Ethiopian Endemics Birding I: 11 - 29 Jan (19 days)

US$5,450 • £3,510 • €4,380 • ZAR44,500 ss: US$415

10 with Markus Lilje & Jan Pienaar

Lalibela Historical Extension I: 29 Jan - 1 Feb (4 days)

US$1,275 • £820 • €1,030 • ZAR10,400 Flights approx US$430 ss: US$100

8 with Markus Lilje

Lalibela Historical Extension II: 29 Jan 1 Feb (4 days)

US$1,275 • £820 • €1,030 • ZAR10,400 Flights approx US$430 ss: US$100

8 with Jan Pienaar

Ethiopian Endemics Birding II: 1 - 19 Feb (19 days)

US$5,450 • £3,510 • €4,380 • ZAR44,500 ss: US$415

8 with Markus Lilje

Ethiopian Endemics Birding III: 1 - 19 Feb (19 days)

US$5,450 • £3,510 • €4,380 • ZAR44,500 ss: US$415

8 with Jan Pienaar

Omo Valley Extension: 19 - 26 Feb (8 days)

US$2,575 • £1,660 • €2,070 • ZAR21,000 Flights approx US$120 ss: US$215

8 with Markus Lilje

Ethiopian Endemics Birding: IV 12 - 30 Nov (19 days)

US$5,450 • £3,510 • €4,380 • ZAR44,500 ss: US$415

8 with tba

Lalibela Historical Ext: IV 30 Nov - 3 Dec (4 days)

US$1,275 • £820 • €1,030 • ZAR10,400 Flights approx US$430 ss: US$100

8 with tba

Ethiopian Birding in Style: 4 - 15 Dec (12 days)

US$4,950 • £3,180 • €3,980 • ZAR40,400 ss: US$550

8 with tba

US$2,950 • £1,900 • €2,370 • ZAR24,100 Flights approx US$540 ss: US$400

8 with tba

Ethiopia - Endemic Mammals & Ancient Cultures: 2 - 17 Dec (16 days)

US$4,950 • £3,180 • €3,980 • ZAR40,400 Flights approx US$400 ss: US$700

8 with Simon Bellingham

Ethiopia - Omo Valley Tribal Extension: 17 - 22 Dec (6 days)

US$1,950 • £1,250 • €1,570 • ZAR15,900 Flights approx US$180 ss: US$150

8 with Simon Bellingham

Ethiopia - Endemic Mammals & Ethnic Diversity 28 Nov - 10 Dec (13 days)

To be announced

6 with Dale Morris

Ethiopia - Vanishing Cultures of Omo Valley Extension 10 - 16 Dec (7 days)

To be announced

6 with Dale Morris

Ethiopia - Omo Valley Tribes: 13 - 25 Nov (13 days)

US$3,850 • £2,480 • €3,100 • ZAR31,500 Flights approx US$150 ss: US$380

12 with Lee Gutteridge & tba

Northern Cultural Extension: 25 Nov - 3 Dec (9 days)

US$2,675 • £1,720 • €2,150 • ZAR21,900 Flights approx US$520 ss: US$435

12 with Lee Gutteridge & tba

Uganda - Birds & Gorillas: 28 Jul - 15 Aug (19 days)

US$7,475 • £4,810 • €6,010 • ZAR61,100 ss: US$775

10 with Cuan Rush & local birding leader

Budget Uganda Birding: 16 - 27 Jul (12 days)

US$3,975 • £2,560 • €3,200 • ZAR32,500 ss: US$440

12 with Cuan Rush & local birding leader

Uganda - Primates & Big Game: 20 - 31 May (12 days)

US$7,775 • £5,000 • €6,250 • ZAR63,500 ss: US$1,070

8 with Lawrence Weitz

Northern Extension: 15 - 22 Dec (8 days)

Ethiopian Wolves by Rich Lindie

Chimpanzee by Jonathan Rossouw

Angola, São Tomé & Príncipe, Gabon & CAR

n 2004 Rockjumper successfully operated Angola’s first birding tour and we are proud to be one of the few companies still offering this productive birding country. Our tour is an “off-the-beaten-track” camping expedition for those with a sense of adventure and the willingness to journey where few birders have previously ventured! Our overland safari begins in Lubango in southern Angola, from where our convoy of safari-kitted 4x4 vehicles will head to the Tundavala Escarpment, offering some of the most dramatic scenery in Africa. Concluding 19 days later in Luanda, we will have covered all the major habitats and birding sites of Angola - from the parched Namib Desert to misty Afro-montane scarp forests, rainforest and Miombo woodlands. As we seek out all of Angola’s endemic and range-restricted birds our intrepid group can expect to find many species seen by just a handful of birders. Our 2011 Rockjumper tour to Angola recorded well over 500 bird species, while at the same time making a valuable contribution to the known distribution ranges of some of the rarest and least known birds in the world. In fact our tour leaders were the first to photograph and announce a potential new species of Oliveback discovered during this tour. Target species will include the unique Angola Cave Chat, Cinderella Waxbill, the mythical Swierstra’s and Grey-striped Francolin, arguably Angola’s most beautiful endemic - the Red-crested Turaco, Gabela Akalat, Pulitzer’s Longbill, Monteiro’s, Braun’s and Gabela Bushshrikes, Gabela Helmetshrike, Red-backed Mousebird and the remarkable Whiteheaded Robin-Chat. The West African nation of Gabon made headlines in 2002 when its national parks rose from zero to thirteen, as more than 10,000 square miles of pristine rainforest was protected

Angola Cave Chat by Markus Lilje

to conserve the incredible faunal wealth of this, the largest intact forest bloc on the entire African continent. Due to its small population and vast rainforest resources, Gabon is unique in harboring significant numbers of African rainforest mammals that have either disappeared or are very difficult to see elsewhere. Our tour takes us to Lope and Loango National Parks where we will seek herds of Forest Elephant and Forest Buffalo, sounders of Red River Hogs and a plethora of monkeys. Chances exist for Chimpanzee, Mandrills and West African Manatee. The birding is also exceptional, including such mythical African megas as White-crested Tiger Heron, Congo Serpent Eagle, Hartlaub’s Duck, Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Plumed Guineafowl, Bates’s Nightjar, White-bellied Kingfisher, Black-headed and Rosy Bee-eater, Black-casqued Wattled Hornbill, Lyre-tailed Honeyguide, African River Martin and Black-collared Bulbul. Our São Tomé & Príncipe extension will take us to these tropical, endemic rich islands, where we will seek out São Tomé Ibis, São Tomé Fiscal, Giant Sunbird, Giant Weaver, São Tomé Grosbeak and many other endemics. If the primordial forests of central Africa fascinate you, then Oryx’s Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant & Pygmies photographic expedition to the Central African Republic is simply an expedition you have to make! This unbroken forest, spanning three countries and only sparsely populated with Bantu tribes and nomadic groups of traditional Pygmies, will not disappoint the adventurer and wildlife photographer. On this journey into deepest, darkest Africa we will be travelling in 4x4 vehicles, motorized boats, small pirogues, as well as on foot to remote baïs where Forest Elephant, Forest Buffalo and Bongo gather. We will enjoy close experiences with Lowland Gorilla, and a range of other rainforest wildlife will also be sought.

São Tomé Prinia by Adam Riley

Yellow-bellied Wattle-eye by Markus Lilje

Lowland Gorilla by David Shackelford

Central & West Africa

Bongo, Forest Elephant and Forrest Buffalo at a baï by Rod Cassidy

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Angola - Endemics Overland Adventure: 7 - 25 Sep (19 days)

US$7,070 • £4,550 • €5,680 • ZAR57,750 ss: US$340

10 with Keith Valentine & local birding leader

São Tomé & Príncipe Endemics Extension: 6 - 12 Jul (7 days)

To be announced

8 with David Hoddinott

Gabon - Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 12 - 25 Jul (14 days)

US$7,400 • £4,760 • €5,950 • ZAR60,500 Flights approx US$420 ss: US$850

8 with David Hoddinott

Ivindo River Martin Extension: 26 - 29 Jul (4 days)

US$1,150 • £740 • €930 • ZAR9,400 Flights approx US$250 ss: US$30

8 with David Hoddinott

Central African Republic - Lowland Gorilla, Forest Elephant & Pygmies: 20 - 31 Jul (12 days)

US$8,640 • £5,560 • €6,950 • ZAR70,600 ss: US$710

6 with Dale Morris

Cameroon & Ghana

ue largely to the poorly-developed infrastructure of the region, Central and West Africa are amongst the world’s least-visited tourism destinations. However, at Rockjumper we pride ourselves in having operated numerous highly successful tours to this biodiverse region. If you are game for an adventure and want to experience first-class birding and tropical Africa at its best, then we thoroughly recommend our Cameroon and Ghana tours. Cameroon harbors a wide range of habitats, ranging from vast lowland and montane forests, the latter on some of Africa’s highest peaks, to extensive Sahelian semi-desert. In the moist south we visit prime sites that include Mount Cameroon, Korup National Park, Mount Kupe, Bakossi Mountains and the Bamenda Highlands, where we will seek out numerous endemics and both lowland and montane forest specials. Korup is famous for its colonies of Grey-necked Rockfowl, and our chance of viewing these strange birds is excellent! In central Cameroon we visit the Adamawa Plateau and Benoue National Park, with areas of mixed broad-leaved woodlands. This region teems with incredible birds and here the spectacular Pennant-winged and Standardwinged Nightjars may even be found side by side! To the far north the fabulous Waza National Park is renowned as a superb arid-zone birding and mammal-watching destination.

Golden Nightjar by Markus Lilje

Names such as Bare-cheeked Trogon, Vermiculated Fishing Owl, Mount Kupe Bushshrike, Arabian Bustard, Quail-plover, White-throated Mountain Babbler, Mount Cameroon Spierops, Shelley’s Oliveback, Grey-headed Broadbill and Cricket Longtail should whet any birder’s appetite. Our Cameroon tour will provide some of the most memorable birding possible on the African continent and, as we thoroughly cover this vast country, we hope to observe up to 600 bird species along with a wealth of exciting African wildlife. Ghana offers core West African rainforest and savanna birding, which with the recent discovery of easily accessible White-necked Rockfowl colonies has firmly established this as a ‘must-visit’ birding destination. Our Ghana Mega Birding tour is specifically designed to cover the most crucial sites in the country, offering a fully comprehensive overview of Ghana’s spectacular avifauna. Some of the sites visited on this exceptional adventure include the wonderful Kakum National Park, home to Africa’s only rainforest canopy walkway and a variety of Upper Guinea endemics; the fantastic Kumasi and Atewa forests, where we will carefully work through the lower-storey bird waves that are typically filled with greenbuls, flycatchers, warblers and many more; plus the remote Kalakpa forest, where the rare Capuchin Babbler and stunning Redcheeked Wattle-eye may be found. We will of course also take time to enjoy the primary target of our tour, the White-necked Rockfowl, and watching these bizarre birds coming in to their roost is likely to be one of the highlights of any birder’s career! Further north, Mole National Park lies in a belt of broad-leaved Guinea woodlands where we will seek the beautiful Oriole

Scissor-tailed Kite by Markus Lilje

Grey-necked Rockfowl by Markus Lilje

Central & West Africa Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Cameroon - Rainforest, Rockfowl & Sahel I: 12 Mar - 2 Apr (22 days)

US$6,030 • £3,880 • €4,850 • ZAR49,300 Flights approx US$360 ss: US$340

10 with David Hoddinott & Glen Valentine

Cameroon - Rainforest, Rockfowl & Sahel II: 3 - 24 Apr (22 days)

US$6,030 • £3,880 • €4,850 • ZAR49,300 Flights approx US$360 ss: US$340

8 with Glen Valentine

Ghana Highlights: 13 - 26 Nov (14 days)

US$4,160 • £2,675 • €3,340 • ZAR34,000 ss: US$430

12 with Jan Pienaar & local birding leader

Ghana Mega Birding: 27 Nov - 19 Dec (23 days)

US$6,410 • £4,125 • €5,160 • ZAR52,400 ss: US$580

8 with Jan Pienaar & local birding leader

Warbler, stunning Violet Turaco and numerous kingfishers, bee-eaters, rollers, sunbirds and starlings; while in the dry Sahelian savanna of the seldom-visited far north of the country we will look for some really special species, including the splendid Egyptian Plover and the Standard-winged Nightjar, one of the world’s most uniquely adorned birds! For our Ghana Highlights tour we have chosen only the very best birding sites of this fantastic country. Our days will be spent ambling along forested trails, scanning for canopy species from the fabulous Kakum canopy walkway and exploring vast tracts of deciduous woodland. Typical African families such as turacos, sunbirds and greenbuls are well represented, yielding a colorful and interesting bounty of species; and, to boot, we have the opportunity to see one of Africa’s most sought-after species - the fabled White-necked Rockfowl! Further highlights of this fantastic African adventure include a visit to Ghana’s most notorious edifice, the Cape Coast Castle, which once served as a major base for shipping slaves to the ‘New World’. We will also enjoy various rainforest and savanna mammals, including Mole National Park’s healthy population of particularly well-habituated African Elephants.

Blue Cuckooshrike by Adam Riley

Tree Pangolin by Adam Riley

Coquerel’s Sifaka by Marius Coetzee

Madagascar

adagascar is the world’s fourth-largest island and often referred to as the “Eighth Continent”. Its exceptional fauna and flora have evolved during millions of years of isolation and of the 200 bird species regularly recorded on the island, no fewer than 140 are endemic or near endemic, including 5 endemic bird families! However, the wonder of Madagascar extends well beyond its avifauna, this “laboratory of evolution” teems with unique wildlife including over 100 species of amazing lemurs, colorful chameleons, outlandish insects and fascinating flora. Rockjumper’s 3-week Madagascar Comprehensive birding tour offers an all-encompassing overview of this remarkable island. We visit key habitats, ranging from the deciduous woodlands of the northwest, to the Tolkienesque spiny forests of the south and the rainforests blanketing the island’s eastern spine. Highlights include the spectacular Schlegel’s Asity, Scaly Ground Roller, Subdesert Mesite and Sickle-billed Vanga. We also stand a chance of encountering up to 27 lemur species, including dancing sifakas and the unforgettable song of the Indri. Other highlights range from strange tenrecs to cryptic leaf-tailed geckos and the bizarre Giraffe-necked Weevil. Madagascar’s Remote North - Pochard & Endangered Endemics tour is an ‘off-the-beaten track’ birding adventure in search of some of the world’s rarest birds. We will visit isolated lakes holding the last population of the recently rediscovered Madagascar Pochard and the lowland rainforests of the Masoala Peninsula where the outrageous Helmet Vanga occurs. Other targets include Sakalava Rail, Madagascar Serpent Eagle, Red Owl and Slender-billed Flufftail. For our Madagascar Highlights tour we have cherry-picked the very best of Madagascar and are offering it as a shorter package. This tour still produces all 5 endemic bird families, plus an exciting selection of lemurs and other representative wildlife. Our Budget Madagascar Birding tour provides the birder with a fantastic opportunity for observing the highlights of the island’s birds and wildlife at a much reduced cost. Indri’s Mammals of a Magical Island tour, combined with our Ranomafana Extension, are unbeatable wildlife focused adventures providing our participants the opportunity of in-depth and fascinating studies of the bizarre mammals and other wildlife that occupy this fascinating island. We will enjoy quality time with numerous charismatic lemur species and also seek out lesser known creatures, including spiny tenrecs, primitive carnivores, multi-hued frogs and much more besides. One of the most amazing aspects of Madagascar’s fauna is its relative lack of fear in the presence of humans, making this the perfect location for wildlife photography. Oryx’s Madagascar - Endemic Wildlife photographic expedition will visit three sites, all handpicked for offering unrivalled photographic opportunities of a wide range of utterly unique photographic subjects, with a special emphasis on lemurs. We will cover the eastern rainforests of Perinet, the northwestern deciduous forests of Ampijoroa and the famous riparian forests of Berenty. Our Morondava & Kirindy Extension will take us to the remarkable Avenue of the Baobabs and also provide opportunities for photographing Madagascar’s largest predator, the Fosa.

Indian Ocean Islands

Subdesert Mesite by Rich Lindie

Scaly Ground Roller by Rich Lindie

Panther Chameleon by Adam Riley Giant Coua by Rich Lindie

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Madagascar Highlights I: 20 Jul - 3 Aug (15 days)

US$5,250 • £3,380 • €4,220 • ZAR42,900 Flights approx US$745 ss: US$785

8 with Jan Pienaar

Madagascar Highlights II: 27 Oct - 10 Nov (15 days)

US$5,250 • £3,380 • €4,220 • ZAR42,900 Flights approx US$745 ss: US$785

8 with tba

Madagascar Comprehensive I: 4 - 25 August (22 days)

US$7,275 • £4,680 • €5,850 • ZAR59,400 Flights approx US$980 ss: US$1,025

8 with Jan Pienaar

Madagascar Comprehensive II: 11 Oct 1 Nov (22 days)

US$7,275 • £4,680 • €5,850 • ZAR59,400 Flights approx US$980 ss: US$1,025

8 with Wayne Jones

Madagascar Comprehensive III: 5 - 26 Oct (22 Days)

US$7,275 • £4,680 • €5,850 • ZAR59,400 Flights approx US$980 ss: US$1,025

8 with tba

Madagascar Comprehensive IV: 26 Oct 16 Nov (22 days)

US$7,275 • £4,680 • €5,850 • ZAR59,400 Flights approx US$980 ss: US$1,025

8 with Glen Valentine

Madagascar Comprehensive V: 2 - 23 Nov (22 days)

US$7,275 • £4,680 • €5,850 • ZAR59,400 Flights approx US$980 ss: US$1,025

8 with Wayne Jones

Madagascar’s Remote North - Pochard & Endangered Endemics: 19 Oct - 5 Nov (18 days)

US$6,475 • £4,160 • €5,210 • ZAR52,900 Flights approx US$1,040 ss: US$420

8 with David Hoddinott

Budget Madagascar Birding: 8 - 19 Jul (12 days)

US$2,975 • £1,910 • €2,390 • ZAR24,300 Flights approx US$540 ss: US$290

10 with Jan Pienaar

Madagascar - Mammals of a Magical Island: 8 - 19 November (12 days)

US$4,975 • £3,200 • €4,000 • ZAR40,600 Flights approx US$1,150 ss: US$750

8 with Lawrence Weitz

Madagascar - Ranomafana Extension: 19 - 23 November (5 days)

US$1,650 • £1,060 • €1,330 • ZAR13,500 ss: US$300

8 with Lawrence Weitz

Madagascar - Endemic Wildlife: 14 - 23 Oct (10 days)

US$4,825 • £3,100 • €3,880 • ZAR39,400 Flights approx US$600 ss: US$650

6 with Dale Morris

Madgascar - Morondava & Kirindy Extension: 24 - 28 Oct (5 days)

US$2,150 • £1,380 • €1,730 • ZAR17,600 Flights approx US$600 ss: US$320

6 with Dale Morris

Morocco, Oman, United Arab Emirates, Jordan & Turkey

ascinating Morocco, with its breathtaking scenery, sumptuous food, complex history and fabulous birding, has become a vital destination for serious and casual birders alike. Walled Medieval medinas bustle with activity, colorful tribespeople, snake charmers and leather craftsmen throng the markets, and souks are filled with bazaars selling carpets and laden with exotic spices. Our Morocco - Atlas to Sahara adventure begins in fabulous Marrakech, but we will soon find ourselves winding through the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains. Woodland-cloaked slopes and alpine areas support North African endemics,

including Moussier’s Redstart, African Crimson-winged Finch and Levaillant’s Woodpecker. After dropping down dizzying mountain passes, we reach the coast at Agadir and bird nearby lagoons and estuaries teeming with waterfowl, waders and gulls; however, our main target is one of the world’s most endangered birds, the Northern Bald Ibis or Waldrapp, now restricted to only two colonies in Morocco and three birds in Syria. A new addition to our tour is a productive pelagic birding trip off Agadir and an exciting array of oceanic birds may be expected. Moving inland, the countryside gradually becomes drier until we reach the spectacular red Erg Chebbi sand dunes, near the Algerian border. Along the way we search for specials that include the rare Houbara Bustard, dainty Cream-colored Courser, Desert Sparrow, African Desert Warbler and numerous larks, including Temminck’s, Maghreb, Thick-billed and Dupont’s. Our Budget Morocco Birding tour is designed around the birding highlights of southern Morocco and is an economical option for finding Morocco’s most sought-after birds. A visit to Morocco is a thoroughly enjoyable experience and comes highly recommended!

Pharaoh Eagle-Owl by Ignacio Yufera

Few places are more exemplary of advancement and hospitality in the Arab World than the mountainous Sultanate of Oman and neighboring United Arab Emirates. Our tour begins at the coastal, otherworldly hub of Dubai, from where we will work our way inland across red sands to the Indian Ocean coast of Oman. We then head south to the wintering grounds of millions of shorebirds at Barr al Hikkman, before turning inland traversing the “Empty Quarter” and finally ending our adventure in the Dhofar Mountains and the humid coastal plains of Salalah. This tour seeks many of the finest birds of Arabia, and some of the expected tour highlights include Persian Shearwater, Jouanin Petrel, Saunder’s and White-cheeked Tern, Crab-plover, Caspian Plover, White-tailed and Sociable Lapwing, Great Knot, Sand and Arabian Partridge, 20 plus species of raptors (always with a few surprises!), Pallid Scops Owl, Hume’s Tawny Owl, South Arabian, Variable, Red-tailed and Hume’s Wheatears, Grey Hypocolius, Dunn’s Lark, along with the likelihood of several country records and other amazing discoveries. This tour is conducted at a relaxed pace, granting us plenty of time to familiarize ourselves with the birds and, of course, to enjoy the hospitable culture of this unique and unforgettable setting.

North Africa & the Middle East Our 3-day extension to the Kingdom of Jordan includes a full day exploration of Petra, the most astounding ancient city left to the modern world. This capital of the Nabataeans’ housed an estimated 30,000 people, and many impressive state buildings were manually hewn from the rose-red cliffs of the Sharrah Mountains. This is without doubt the most ‘must-see’ site in the entire Middle East, while also providing excellent birding, including chances for Sand Partridge, Scrub Warbler, Palestine Sunbird, Sinai Rosefinch, Syrian Serin and House Bunting.

Northern Bald Ibis by Adam Riley

Turkey, a country the size of Texas, is a spectacular avian and cultural crossroads. This fascinating nation boasts an ancient history, from before the centuries of Greek, Roman and Byzantine domination, through the 500-year Ottoman Empire and into the modern era. Needless to say, with such a pedigree the country holds some very impressive archaeological and cultural sites. Our Birding Eastern Turkey tour starts in the city of Van, formerly known as Tuspa and 3,000 years ago the capital city of the Urartians. However, it is the birds that are of primary interest to us as here, at the eastern limits of the Western Palearctic. We will explore the shores of Lake Van, traverse steppes and semi deserts, ascent snow-clad mountains and bird woodlands and farmlands. Targets are numerous and varied and include such sought-after species as the threatened White-headed Duck, Dalmatian Pelican, Lammergeier, Caucasian Grouse, Caspian Snowcock, Great Bustard, Demoiselle Crane, Terek Sandpiper, Wallcreeper, Krueper’s Nuthatch, Radde’s Accentor, White-throated Robin, Mongolian and Eurasian Crimson-winged Finch and White-winged Snowfinch. This adventure through fascinating, historic Eastern Turkey offers great birding in often stunning scenery, all at a fairly relaxed pace. The tour is complimented by welcoming people, delicious local cuisine and comfortable accommodation, and is sure to be a thoroughly enjoyable birding and cultural extravaganza!

Petra’s Monastery by Adam Riley

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Budget Morocco Birding: 8 - 15 Feb (8 days)

US$1,370 • £880 • €1,100 • ZAR11,200 ss: US$120

10 with Mark Beevers

Morocco - Atlas to Sahara: 16 - 26 Feb (11 days)

US$2,210 • £1,420 • €1,775 • ZAR18,000 ss: US$210

12 with David Hoddinott & Mark Beevers

Oman & UAE - Arabian Birding Adventure: 10 - 23 Feb (14 days)

To be announced

12 with Forrest Rowland & tba

Jordan - Petra Extension: 24 - 26 Feb (3 days)

US$1,225 • £790 • €980 • ZAR10,000 ss: US$135

12 with Forrest Rowland & tba

Birding Eastern Turkey: 15 - 25 Jun (11 days)

US$2,580 • £1,660 • €2,075 • ZAR21,100 Flights approx US$210 ss: US$470

12 with Mark Beevers & local birding leader

Bulgaria, Ukraine, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Spitsbergen & Spain

ew countries in Europe can rival Bulgaria’s splendid scenery and natural diversity. In addition this country is also blessed with an amazing cultural heritage. However, the main attraction of our Bulgaria Winter Birding tour are the approximately 50,000 Red-breasted Geese, in fact almost the entire world population, that over-winter on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. We will be assured of superb views of great flocks of these beautiful but threatened birds and fantastic photographic opportunities. Other targets include Dalmatian Pelican, the rare Lesser White-fronted Goose and White-headed Duck amongst thousands of other waterfowl species, Eastern Imperial and Greater Spotted Eagle, Great Bittern, Pallas’s and Slender-billed Gull, Syrian, Black, White-backed and Grey-headed Woodpecker, Bearded Reedling and Wallcreeper. Ukraine is a young, little explored country where the Black Sea coast and Crimean Peninsula form one of the most important migration stopovers for many water birds and waders. Huge steppes, extensive marshes and coastal lagoons, forests and rolling limestone hills provide wonderful landscapes and rich habitats for migrants and resident species alike. Breeding birds include Eastern specialities such as Demoiselle Crane, Saker and Red-footed Falcons, Pied Wheatear, Paddyfield Warbler, Rosecoloured Starling and Black-headed Bunting, while large flocks of Broad-billed Sandpiper, Pallas’s and Slender-billed Gulls are regularly sighted. Time in the mountains offers spectacular raptor viewing and may include good numbers of Griffon and Cinereous Vulture, Eastern Imperial and Short-toed Eagle and Lesser Kestrel. Other tour targets include Great and Little Bustard, Chukar Partridge, Yelkouan Shearwater, White-tailed Eagle, Black Woodpecker and Eurasian Treecreeper. The Scandinavian countries of Denmark and Sweden offer unbeatable temperate zone birding, spectacular scenery, cities and villages steeped in history, and welcoming people. Our Birding Denmark & Sweden tour is timed for the prime spring period and encompasses a wide variety of habitats, so we can expect to notch up most of the region’s important species. We visit the lowlands for the magnificent White-tailed Eagle, elegant Red Kite and tiny Eurasian Penduline Tit, amongst many

Black Grouse by Jari Peltomäki

others. We travel to the island of Öland in the Baltic Sea, a migrant hotspot where thousands of birds stop over to feed and rest on their long migrations. Amongst the birds we will search for here are the smart Black Guillemot, Velvet Scoter, breeding plumaged Red-necked Phalarope, frilled Ruff, Corn Crake, beautiful Bluethroat, European Green Woodpecker, Eurasian Golden Oriole and Red-breasted Flycatcher. We will also visit Sweden’s vast forest and mountain areas in search of some highly sought-after birds, including Great Grey, Ural, Eurasian Eagle- and Eurasian Pygmy Owl, Hazel and Black Grouse, Rock Ptarmigan and Western Capercaillie, Gyrfalcon, Eurasian Dotterel, Eurasian Woodcock, Black and Eurasian Three-toed Woodpecker, Ring Ouzel and Lapland Longspur. In Finland we explore the areas of Oulu and Kuusamo where we stand superb chances for a host of grouse, including Hazel and Black Grouse, Willow Ptarmigan and the giant Western Capercaillie. Owls are of high priority and we will search for Great Grey, Ural, Northern Hawk-, Tawny and Eurasian Pygmy Owl. Some of the numerous other specials we will look for are Siberian Jay, Grey-headed Chickadee, Red-flanked Bluetail and the stunning Smew. In addition photographic opportunities are excellent.

Great Bustard by Ignacio Yúfera

Northern Hawk-Owl by Jari Peltomäki

Oryx’s Finland Photographic Expedition is perfectly timed to photograph a full array of Finnish wildlife and birds. Black Grouse are actively lekking, huge Golden Eagles are in residence, while the Oulu and Kuusamo areas are ideal for photographing a spectacular variety of magnificent owls, including Great Grey, Northern Hawk-, Eurasian Pygmy, Boreal and Ural. In eastern Finland we will focus our lenses on Finland Brown Bears, just awakened from their winter sleep. Finally, in Lieksa, our primary photographic target will be the highly sought-after Wolverine.

Europe We offer two spectacular cruises to Norwegian administered Spitsbergen. This dramatic high Arctic wonderland offers fantastic wildlife, including whales, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Reindeer and the fabulous Polar Bear. Ivory Gull, King Eider and vast colonies of breeding alcids make up some of the birding highlights. More information on these tours can be found on our Cruises page, pg 62. Spain has long been an extremely popular birdwatching destination, offering a wide range of Mediterranean habitats along with safe, easy and excellent birding. Many sites are found in beautifully scenic settings, featuring Romanesque architecture and ancient, fortified hilltop villages; whilst much of the interior of Spain that we visit is rural and way off the tourist trail. Our comprehensive itinerary is specially designed for a great diversity of birds and concentrates on three major and distinct habitats: the semi-arid steppes and cork-oak dehesas (wooded pastureland) of the central and northern interior, the scenic Sierras and high, alpine Pyrenees, and the Ebro River Delta wetlands and marshes on the Mediterranean coast. During spring the area’s many resident and breeding birds are joined by migrants en route from Africa to their northern nesting areas, and some of the fabulous species we hope to see include Lammergeier, Spanish Imperial Eagle (up to 23 raptor species are possible!), Great and Little Bustard, Pin-tailed and Black-bellied Sandgrouse, Spectacled Warbler, Alpine Accentor, White-throated Dipper and the fabulous Wallcreeper. We travel in spacious and comfortable vehicles, the cuisine is delicious and our accommodations are mostly family-run establishments in pleasant and beautifully renovated ancient stone farmhouses, nestled in charming villages. The Spanish wilderness continues to refuge magnificent predators such as Iberian Lynx, Iberian Wolf and Eurasian Brown Bear. Indri’s Southern Spain - Mammal Adventure will visit two of the strongholds for Iberian Lynx and some of the richest marshlands in southern Europe. Beginning in the Sierras south of Madrid we make our way to Parque Nacional de Doñana on the coast, where we stand a good chance of observing the highly sought-after Iberian Lynx, amongst other wildlife and birds. This tour, perfectly timed for the northern spring, offers fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities in the scenic Spanish countryside and is a European experience not to be missed! Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Bulgaria Winter Birding Tour: 9 - 16 Feb (8 days)

US$1,835 • £1,180 • €1,475 • ZAR15,000 ss: US$155

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Ukraine - Birding the Black Sea & Crimea: 24 Aug - 1 Sep (9 days)

US$2,530 • £1,625 • €2,030 • ZAR20,600 ss: US$220

12 with Mark Beevers & local birding leader

Birding Denmark & Sweden: 17 - 29 May (13 days)

US$5,560 • £3,570 • €4,470 • SEK38,500 Flights approx US$120 ss: US$840

12 with Mark Beevers & local birding leader

Birding Finland Extension: 11 - 16 May (6 days)

US$2,180 • £1,400 • €1,750 • ZAR17,800 ss: US$220

12 with Mark Beevers & local birding leader

Birding Spain: 24 Apr - 10 May (17 days)

US$4,775 • £3,070 • €3,840 • ZAR39,000 ss: US$375

12 with Peter Roberts & Alberto Bueno

Southern Spain - Mammal Adventure: 15 - 22 Apr (8 days)

US$2,550 • £1,640 • €2,050 • ZAR20,800 ss: US$370

8 with Gerald Broddelez

Finland Photographic Expedition: 14 - 25 Apr (12 days)

US$7,310 • £4,700 • €5,875 • ZAR59,700 ss: US$450

6 with Jari Peltomäki Red-breasted Geese by Mladen Vasilev

African Wild Dog pack by Dale Morris

Banded Pitta by Boonchuay Promjiam

Demoiselle Crane by Machiel Valkenburg

China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan & Russia

oncentrating on the south east of this vast nation, our China Winter Birding tour offers a rich kaleidoscope of impressive and localized bird specialties, including several of the world’s most spectacular cranes. Foremost among these, poetically referred to as ‘the birds of heaven’, will be the elegant Siberian Crane, one of the rarest cranes on Earth. In addition, we will be exploring the mountainous region of Fujian for one of the most sought-after pheasants in Asia Cabot’s Tragopan. During this tour we will also be looking for an impressive supporting cast of other exciting birds, including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper which has recently been found to winter in this area, the rare Scaly-sided Merganser, thousands of Swan Geese, Falcated Duck, Baikal Teal, Oriental Stork, Saunders’s Gull, Reed Parrotbill, Pied Falconet, Elliot’s Pheasant and possibly even the rare Swinhoe’s Crake! Our very special Giant Panda & Crested Ibis tour will take us on an epic journey into one of the world’s most spectacular natural areas - the Qinling Mountains in the heart of the central Chinese countryside, an area supporting the highest density of wild Giant Panda in the world. Until very recently seeing one of these iconic animals in the wild was just a fantasy, however it’s now become possible with the use of specialist panda trackers. Other exciting targets include the strange and endangered Golden Takin (a giant caprid, or ‘goat-antelope’) and Chinese Snub-nosed Monkey, the critically endangered Crested Ibis, Temminck’s Tragopan, Golden Pheasant and Ibisbill. An exploration of the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum also forms part of this highly recommended adventure. Kazakhstan extends from the Caspian Sea in the west to the Tien Shan Mountains in the east, an area larger than Western Europe and of immense interest to the serious birder as it forms the transition zone between the Western and Eastern Palearctic bird species. Our comprehensive tour commences in Almaty where we will search for Black Grouse, Meadow Bunting, Red-fronted Serin and the striking Azure Tit. In the Taukum Desert, artesian wells attract Pin-tailed, Black-bellied and the

Central Asia

Siberian Rubythroat by Adam Riley

Scaly-sided Merganser by Laolin

Imperial Eagle, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Eastern Rock Nuthatch, White-throated Robin, Asian Desert Warbler and Pine Bunting. Our adventure concludes with a cultural tour of Samarkand’s traditional highlights.

Black Lark by Machiel Valkenburg

Spoon-billed Sandpiper by Laolin

much desired Pallas’s Sandgrouse. Other specialities include Saker Falcon, Saxaul Sparrow and Desert and Mongolian Finches. Flying onwards to the capital Astana, we will bird the surrounding steppe in search of the enigmatic Demoiselle Crane and the endangered Sociable Lapwing at their favored breeding grounds. Here we will also enjoy sightings of Pallid Harrier and both White-winged and the mythical Black Lark doing their displays over the steppe grasslands. Our final destination is the Tien Shan Mountain range, home to the highly sought after Ibisbill. Other specialties in this area include Güldenstädt’s and Eversmann’s Redstarts, White-browed Tit-warbler and the stunning White-tailed Rubythroat, to name just a selection! Nearby Uzbekistan has a more arid climate and desert flatlands cover almost 80% of the territory, but to the east lie the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountains with peaks reaching 14,850ft. Our tour starts in Bukhara, from where we will drive out into the Kyzyl-Kum Desert in search of the desert loving and highly desirable Pander’s Ground Jay. Other special birds that we will target during our Uzbekistan - Deserts & Mountains Extension include Pygmy Cormorant, Eastern

We offer two unique cruises of the Russian Far East. Our Russia’s Ring of Fire cruise explores three distinct and unique geographical regions: the Kamchatka Peninsula and the Commander and Kuril Islands, while the In the Wake of Bering expedition takes us to one of the remotest coastlines on earth in search of some very special birds and wildlife. Targets include the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper in breeding plumage, 13 species of alcids, Steller’s Sea Eagle, Brown Bear and much more besides. Further information is available on our Cruises page, pg 62. Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Kazakhstan - Best of Central Asia: 4 - 17 May (14 days)

US$4,525 • £2,910 • €3,640 • ZAR37,000 Flights approx US$100 ss: US$300

12 with Cuan Rush and local birding leader

Uzbekistan - Deserts & Mountains Extension: 17 - 23 May (7 days)

US$1,975 • £1,270 • €1,590 • ZAR16,100 ss: US$200

12 with Cuan Rush and local birding leader

China Winter Birding: 18 - 29 Nov (12 days)

US$3,800 • £2,440 • €3,060 • CNY23,950 Flights approx US$280 ss: US$310

12 with Keith Valentine and local birding leader

China - Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Expedition: 7 - 17 Nov (11 days)

US$5,350 • £3,440 • €4,300 • ZAR43,700 ss: US$430

8 with Keith Valentine & panda trackers

India & Sri Lanka

ome to over 1.2 billion people and reflecting the world’s richest cultural kaleidoscope, India is also justifiably famous for its rich avifauna and charismatic mammalian megafauna. Rockjumper’s Northern India - Birds & Tigers circuit is doubtlessly one of the world’s classic ‘must-do’ tours. We begin with astonishingly productive birding on the outskirts of bustling Delhi, before relocating to Ranthambore where we seek unforgettable encounters with the majestic Bengal Tiger, as well as numerous dry woodland birds and mammals. Next we head to the world-famous waterbird sanctuary of Bharatpur, taking rickshaw rides around wetlands teeming with waterfowl, storks, cranes, raptors and migrant passerines. After marveling at the incomparable Taj Mahal we take in a boat trip on the Chambal River, one of the last strongholds of the Gangetic Dolphin, Gharial and Indian Skimmer. Moving northwards we head to the Himalayas to explore Corbett Tiger Reserve and the quaint hill stations of Nainital and Sattal, before returning once again to Delhi. Birding highlights include Sarus Crane, Koklass and Cheer Pheasant, Ibisbill and Wallcreeper. Our exciting North Eastern India - Eagle’s Nest & Beyond tour explores the plains and montane forests of this remote but rewarding corner of India. We bird from boat on the Brahmaputra, searching for Gangetic Dolphins and grassland specialties including Blackthroated Parrotbill and Marsh Babbler; from elephant-back and jeep in Kaziranga for such gems as Bengal Florican, Greater Adjutant, Swamp Francolin and significant populations Tiger and cub by Elliott Neep

of Greater One-horned Rhinoceros and Asiatic Elephant, plus a chance for Bengal Tiger. Khonoma in Nagaland is a montane region rich in birds yet seldom visited by birders, here we will seek the much-desired Blyth’s Tragopan, Cachar Wedge-billed and Naga Wren-Babblers, Red-faced Liocichla and the stunning Fire-tailed Sunbird. In Nameri National Park, targets include Ibisbill and the rare White-winged Duck. After birding the Sangti Valley, we spend thrilling days exploring the fabulous Eagle’s Nest area. From lush lowland evergreen forests to breathtaking passes at 14,500ft we will seek out Himalayan Monal, Temminck’s Tragopan, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge, Ward’s Trogon, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Beautiful Nuthatch and the recently discovered Bugun Liocichla.

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne

Southern India is widely recognized as one of the most important endemic bird areas in Asia, and our tour to this productive birding region produces not only an amazing number of endemics but also spectacular scenery as we wind our way through the Western Ghats mountain range. Birding highlights include Malabar Whistling Thrush, Indian Pitta, Blackand-orange Flycatcher, Malabar Trogon and White-bellied Treepie. Furthermore, excellent mammal opportunities exist for Dhole and Gaur, amongst many others. This tour is offered in conjunction with our Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game tour. This small, friendly island nation provides one of the most enjoyable and rewarding birding tours imaginable. With plenty of endemics, most of which are extremely easy to locate, comfortable lodges and

South Asia an abundance of wildlife, it makes perfect sense that Sri Lanka has become such a popular birding destination. Our tour targets all 34 endemics and other wildlife highlights of the island, including the vibrant Sri Lanka Blue Magpie, the lovely Kashmir Flycatcher, the recently described Serendib Scops Owl, Leopard, Asian Elephant and Sloth Bear.

Red-billed Blue Magpie by Rich Lindie

Indri’s India tours are aimed at those keen for in-depth encounters with India’s iconic mammalian fauna. Our India - Tigers of Kanha & Bandhavgarh tour is focused on spending quality time with the magnificent Bengal Tiger, certainly one of the greatest wildlife experiences on Earth! We will of course not ignore the other wildlife of these bountiful reserves and chances exist for Striped Hyena, Leopard and Sloth Bear, to mention but a few. En route we will marvel at the world-famous erotic sculptures of the Khajuraho temples. The One-horned Rhinoceros Extension takes us on an East Indian adventure, visiting Kaziranga to view the armor-plated Greater One-horned Rhinoceros, heavily muscled Gaur and parades of Asian Elephant. Our Snow Leopard Expedition concentrates on one of the most sought-after animals in the world. Hemis National Park is the Snow Leopard’s domain, and with the expertise of local trackers, luck and perseverance, we stand a good chance for the sighting of a lifetime! Our quest for this enigmatic feline involves camping and trekking within one of the world’s most pristine mountain landscapes.

Ibisbill by Rich Lindie

Oryx’s India - Tigers & Taj Mahal photographic tour provides unbeatable opportunities to photograph Tigers in their natural habitat. We will spend several incredible days in opentop jeeps and on elephant-back, exploring two of India’s finest Tiger parks, Bandhavgarh and Kanha. This tour also takes in the wonders of Bharatpur, Chambal and Agra, where a myriad of photographic opportunities beckon. Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Northern India - Birds & Tigers: 1 - 18 Dec (18 days)

US$4,975 • £3,200 • €4,000 • ZAR40,600 ss: US$1,100

12 with Markus Lilje & local birding leader

Southern India - Birding & Wildlife of the Western Ghats: 9 - 20 Nov (12 days)

US$3,500 • £2,250 • €2,810 • ZAR28,600 ss: US$825

12 with Markus Lilje & local birding leader

North Eastern India - Eagle’s Nest & Beyond: 14 Apr - 1 May (18 days)

US$4,750 • £3,050 • €3,820 • ZAR38,800 ss: US$985

10 with Keith Valentine & local birding leader

India - Snow Leopard Expedition: 21 Oct - 1 Nov (12 days)

US$2,975 • £1,910 • €2,390 • ZAR24,300 ss: US$475

8 with Simon Bellingham

India - Tigers of Kanha & Bandhavgarh: 1 - 10 Nov (10 days)

US$4,975 • £3,200 • €4,000 • ZAR40,600 Flights approx US$585 ss: US$1,560

8 with Simon Bellingham

India - One-horned Rhinoceros Extension: 10 - 15 Nov (6 days)

US$2,075 • £1,330 • €1,670 • ZAR17,000 Flights approx US$930 ss: US$430

8 with Simon Bellingham

India - Tigers & Taj Mahal: 1 - 12 Feb (12 days)

US$5,950 • £3,830 • €4,780 • ZAR48,600 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$720

6 with Marius Coetzee

Sri Lanka - Endemic Birds & Big Game: 20 - 30 Nov (11 days)

US$3,325 • £2,140 • €2,670 • ZAR27,200 ss: US$450

12 with Markus Lilje & local birding leader

Hodgsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Frogmouth by Glen Valentine

Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam & Cambodia

hanks to a small population embracing their Buddhist traditions, Bhutan has avoided the environmental ravages that have left most neighboring Himalayan forests sadly degraded. Here majestic mountain passes littered with prayer flags give way to pristine forests, often dominated by massive dzongs (temple-fortresses), and we will have an opportunity to view up close the impressive artwork that adorns these structures as well as interact with the devout Bhutanese people. Traveling across the breadth of this remarkable country we will pass through lush broad-leaved forests dripping with orchids, blazes of spring rhododendrons and magnolias, and seemingly endless coniferous forests. Our tour includes comfortable camping, often at breathtakingly beautiful sites, where our needs are catered to by a team of helpful camp assistants. Much of our birding is done whilst walking the most productive sections of the only road winding its way across the Kingdom. Targets include the stunning Satyr Tragopan, incredible Himalayan Monal, Blood Pheasant, Ibisbill, Rufous-necked Hornbill, Wardâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Trogon, Fire-tailed Myzornis, Beautiful Nuthatch and an astounding selection of wren-babblers and parrotbills. Join us on an adventure through a paradise of culture, birds and scenic vistas, as we explore the heavenly riches of Bhutan! Our Assam - Kaziranga & Nameri Birding & Big Game Extension showcases these two productive Indian parks. Vast swathes of swamp, grassland and forest support an abundance of large mammals, unrivaled anywhere else in Eurasia. The prehistoric Greater One-horned Rhinoceros will be encountered in astounding numbers, while large numbers of Water Buffalo, Asian Elephant, Swamp and Hog Deer can also be viewed, along with a chance for the mighty Tiger. Our birding targets include the rare White-winged Duck, Bengal Florican, Greater Adjutant, Swamp Francolin and Blue-naped Pitta. Myanmar (Burma), sandwiched between Thailand and India, remains a poorly-known birding destination, due in part to the difficulty in obtaining permits for visiting the prime birding localities. However our Myanmar - Endemics of Remote Asia tour explores these seldomvisited birding hotspots! Starting from Yangon we journey to the Irrawaddy plains, holding not only important populations of declining waterbirds but also four endemic species, including the striking Hooded Treepie. Whilst birding the dry woodlands and rice paddies of this area

Golden Langur by Markus Lilje

Trashigang Dzong by Markus Lilje

South & South-east we will marvel at the more than 2,000 temples and pagodas around Bagan. Moving onwards to our prime destination, we spend quality time in the mixed Oak, Rhododendron and bamboo forests of Mount Victoria in the Chin Hills. This section of the Eastern Himalayas is an endemic-rich bird region sustaining several species only seen by a handful of intrepid birders, including White-browed Nuthatch, Mount Victoria Babax, Burmese Bushtit and Chin Hills Wren-Babbler. A plethora of other high quality and seldom encountered Asian forest birds make Mount Victoria one of the continent’s most rewarding birding sites. Next we move to the mountains of central Burma in southern Shan State to explore the broad-leaved forests around Kalaw for Burmese Yuhina, and a mouth-watering selection of other hill forest birds. Lastly we will visit Inle Lake to search for the highly localized Jerdon’s Bush Chat and endemic Collared Myna, amongst a wealth of interesting wetland species. Our Myanmar birding tours offer a thorough coverage of the core birds of this fascinating country. After being isolated from the birding and traveling circuit for so long, Cambodia and Vietnam are now open and safe to explore, fast becoming key destinations for the world birder. Our Best of Cambodia & Vietnam tour commences in Cambodia at the famous Prek Toal waterbird colony where we search for Greater Adjutant, Masked Finfoot and both Milky and Painted Storks amongst thousands of waterbirds. We then seek out the globally threatened Bengal Florican before visiting a community reserve that protects Giant and White-shouldered Ibis (both Critically Endangered) as well as several other highly sought-after species such as Whiterumped Falcon and Pale-capped Pigeon. At our final site in Cambodia we will visit a vulture restaurant where several species can be expected, including the Critically Endangered Redheaded, White-rumped and Slender-billed Vultures. Moving on to Vietnam we concentrate on the endemic bird areas in the south, and will visit Nam Cat Tien National Park and Dalat. A long list of potential avian highlights includes Germain’s Peacock-Pheasant, the resplendent Green Peafowl - surely the most impressive bird in the world, Orange-necked Partridge, the beautiful Bar-bellied and Blue-rumped Pittas, Black-headed Parrotbill, Grey-crowned Crocias, Green Cochoa, Vietnamese Cutia, localized Black-hooded, White-cheeked and Orange-breasted Laughingthrushes and Vietnamese Greenfinch, to mention but a few of the mouth-watering prospects here. Amongst the mammalian species that we seek are two endangered primates; Black-shanked Douc Langur and Buff-cheeked Gibbon. Cambodia - Angkor Watt & Remote Birding Extension kicks off with a combined birding and historical tour of the fabled Angkor Watt temples, before we continue birding forests and grasslands en route to our main destination, Seima Protected Forest. Targets on this extension include Sarus Crane, Black-necked Stork, Orange-necked Partridge, numerous woodpeckers, including the huge Great Slaty and Heart-spotted, Blue-rumped and Bar-bellied Pitta and Mekong Wagtail. On the mammal front we will seek Irrawaddy Dolphin, Black-shanked Douc, Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon and the nocturnal Pygmy Loris. Our Cambodia and Vietnam tours offer exceptional Asian birding for the adventurous traveler!

Grey-crowned Crocias by Luyen Nguyen

Black-throated Parrotbill by Glen Valentine

Himalayan Cutia by Paul Ellis

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom I: 24 Mar - 12 Apr (20 days)

US$7,500 • £4,820 • €6,030 • ZAR61,300 ss: US$500

12 with Markus Lilje & Keith Valentine

Assam - Kaziranga & Nameri Birding & Big Game Extension I: 20 - 24 Mar (5 days)

US$1,500 • £965 • €1,210 • INR79,500 ss: US$280

12 with Markus Lilje & Keith Valentine

Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom II: 19 Apr - 8 May (20 days)

US$7,500 • £4,820 • €6,030 • ZAR61,300 ss: US$500

10 with Markus Lilje & local birding leader

Assam - Kaziranga & Nameri Birding & Big Game Extension II: 15 - 19 Apr (5 days)

US$1,500 • £965 • €1,210 • INR79,500 ss: US$280

10 with Markus Lilje & local birding leader

Myanmar - Endemics of Remote Asia I: 5 - 17 Jan (13 days)

US$4,450 • £2,860 • €3,580 • ZAR36,400 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$195

8 with Glen Valentine

Myanmar - Endemics of Remote Asia II: 12 - 24 Nov (13 days)

To be announced

8 with Erik Forsyth

Best of Cambodia & Vietnam: 1 - 18 Dec (18 days)

US$5,450 • £3,510 • €4,380 • ZAR44,500 Flights approx US$285 ss: US$275

8 with Erik Forsyth

Cambodia - Angkor Watt & Remote Birding Extension: 25 Nov - 1 Dec (7 days)

US$2,025 • £1,300 • €1,630 • ZAR16,500 ss: US$65

8 with Erik Forsyth

Thailand & Malaysia

Rhinoceros Hornbill by Markus Lilje

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Northern & Central Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best I: 20 Feb - 9 Mar (18 days)

US$4,950 • £3,180 • €3,980 • ZAR40,400 Flights approx US$190 ss: US$615

12 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Southern Thailand Extension I: 9 - 15 Mar (7 days)

US$1,850 • £1,190 • €1,490 • ZAR15,100 Flights approx US$220 ss: US$180

10 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Northern & Central Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best II: 30 Nov - 17 Dec (18 days)

US$4,950 • £3,180 • €3,980 • ZAR40,400 Flights approx US$190 ss: US$615

12 with Keith Valentine & local birding leader

Southern Thailand Extension II: 17 - 23 Dec (7 days)

US$1,850 • £1,190 • €1,490 • ZAR15,100 Flights approx US$220 ss: US$180

10 with Keith Valentine & local birding leader

Borneo - Island of Pittas, Broadbills & Orangutan: 2 - 18 Jun (17 days)

US$6,060 • £3,900 • €4,880 • MYR18,800 Flights approx US$150 ss: US$910

10 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Malaysia & Borneo - Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 19 Jun - 7 Jul (19 days)

US$5,900 • £3,800 • €4,750 • MYR18,300 Flights approx US$600 ss: US$1,160

10 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Budget Borneo Birding: 13 - 22 Oct (10 days)

US$2,790 • £1,790 • €2,240 • MYR8,650 Flights approx US$150 ss: US$450

8 with local birding leader

Budget Malaysia Birding Extension: 22 26 Oct (5 days)

US$840 • £540 • €670 • MYR2,600 ss: US$130

8 with local birding leader

Borneo - Rainforest Mammals of Tropical Asia: 10 - 18 Jun ( 9 days)

US$4,770 • £3,070 • €3,830 • MYR14,785 Flights approx US$160 ss: US$900

8 with Markus Lilje & local wildlife leader

Peninsular Malaysia Extension: 4 - 10 Jun (7 days)

US$2,260 • £1,450 • €1,820 • MYR7000 ss: US$390

8 with Markus Lilje & local wildlife leader

Indonesia, the Philippines & Japan

ndonesia, spread across 17,508 islands, boasting over 1,600 bird species and nearly 400 endemics (more than any other nation in the world), cannot be ignored by the international birder. Rockjumper is proud to be offering birders the opportunity to explore this mind bogglingly biodiverse region.

Nestled in the tropical waters of Wallacea, the remarkable islands of Sulawesi and Halmahera are seldom-visited parts of the Indonesian archipelago. These two strangely shaped islands lie just to the east of Borneo, yet their Australasian-influenced fauna could not contrast more sharply with Borneo’s. Our carefully-crafted tour will provide the intrepid birder with a mouth-watering array of exceptional endemics. The most extraordinary of these must surely be the outrageous Standardwing, an otherworldly bird-of-paradise observed at a noisy display lek. The luxuriant rainforests are also home to a wonderful assortment of parrots, fruit doves and endemic kingfishers, while other targets include Hylocitrea (previously known as Olive-flanked Whistler but now placed in its own family), the stellar Ivory-breasted Pitta, strange Maleo, Purple-bearded Bee-eater, Knobbed Hornbill and Purplewinged Roller. Unique mammals also abound, including the bizarrely tusked Babirusa, cute Spectral Tarsier and aberrant Crested Black Macaque. This tour offers some of the finest endemic island birding in the world! The Lesser Sundas, a diverse and rugged chain of islands stretching across the Java Sea between Bali and New Guinea, support over 80 endemics. Our birding tour visits four of these islands (Sumba, Timor, Flores and Komodo) and targets over 60 of these localized and highly sought-after birds. Starting and ending in Bali, we explore montane rainforests, lowland monsoon forests and dry scrub. Key targets include Sumba Hornbill, the beautiful Red-naped Fruit Dove, Black-banded Flycatcher, Orange-sided Thrush, Timor Sparrow, the difficult Flores Scops Owl, Elegant Pitta, unusual Barethroated Whistler, stunning Glittering Kingfisher, Yellow-crested Cockatoo and the truly impressive 10ft Komodo Dragon! Internationally renowned as a holiday mecca, a lesser known fact is that Bali also offers exceptional birding. Our Bali Birding Extension visits the drier north-west at Bali Barat National Park, home to the last few wild Bali Starlings as well as a range of specials shared only with Java, such as Javan Banded Pitta and Green Junglefowl. We will stay at a fantastic lodge set inside the national park, offering great mammal and bird viewing as well as world-class snorkeling opportunities. We will also bird the montane forests of Bedugul and the coastal and wetland areas around Nusa Dua.

Standardwing by Ignacio Yúfera

Indri’s exciting Best of Indonesian Wildlife tour is a unique opportunity to discover the most famous wildlife reserves of Indonesia. National Parks to which we will journey include Sumatra’s vast Way Kambas, Borneo’s Tanjung Puting, Komodo and Bali Barat. Exploring by boat, elephant-back and on foot (including nocturnal spot-lighting sessions), we will seek out the spectacular denizens of the rainforests and savannas. We can expect to see Bornean Orangutan, Siamang and Bornean Gibbon, Proboscis and Javan Leaf Monkey, Sumatran Elephant, Leopard Cat, Komodo Dragon, White-winged Duck, spectacular hornbills and much more besides. Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malaysian Tapir, Clouded Leopard and Sumatran Tiger are possibilities… We will also have opportunities to snorkel vibrant coral reefs, and our tour ends off with an exploration of the fabulous Buddhist temples of Borobudur.

Philippine Eagle by Rich Lindie

White-naped and Hooded Crane congregations on Honshu by David Shakelford

Asian Islands This tour truly offers the very best of wild Indonesia! Composed of 7,107 islands strewn across a vast stretch of tropical sea, The Philippines occupy the unenviable position of harboring the most birds facing imminent extinction. Many of these critically endangered yet spectacular species survive only in increasingly shrinking remnants of habitat. During our tour we can expect to encounter up to 150 endemic birds and many other spectacular migrants and residents. Our Endangered Endemics tour explores the The Philippines’ three largest islands. On Luzon we visit sites for Stripe-headed Rhabdornis, Scale-feathered Malkoha, the sensational Yellow-breasted Fruit Dove and recently discovered Chocolate Boobook. Palawan’s white sandy beaches, extensive coral reefs and an underground river make a spectacular backdrop for a number of the specials including the mound-building Philippine Megapode, Red-bellied Pitta, the incredibly beautiful Blue Paradise Flycatcher and glittering Palawan Peacock-Pheasant. Mindanao hosts the largest tracts of remaining lowland forest and here we search for the elusive Wattled Broadbill, Azurebreasted Pitta and Philippine Trogon. The forested slopes of Mt. Kitanglad are the most reliable site for the magnificent Philippine (Monkey-eating) Eagle, this giant raptor is often rated as the world’s single-most desirable bird! Here we will also search for another recently discovered bird, Bukidnon Woodcock, as well as Apo Myna and Giant Scops Owl. Our Visayan Islands Extension takes in the smaller islands of Cebu, Bohol and Negros, where we target some highly sought-after birds, including the Critically Endangered Cebu Flowerpecker, Flame-templed Babbler and Visayan Broadbill. This extension also provides chances for the strange Philippine Colugo and Philippine Tarsier, while the Chocolate Hills scenery is simply spell-binding! Our Japan - Dancing Cranes & Winter Birding tour explores the main islands of Honshu, Hokkaido and Kyushu where some of the world’s most spectacular and sought-after birds can be found, whilst simultaneously enjoying the wonderfully diverse scenery and fine local cuisine. Beginning on the central island of Honshu we will search for a fine array of specialties, including the stunning endemic Copper and Green Pheasants, Japanese Green and Japanese Pygmy Woodpecker and dainty Japanese Waxwing. We will spend time with endearing families of Japanese Macaques, better known as Snow Monkeys, at their hotspring hangouts. Hokkaido, to the far north of Japan’s long chain of islands, will open the curtain to a wonderland of snow, frozen lakes and pine forests. This is the land of the Red-crowned Crane, which dances these snowfields with grace and elegance. White-tailed Eagle and the world’s largest eagle, Steller’s Sea Eagle, cavort on the icy coastline, while vast numbers of seadwelling ducks and gulls join loons and alcids in the frigid Pacific Ocean. Another star bird here is the magnificent Blakiston’s Fish Owl, a stunning heavyweight of the owl world! Further south at Kyushu, over 10,000 cranes congregate during these winter months to escape the blizzards of the Siberian steppes. The majority consist of White-naped and Hooded Cranes, although a remarkable seven crane species have been recorded! Large stands of temperate broad-leaved forests harbor Japanese Grosbeak and Japanese Wood and Whistling Green Pigeon, whilst Baikal Teal is regular on small water-bodies and the highly desirable Japanese Murrelet will be sought offshore.

The first port of call on our Southern Islands Extension will be a visit to the subtropical island of Amami, certainly a striking contrast to the frigid islands of the north with white-sand beaches and palm trees and home to the beautiful Lidth’s Jay, Amami Thrush and the endangered Amami Woodcock. On Okinawa we will first seek Black-faced Spoonbill and a host of other over-wintering migrants before turning our attention to the island’s specials, including the stunning and elusive Okinawa Rail and Okinawa Woodpecker, as well as Ryukyu Robin, Ryukyu Minivet and Ryukyu Scops Owl.

Bali Starling by Adam Riley

Komodo Dragon by Adam Riley

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Indonesia - Sulawesi & Halmahera - Wallacean Endemics: 17 Aug - 3 Sep (18 days)

US$5,130 • £3,300 • €4,120 • IDR48,250,000 Flights approx US$740 ss: US$440

8 with David Hoddinott & local birding leader

US$1,975 • £1,270 • €1,590 • ZAR16,100 ss: US$485

10 with David Hoddinott & local birding leader

Indonesia - Lesser Sunda Endemics: 9 - 26 Sep (18 days)

US$4,975 • £3,200 • €4,000 • ZAR40,600 Flights approx US$530 ss: US$650

8 with David Hoddinott & local birding leader

Best of Indonesian Wildlife: 18 - 29 Aug (12 days)

US$4,350 • £2,800 • €3,500 • ZAR35,500 Flights approx US$950 ss: US$700

8 with Erik Forsyth

The Philippines - Endangered Endemics: 8 - 25 May (18 days)

US$4,550 • £2,930 • €3,660 • ZAR37,200 Flights approx US$400 ss: US$575

10 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

The Philippines - Visayan Islands Extension: 25 - 31 May (7 days)

US$1,495 • £960 • €1,200 • ZAR12,200 Flights approx US$200 ss: US$215

10 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Japan - Dancing Cranes & Winter Birding: 23 Nov - 10 Dec (18 days)

US$7,340 • £4,720 • €5,900 • JPY572,500 Flights approx US$750 ss: US$990

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Japan - Southern Islands Extension: 17 23 Nov (7 days)

US$2,540 • £1,640 • €2,050 • JPY198,500 Flights approx US$450 ss: US$195

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Bali Birding Extension: 3 - 9 Sep (7 days)

Argentina, Chile, Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

he vast territory of Argentina spans 2,500 miles from north to south, encompassing biomes that range from lowland rainforests to alpine deserts. Our Argentina Northwest - Yungus Cloud Forest & Puna birding tour covers an incredible diversity of dramatically scenic sites and habitats. We will explore the Pampas grasslands and thorny woodlands north of Buenos Aires before flying to Argentina’s remote north west. Here we will seek out a plethora of range-restricted and highly sought-after birds in yungas cloudforests, high puna grasslands and chaco woodlands. Targets include Southern Screamer, Black-legged Seriema, the extraordinary Lyre-tailed Nightjar, Straight-billed Reedhaunter, White-tipped Plantcutter, Sandy Gallito, the localized Rufous-throated Dipper and Tucumán Mountain Finch, amongst many others. Our pretour Iguazú Extension birds the Atlantic Forests of the mighty Iguazú Falls where we can expect to find Black-fronted Piping Guan, Toco Toucan, numerous hummingbirds, Blue Manakin, stunning Green-headed Tanager and Blue-naped Chlorophonia, to name but a few of this tropical region’s colorful birds. Finally our Hooded Grebe & Andes Extension takes us to the Andes of southern Argentina to seek the Critically Endangered Hooded Grebe, a beautiful and rather recently discovered species that is facing a very real risk of imminent extinction. Whilst in this stunning area we will visit the breathtaking Moreno Glacier and seek out a number of special birds, including the bizarre Magellanic Plover (sole member of its own family), Magellanic Woodpecker, Austral Rail and the regal Andean Condor. Chile occupies a 2,650 mile-long narrow ribbon of land between the Pacific Ocean and the Andes, and stretches from north of the Atacama Desert to Cape Horn, the southernmost headland of the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Chile is one of South America’s most stable and Hooded Grebe by Luis Segura

White-throated Treerunner by Markus Lilje

prosperous nations and our tour covers the highlights of this fabulous country as we search for its numerous specialties and endemics. These range from the giant Andean Condor to the tiny Chilean Woodstar, and include the unique Chilean tapaculos called huet-huets and turcas. One of our primary targets will no doubt be the highly sought-after Diademed Plover, while other no less desirable species include James’s Flamingo, Puna Ibis, Chilean Tinamou, Rufousbellied Seedsnipe, Andean Avocet, Rufous-legged Owl, Slender-billed Parakeet, Magellanic Woodpecker, White-throated Treerunner and the appropriately named Giant Hummingbird. We will also undertake an exciting pelagic excursion in search of the region’s seabirds, including the rare Peruvian Diving Petrel and Chilean Skua, while mammal possibilities include herds of stately Vicunas, the range-restricted Southern Sea Otter and the bizarre Mountain Viscacha. Accommodations, meals and wines are excellent throughout the tour and the Chilean people offer warm hospitality. Combined with the outstanding scenery of high altitude Puna lakes and snow-capped volcanoes, excellent coastal desert and rich Patagonian forest, this is without doubt one of South America’s most memorable birding destinations. Our post-tour Arica Extension takes us to the country’s far north, where we explore the scenic, varied habitats ranging from the Atacama Desert oasis valleys (thousands of feet deep!), and venture up the desolate west face of the Andes to the high Puna. Coastal birds such as Grey Gull

Southern South America and beautiful Peruvian Tern grace the beaches, while Peruvian Martin, Tamarugo Conebill, Peruvian Sheartail and Oasis Hummingbird occur within the Oasis Valleys. Other highlights might include Puna Rhea, Puna Tinamou and thousands of flamingos of three species. Departing from the southern tip of South America, our cruises to Antarctica are voyages of a lifetime that every serious birder, wildlife enthusiast and nature photographer should partake! Our Classic Antarctica cruise explores the remote Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetlands and finally the Antarctic continent itself, whereas our Antarctic Peninsula Adventure is a shorter excursion covering the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. More details of these expeditions can be found on our Cruise page, pg 62.

Diademed Plover by Dubi Shapiro

Magellanic Woodpecker by Luis Segura

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Argentina Northwest - Yungus Cloud Forest & Puna: 25 Sep - 9 Oct (15 days)

US$4,975 • £3,200 • €4,000 • ZAR40,600 Flights approx US$580 ss: US$625

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Argentina - Iguazú Extension: 21 - 24 Sep (4 days)

US$1,325 • £850 • €1,070 • ZAR10,800 Flights approx US$545 ss: US$225

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Hooded Grebe & Andes Extension: 9 - 13 Oct (5 days)

US$2,050 • £1,320 • €1,650 • ZAR16,700 Flights approx US$600 ss: US$235

12 with Adam Riley & local birding leader

Chile - Birds, Wildlife & Andean Landscapes: 1 - 13 Dec (13 days)

US$4,950 • £3,180 • €3,980 • ZAR40,400 Flights approx US$775 ss: US$650

12 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

US$1,975 • £1,270 • €1,590 • ZAR16,100 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$250

12 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Arica Extension: 13 - 18 Dec (6 days)

Iguazú Falls by Adam Riley

Yellow-fronted Woodpecker by Adam Riley

Brazil & Guyana takes us to the famous Cristalino Lodge. Here we will explore the trails and waterways and scan from a productive canopy tower in search of Razor-billed Curassow, Zigzag Heron, Cryptic Forest Falcon, Curl-crested Aracari, Rufous-faced and Bare-eyed Antbird, and Fiery-capped, Flame-crested and Band-tailed Manakins, to name just a few of the special species we hope to see. Our new Northeast Brazil itineraries take us from beaches and arid canyons to the lush rainforests of the Atlantic slopes - a vast area that holds some of the world’s most spectacular birds! These tours visit the prime birding sites in the region, at a pace that allows ample time to seek out the area’s of endemic and in many cases threatened birds. Targets of Northeastern Endemics Part I - Alagoas & Beyond include the spectacular yet recently discovered Araripe Manakin, Lear’s Macaw, Whitecollared Kite, Great Xenops and Banded Cotinga, among many other Northeast Brazil endemics and Atlantic Rainforest specialists. This exciting tour travels from the North Coast at Fortaleza, south through the Caatinga and Alagoas endemism locales, to the fabulous forested habitats near Salvador. Northeast Endemics Part II - Bahia & Beyond travels inland, after spending time in the Atlantic rainforests of Itacare, to the famed Chapada Diamantina. This dramatic, fascinating landscape holds a plethora of beautiful and endemics species, including Horned Sungem and Diamantina Tapaculo. We then head back southwards to the lush environs of Serra Bonita and Itubera, where we will search for numerous Bahia endemics, stunning cotingas, flocking tanagers and the unique and rare Pinklegged Graveteiro.

Guianan Cock-of-the-rock by Adam Riley

Harpy Eagle by Adam Riley

razil is the most biodiverse country in the world and our birding, wildlife and photographic tours offer a selection of Brazil’s highlights.

Rockjumper’s Birds & Mammals of the Pantanal & Cerrado tour kicks off in the Pantanal, the world’s largest wetland system, encompassing 80,000 square miles of emerald forests, savannas, rivers and lagoons and boasting over 650 bird and a staggering 200 mammal species! The nearby dry Cerrado habitat is home to an amazing diversity of birds, many of them highly localized species. This combination provides us with the fantastic opportunity to seek out such specials as Bare-faced Curassow, Chestnut-bellied Guan, Greater Rhea, Red-legged Seriema, Southern Screamer, the majestic Hyacinth Macaw, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Great Rufous Woodcreeper, Matto Grosso Antbird, Collared Crescentchest and Helmeted Manakin, amongst an incredibly diverse array of other avian delights. In addition, the abundance of mammals in the Pantanal includes fascinating creatures such as Giant River Otter, Brazilian Tapir, Giant Anteater and of course the mighty Jaguar, which we stand an excellent chance of observing from boats on the Cuiaba River! Our pretour extension to the incredible Iguaçu Falls, the most voluminous and arguably most scenic falls in the world, offers fantastic Atlantic Rainforest birding and targets include Surucua Trogon, Helmeted Woodpecker, Rufous-capped Motmot, Rufous Gnateater and many more. Our itinerary allows time to venture to higher-elevations birding sites in search of other regional specialties such as Saffron Toucanet, Spotted Bamboowren and Tufted Antshrike. Finally our Amazon Rainforest Birding Extension

We base ourselves at a single comfortable lodge for our end-of-year Serra dos Tucanos tour. This family-owned lodge is situated within the 46,000-hectare Tres Picos State Park and from here we will set out to explore both higher and lower elevations, covering extensive rainforest, wetlands and drier savanna. Approximately 250 species can be expected, including such mouth-watering Atlantic Rainforest endemic specialties as Sharpbill, Three-toed Jacamar, Saffron Toucanet, Plovercrest, Giant Antshrike, Blond-crested Woodpecker, Black-and-gold Cotinga and Black-cheeked Gnateater. Indri’s Neotropical Mammals of the Amazon & Pantanal tour explores both the verdant Amazon rainforest and the bountiful Pantanal, offering world class wildlife viewing. Our tour takes us in

Hooded Visorbearer by Fred Tavares

Jaguar by Markus Lilje

North-eastern South America search of creatures such as Brazilian Tapir, Giant Anteater, herds of Capybaras, Marsh Deer, Giant River Otter, Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth, Ocelot and numerous monkey species. A further target of our adventure is the spectacular Jaguar, and we stand superb chances for exciting encounters with these big cats. Our Iguaçu Falls Extension explores this rainforest-covered waterfall system that is made up of 275 falls along the Iguaçu River. The park protects the vast majority of one of the most important forests south of the Amazon, the Interior Atlantic Forest, which hosts dozens of unique orchid species, primates and other mammals and numerous birds. Oryx’s Wildlife of the Pantanal photographic expedition is a focused wildlife photographic safari into the heart of the Pantanal. Here we will spend quality time on small boats in search of the ultimate Jaguar photograph. In the process we will no doubt capture the playful antics of Giant River Otters, brilliant Hyacinth Macaws and a realm of other tropical wildlife and scenery. Join award-winning photographer Greg du Toit on this photographic expedition of a lifetime! Guyana, a small English-speaking South American country nestled on the Atlantic Coast between Venezuela and Suriname, has become recognized as one of South America’s top birding and wildlife destinations. Guyana boasts one of the world’s most intact environments and some of the last relatively unexplored wildernesses on Earth. The variety of pristine habitats, from untouched lowland rainforests that stretch to the horizon and the endless Rupununi savannas, to arguably the world’s most impressive waterfall, the mighty Kaieteur Falls, ensures a birding and wildlife tour that cannot be more highly recommended. Locations we visit include Iwokrama, Atta Canopy Walkway, Surama Village and Karanambu Ranch. Guianan Cock-of-the-rock, Grey-winged Trumpeter, Scarlet Ibis, Guianan Red Cotinga, Crimson Fruitcrow, the aberrant Capuchinbird and Harpy Eagle are among many birding highlights that can be anticipated. Mammals also form a major emphasis of this tour and we can expect species ranging from the amazing Giant Anteater to Giant River Otter, plus an excellent chance for Jaguar. Our Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin Extension takes us to remote savannas and forests in search of endangered birds, including the stunning Sun Parakeet and Red Siskin, both decimated by the cage bird trade, as well as the highly localized Rio Branco Antbird and other little known species. Hyacinth Macaw by Matthew Matthiessen

Sun Parakeet by Adam Riley

Giant Anteater by Adam Riley

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Brazil - Iguaçu Extension: 1 - 5 Sep (5 days)

US$1,625 • £1,050 • €1,310 • ZAR13,300 Flights approx US$500 ss: US$300

10 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

Brazil - Birds & Wildlife of the Pantanal & Cerrado: 5 - 14 Sep (10 days)

US$3,450 • £2.220 • €2,770 • BRL7000 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$230

12 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

Amazon Rainforest Birding Extension: 14 - 19 Sep (6 days)

US$2,130 • £1,370 • €1,710 • ZAR17,400 Flights approx US$290 ss: US$275

8 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

Brazil - Northeastern Endemics Part I Alagoas & Beyond: 20 Oct - 3 Nov (15 days)

US$5,375 • £3,460 • €4,320 • ZAR43,900 ss: US$650

10 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

Brazil - Northeast Endemics Part II Bahia & Beyond: 3 - 16 Nov (14 days)

US$4,875 • £3,140 • €3,920 • ZAR39,800 ss: US$560

10 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

Brazil - Serra dos Tucanos: 3 - 10 Dec (8 days)

US$1,675 • £1,075 • €1,340 • ZAR13,700 ss: US$190

8 with local birding leader

Brazil - Neotropical Mammals of the Amazon & Pantanal: 29 Aug - 9 Sep (12 days)

US$5,950 • £3,830 • €4,780 • ZAR48,600 Flights approx US$750 ss: US$595

8 with Lucas Marti

Brazil - Iguaçu Falls Extension: 9 - 13 Sep (5 days)

US$2,070 • £1,330 • €1,660 • ZAR16,900 Flights approx US$480 ss: US$560

8 with Lucas Marti

Brazil - Wildlife of the Pantanal: 12 - 22 Aug (11 days)

US$4,910 • £3,160 • €3,950 • BRL9,975 ss: US$420

6 with Greg du Toit

Guyana - Birds & Wildlife: 1 - 12 Oct (12 days)

US$4,925 • £3,170 • €3,960 • ZAR40,200 Flights tba ss: US$375

8 with Forrest Rowland

Sun Parakeet & Red Siskin Extension: 12 - 18 Oct (7 days)

To be announced

8 with Forrest Rowland

Ecuador, Peru & Colombia

cuador, boasting a bird list of over 1,600 species, has entrenched itself as a premier birding nation. Furthermore, its small size, good infrastructure, spectacular scenery and friendly people make a tour to Ecuador one of the world’s most productive and enjoyable birding experiences. Our Birding the Andes to the Amazon adventure begins on the west Andean slopes, as we bird the famous Tandayapa and Mindo Valleys situated in the exceptionally biodiverse cloudforests. A highlight of this area is the now famous antpitta show, which usually produces incredibly close encounters with three species of this very tricky family! The Antisana Reserve could not be more different, and in tundra-like grasslands we stand chances for numerous high altitude species before we descend the entire east slope of the Andes from the highest mountain passes right down to the great Amazonian lowlands, sampling an incredible diversity of birds along the way. Our final site, Sacha Lodge on the Napo River, boasts almost 600 species, and here we will bird from canoes, along forest trails, swamp boardwalks, and on Sacha’s brilliant canopy walkway! From the verdant Amazon to the endemic-rich Andes, this tour of Ecuador offers the very best birding that this remarkable country has to offer.

Booted Rackettail by Dubi Shapiro

As a result of incredibly complex geology and topography, southern Ecuador supports one of the most diverse ranges of habitat in the world. Within 200 miles of the Pacific Coast, one can travel from the arid xerophytic habitat, through semideciduous tropical forest, over the continental divide’s treeless paramos and down to lush, wet, foothill forests of the eastern Andes. Within these varied, pristine habitats, the evolution of many fine endemic species has occurred; and on our new South Ecuador Endemics tour, we will sample seven distinct habitats in search of these endemics and

Chestnut-naped Antpitta by Adam Riley

Sunbittern by Matthew Matthiessen

other specialties. Targets include El Oro and White-breasted Parakeet, El Oro Tapaculo, Watkins’s and the fantastic Jocotoco Antpitta, White-headed Brush Finch, Henna-hooded Foliage-gleaner, the fabulous Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Rainbow Starfrontlet and the vociferous, colorful and extremely localized Orange-throated Tanager. Our Shiripuno Amazon Adventure Extension takes us to another very remote Ecuadorian location - the little-visited Shiripuno Lodge situated in hilly, upper Amazonia. Boasting a bird list of over 450 species within walking distance of the lodge, it’s no wonder that this humble, research-orientated venture has caught our attention. This tour offers prime Amazon birding with targets including Nocturnal Curassow, Rufous and Long-tailed Potoo, Ringed Woodpecker, Black-necked Red Cotinga, Black Bushbird, Lunulated, Hairy-crested and Wing-banded Antbird, and Rio Suno and Yasuni Antwrens. To reach our destination we will travel down the mild-floing Shiripuno River, where Jaguar, Brazilian Tapir and anacondas are regularly encountered, along with Fiery Topaz, Brown Jacamar and other riverside specialists. We invite you to be amongst the first birders to explore this exceptional new location with us! Peru, a land of stark contrast and astounding beauty, boasting one of the largest bird lists in the world. Our comprehensive Classic Peru tour includes the most important archaeological site in South America, the magical and mysterious Machu Picchu, where we will marvel at undoubtedly one of the finest architectural achievements of the New World. At the scenic Huacarpay Lakes, surrounded by Inca and pre-Inca ruins, we will seek a wide variety of Andean waterfowl and other high altitude birds, including the magnificent Andean Condor. Descending the Andean slopes, we then bird through temperate zones and montane cloud forest, offering chances for an incredible variety of exceptional and endemic birds, including Cerulean-capped and Yungas Manakin, Whiterumped Hawk, Solitary Eagle, Rufous-capped Thornbill, Crested Quetzal, Blue-banded Toucanet, the outrageous Amazonian Umbrellabird, Chestnut-crested Cotinga, Inca Flycatcher, Saffroncrowned Tanager and Peruvian Piedtail. We also visit an Andean Cock-of-the-rock lek site, where up to 20 males sometimes congregate, to watch the strange mating dance of these spectacular birds! With persistence, night birding in this area might yield the uncommon Roraiman and Rufescent Screech Owl, Rufous-banded Owl, Lyre-tailed Nightjar and possibly even Andean Potoo. Continuing into the depths of the Amazon, we will explore the overwhelming Manu Biosphere Reserve, one of

North-western South America the most important biodiversity hotspots in the world, spending several fabulous days in this avian wonderland. The number of star birds calling this their home is again mind boggling (over 1000 species have been recorded!), with stellar potentials including Rufous-headed Woodpecker, Manu Antbird, Elusive Antpitta, Razor-billed Curassow, Pale-winged Trumpeter, Pavonine Quetzal, Purus Jacamar, Sunbittern and Sungrebe, to name but a few. Other wildlife abounds, including 13 species of monkey and chances for Brazilian Tapir, Collared and White-lipped Peccary, and even Jaguar. Colombia has more bird species than any other country on Earth! A staggering 1,870 have been recorded, of which 62 are endemic. This massive diversity results from the equally diverse range of habitats; these include three Andean Cordilleras, two inter-Andean valleys, the lowland forests of the Amazon and Orinoco regions, the isolated snow-capped Santa Marta Mountains, as well as coastlines, deserts and lakes. Our exciting Colombia - Andean Endemics tour will focus on the endemic and special birds within these areas. While our main tour explores the bird-rich Andean regions, our extension visits the Guajira Desert and impressive Santa Marta Mountains on the northern coast. Some of the target birds we will seek in Colombia include the localized Bogota Rail, Northern Screamer, Yellow-eared Parrot, the fabulous Bearded Helmetcrest (one of the over 70 hummingbird species that our tours usually observe!), over a dozen species of antpittas (many at close quarters at antpitta feeding stations), Chestnut-capped Piha, Tanager Finch, Gold-ringed and Blackand-gold Tanager (over 60 tanager species can be expected), White-tipped Quetzal and a host of Santa Marta endemics. This is birding at its best, and this tour cannot be more highly recommended! Colombia Highlights is a shorter version of our Andean endemics tour, yet still covers all three Andean ranges and both inter-Andean valleys in search of Colombia’s numerous endemics and regional avian specialties. We have handpicked the choice sites of our longer Andean Endemics tour, resulting in proportionately less travel time and more birding time, culminating in an overall less intensive tour. We will be searching for a remarkable collection of birds, combined with spectacular scenery and pleasant lodges situated within prime birding areas.

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Northern Ecuador - Birding the Andes to the Amazon: 16 Apr - 1 May (16 days)

US$4,425 • £2,850 • €3,560 • ZAR36,200 Flights approx US$95 ss: US$775

8 with Rich Lindie

South Ecuador Endemics: 26 Mar - 10 Apr (16 days)

US$3,975 • £2,560 • €3,200 • ZAR32,500 Flights approx US$85 ss: US$450

8 with Forrest Rowland

Shiripuno Amazon Adventure Extension: 11 - 15 Apr (5 days)

US$1,450 • £930 • €1,170 • ZAR11,800 Flights approx US$185 ss: US$350

8 with Forrest Rowland

Classic Peru - Machu Picchu to Manu: 13 Aug - 1 Sep (20 days)

US$6,350 • £4,080 • €5,100 • ZAR51,900 Flights approx US$570 ss: US$950

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Colombia - Andean Endemics: 17 Oct - 4 Nov (19 days)

US$5,250 • £3,380 • €4,220 • ZAR42,900 Flights approx US$110 ss: US$250

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Santa Marta Extension: 4 - 9 Nov (6 days)

US$1,950 • £1,250 • €1,570 • ZAR15,900 Flights approx US$260 ss: US$120

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Colombia Highlights: 10 - 24 Nov (15 days)

US$5,040 • £3,240 • €4,050 • COP8,950,000 Flights approx US$170 ss: US$460

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Colombia 1,000 Birds Mega: 22 Nov - 20 Dec (29 days)

US$8,950 • £5,760 • €7,200 • ZAR73,100 Flights approx US$860 ss: US$500

10 with Forrest Rowland & local birding leader

For the more adventurous birder, we have developed an itinerary allowing access to more than 1,300 of Colombia’s birds! On our ground-breaking Colombia 1,000 Birds Mega tour, we plan to encounter 1,000+ plus species in less than a month! This fabulous avian adventure includes all sites covered by our Andean Endemics tour, as well as spending time in the nation’s exceptional lowland rainforests. We also explore the famed Choco rainforest, which harbors such spectacular species as Long-wattled Umbrellabird, Streak-chested Antpitta, Golden-chested and Blue-whiskered Tanager, to name just a handful of possibilities. The other major addition to this itinerary is the Mitu region of Amazonian Colombia, where we will spend three fabulous days searching for another 200 species not offered on our other Colombian tours. Red-fan Parrot, Fiery Topaz, Pompadour and Purple-breasted Cotinga, Guianan Cock-of-the-Rock, Orinoco Piculet, Chestnut-crested Antbird and Brown-banded Puffbird are but some of the spectacular birds that await us! This tour promises to be a monumental New World birding experience, and we invite you to join us for the most comprehensive birding adventure of Colombia ever offered and to set a new record for most bird species seen on a tour! Sword-billed Hummingbird by Dubi Shapiro

Panama, Costa Rica & Guatemala

anama is the perfect introduction to tropical American birding. This friendly and easily accessible country offers a great diversity of typical Neotropical species, as well as several endemics and birds difficult to find elsewhere. Our Best of Panama tour is a joy, as long travel days and arduous hikes are not necessary. We spend several days at and around the famous Panama Canopy Tower, allowing us an unrivalled opportunity to explore the rainforest canopy of Soberanía National Park from a bird’s eye view. Colorful tanagers, toucans and honeycreepers can be observed even from our beds or dining room! Surrounding forest and wetland sites provide superb birding and the mammal watching opportunities are surprisingly good. Further to the south, our next attraction is the Canopy Lodge, in the delightful hill country of El Valle de Antón. Here we expolore cloudforest and a whole range of new mouth-watering species! Moving further south, we enter the great rainforests of the little known Darien and its myriad of exciting birding opportunities. Key targets of this relaxed pace tour include Harpy Eagle, Sunbittern, Rufous-vented Ground Cuckoo, the endemic Veraguan Mango, stunning Blue Cotinga, Ocellated and Wing-banded Antbird, Rosy Thrush-Tanager and the bizarre Sapayoa. The Chiriquí Highlands Extension rounds off our very thorough exploration of Panama; these productive cloudforests are a birders’ delight. Your highlight might be the plethora of hyperactive hummers including Volcano Hummingbird, both Blackand-yellow and Long-tailed Silky-Flycatchers, Turquoise Cotinga, Three-wattled Bellbird, Collared Whitestart or Flame-throated Warbler; however the Resplendent Quetzal show would be hard to beat!

Canopy Tower birding by David Tipling

Red-capped Manakin by Doug Weschler

Central America

Spotted Antbird by Adam Riley

Violet-bellied Hummingbird by Adam Riley

The small nation of Costa Rica has geared itself heavily towards avitourism and has developed a superb infrastructure to service the numerous visiting birders. With over 850 bird species in such a small country, it is easy to understand why Costa Rica is such a famous birding destination! The backbone of the country is formed by a scenic mountain range, and here the cloudforests are home to exotic species such as the unbelievable Resplendent Quetzal, Black Guan, Snowcap, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Golden-browed Chlorophonia and Spanglecheeked Tanager. A wide variety of habitats, including the Caribbean coastal plain and the northern Pacific lowlands will be explored on our tour, and we can look forward to many striking species of trogons, toucans, motmots, hummingbirds and migrant warblers. Thrilling birding, quality lodges and a relaxed pace make this destination perfect for anyone who has yet to experience the exciting avifauna of Central America! Spectacular volcanoes and fabulous highland lakes take centre stage in our Guatemala Central American Specialties tour. While this region is probably best known for its shade coffee productions, local people have over time developed a strong environmental bond and an understanding of ecotourism that has resulted in much of the remaining highland forests being protected. Even the coffee fincas offer superb birding, and the host of specials we will search for include the gorgeous Pink-headed Warbler, Blue-throated Motmot, Blue-and-white Mockingbird, Rufous-collared Thrush and Azure-rumped Tanager. A day will also be devoted to hiking to the summit of the impressive San Pedro Volcano to search for one of the world’s most prized birds, the Horned Guan. Our Tikal Extension not only takes time to explore the remarkable Mayan ruins that dominate this region, but also to target such highly soughtafter species as the regal Ocellated Turkey, Black-throated Shrike-Tanager, Grey-throated Chat, Rose-throated Tanager and the impressive Great Curassow.

Resplendent Quetzal by Vivek Khanzode

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

US$3,950 • £2,540 • €3,180 • ZAR32,300 ss: US$0

8 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Chiriquí Highlands Extension: 23 - 26 Oct (4 days)

To be announced

8 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Costa Rica - Cloud Forest and Quetzals: 24 Jan - 6 Feb (14 days)

US$3,750 • £2,410 • €3,020 • ZAR30,600 ss: US$370

10 with Rich Lindie

Guatemala - Central American Specialties: 11 - 19 Jan (9 days)

US$2,250 • £1,450 • €1,810 • ZAR18,400 ss: US$300

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

US$1,425 • £920 • €1,150 • ZAR11,600 Flights approx US$300 ss: US$240

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Best of Panama: 10 - 23 Oct (14 days)

Tikal Extension: 19 - 23 Jan (5 days)

Cuba, Dominican Republic & Jamaica

Cuba, just 55 miles south of Florida, is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea, and offers an impressive 28 endemics, numerous Caribbean specials and a rich assemblage of migrant North American warblers. Our comprehensive Caribbean Endemic Birding tour targets all Cuban endemic and near-endemic species, except the inaccessible Cuban Kite. Using the services of local bird specialists at each site, we guarantee an impressive success rate at observing the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing avian diversity and endemic wildlife. From the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smallest bird, the miniscule Bee Hummingbird, to such sought-after species as Giant Kingbird, we hope to observe almost all the avian gems of this beautiful island, including the cute Cuban Tody, unique lattice-tailed Cuban Trogon, incredibly localized Zapata Wren, Stygian Owl and no less than four species of stunning quail-doves. Given the relaxed pace and vibrant culture surrounding us, Cuba is an absolute pleasure to bird!

Cuban Trogon by Adam Riley

Cuban Tody by Adam Riley

he constellation of tropical islands across the Caribbean Sea boast a regional bird endemism rate of over 25% and are home to more than 560 bird species, many of which are in decline, threatened or endangered. Rockjumper offers three Caribbean tours that may be taken back to back, which thoroughly cover three of the four islands that make up the Greater Antilles: Cuba, Hispaniola and Jamaica. Our Mexico - Yucatan Extension (refer to pg 57) has been strategically placed between our two Cuban departures for those participants traveling to Cuba via Cancun who would like to explore this tropical region of Mexico.

The Caribbean

Key West Quail-Dove by Luis Segura

The Dominican Republic is the second largest Caribbean nation, straddling the eastern half of arguably the most beautiful of all the large Caribbean islands, Hispaniola. Hispaniola boasts an impressive variety of endemic and range-restricted birds, including six endemic genera and the monotypic Palmchat, the sole representative of its own bird family! Our comprehensive tour is co-led by the the nation’s top birder and takes us through all the habitats necessary to target the island’s specialties, from dry thorn scrub to montane pine forest. Some of our numerous targets include a dedicated search for the rare Ridgway’s Hawk, as well as Ashy-faced Owl, Least Poorwill, White-fronted Quail-Dove, Hispaniolan Amazon, Hispaniolan Parakeet, Bay-breasted Cuckoo, beautiful Broad-billed and Narrow-billed Todies, Hispaniolan Trogon, Hispaniolan Woodpecker, Hispaniolan Emerald, White-necked Crow, White-winged Warbler and Hispaniolan Crossbill. Best known as a tropical paradise with palm-fringed beaches, reggae music and a generally relaxed style of life, Jamaica is also blessed with 30 mouth-watering endemics. Our tour across this rugged island explores habitats from evergreen mountain forests to beaches and ultramarine coastal waters. We target all of Jamaica’s endemic bird species while also allowing time to soak up the unique atmosphere of the island. Some of the special birds we specifically target include the spectacular Red-billed Streamertail, Jamaican Tody, Jamaican Pewee, Jamaican Vireo, Arrowhead Warbler, charming Jamaican Mango, Orangequit, Jamaican Lizard Cuckoo, Jamaican Woodpecker and much besides.

Red-billed Streamertail by David Shackelford

Jamaican Woodpecker by Matthew Matthiessen

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding I: 3 - 12 Mar (10 days)

US$3,030 • £1,950 • €2,440 • ZAR24,800 Flights approx US$80 ss: US$170

8 with Rich Lindie & local birding leaders

Cuba - Caribbean Endemic Birding II: 20 29 Mar (10 days)

US$3,030 • £1,950 • €2,440 • ZAR24,800 Flights approx US$80 ss: US$170

8 with Rich Lindie & local birding leaders

Dominican Republic - Endemics of Hispaniola: 15 - 22 Feb (8 days)

US$2,575 • £1,660 • €2,070 • ZAR21,000 ss: US$135

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Jamaica - Island Endemics: 23 Feb - 1 Mar (7 days)

US$2,775 • £1,780 • €2,230 • ZAR22,700 ss: US$500

10 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

outh Texas is a birder’s paradise at any time of the year. Green Jays, Altamira Orioles and Buffbellied Hummingbirds are among the wide array of colorful tropical species that are resident. In addition to these, a winter visit adds an incredible array of waterfowl, shorebirds, an increased probability of Mexican vagrants, and the spectacular Whooping Crane! Our Texas: Whooping Cranes & the Lower Rio Grande Valley tour visits a variety of habitats ranging from Chihuahan Desert scrub to subtropical woodlands, vast wetlands, beaches and even open ocean. Other targets include Roseate Spoonbill, Tricolored Heron, Reddish Egret, Ferruginous Pygmy Owl, Tropical Parula, White-tailed Hawk, Redcrowned Parrot, Plain Chachalaca, Long-billed Thrasher and Olive Sparrow. Though Colorado is generally known as the Centennial or Colombine State, birders know it as “The Chicken State”! Our Colorado - The Prairie Chicken Tour takes us through topography ranging from the expansive grasslands of southeast Colorado, up onto the high plains and into the deep forests and alpine tundra of the Rocky Mountains in search of the state’s wildfowl. Expected highlights include Greater and Lesser Prairie Chicken, Greater and Gunnison’s Sage-Grouse, Sharp-tailed and Dusky Grouse, Mountain Plover, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Roughlegged Hawk, Pinyon Jay and McCown’s Longspur, among many others! With thousands of miles of coastline, the highest mountains on the continent and distant wilderness locales only accessible by boat or plane, Alaska is a must for all adventurers in search of unforgettable birds and wildlife set within unrivalled beauty. The first of our suite of tours begins in the small town of Nome, set on the Seward Peninsula jutting into the Bering Sea. In June the tundra is in full bloom, the midnight sun at its brightest, and the birds and wildlife are at their most abundant. We can expect a host of fine Arctic and Asian birds, including Bristle-thighed Curlew, Gyrfalcon, Hoary Redpoll and Bluethroat, with chances for Emperor Goose, Terek Sandpiper, Siberian Rubythroat and other rarities. Mammal watching may produce Grizzly Bear, Arctic Fox, Moose and the remarkable Musk Ox. The next stop on our Alaskan Adventure is the High Arctic tundra and shoreline of Barrow. Our focus will be three-fold: Snowy Owls, High Arctic breeding waterfowl and waders, and if we are fortunate, the iconic Polar Bear! Spectacled and Steller’s Eiders will undoubtedly be highlights, and besides the regular breeding shorebirds we will also seek Asian vagrants during this unforgettable visit to the northernmost settlement of the USA. No Alaskan experience is complete without traveling through Denali & Kenai. This tour is by far the most diverse offering in this dramatically scenic region. Activities includes a boat ride through Kenai Fjords for auklets, puffins, murrelets, whales, Sea Otters and Orca, and exploring the Denali highway for Smith’s Longspur, Arctic Warbler, Rock and Willow Ptarmigan, with excellent chances of bears and wolves. We then search the lush forests around Anchorage and Seward for American Three-toed Woodpeckers, Varied Thrush, Pine Grosbeak and more; certainly a grand finale to our Alaskan adventures. In Mexico, our Yucatan Extension is offered in conjunction with our Cuba tours. During this week-long exploration we expect to notch up an impressive 250 bird species, including 14 endemics and another 8 near-endemics. Habitats we cover include the scrub and forest of Tulum, coastal estuaries and mangroves of Rio Lagartos, the endemic-rich island of Cozumel and the deep forests that envelope the Coba ruins. Some of our targets include the remarkable Ocellated Turkey, Yucatan Bobwhite, Yucatan Amazon, Yucatan Poorwill, Yucatan Woodpecker, Orange Oriole, Yucatan Jay, Yucatan Wren, Black Catbird, Mexican

Snowy Owl copyright Christoper Dodds

United States of America , Canada & Mexico

North America Sheartail, Cozumel Emerald and Rose-throated Tanager. Aside from brilliant birds, our exploration also includes delicious food, fascinating Mayan architecture and beautiful, white sand beaches, all of which combine to create a very relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable birding experience.

Red-headed Woodpecker copyright Christoper Dodds

Sharp-tailed Grouse by Markus Lilje

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Alaska - Nome & the Seward Peninsula: 3 - 7 Jun (5 days)

US$2,500 • £1,610 • €2,010 • ZAR20,400 ss: US$400

14 & 2 leaders

Alaska - Barrow, the High Arctic: 8 - 10 Jun (3 days)

US$2,300 • £1,480 • €1,850 • ZAR18,800 ss: US$200

10 & 2 leaders

Alaska - Denali & Kenai: 11 - 19 Jun (9 days)

US$4,100 • £2,640 • €3,300 • ZAR33,500 ss: US$575

10 & 2 leaders

Texas - Whooping Cranes & the Lower Rio Grande Valley: 22 Feb - 2 Mar (9 days)

US$2,775 • £1,780 • €2,230 • ZAR22,700 ss: US$450

14 & 2 leaders

Colorado - The Prairie Chicken Tour: 11 20 Apr (10 days)

US$2,575 • £1,660 • €2,070 • ZAR21,000 ss: US$375

14 & 2 leaders

Mexico - Yucatan Extension: 13 - 19 Mar (7 days)

US$1,950 • £1,250 • €1,570 • ZAR15,900 ss: US$230

8 with Rich Lindie & local birding leader

Canada - Winter Snowy Owls of Quebec & Ontario: 11 - 15 Feb (5 days)

US$3,450 • £2,220 • €2,770 • CAD3,500

3 with Christoper Dodds

Alaska - Bald Eagles of Homer: Eagles Galore: 18 - 22 Mar (5 days)

US$3,500 • £2,250 • €2,810 • ZAR28,600

5 with Christoper Dodds

Texas - Best of Texas Photo tour safari workshop: 22 - 26 April (5 days)

US$2,295 • £1,480 • €1,850 • ZAR18,800

6 with Christoper Dodds

Alaska - Saint Paul Island Photo Tour: 16 23 Jun (8 days)

US$4,995 • £3,210 • €4,020 • ZAR40,800 ss: US$500

6 with Christoper Dodds

Cerulean Warbler copyright Christoper Dodds

Harlequin Duck by Markus Lilje

Oryx is thrilled to announce four small group North American photographic workshop safaris, all expertly led and tutored by world-renowned master photographer Christopher Dodds. These workshops are suitable for both professional and amateur photographers alike. Winter Snowy Owls of Quebec & Ontario has target subjects including (but not limited to) the magnificent Snowy, Boreal, Great Grey, Northern Hawk-, Northern Barred, Long-eared, Short-eared and the cute Northern Saw-whet Owls. This workshop is limited to just 3 participants, allowing access to private sites where larger groups are not permitted. Bald Eagles of Homer, Alaska: Eagles Galore is aimed at providing our participants with a truly awesome portfolio of eagle images, including dramatic flight shots and dynamic portraits with snow-covered mountain backdrops. Best of Texas photo safari workshop includes two days in the dug-out blinds of the coveted Laguna Seca Ranch, two days in the predator blinds of the renowned Martin Refuge and a day out in the teeming wetlands of Estero Llano Grande State Park. We can expect numerous mind-blowing bird photographic opportunities of such delights as Greater Roadrunner, Green Jay, Harris’s Hawk and a variety of other Texan specialties. And finally, Saint Paul Island photo tour is a photographic adventure of a lifetime to this famous island in the Bering Sea. Here we will concentrate on alcids (especially Crested and Least Auklets, and Tufted and Horned Puffins), as well as numerous other nesting seabirds, Grey-crowned Rosy Finches, Arctic Foxes and much more besides!

Papua New Guinea & the Western Pacific Odyssey

f all the world’s birding destinations, Papua New Guinea surely ranks as the most fascinating and exotic. New Guinea, the planet’s second largest island, was the last inhabited landmass to be explored by Europeans. Its virtually untouched forests come alive with the sights and sounds of fruit doves, fig parrots, fairywrens, whistlers, paradise kingfishers, jewel-babblers, honeyeaters, berrypeckers and bowerbirds, whilst more than 20 species of dazzling birds-of-paradise display their iridescent colors and elaborate plumes in one of the most astonishing exhibits of the natural world! Traveling by air, road and boat, our Birding in Paradise tour explores the region’s diverse habitats, from winding lowland rivers and sprawling grasslands, to rich highland ecosystems and forested valleys. Here tribes dance mimicking the fabulous birds-of-paradise, adorned with elaborate head plumes of the exotic birds that grace this mystical island. Over the years Rockjumper has established an unbeatable reputation for leading highly successful birding tours to Papua New Guinea, and our tour totals of around 400 species include up to 24 different birds-of-paradise! The extravagant birds that we can expect to see range from the bizarre Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise to the strangely plumed King-of-Saxony, and from the brilliant Blue and King Birds-of-paradise to watching Raggiana and Greater Birds-of-paradise dance at their phenomenal leks. We also enjoy almost 20 kingfisher species, a feat impossible to match anywhere else in the world. Furthermore, most of our tours boast sightings of the

Tribal dance by David Shackelford

Greater Bird-of-paradise by Keith Valentine

Brehm’s Tiger Parrot by Adam Riley

Northern Australasia

Kagu by Adam Riley

Twelve-wired Bird-of-paradise by Lee Hunter

Southern Crowned Pigeon by Lee Hunter

rarely seen Shovel-billed Kookaburra, remarkable Southern Crowned Pigeon, unbelievable Flame Bowerbird and Papuan (Harpy) Eagle. You can therefore expect a phenomenal array of remarkable birds amidst vast and pristine forests. Our New Britain Endemics Extension takes us to another beautiful and little-explored region of the world, the Bismarck Archipelago. Here we bird forests and tiny islets for several exciting species, including Melanesian Megapode, Nicobar Pigeon and a plethora of endemic doves, kingfishers and parrots. Our journey though Papua New Guinea is rated by many as the world’s ultimate birding tour! The Western Pacific Odyssey cruise beginning in New Zealand and ending in Papua New Guinea, provides an unprecedented opportunity to see some of the world’s most rarelyobserved seabirds and remote island endemics. We land at Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, and four of the Solomon Islands, before disembarkation at New Ireland off Papua New Guinea. Such mouth-watering species as Kagu, Beck’s Petrel, Heinroth’s Shearwater, Roviana Rail, Norfolk Island Parakeet, Rennell Shrikebill and Crow Honeyeater are possible, as well as a potential new species of storm petrel off New Caledonia. More details can be found on our Cruise page, pg 62.

Spotted Catbird by Lee Hunter

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise I: 30 Jun - 17 July (18 days)

US$8,080 • £5,200 • €6,500 • KIN16,975 Flights approx US$1,550 ss: US$1,475

10 with Glen Valentine & Markus Lilje

New Britain Endemics Extension I: 17 - 21 Jul (5 days)

US$1,950 • £1,250 • €1,570 • ZAR15,900 Flights approx US$360 ss: US$250

10 with Glen Valentine & Markus Lilje

Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise II: 21 Jul - 7 Aug (18 days)

US$8,080 • £5,200 • €6,500 • KIN16,975 Flights approx US$1,550 ss: US$1,475

10 with Glen Valentine & Markus Lilje

New Britain Endemics Extension II: 7 - 11 Aug (5 days)

US$1,950 • £1,250 • €1,570 • ZAR15,900 Flights approx US$360 ss: US$250

10 with Glen Valentine & Markus Lilje

Papua New Guinea - Birding in Paradise III: 11 - 28 Aug (18 days)

US$8,080 • £5,200 • €6,500 • KIN16,975 Flights approx US$1,550 ss: US$1,475

8 with Markus Lilje

Splendid Fairywren by Dave Semler

Australia, New Zealand & SubAntarctic Islands

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Australia - Southwestern Endemics Extension: 21 - 26 Sep (6 days)

US$2,140 • £1,370 • €1,720 • AUD2,050 ss: US$390

12 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Australia - Eastern Top to Bottom: 26 Sep 15 Oct (20 days)

US$9,350 • £6,010 • €7,520 • AUD8,975 Flights approx US$780 ss: US$1,740

12 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Australia - Tasmania Birds & Wildlife Extension: 15 - 19 Oct (5 days)

US$2,240 • £1,440 • €1,800 • AUD2,150 Flights approx US$410 ss: US$340

12 with Erik Forsyth & local birding leader

Comprehensive New Zealand: 20 Oct - 6 Nov (18 days)

to be announced

8 with Erik Forsyth

Cruises

Polar Bear and cub by Elliott Neep

Our Antarctic Peninsula Adventure cruise is a shorter excursion, aimed at those with less time who nonetheless wish to experience a wide array of fantastic Antarctic fauna against the scenically

unmatched backdrop of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. This tour takes us through the seabird-rich waters of the Southern Ocean to bustling penguin colonies on the shores of the Great White Continent. Our first Antarctic Peninsula cruise in March is a cetacean themed departure with special emphasis on finding and experiencing as many whales and dolphins as possible. Furthermore, we will have two Antarctic cetacean authorities on board to share their knowledge with us. Our Galápagos of the Southern Ocean cruise sets off from New Zealand, from where we explore four groups of sub-Antarctic islands: the Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell Islands. These waters support the richest seabird assemblage on Earth, plus an impressive diversity of endemic land birds and waterfowl. Vast penguin and seabird colonies include the entire world population of Royal Penguins on Macquarie! This cruise offers a unique opportunity to visit these remote and little known islands and their teeming wildlife. Spitsbergen lies a mere 600 miles from the North Pole and is the largest island of the Svalbard Archipelago. Draped in darkness during the long northern winter, this frigid land is dramatically transformed into a place of perpetual sunshine during our summer cruises. The scenery is nothing

Adelie Penguin by Marius Coetzee

ur Classic Antarctica cruise is a ‘must’ for every wildlife and nature enthusiast, and we guarantee that you will return not only enriched but totally blown-away by this experience of a lifetime! During this incredible journey we will explore the remote Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Shetlands and finally, the Antarctic continent. Along the way we will marvel at some of the world’s last truly pristine wildernesses and be treated to spectacular vistas, hauntingly beautiful icebergs and the planet’s greatest concentrations of marine wildlife. Walking amongst vast, crowded nesting colonies of over 200,000 displaying King Penguins and their fluffy young is an experience that defies description. We will also set foot on Antarctica at the aptly named Paradise Bay, while our return via the Drake Passage promises to produce some thrilling pelagic birding, as we search for species including Wandering and Light-mantled Albatross, Snow and Antarctic Petrel and South Georgia Diving Petrel. This cruise also offers unbeatable photographic opportunities, and some of our departures may have on board specialist Rockjumper birding and Indri wildlife leaders or professional Oryx photographic leaders!

Global short of breathtaking, with towering snowcapped mountains, forbidding glaciers and flower-studded tundra. The abundance of iconic Arctic mammals is a major attraction, including whales, Walrus, Arctic Fox, Reindeer and the fabulous Polar Bear, of which we stand an excellent chance of close and personal encounters. Avian specialties include Ivory Gull, King Eider and vast colonies of breeding alcids, including Little Auks (Dovekies) and Atlantic Puffins. Our Russian Far East cruises explore some of the richest seas in the northern hemisphere and take us to remote lands, little explored by naturalists. Our Russia’s Ring of Fire cruise explores three quite distinct and unique geographical regions: the Kamchatka Peninsula, and the Commander and Kuril Islands. Referred to as the “Ring of Fire” for the prevalence of its active volcanoes, this little-disturbed wilderness still supports spectacular numbers of wildlife. These range from a dozen alcid species, including the highly sought-after Whiskered Auklet, to healthy Sea Otter and Orca populations. We also have excellent chances for finding a number of superb cetaceans, Steller’s Sea Lion and outstanding birds, such as Steller’s Sea Eagle, Short-tailed Albatross and numerous Asian passerines. Run as a co-operative venture with BirdLife International, the unique In the Wake of Bering expedition takes us to one of the remotest coastlines on earth, in search of some very special birds and wildlife. Primary on our list of targets is the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, of which fewer than 200 pairs are thought to now make the annual migration to Northern Kamchatka and Chukotka to breed. Other potential highlights on this epic adventure include an incredible 13 species of alcids, Red-legged Kittiwake, Steller’s Sea Eagle and Emperor Goose. The seas also support a rich diversity of cetaceans, while on the surrounding coastline we will look for Brown Bear, Kamchatka Marmot and Arctic Fox. The Northwest Passage is one of the world’s most historic and elusive sea routes, linking the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through Canada’s High Arctic. Join us as we sail in comfort through this dramatic wilderness, first explored by Barrow, Parry and Franklin almost a century ago. Herds of Walrus, rafts of seals, pods of whales, prehistoric-looking Musk Ox and the mighty Polar Bear are all targets. The Canadian Arctic is also host to numerous special birds, including Ivory Gull, King Eider, Gyrfalcon, Snowy Owl and Snow Bunting, to name just a few. The Western Pacific Odyssey cruise beginning in New Zealand and ending in Papua New Guinea, provides an unprecedented opportunity to see some of the world’s most rarely-observed seabirds and remote island endemics. We land at Norfolk Island, New Caledonia, and four of the Solomon Islands, before disembarkation at New Ireland. Such mouth-watering species as New Zealand Storm and Beck’s Petrel, Heinroth’s Shearwater, Kagu, Roviana Rail, Norfolk Island Parakeet, Rennell Shrikebill and Crow Honeyeater are possible, as well as a potential new species of storm petrel off New Caledonia. These oceanic journeys are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences and cannot be more highly recommended!

Whiskered Auklet by Adam Riley

Gibson’s Albatross by Elliott Neep

Steller’s Sea Eagle by Adam Riley

King Pengiun by Marius Coetzee

Tour name & dates:

Tour cost:

Group size & tour leaders:

Antarctic Peninsula Adventure I: 6 - 16 Mar (11 days)

From US$5,840 • £3,760 • €4,700 • ZAR47,700

Simon Bellingham & expedition leaders

Classic Antarctica - the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica I: 20 Nov - 8 Dec (19 days)

From US$10,900 • £7,030 • €8,720 • ZAR89,050

Tba & expedition leaders

Classic Antarctica - the Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica II: 28 Dec 2013 - 15 Jan 2014 (19 days)

From US$12,750 • £8,225 • €10,200 • ZAR104,150

Tba & expedition leaders

Antarctic Peninsula Adventure II: 20 - 28 Dec (9 days)

From US$4,950 • £3,190 • €3,960 • ZAR40,450

Tba & expedition leaders

Galápagos of the Southern Ocean: 30 Dec 2013 - 11 Jan 2014 (13 days)

From US$5,450 • £3,520 • €4,360 • ZAR44,500 Landing fee: US$650

Adam Riley & expedition leaders

Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams I: 6 - 16 Aug (11 days)

From US$4,865 • £3,130 • €3,910 • ZAR39,700

Elliot Neep & expedition leaders

Spitsbergen - Land of Arctic Dreams II: 16 - 24 Aug (9 days)

From US$3,890 • £2,500 • €3,130 • ZAR31,800

Elliot Neep & expedition leaders

Canadian Arctic - Northwest Passage: 14 - 25 Aug (12 days)

From US$6,820 • £4,390 • €5,480 • ZAR55,700

Tba & expedition leaders

Russia’s Ring of Fire: 24 May - 5 Jun (13 days)

From US$6,920 • £4,450 • €5,560 • ZAR56,500 Landing fee: US$500

Tba & expedition leaders

Russia - In the Wake of Bering: 21 Jun - 4 Jul (14 days)

From US$7,510 • £4,830 • €6,040 • ZAR61,400 Landing fee: US$500

Tba & expedition leaders

Western Pacific Odyssey: 25 Mar - 13 Apr (20 days)

From US$10,240 • £6,590 • €8,230 • ZAR83,700 Landing fee: US$500

Erik Forsyth & expedition leaders

64 Amboseli African Elephant herd by Greg du Toit

Experiencing nature, with impressive clarity. For longer than ever before. This is the moment we work for.

Visit our website: zeiss.com/sportsoptics

/// VICTORY ZeIss. PIOneeR sInCe 1846.

VICTORY HT. The brightest premium binoculars in the world. Experience a revolution in observation optics: the new VICTORY HT. Thanks to its innovative optical concept with SCHOTT HT-glass it achieves light transmission levels of up to 95 % and more, which means you can continue observing for longer periods. Equally impressive is the ergonomic Comfort-Focus-Concept, with its intuitive operation and quick, precise focussing, as well as the extremely robust design with new Double-Link-Bridge. Available in 8 x 42 and 10 x 42. www.zeiss.com/sportsoptics

Leopard mother and cub by Marius Coetzee Recommended partner

corporate sponsor

Neotropical Bird Club corporate sponsor

corporate sponsor