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South-Africa-Safari-Leopard

Leopard photo by guide Steve  Eshbaugh at Elephant Plains

Cost: $6,900: Deposit $1,500

Single Supplement: $1,600

Final Payment Due: September 17, 2025

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Guide to Participant Ratio: 1:4

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Maximum participants: 8

Openings left: 6

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Guides: Steve Eshbaugh, Eric Davis & local South African Guides

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Level: Easy

 

Tour prices are given “per person, double occupancy” and include a donation to BOTH Montana Audubon (Steve Hoffman’s former employer) and a South African conservation organization.

 

What's included in your fee?

  • All trip materials, including detailed itinerary, list of what to bring, recommended field guides and pre-trip reading materials, checklist of likely birds & other wildlife.

  • All services of the leaders and guides

  • All transportation upon arrival to destination city.

  • All accommodations during tour dates.

  • All entrance fees to museums, parks, etc.

  • All meals (except alcoholic beverages) are included, typically from breakfast the first full day through dinner on the last full day.

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Tour prices DO NOT include round-trip airfare, passport/visa fees, arrival taxes, baggage fees, single-supplement fees, telephone calls, laundry, room service, souvenirs, tipping of your trip leader. All alcoholic beverages are also excluded.

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Tour deposit is refundable, minus a

$250 processing fee up to 150 days

prior to departure.

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Note: Tour costs, itineraries and dates are subject to change. Prices may be affected by international currency exchange rates or itinerary changes.

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We offset all trip impacts by purchasing carbon offsets to reduce our carbon footprint.

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A Taste of South Africa
March 16-30, 2026: $6,900

South Africa is one of the world’s most beautiful countries. This trip visits the stunning hills of the Waterberg and the top of Table Mountain National Park. You’ll stroll Kirstenbosch Gardens, one of the world’s finest botanical gardens. You’ll be able to hike at Lindani Private Game Reserve among giraffes, zebra, and a wide array of antelope. The trip culminates as any trip to Africa should, with seven full days of safari. Welgovendon Private Game Reserve allows us to see all the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and African buffalo). Our lodge will house only our group, allowing for more intimate conversations as we share the wonder of incredible wildlife encounters. Our last stop will be Elephant Plains within the world-renowned Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve. Leopards are virtually guaranteed at Sabi Sands, and not from a distance, but close enough that avid photographers will take delight.

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Food on this trip is outstanding, from country cooking at Lindani to five-star gourmet dining while on safari. You’ll also have ample opportunity to sample some of South Africa’s wines, many of which are difficult to purchase in the United States. Make that bucket list with a visit to Africa a fulfilled priority. At this price, the trip will likely fill promptly.

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Itinerary at a Glance

May 1: Leave the United States

May 2: Arrive in Cape Town

nesburg

May 3: Drive to Lindani Private Game Reserve

May 4: Full day of safari at Lindani Game Reserve

May 5: Morning bird walk, evening at leisure, picnic dinner

May 6: Drive from Lindani to Jo'burg, fly to Cape Town, overnight Sundown Manor or similar

May 7: Full day of birding, overnight Sundown Manor or similar

May 8: Full day in wine country, Sundown Manor, or similar

May 9: Explore Cape Town

May 10: Boulder's Beach for penguin viewing Cape of Good Hope. Sundown Manor or a similar

May 11: Table Mountain & Kirstenbosch Gardens, Overnight Sundown Manor or similar

May 12: Fly to Jo'Burg, then charter flight to Welgovendon Private Game Reserve

May 13: Full-day safari at Welgovendon

May 14: Full-day safari at Welgovendon

May 15: Full-day safari at Welgovendon

May 16: Fly to Jo'Burg, then to Hoedspruit Overnight Elephant Plains or similar

May 17: Full-day safari at Sabi Sands Private Reserve.

May 18: Full-day safari at Sabi Sands Private Reserve.

May 19: Fly from Hoedsrpuit to Johannesburg, depart for home.

May 20: Arrive home.

For detailed information, click here

Merlin Birding Logo

Merlin Birding Tours offers extraordinary, affordable birding & natural history excursions in the U.S. and abroad.  We provide exceptional, personalized customer service to all clients. Custom ecotours are offered to any destination as requested. Consider scheduling a nature or birding tour with the expert guides at Merlin Birding today.

© Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC 2018

merlin birding logo

Merlin Birding Tours offers extraordinary, affordable birding & natural history excursions in the U.S. and abroad. We provide exceptional, personalized customer service. Custom eco-tours are offered to any destination, as requested. Consider scheduling a nature or birding tour with the expert guides at Merlin Birding today!

© 2023 Merlin Birding & Nature Tours, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

P.O. Box 6788

Bozeman, MT 59771

Phone: (406) 461-5714

(Send us an Email)

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