MERLIN BIRDING & NATURE TOURS, LLC
Extraordinary Birding Adventures
(406) 461-5714
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, & local South African Guides
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Level: Easy
Tour prices are given “per person, double occupancy” and include donating to BOTH Montana Audubon (Steve Hoffman’s former employer) and a South African conservation organization.
What's included in your fee?
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All trip materials, including detailed itinerary, list of what to bring, recommended field guides, pre-trip reading materials, checklist of likely birds & other wildlife.
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All services of the leaders and guides
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All transportation upon arrival at the destination city.
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All accommodations during tour dates.
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All entrance fees to museums, parks, etc.
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All meals (except alcoholic beverages) are included, typically from breakfast on 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, or 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
before 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.
A Taste of South Africa
March 19-30, 2026: $6,900
Experience the breathtaking beauty of South Africa on this unforgettable journey. Explore the stunning hills of the Waterberg, ascend iconic Table Mountain, and wander through the enchanting Kirstenbosch Gardens.
You have five full days exploring Cape Town, widely considered one of the world's most beautiful cities. In addition to an all-day immersive cultural experience, you'll see the top highlights of Cape Town. The trip ends, as all trips to South Africa should, with the thrill of a four-day safari at Welgovonden Private Game Reserve, where you'll have the chance to see the majestic "Big Five." You are also likely to see cheetahs and up to twenty species of antelopes. hippos, zebras, and giraffes are almost guaranteed sightings. With exceptional cuisine and the opportunity to savor unique South African wines, this trip is a must for any adventurer. Don’t miss out—make your bucket list dream a reality!
​​​Itinerary at a Glance
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March 19: Depart the United States
March 20: Arrive in Cape Town
March 21: Immersive Culture Experience, Overnight Cape Town
March 22: Full day in Wine Country, Overnight Cape Town
March 23: Table Mountain National Park, Overnight Cape Town
March 24: Tour Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, overnight in Cape Town
March 25: Fly to Johannesburg, drive to Welgovonden Private Game Reserve
March 26: Morning and evening safaris, overnight Tshwene Lodge
March 27: Morning and evening safaris, overnight Tshwene Lodge
March 28: Morning and evening safaris, overnight Tshwene Lodge
March 29: Morning safari, drive to OR Tambo for flights home tonight
March 30: Arrive home
