Eden to Addo Trails and Talks – Birding
The Eden to Addo Trails and Talks concept is proving to be immensely popular with our supporters and guests. With this in mind, we have decided to expand the event to include an annual birding option.
Join us and well-known specialist guides and conservationists Ian Michler and Colin Wylie on the very first exclusive 5 night/6 day birding trail through some of the most scenic regions of the Western Cape, South Africa.
Using three different camp sites and our mobile tented unit, we will take you on a birding journey exploring some of the different and fascinating biomes Eden to Addo works in. And in the process, we will also be recording for Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP2). With over 300 species occurring in the region we cover, including 27 South African endemics, hopefully there will be some new sightings on offer for all.
While the daily birding walks are integral to the programme, there will be plenty of discussion and debate along the way covering all the major ecological and conservation challenges of the day. We will also introduce you to our night skies, as well as Eden to Addo’s major projects.
Each day will include at least one walk, sometimes two, or drive stops to specific locations as we seek out the regions endemics and specials, and the ‘talking’ will take place through presentation sessions and evenings around the campfire on topics ranging from leadership and communication themes through the need for society to embrace an ecological thinking to the major factors influencing the debates such as culling, land-use options, alien species, wildlife trade and environmental sustainability. Wherever possible there will be a focus on local biodiversity and the challenges to securing survival.
The Great Corridor is regarded as one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet and we will be exploring three different sections: the Fynbos biome on the Robberg Coastal Corridor, the forest biome in Natures Valley and the vital corridor regions that link the Keurbooms River system to the Baviaanskloof World Heritage Site.
The focus will be on the birding experience and our work for SABAP2 and in the process, we promise much camaraderie and discussion as well as wonderful scenes and settings. Our wish is that you come away having seen a few new birds as well as knowing the environment and yourself a little differently.
The trip is limited to 10 guests only.
Dates are 15th – 20th November (5 nights) 2016.
Price is R15000.00 per person. All inclusive of bush style meals, park fees, guides and transfers between camps.
Accommodation is camping 2 people in dome safari tents with a stretcher. For those that prefer mattress-type mats please bring your own. While two camps will have flush toilets and a shower option, the third will have a long-drop type loo and wash points. A comprehensive list of what to bring will be emailed to you on receipt of your entry.
The following draft itinerary gives you an idea of what to expect on a daily basis.
Upon Arrival
14.00: Arrive at Natures Valley ex George Airport/Plettenberg Bay – welcome and orientation with introductory discussion.
16.00: Short walk followed by sundowners
19.00: Bush dinner and fireside talks
Outline of a typical day, weather permitting.
5.00am: Wakeup followed by light breakfast.
6.00am: Set off on coastal, wetland, forest or fynbos walk. Depending on programme, may either carry picnic lunch or return by 12.00pm for bush brunch.
14.00: Siesta or downtime followed by some sort of discussion or presentation and tea/coffee.
16.00: Short evening walk followed by sundowners
19.00: Bush dinner and fireside talks
Note: on travel days, we will be limited to one walk per day – we will however include birding stops at specific locations to seek endemic or special species.
Departure Day
5.00am: Wake-up and breakfast followed by short walk – Return to camp for pack-up and departure for either George or Plettenberg Bay.
