The Wings Above Africa

From coastal cliffs to forest canopies — a journey in flight and shadow.

Africa isn’t just seen — it’s traced in movement, in rhythm, in wingbeat. Begin in Cape Town, where Table Mountain lifts above sea and sky, and penguins gather at Boulders Beach beneath wind-carved cliffs. Pelagic waters call next — albatross and petrel soaring over the deep, whales breaking the line of the horizon.

The trail follows birdsong. From coastal wetlands to mountain paths, feathers flicker, shadows rise. Then fly east to Phinda — a private reserve where forest, savannah, and sand converge. Here, binoculars stay close and breath slows. Rudd’s apalis, crowned eagle, pink-throated twinspot — names become encounters.

By night, owls move silent through the bush. By dawn, warblers and sunbirds light the branches. And then onward to St. Lucia, where the iGwalagwala Trail winds through estuary and fig.

This isn’t just birding. It’s immersion — in rhythm, rarity, and revelation.

This is where the skies speak softly, and you learn to listen.

Scenic aerial shot of Cape Town’s coast with iconic Table Mountain and cityscape.

Day 1

Arrive in Cape Town, where mountains rise from the sea and southern skies stretch wide. Travel south to Boulders Beach, where African penguins nest between boulders, then continue to Cape Point, where sea cliffs fall into blue and wind carries the sound of wings.

Day 2

Ascend Table Mountain, where raptors wheel on thermals and the city feels distant below. Wander the paths of Kirstenbosch Gardens, alive with proteas and forest birds — sunbirds flashing in sunlight, sugarbirds flickering through fynbos.

Scenic Table Mountain cableway ride overlooking Cape Town and Atlantic Ocean.

African oystercatcher in natural sandy habitat, captured on birdwatching tour.

Day 3

Set out to sea on a pelagic birding trip, where deep water meets cold current. Watch for albatross, shearwaters, and petrels trailing fishing boats, and perhaps whales surfacing in the swell. This is birding at the ocean’s edge — raw, wide, and full of motion.

Day 4

Trace the coastline eastward. Stop at Rooi Els, where Cape rockjumpers dart across stone. Walk forest trails in Harold Porter Botanical Garden, then end the day at Strandfontein’s wetlands, where stilts, herons, and flamingos gather in fading light.

Man reading an info board about southern right whales at a coastal nature reserve.

Scenic safari arrival with a guide waving at a landing bush plane near a picnic setup.

Day 5

Fly across South Africa’s eastern curve to Phinda Private Game Reserve, where sand forest, savannah, and woodland converge. Set out on an evening game drive — the air warm, the bush alive with calls and shapes moving at the edge of sight.

Day 6

Rise before dawn to search for Rudd’s apalis, Neergaard’s sunbird, and forest hornbills in the morning hush. In the evening, return to the bush — owls, genets, and nightjars guiding the way through the dark.

Elephant and flock of waterbirds in Phinda Game Reserve’s lush wetland habitat.

African wood owl with bright yellow eyes camouflaged in tree hollow at Phinda Game Reserve.

Day 7

A day for rarities. Deep in Phinda’s mosaic, seek out crowned eagles, pink-throated twinspots, and the quieter life of sand forest thickets. Every call carries a question. Every flutter suggests something rare, just out of reach.

Day 8

Travel to St. Lucia and walk the iGwalagwala Trail, where turacos, tinkerbirds, and mangrove kingfishers live among fig trees and estuary air. The path winds slow, the birdlife sudden and vivid. Watch, pause, and listen.

Cheetahs pose beside safari vehicle on iGwalagwala Trail, blending birding with big game sights.

Game drive at dusk with photographers ready for wildlife and bird sightings in Africa.

Day 9

Return to the wilds of Phinda for one last full day. A final chance to follow mammal tracks or linger with bee-eaters, coucals, and lapwings in morning light. Here, safari becomes sound — a duet of hoof and wing.

Day 10

Depart with the skies still moving through you — from ocean albatross to forest twinspot, from penguins to crowned eagle. The wings remain, even as the trail ends.

Flight departure board showing Cape Town as the next travel destination.

Discover Africa’s avian wonders on a private guided luxury tour

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime private guided luxury tour through Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes, where every moment is curated for discerning travellers with a passion for birdwatching and wildlife. With Jetsetters expert luxury travel advisors by your side, experience an immersive journey across diverse ecosystems teeming with avian life, all while indulging in world-class hospitality and service.

A birdwatcher’s paradise

This carefully crafted itinerary takes you deep into the heart of South Africa’s top birding hotspots. From coastal estuaries and rare sand forests to lush wetlands and open savannas, the variety of habitats promises rich encounters with over 400 bird species. Expect sightings of the striking Narina trogon, elusive African wood owl, vibrant Rudd’s apalis, crowned eagles, pink-throated twin spots, and many more feathered treasures. Whether you're wandering through the serene iGwalagwala Trail or cruising past the filtration ponds of Strandfontein, every stop is an invitation to connect with nature.

Exclusive wildlife experiences on a private guided safari

Your private guided safari experience extends beyond birdwatching. Enjoy morning and evening game drives through the expansive wilderness of Phinda Private Game Reserve, home to the Big Five and a thriving population of cheetahs and black rhinos. Traverse seven distinct habitats, and witness both land and sky come alive with the movement of Africa’s iconic creatures.

Stay in unrivalled luxury

Throughout your journey, retreat to handpicked accommodations that blend elegance, comfort, and location. Begin your adventure in Cape Town with a stay at The Silo Hotel, a modern architectural marvel offering panoramic views of Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. With its artistic interiors, rooftop pool, and impeccable service, it sets the tone for a luxurious exploration of the continent. In Phinda, elevate your safari with a stay at &Beyond Phinda Homestead, an exclusive-use villa offering a completely personalized experience. With your own private chef, butler, game vehicle, and expert ranger team, it’s the pinnacle of luxury safari tour living. Here, you're not just a guest—you’re the master of your own African escape.

Curated by luxury travel advisors

At Jetsetters, we don’t just plan trips—we craft transformative journeys. Jetsetters, your luxury travel advisor ensure every detail of your experience is seamless, from chartered flights to private transfers, guided excursions, and curated wildlife encounters. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a curious explorer, this private guided luxury tour promises a captivating mix of comfort, adventure trails, and natural beauty.