10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

And if you take this phrase, “stamps in weathered passports,” my interpretation is that the experiences from travel are the “stamps” as sights, sounds, tastes, smells, textures, on your “passport,” or soul. Hannah overlooking a valley Traveling into Lesotho from the Sani Pass is an experience more than just the journey to the top.

Lesotho 245

Lesotho Sheep Groundhogs South Africa 245

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 23, 2021

One in November 2018 included a one-day birding trip in the Drakensberg area, a mountain range in the border area between South Africa and Lesotho. Pretty pointless, I guess, if it wasn’t for the birds – though it seems some tourists take the same tour just to get the Lesotho stamp into their passport.

South Africa 261

South Africa Africa Lesotho Nigeria 261

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 8, 2013

Albeit currently a rugged 4×4-only road, Sani Pass is the most accessible route from KwaZulu-Natal into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. However, the great birding experience that is Sani starts lower down. The final southern African stronghold of this species is the high Drakensberg mountains in Lesotho.

Lesotho 197

Lesotho Rats Africa Woodpeckers 197

10,000 Birds

MAY 8, 2012

It is quite a sight to experience hundreds of Abdim’s Stork dropping out of the skies from seemingly thin air, to gorge on burnt or fleeing insects and rodents. It appears in southern Africa only during the Austral summer months, usually in large flocks that seek out locust and flying termite eruptions.

Africa 250

Africa Tanzania South Africa Uganda 250

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 4, 2014

That was easily fixed by adding a post-Safari trip to Eastern South Africa, led by dashing Rockjumper guide Clayton Burne, to my itinerary. The small group was a good counterpart to the large, convivial ABA Safari group of 98 birders.

South Africa 255

South Africa Africa Leopards Penguins 255

10,000 Birds

NOVEMBER 19, 2020

And so, back to political entities, this field guide covers Namibia , Botswana , Zimbabwe , the southern half of Mozambique (south of the Zambezi River), South Africa , Lesotho and Eswatini ( Swaziland ). and having them in your pocket makes a huge difference in your birding experience. The calls are sorted by type (song, alarm, etc.)

Africa 264

Africa South Africa Swaziland Lesotho 264