[Tweeters] OT: South Africa birding

[Dana Greeley via Tweeters]

Saw your post below and here's my 2 cents.
I was last in S Africa in April of 2018. I flew into Durban, rented a car
and drove from Durban up to St. Lucia and back. I birded 3 days with Themba
and highly recommend him as an incredibly knowledgeable guide! Here's a
link to contact him if you like: https://www.stluciabirding.com/

Before that trip I flew into Cape Town, years earlier, March of 2009. I
stayed in the cape town area and though I hiked down table mountain, I
didn't go on any guided birding trips.

Both times I had no problems with crime or theft. Both times I was solo for
much of the trip. I think the usual advice about not flashing your
expensive binoculars and cameras when in the urban grittier places is well
advised. AND, though I know of a guy who was robbed in Cape Town, I
personally had no problems.

I was more scared of meeting big game or a snake when hiking in the parks
by myself.  Lots of hippos at night in St. Lucia!

-Dana
Seattle/ La Conner
djgreel1 at gmail dot com
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Message: 4
Date: Sat, 3 Jan 2026 03:24:24 +0000
Subject: [Tweeters] OT: South Africa birding

Hello Tweets,

A friend has invited us to accompany him to South Africa in September. He?s
not a birder, but would be willing for us to take some birding days while
there. I believe he?s thinking he'll plan things himself rather than hire a
tour guide/company. So, a couple of questions for those who?ve been there
in recent years:

The State Department has some pretty unnerving risk alerts for SA, which
make me wonder whether it?s actually a good destination in current times,
or whether it?d be better to wait until it seems safer. If you?ve been
there, either on your own or with a tour company, I?d be interested to hear
how safe you felt.

In terms of birding, are there companies or guides you would recommend for
outings?

Any other thoughts welcome.

Thanks much,
Trileigh
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