Dear Friends of Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding · PDF fileDear Friends of Rockjumper This year has flown by at hummingbird pace and we are still reveling in the many remarkable bird

Dear Friends of Rockjumper

This year has flown by at hummingbird pace and we are still reveling in the many remarkable bird

and wildlife sightings and unforgettable memories of times enjoyed with birding friends that this

year has brought! As you read through the newsletter below you will learn of some of these and

indeed of the numerous adventures planned to see out this action packed year including several

explorations of magical Madagascar and our private charter to the icy land of Antarctica! This,

combined with an extraordinary portfolio of exciting upcoming 2009 destinations, ensures that

there is a wealth of unbeatable Rockjumper birding adventures for you to choose from in the

months ahead!

Magical Madagascar’s Ring-tailed Lemur by J. Wakelin

and Wandering Albatross by J. Rossouw.

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, James

Wakelin, who was killed on September 20th, 2008 in an aircraft accident in Mozambique while

working on a GIS mapping assignment. James leaves behind his wife Alison, who has been

working for Rockjumper for the past 4 years, as well as their 10 month old son Jared. James was

also a part-time Rockjumper guide and a partner in Indri – Ultimate Mammal Voyages and was

Adam’s best friend since childhood. James was a talented sportsman, an avid birder, a superb

birding and wildlife guide, an ardent conservationist, award-winning photographer, loving

husband, proud father and loyal friend. He will be sadly missed by his many friends in South Africa

and abroad. Our heart-felt condolences go to Alison and Jared.

James enjoys a birding moment recently in Norway by L. Shaw.

We would like to wish a happy farewell to Nadine Lund, our web coordinator and tour operations

assistant, as she spread her wing's to pursue a life long passion for training and raising dogs. She

concludes that this is entirely Rockjumper’s fault - over the years she has watched the company

blossom due to Adam’s entrepreneurial spirit and now she too has decided to turn her hobby into

a business. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavors!

From New Zealand we are pleased to announce that former full-time Rockjumper guide Erik

Forsyth and his family are settling in after their emigration from South Africa. As soon as he has

ticked all the endemic kiwis we look forward to Erik touring with us again on a part-time basis.

We would also like to congratulate David Shackelford on having completed his quest to see all the

bird families of the world! In June he traveled to New Caledonia to find the bizarre Kagu, before

co-leading our popular Rockjumper tour through Papua New Guinea. What a milestone!

Dave Shackelford gets his last bird family!

We are thrilled to have Rockjumper’s latest 2009 brochure in print and available. This is our best

brochure yet showcasing some remarkable photographs, many of which have been taken by our

guides or clients on tour, and highlights some of the world’s greatest birding and wildlife

destinations. Our mouthwatering selection of fine tours throughout Africa, Asia, Australasia and

the New World includes new destinations from the wilds of Indonesia’s West Papua to the riches of

Brazil’s Pantanal and endemic-rich Atlantic Coastal Forest.

To our US-based clients please accept our apology for the delay in receiving your brochures, we

have not forgotten you! They are in the process of being shipped to the US and you will receive

them by the close of November! We promise to get them to you sooner next year!

Nearing the end of our 2008 Rockjumper tour schedule and looking ahead to 2009 we still have a

few remaining spaces on upcoming tours and would be pleased to have you join us for one of

these unforgettable birding adventures. Please do have a look at the calendar below for all the

latest on availability for 2008 and 2009.

Furthermore, thanks to the strengthening US$, we are able to offer discounted rates on several

2009 departures. New tour prices are:

Cameroon

Cameroon- Picathartes, Rainforests & Sahel

US$6,475 pp (reduced from $6,975; $500 saving), US$350 ss (reduced from $400)

Madagascar

Madagascar Mega I & II

US$10,175 pp (reduced from $10,975; $800 saving), US$1,200 ss ( reduced from $1,350)

Madagascar Comprehensive I, II & III


Madagascar Highlights


Malaysia & Borneo

Rainforest Birds & Mammals


Namibia, Botswana and Zambia

NBZ Overland I & II


South Africa

Eastern South Africa I, II, III & IV

US$3,250 pp (reduced from $3,500; $250 saving), US$ 285 ss (reduced from $325)

Cape Extension I, II, III & IV


Cape Wildflowers & Birding


Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Fraser Gear)

South African Endemics Mega-Birding Tour I & II


Please note that these new rates are dependant upon the US$ maintaining its current strength.

Last year our Kenya Mega Tour tallied a phenomenal 821 bird species in twenty-six days plus a

whooping seventy-eight mammal species! In 2009, with Kenya’s political stability and safety back

in order, we are going at it again in full throttle and we still have a few spaces left! Once again we

have the legendary East African birder Brian Finch at the helm of this tour which promises to be a

truly memorable birding fest! In Asia we continue to offer the finest birding trips in the Philippines

with more than 150 of the world’s fastest disappearing endemics and near endemics regularly

encountered during our explorations over this series of islands; please let us know if you would

like to join our tour to these critically threatened habitats in 2009 while spaces still remain.

We also still have availability during our debut tour through the wilds of Irian Jaya (West Papua)

in June 2009 which is gearing up to be an unforgettable adventure through this remote region

supporting some of the world’s most dazzling birds-of-paradise, fruit-doves, crowned pigeons,

parrots, and kingfishers. This tour will be guided by top birder Frank Lambert and an expert

locally based bird tour leader.

The endemic-rich island of Madagascar is brimming with bizarre wildlife continuing to be one of

our hottest destinations and in 2009 we would love to have you join us! In addition to our 18-day

tours we have introduced our new Madagascar Mega Tour which allows you the opportunity for

nearly every endemic including the stunning Helmet Vanga encountered on the remote Masoala

Peninsula!

We are also pleased to unveil our latest tour though Brazil, one of the most diverse countries of

the world hosting an abundance of localized birds. During this tour we explore the celebrated

Pantanal and the verdant Amazon rainforest, replete with an assortment of avifauna rivaled

nowhere else on our planet plus an extension to the endemic-rich Atlantic forests of Intervales

State Park. Join us on this tour as iconic species such as the Hyacinth Macaw and Helmeted

Manakin combine with very real chances to observe the secretive Jaguar and Giant Anteater as

we seek out the recently described Cryptic Forest Falcon, gaudy Red-fan Parrot, Helmeted

Woodpecker, and dazzling Swallow-tailed Cotinga among so many others!

Due to the overwhelming popularity our Dec 2008 Falklands Islands, South Georgia and Antarctic

Peninsula cruise, we are also offering a similar departure for December 2009. We have negotiated

some very special rates from our charter company and we have a limited number of berths that

are currently available from US$9,750, a significant reduction off the recommended retail rate for

this cruise. Do contact us for further details of this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Torotoroka Scops Owl by J. Wakelin (Left)

Vulterine Guineafowl by D. Shackelford (Right)

and Giant Anteater by J. Rossouw (Bottom)

The great birding success of our tours and commitment of our tour leaders are well known in the

international birding community, but rather than elaborate with mere adjectives let us mention

some of our recent tour highlights and travels:

“This is surely the most exciting birding in the world!” exclaimed David Hoddinott (who with David

Shackelford and Frank Lambert guided our 5 tours through Papua New Guinea recently). Papua

New Guinea dazzled us all again with 24 bird-of-paradise species, most included full-plumaged

males with many performing spectacular courtship displays! We thoroughly explored the lush

lowlands including along the Elevala and Fly Rivers and through the remote highlands where we

found a phenomenal number of spectacular birds with a wonderful array of kingfisher, pigeon,

honeyeater and parrot families. Some of the group favorites this year included displaying King-of-

Saxony Bird-of-paradise, extravagant Southern Crowned Pigeon, King Bird-of-paradise, bizarre

Wattled Ploughbill, Raggiana Bird-of-paradise, male Crested Bird-of-paradise, outrageous scope

views of Shovel-billed Kingfisher, roosting Greater Sooty-Owl, flashy Flame Bowerbird, fantastic

New Guinea Harpy Eagle, enigmatic Spangled Owlet-Nightjar (the first known photographs of this

bird were taken on our tour), bright blue Crested Berrypecker, and the incredible Palm Cockatoo.

From outlandish birds and giant butterflies to ornamented tribesmen and displaying birds-

of-paradise, Papua New Guinea is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating destinations on earth!

Papua New Guinea HighlightsThe first ever photo of Spangled Owlet Nightjar on a recent RBT tour by T. Sawbridge;

Traditional Man by D. Shackelford and Island Scenery by D. Shackelford.

Our Asia programs are rounding out nicely this year with our tour through Beidaihe and the

Tibetan Plateau currently underway. Keith Valentine also led a tour through the tropical

rainforests of Malaysia and Borneo including the magical Danum Valley where the howls of Borneo

Gibbon competed with Black-headed and Blue-headed Pittas plus brilliant sightings of mother and

infant Orangutan along the tranquil backwaters of the Kinabatangan River. Some of the other

birding highlights included the incredible Great Argus, Crested Fireback, Long-tailed Broadbill,

Blue Nuthatch, Bornean Blue Flycatcher, Black-throated Wren-Babbler, dazzling Red-bearded

Bee-eater, Whiskered Treeswift, Brown Wood, Collared and Buffy Fish Owl, Rhinoceros Hornbill,

Short-tailed Green Magpie and a host of Mt. Kinabalu endemics. Mammal highlights included

Leopard Cat, Bornean Pygmy Elephant, the unique Colugo, and pendulous nosed Proboscis

Monkey.

Great Argus and Whitehead’s Trogon by K. Valentine.

Africa has been as productive and exciting as ever with numerous successful tours having taken

place in the last few months. Recently Cuan Rush and Rainer Summers completed a lengthy

winter tour through Namibia, the Okavango Panhandle in Botswana and southern Zambia covering

a vast diversity of habitats. The tour notched-up an impressive list of species including twenty

endemic and near-endemics to Namibia! Bird and wildlife specialties during the dry western

section of this tour included Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra, Hartlaub’s Spurfowl, five species of

bustard including Ludwig’s and Rüppell's, the nomadic Burchell's Courser, White-tailed Shrike,

Rockrunner, and the highly sought-after Herero Chat. The game viewing in Etosha National Park

has to be seen to be believed with great sightings of African Elephant, Cheetah, multiple Black

Rhinoceros and a dramatic Lion kill! The northern Teak woodlands and verdant river systems of

the Okavango and Zambezi yielded outstanding views of Cape Clawless Otter, shy White-backed

Night Heron, Slaty Egret, Dickinson’s Kestrel, huge Wattled Crane, African Skimmer, the rare

Thick-billed Cuckoo, Schalow’s Turaco, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Racket-tailed Roller, Southern Carmine

Bee-eater and Shelley’s Sunbird, before concluding the adventure at the fabulous Victoria Falls. At

the time of writing our second Namibia combination tour for this year is drawing to a close and the

word is that the group saw most all of the gettable endemics!

Two of our latest tours through the wildlife rich nation of Tanzania led by Cuan Rush and Markus

Lilje produced some incredible sightings from the famous Serengeti to the islands of Pemba and

Zanzibar. A few of the many bird highlights included the endemic Grey-breasted Spurfowl,

thousands of Lesser Flamingos at Lake Manyara, Fischer’s and Yellow-collared Lovebirds, White-

headed Mousebird, Narina Trogon, the East African endemic Grey-crested Helmetshrike,

Rosy-patched Bushshrike, Red-throated Tit, the critically endangered Beesley’s Lark, African

Broadbill, the seldom seen Sharpe’s Starling, Tavetta Golden Weaver, Golden-winged Sunbird,

Red-throated Twinspot, Mangrove Kingfisher and Grey-headed Silverbill. Mammals were also

outstanding with great sightings of five species of cats including a lioness killing a Burchell’s Zebra,

Guereza Colobus, Spotted Hyena, the elegant Serval, two magnificent Leopards, Cheetah with a

young cub, large numbers of African Elephant and African Buffalo, the vast Blue Wildebeest

migration, bizarre Gerenuk, and the incredible Zanzibar Red Colobus. The combination of all these

birds, incredible wildlife, super lodgings and fantastic food make this region one of the finest travel

experiences in Africa!

Arusha National Park and Tavetta Golden Weaver by D. Shackelford.

Rainer Summers recently returned from a tour through the seldom-birded country of Malawi

where highlights included under recorded African species such as Brown-breasted Barbet,

Livingstone’s Flycatcher, Grey-headed Parrot, Cabanis’ Bunting, Red-capped Crombec, and

Orange-winged Pytilia as well as specialties of the region including the attractive Böhm’s

Bee-eater, Whyte’s Barbet, scarce Souza’s Shrike, Rufous-bellied and Miombo Tit, the stunning

White-winged Apalis, Miombo Scrub Robin, Böhm’s Flycatcher, Anchieta’s Sunbird, Bertram’s

Weaver, Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah and flocks of endearing Lillian’s Lovebird.

Our very popular Uganda tours have once again produced an incredible array of tropical delights!

Rainer Summers, Ross Goode, and Fraser Gear each led trips here finding globally sought after

gems such as Shoebill, Grauer’s Broadbill at the nest, outrageous Green-breasted Pitta,

Rufous-sided Broadbill, the stately Pel’s Fishing Owl, both Lagden’s and Doherty’s Bushshrike, Ituri

Batis, Papyrus Gonolek, Brown-chested Lapwing, Regal Sunbird, Black Bee-eater, Dwarf

Honeyguide, Chocolate-backed, African Dwarf and outrageous Shining-blue Kingfishers,

Grey-chested (Illadopsis) Babbler, Uganda Woodland Warbler, Dusky Babbler (a RBT first and

mega bird!), Jameson’s Wattle-eye and Red-chested Owlet. Mammals were no less spectacular,

with our tours conjuring up Giant Forest Hog, Lion (including the famous tree climbing lions of

Ishasha!), Chimpanzee, unforgettable Mountain Gorilla experiences, Yellow-backed Duiker,

African Civet and Striped Polecat. It must be noted that all four of our set departure tours this

year managed excellent sightings of Leopard, a definite highlight of any trip to Africa! Be it

cruising on the game lined Nile River or Kazinga Channel, tracking great apes in Bwindi or Kibale

Forests, searching for Albertine Rift Endemics in the southwest or simply enjoying birding in one of

the rich forest or savannah sites elsewhere in the country, Uganda is unarguably one best travel

and birding destinations in the world! Augmenting our Uganda tours this year were two tours to

Rwanda that had wonderful experiences with Mountain Gorilla and managed many memorable

encounters of a host of sought-after Alberine Rift endemics!

Gorilla by M. Mathiesson; Shoebill and Pennant-winged Nightjar by A. Riley.

Our portfolio of tours through the Americas continues to expand as we have recently completed

outstanding trips through Panama and Guatemala. Our next tour through Argentina is underway in

November and Brazil in 2009 is just around the corner! Here is more about our recent two

departures:

Rockjumper Birding Tours’ debut adventure through the Isthmus of Panama led by David

Shackelford was a smashing success with nearly four hundred bird species encountered plus a

close look into the fascinating workings of the historic Panama Canal. We began our explorations

of the central lowlands along the famous Pipeline Road where gaudy Blue Cotinga, Spotted Antbird

and roosting Spectacled Owl vied for our attention among a cacophony of parrots, toucans, and

primates. The western Chiriqui highlands invited us into cooler cloud forest habitats where colorful

Golden-browed Chlorophonia, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Fiery-billed Aracari, and active Violet

Sabrewing were overshadowed only by scope views of the incredible male Resplendent Quetzal.

We concluded in the quaint foothills of El Valle where Brown-throated Two-toed Sloth amused us

near our rainforest resort while surrounded by excellent birding including the tiny Tody Motmot,

Rufous-crested Coquette, and vocal Rosy Thrush-Tanager. We look forward to future birding

travels through this fascinating country as well as continuing our next tour into the biodiverse

eastern lowlands of the Darien!

Broad-billed Motmot and Violet Sabrewing by D. Shackelford.

Our latest trip through Guatemala with David Shackelford included a host of Central American

avian specialties including outrageous views of the endangered Horned Guan, colorful people and

scenery, and impressive Mayan ruins. Setting out from the colonial Antigua we birded through

pine and oak mixed temperate forest finding the sprightly Pink-headed Warbler, Blue-and-white

Mockingbird, a cooperative Blue-throated Motmot, and Rufous-collared Thrush. Near the fabled

Lake Atitlan we hiked up San Pedro Volcano where we found the amazing Horned Guan perched

for more than ten minutes as well as Black-capped Swallow, Prevost’s and White-eared Ground-

Sparrow, Bar-winged Oriole, charming Long-tailed Manakin on display, gaudy Bushy-crested Jay

and the localized Azure-rumped Tanager in surrounding areas. We continued through the

highlands were we enjoyed the dazzling Resplendent Quetzal among others before settling into

the lowlands in the ancient Mayan world of Tikal. Mexican Black Howler Monkey and Central

American Spider Monkey entertained us as did the gaudy Ocellated Turkey, Black-throated

Shrike-Tanager, the stunning Gray-throated Chat, Rose-throated Tanager, skulky Ruddy Crake

and a stunning Great Curassow.

Horned Guan and lazing Three-toed Sloth by D. Shackelford.

Adam Riley, Richard White, James Wakelin and Simon Bellingham were recently staffing the

stands during our annual attendance at the popular British Birding Fair where we were able to chat

with many of our British guests and catch up on recent tours and exciting upcoming destinations.

Adam also attended the ABA’s June Convention at Snowbird, Utah. In November David

Shackelford will also be attending the Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival in Texas as well as the

Space Coast Birding & Wildlife Festival in Florida this January and he looks forward to seeing many

of you there!

After the bird fair, Adam and James spent a thoroughly enjoyable 11-days cruising around the

Spitsbergen Archipelago. This relaxed-pace circumnavigation of these northerly islands (also

known as Svaldbard and now belonging to Norway) provided prime Arctic wildlife encounters and

incredible scenery and wilderness. We enjoyed a total of five Polar Bear sightings, two of them

being particularly memorable for their proximity, interesting behavior and extended period of

observation. What fabulous beasts with great curiosity! And if seeing Polar Bears wasn’t enough,

they were always surrounded by small flocks of stunning Ivory Gulls, the true avian emblem of

the north. Other highlights included hours of Walrus watching – these huge beasts were observed

on land, ice and water, also several species of smaller seals, whales including Humpback, Fin

(watched also for extended periods), Northern Minke and the very rare Bowhead (only recently

returned to these waters after being hunted to extinction in the mid 18th century.) Svaldbard

Reindeer and Arctic Fox provided further distractions whilst we enjoyed the Arctic birdlife.

Quantity and quality really prevailed in the avian arena and although the bird list was not high, we

were treated to some of Europe’s greatest breeding seabird colonies which boasted amongst other

species, vast numbers of Brünnich’s Guillemots (Thick-billed Murre). Other alcids observed

included Little Auk (Dovekie), Black Guillemot and the cute Atlantic Puffin. We were very fortunate

to observe a single Ross’s Gull and four species of skuas, several waterfowl and waders including

a vagrant Little Stint in full breeding plumage. This Arctic wilderness experience can not be more

highly recommended and Rockjumper is offering a departure in 2009:

Spitsbergen Land of Arctic Dreams: 26 Jun — 6 Jul (11 days)

Standard cabins US$6,525 pp

Spitsbergen delights! Walrus and Polar Bear by A. Riley.

Thanks for taking the time to read through our latest newsletter. Please do not hesitate to contact

our office for any information you need regarding upcoming tours including the most up-to-date

itineraries and recent trip reports. We look forward to hearing from you and even more so to

sharing an upcoming Rockjumper adventure with you!

The Rockjumper Team

Adam Riley, David Hoddinott, Richard White, David Shackelford, Keith & Glen Valentine, Fraser

Gear, Cuan Rush, Jan Pienaar, Rainer Summers, Markus Lilje, Alison Wakelin, Shaista Pillay,

Crystal Brook, Karen Erasmus & Lynn Swanepoel.

2008 Tour Calendar

Antarctica

The Falklands Islands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula cruise: 1 – 20 Dec (20 days) (1

PLACE AVAILABLE)

Standard cabins US$9,335 pp, private cabins US$10,575 pp, superior cabins US$12,335 pp.

Max group size: 47 & 6 Rockjumper guides (Adam Riley, David Hoddinott, Richard White,

David Shackelford, Simon Bellingham & Steve Bailey)

Argentina

Southern Argentina - Patagonia's Land of Fire: 19 Nov - 1 Dec (13 days)

US$4,650 pp, US$525 ss

Max group size: 14 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Luis Segura)

Ghana

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials I: 21 Nov – 9 Dec (19 days)

(ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials II: 2 - 20 Nov (19 days)

(TOUR FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN)

US$4,375 pp US$380 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Jan Pienaar)

Madagascar

Comprehensive III: 30 Oct – 20 Nov (22 days) (TOUR FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN)

US$6,275 pp US$775 ss

Comprehensive IV: 12 Nov - 3 Dec (22 days) (TOUR FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN)

US$6,275 pp US$775 ss

Highlights: 24 Oct – 7 Nov (15 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$4,375 pp US$575 ss

Masoala Extension II: 7 – 12 Nov (6 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$2,075 pp US$375 ss

Sierra Leone

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials: 9 – 22 Dec (14 days)

(ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING) US$3,950 pp, US$350 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Keith Valentine)

South Africa

South African Endemics Mega-Birding Tour III: 23 Nov - 16 Dec (24 days)

(TOUR FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN)

US$4,950 pp US$420 ss

Max group size: 6 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Ross Goode)

Eastern South Africa V: 8 – 21 Nov (14 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$3,150 pp US$310 ss

Western Cape Extension V: 21 – 26 Nov (6 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$1,750 pp US$100 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Athol Marchant)

2009 Tour Calendar

Alaska

Alaskan Wildlife I - Pribilof Islands: 28 May - 3 June (8 days)

US$3,795 pp, US$450 ss

Alaskan Wildlife II - Denali & Kenai: 2 - 10 Jun (9 days)

US$3,295 pp, US$455 ss

Alaskan Wildlife III - Barrow & Nome: 9 - 18 Jun (10 days)

US$3,895 pp, US$485 ss

Antarctica

The Falklands Islands , South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula : 23 Nov – 11 Dec (19 days)

(LIMITED SPACES REMAINING)

Cabins from US$9,750 pp to US$14,535 pp

Max group size: 47 & 6 Rockjumper guides (Adam Riley, David Shackelford, Simon

Bellingham, Jan Pienaar, Steve Bailey & Rick Taylor)

Argentina

Northern Argentina - Andes & Rainforest: 1 - 15 Sep (15 days)

US$5,250 pp, US$450 ss (Excluding domestic flights)

Southern Argentina - Patagonia's Land of Fire : 10 - 22 Nov (13 days)

US$5,650 pp, US$700 ss (Excluding domestic flights)

Max group size:12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Luis Segura & Adam Riley – Southern; Luis

Segura & Glen Valentine – Northern)

Bhutan & Assam

Assam - Kaziranga Extension: 21 - 25 Mar (5 days)

US$1,375 pp, US$500 ss

Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom I: 25 Mar - 13 Apr (20 days)

(5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$7,250 pp, US$800 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Glen Valentine & Tshering Phuntso)

Brazil

Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal: 1 - 13 Sept (13 days)

US$5,850 pp, US$320 ss

Atlantic Forest Extension: 13 - 19 Sept (7 days)

US$2,350 pp, US$170 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Marcelo Padua)

Cameroon

Cameroon- Picathartes, Rainforests & Sahel I: 11 Mar – 1 Apr (22 days)


US$6,475 pp, US$400 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Jan Pienaar)

China

Beidaihe & the Tibetan Plateau: 25 Aug - 13 Sep (20 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$5,950 pp, US$675 ss

Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension I: 14 - 25 Sep (12 days)


US$4,150 pp, US$675 ss

The Unexplored Tibetan Plateau - Mammals & Birds: 22 Oct - 7 Nov (17 days)

US$6,150 pp, US$540 ss

Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension II: 7 - 17 Nov (11 days)

US$3,850 pp, US$610 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper Guides (Cuan Rush & Jesper Hornskov – Beidaihe &

Giant Panda I; Simon Bellingham & Jesper Hornskov – Tibetan Mammals & Giant Panda II)

Eastern Europe

Poland , Slovakia & Hungary : 21 May - 3 Jun (14 days)

US$3,850 pp, US$300 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Gerard Gorman & Jan Pienaar)

Egypt & Petra

Egypt Birding & Antiquities: 14 – 30 Apr (17 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$5,100 pp, US$500 ss

Petra Extension: 30 Apr - 2 May (3 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$975 pp, US$90 ss

Max group size: 14 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Mark Beevers & Markus Lilje)

Ethiopia

Ethiopian Endemics I: 11 – 29 Jan (19 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$4,800 pp, US$300 ss

Historical Extension I: 29 - 31 Jan (3 days) (TOUR FULL, WAITLIST OPEN)

US$1,200 pp, US$160 ss

Ethiopian Endemics II: 1 – 19 Feb (19 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$4,800 pp, US$300 ss

Historical Extension III: 28 – 30 Nov (3 days)

US$1,250 pp, US$170 ss

Ethiopian Endemics III: 1 – 19 Dec (19 days)

US$4,850 pp, US$320 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Ross Goode – Endemics I &

II; Ross Goode & Keith Valentine – Endemics III)

Ghana

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials: 21 Nov - 9 Dec (19 days)

(ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$4,950 pp, US$700 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (David Hoddinott)

Indian Subcontinent - India & Sri Lanka

Southern India : 4 - 15 Jan (12 days) (TOUR FULL, WAITLIST OPEN)

US$3,150 pp, US$450 ss

Sri Lanka : 15 - 25 Jan (11 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$2,450 pp, US$325 ss

Northern & Central India – Birds & Tigers I: 26 Jan - 12 Feb (18 days)

(TOUR FULL, WAITLIST OPEN)

US$4,250 pp, US$800 ss

Northern & Central India – Birds & Tigers II: 26 Jan - 12 Feb (18 days)

(TOUR FULL, WAITLIST OPEN)

US$4,250 pp, US$800 ss

Western India: 12 - 28 Feb (17 days) (7 SPACES REMAINING)

US$4,350 pp, US$560 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Keith & Glen Valentine – Southern India , Sri

Lanka & Northern India I; Markus Lilje & Cuan Rush – Northern India II & Western India;

Glen Valentine & Richard White – Northern India III)

Indonesia

West Papua: 5 - 29 Jul (25 days)

US$8,795 pp, US$360 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Frank Lambert & Iwein Mauro)

Kenya & Tanzania

Kenya Mega-Birding Tour: 2 - 27 Apr (26 days)

US$8,550 pp, no ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 guides (Brian Finch & Rainer Summers)

Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game I: 8 - 24 May (17 days)

US$6,875 pp, US$100 ss


Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game II: 15 - 31 May (17 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$6,875 pp, US$100 ss

Max group size: 6 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Markus Lilje)

Tanzania Mega-Birding Tour: 1 - 26 Jun (26 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$8,950 pp US$550 ss

Max group size: 8 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Martin James)

Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game III: 4 - 20 Aug (17 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$8,150 pp, US$900 ss


Madagascar

Kruger NP Extension: 30 Sep – 4 Oct (5 days)

US$1,225 pp, US$170 ss

Madagascar Mega I: 8 Oct - 4 Nov (28 days)

US$10,175 pp, US$1,350 ss

Madagascar Mega II: 25 Oct - 21 Nov (28 days)

US$10,175 pp, US$1,350 ss

Madagascar Comprehensive I: 4 - 25 Oct (22 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$7,375 pp, US$900 ss

Madagascar Comprehensive II: 1 – 22 Nov (22 days) (3 SPACES REMAINING)

US$7,375 pp, US$900 ss

Madagascar Comprehensive III: 1 – 22 Nov (22 days)

US$7,375 pp, US$900 ss

Madagascar Highlights: 10 – 24 Oct (15 days) (3 SPACES REMAINING)

US$5,475 pp, US$620 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (David Hoddinott – Mega I; Rainer Summers –

Mega II; Cuan Rush – Comp I; Keith Valentine – Comp II & Highlights; Markus Lilje – Comp

III)

Malaysia & Borneo

Rainforest Birds & Mammals: 3 - 21 Mar (19 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$5,575 pp US$980 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Fraser Gear & Mano Thurmilangan)

The Maldives

Birds & Cetaceans Cruise: 26 Apr– 3 May (8 days)

US$3,800 pp

Max group size: 12 & 2 guides (Charles Andersen & Richard White)


NBZ Overland I: 13 - 30 Aug (18 days)

US$5,075 pp, US$575 ss

NBZ Overland II: 26 Sep – 13 Oct (18 days) (6 SPACES REMAINING)

US$5,075 pp, US$575 ss

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Rainer Summers & Markus Lilje – Overland I;

Markus Lilje & Jan Pienaar – Overland II)

Papua New Guinea

Birds in Paradise I: 30 Jun – 17 Jul (18 days) (ONLY 1 SPACE REMAINING)

US$7,850 pp, US$875 ss

New Britain Extension I: 17 – 21 Jul (5 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$1,950 pp, US$100 ss

Birds in Paradise II: 21 Jul – 7 Aug (18 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$7,850 pp, US$875 ss

New Britain Extension II: 7- 11 Aug (5 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$1,950 pp, US$100 ss

Birds in Paradise III: 11 – 28 Aug (18 days) (2 SPACES REMAINING)

US$7,850 pp, US$875 ss

Birds in Paradise IV: 1 – 18 Aug (18 days) (TOUR FULL, WAIT LIST OPEN)

US$7,850 pp, US$875 ss

New Britain Extension III: 18 - 22 Aug (5 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$1,950 pp, US$100 ss

Birds in Paradise V: 22 Aug - 8 Sept (18 days)

US$7,850 pp, US$875 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Ross Goode – I & II; Ross

Goode – III; Frank Lambert – IV, Frank Lambert - V)

Peru

Classic Peru - Amazonia, Andes & Machu Picchu: 1 – 19 Oct (19 days)

US$5,550 pp, US$900 ss

Northern Peru - Marañon Endemics & the Marvelous Spatuletail: 19 Oct - 1 Nov

(14 days)

US$3,975 pp, US$400 ss

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Frank Lambert)

Philippines

Endangered Endemics: 2 – 19 Apr (18 days)

US$5,375 pp, US$375 ss

Visayan Islands Ext: 19 – 25 Apr (7 days)

US$1,850 pp, US$175 ss

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Cuan Rush & Tim Fisher)

Sierra Leone

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials: 9 – 22 Dec (14 days)

US$4,600 pp, US$475 ss


South Africa

Eastern South Africa I: 7 – 20 Feb (14 days) (ONLY ONE SPACE REMAINING)

US$3,250 pp, US$ 325 ss

Cape Extension I: 20 – 25 Feb (6 days) (ONLY ONE SPACE REMAINING)

US$1,750 pp, US$110 ss


Eastern South Africa II: 25 Jul - 7 Aug (14 days)

US$3,250 pp, US$ 325 ss

Cape Extension II: 7 - 12 Aug (6 days)

US$1,750 pp, US$110 ss


Cape Wildflowers & Birding: 20 Aug – 2 Sep (14 days)

US$3,650 pp, US$410 ss


Cape to Windhoek – Best of the West: 11 - 25 Sep (15 days)

US$3,750 pp, US$340 ss


Eastern South Africa III: 13 – 26 Oct (14 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$3,250 pp, US$ 325 ss

Cape Extension III: 26 – 31 Oct (6 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$1,750 pp, US$110 ss


South African Endemics Mega-Birding Tour I: 25 Sep – 18 Oct (24 days)


US$5,520 pp, US$450 ss

Max group size: 6 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Rainer Summers)

South African Endemics Mega-Birding Tour II: 2 – 25 Oct (24 days)


US$5,520 pp, US$450 ss


Eastern South Africa IV: 7 – 20 Nov (14 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$3,250 pp, US$ 325 ss

Cape Extension IV: 20 – 25 Nov (6 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$1,750 pp, US$110 ss


Spitsbergen/Svaldbard

Land of Arctic Dreams: 26 Jun – 6 Jul (11 days)

Standard cabin US$6,525 pp

Max group size: 16 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Richard White)

Uganda & Rwanda

Rwanda Birds & Gorillas I: 22 – 29 Jun (8 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$2,925 pp, US$215 ss

Uganda Birds & Gorillas I: 30 Jun – 17 Jul (18 days) (5 SPACES REMAINING)

US$6,525 pp, US$800

Uganda Birds & Gorillas II: 18 Jul – 4 Aug (18 days) (4 SPACES REMAINING)

US$6,525 pp, US$800

Max group size: 9 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Keith Valentine – Rwanda ; Cuan Rush &

Livingstone Kalema – Uganda I & II)

2010 Tour Calendar

Antarctica

The Falklands Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula: 1 - 20 Dec (20 days)

Max group size: 48 & 5 Rockjumper guides (Keith Valentine, Fraser Gear, Cuan Rush, Glen

Valentine and Jan Pienaar)

Argentina

Northern Argentina - Andes & Rainforest: 1 - 15 Oct (15 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Luis Segura & Frank Lambert)

Southern Argentina - Patagonia's Land of Fire: 18 - 30 Nov (13 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Luis Segura & Fraser Gear)

Australasia

Australia: 26 Sept - 11 Oct (16 days)

New Caledonia Ext: 11 – 15 Oct (6 days)

New Zealand: 15 Oct – 1 Nov (17 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (David Shackelford)

Bhutan & Assam

Assam - Kaziranga Extension: 21 - 25 Mar (5 days)

Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom I: 25 Mar - 13 Apr (20 days)

Bhutan - Birding the Buddhist Kingdom II: 14 Apr - 3 May (20 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Glen Valentine & Tshering Phuntso)

Brazil

Birds of the Amazon and Pantanal: 1 - 13 Dec (13 days)

Atlantic Forest Extension: 13 - 19 Dec (7 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Marcelo Padua)

Cameroon

Cameroon - Picathartes, Rainforests & Sahel I : 6 - 27 Mar (22 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Keith Valentine and Jan Pienaar)

China

Beidaihe & Tibetan Plateau: 1 - 20 Oct (20 days)

Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension I: 20 - 31 Oct (12 days)

Giant Panda & Crested Ibis Extension II: 1 - 12 Nov (11 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper Guides (Markus Lilje & Jesper Hornskov)

Colombia

Colombia: 18 Jan - 5 Feb (19 days)

Santa Marta Ext: 6 - 10 Feb (10 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guides (Frank Lambert)

Eastern Europe

Poland, Slovakia & Hungary: 21 May - 3 Jun (14 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Gerard Gorman & David Shackelford)

Ecuador

Ecuador: 14 June - 7 Jul (24 days)

Rockjumper guides (Fraser Gear)

Egypt & Petra

Egypt Birding & Antiquities: 3 - 19 Apr (17 days)

Petra Extension: 19 - 22 Apr (3 days)

Max group size: 14 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Mark Beevers)

Ethiopia

Ethiopian Endemics I: 11 – 29 Jan (19 days)

Historical Extension I: 29 - 31 Jan (3 days)

Ethiopian Endemics II: 1 – 19 Feb (19 days)

Historical Extension II: 28 – 30 Nov (3 days)

Ethiopian Endemics III: 1 – 19 Dec (19 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Fraser Gear & Markus Lilje – Endemics I & II;

Markus Lilje $ Rainer Summers – Endemics III)

Ghana

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials: 21 Nov - 9 Dec (19 days)


Guyana & Suriname

Guyana and Suriname: 1 - 20 Mar (20 days)

Rockjumper guide (Frank Lambert)

Indian Ocean Islands

Mauritius, Reunion and the Seychelles: 19 Sept - 3 Oct (15 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guide (Ross Goode & TBA)

Indian Subcontinent - India & Sri Lanka

Southern India I: 4 - 15 Jan (12 days)

Sri Lanka I: 15 - 25 Jan (11 days)

Southern India II: 9 - 20 Nov (12 days)

Sri Lanka II : 20 - 30 Nov (11 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Rainer Summers - I,

David Shackelford and Ross Goode - II)

Northern & Central India – Birds & Tigers I: 26 Jan - 12 Feb (18 days)

Northern & Central India – Birds & Tigers II: 1 - 18 Dec (18 days)

Northern & Central India – Birds & Tigers III: 1 - 18 Dec (18 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Shackelford & Rainer Summers - I,

David Shackelford and Ross Goode - II, TBA - III)

Western India: 12 - 28 Feb (17 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Markus Lilje & Rainer Summers)

Eastern India: 28 Feb - 20 Mar (17 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Markus Lilje & TBA)

Indonesia

Sulawesi: 7 - 26 Jun (20 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Frank Lambert)

West Papua: 16 Jun - 10 Jul (29 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Dave Shackelford & Iwein Mauro)

Israel

Israel: 25 Mar - 3 Apr (20 days)

Rockjumper guides (Adam Riley)

Japan

Japan in Winter: 10 - 25 Feb (16 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Jan Pienaar & Glen Valentine)

Kenya & Tanzania

Kenya Mega-Birding Tour: 2 - 27 Apr (26 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 guides (Brian Finch & Fraser Gear)

Tanzania Mega-Birding Tour: 1 - 26 Jun (26 days)

Max group size: 8 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Ross Goode & TBA)

Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game I: 14 - 30 Apr (17 days)

Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game II: 1 - 17 May (17 days)

Kenya & Tanzania Birds & Big Game III: 4 - 20 Aug (17 days)

Max group size: 6 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Jan Pienaar - I & II, Glen Valentine - III)

Madagascar

Kruger NP Extension : 30 Sep – 4 Oct (5 days)

Madagascar Mega I: 8 Oct - 4 Nov (28 days)

Madagascar Mega II: 25 Oct - 21 Nov (28 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Ross Goode - I, Rainer Summer - II)

Madagascar Comprehensive I: 4 - 25 Oct (22 days)

Madagascar Comprehensive II: 25 Oct - 15 Nov (22 days)

Madagascar Comprehensive III: 1 – 22 Nov (22 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Keith Valentine - I, Jan Pienaar - II, Cuan Rush -

III)

Madagascar Highlights: 10 – 24 Oct (15 days)


Malawi

Malawi: 20 Aug - 5 Sept (17 days)

Rockjumper guide (Keith Valentine)

Malaysia & Borneo

Rainforest Birds & Mammals I: 18 Feb - 8 Mar (19 days)

Rainforest Birds & Mammals II: 9 - 27 Mar (19 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Cuan & Mano Thurmilangan)

The Maldives

Birds & Cetaceans Cruise: 26 Apr– 3 May (8 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 guides (Charles Andersen & Keith Valentine)


NBZ Overland I: 13 - 30 Aug (18 days)

NBZ Overland II: 26 Sep – 13 Oct (18 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Jan Pienaar and Ross Goode – I, Glen Valentine

and Rainer Summers – II)

North West Africa

Canary Islands: 8 - 13 Mar (6 days)

Morocco: 13 - 22 Mar (10 days)

Tunisia: 13 - 22 Mar (10 days)

Max group size: 12 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & TBA)

Papua New Guinea

Birds in Paradise I: 2 - 19 Jul (18 days)

New Britain Extension I: 19 -23 Jul (5 days)

Birds in Paradise II: 23 Jul – 9 Aug (18 days)

New Britain Extension II: 9 - 13 Aug (5 days)

Birds in Paradise III: 13 - 30 Aug (18 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Frank Lambert & Markus Lilje)

Peru

Southern Peru - Amazonia, Andes & Machu Picchu: 1 – 19 Oct (19 days)

Northern Peru - Marañon Endemics & the Marvelous Spatuletail: 19 Oct - 1 Nov (14 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Frank Lambert)

Philippines

Endangered Endemics: 2 – 19 Apr (18 days)

Visayan Islands Extension: 27 Mar - 2 Apr (7 days)

Max group size: 10 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Rainer Summers & Tim Fisher)

Sierra Leone

Picathartes & Upper Guinea specials: 29 Nov– 12 Dec (14 days)


South Africa

Cape Wildflowers & Birding: 20 Aug – 2 Sep (14 days)


Cape to Windhoek – Best of the West: 16- 30 Sep (15 days)


South African Endemics Mega-Birding Tour I : 13 Sept - 6 Oct (24 days)

Max group size: 6 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Cuan Rush)

Eastern South Africa I: 7 – 20 Feb (14 days)

Western Cape Extension I: 20 – 25 Feb (6 days)

Eastern South Africa II: 25 Jul - 7 Aug (14 days)

Western Cape Extension II: 7 - 12 Aug (6 days)

Eastern South Africa III: 13 – 26 Oct (14 days)

Western Cape Extension III: 26 – 31 Oct (6 days)

Eastern South Africa IV: 7 – 20 Nov (14 days)

Western Cape Extension IV: 20 – 25 Nov (6 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Ross Goode - I, II, Athol Marchant - III, IV)

Spitsbergen/Svaldbard

Land of Arctic Dreams: 27 Jun – 7 Jul (11 days)

Max group size: 16 & 1 Rockjumper guide

Thailand

Central & Northern Thailand: 7 - 24 Jan (18 days)

Southern Thailand Ext: 24 - 29 Jan (6 days)

Max group size: 8 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Keith Valentine)

Trinidad & Tobago

Trinidad & Tobago: 4 - 20 Jan (17 days)

Rockjumper guide (Adam Riley)

Uganda & Rwanda

Rwanda Birds & Gorillas I: 22 – 29 Jun (8 days)

Max group size: 9 & 1 Rockjumper guide (Cuan Rush)

Uganda Birds & Gorillas I: 30 Jun – 17 Jul (18 days)

Uganda Birds & Gorillas II: 18 Jul – 4 Aug (18 days)

Max group size: 9 & 2 Rockjumper guides (Cuan Rush & Livingstone Kalema – Uganda I &

II)

Uganda Mega: 6 Jan - 3 Feb (29 days)

Max group size: 9 & 2 Rockjumper guides (David Hoddinott & Livingstone Kalema)

ROCKJUMPER OFFICEWebsite: www.rockjumper.co.za

Email: [email protected] | Alternative: [email protected]

Telephone: +27 33 394 0225 | Fax: +27 88 033 394 0225

Address: P.O. Box 13972, Cascades, Pietermaritzburg, 3202, South Africa

Documents

Dear Friends of Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding · PDF fileDear Friends of Rockjumper This year has flown by at hummingbird pace and we are still reveling in the many remarkable bird