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 239

South Africa Africa Lesotho Nigeria 239

10,000 Birds

FEBRUARY 25, 2024

What drove me to this revelation was crossing the border of the tiny, enclaved nation of Lesotho via the Sani Pass, a ridiculously treacherous road. Hannah overlooking a valley Traveling into Lesotho from the Sani Pass is an experience more than just the journey to the top.

Lesotho 230

Lesotho Sheep South Africa Africa 230

10,000 Birds

JANUARY 8, 2013

What a way to sum up what is undoubtedly one of the world’s greatest birding sites and certainly my favorite in southern Africa. Albeit currently a rugged 4×4-only road, Sani Pass is the most accessible route from KwaZulu-Natal into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. A lovely male Cape Rock Thrush by Adam Riley .

Lesotho 173

Lesotho Africa Birds Rats 173

10,000 Birds

DECEMBER 13, 2011

My home country of South Africa can only be described as a birding paradise! Cape (or Rufous) Rockjumper is a true South African endemic and restricted to the southwest Cape. Drakensberg (or Orange-breasted) Rockjumper is a Drakensberg Mountain species whose range is shared with the tiny landlocked kingdom of Lesotho.

South Africa 228

South Africa Lesotho Africa Swaziland 228

10,000 Birds

MAY 31, 2011

I then decided to reduce it further to South African endemics only. This was tough because this excluded species that occur in two countries within South Africa’s geographical area, Lesotho and Swaziland. Knysna Woodpecker This endemic woodpecker is very often missed by visiting birders.

South Africa 238

South Africa Africa Parrots Swaziland 238