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Trip Ideas Needed - Africa, Europe, Bristol (1 Viewer)

H

Himalaya

Well-known member
Hi All,

I did not manage to go to Gambia earlier in the year so have a couple of week spare this year.

1. At end of July I plan to visit Cardiff and will have 1-2 days to visit Bristol. Which areas would people recommend for a visit - in terms of nice scenery and wildlife? What would I like to see? - Cranes, Rare Herons and Bitterns, Nightjar if possible? The Somerset Levels would be a place I would like to visit but I do understand this maybe quite a big area? Ham Wall, Shapwick Heath...

2. I have 5-7 days spare possibly in August so I thought about visiting Denmark but it appears that Skagen is a much better place to visit in Spring for the Raptor migration? If so what other areas, countries are worth visiting not including Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, North Africa or the Middle East?

3. I may have a chance of visiting Africa from 10 to 14 days from October to March - what advice would experienced people give - where to go, when to go, what to see, best prices...interest in any type of wildlife especially mammals and birds.
 
I recently moved to Somerset, and if you were around on the weekend I would be happy to show you a few areas if I'm free. Ham Wall and Shapwick are next to each other, and although July is a quieter time of the year, I'd be very surprised if you didn't see Great white and Little egret, Heron and Bittern in a day down there. Crane are tricky but the area around Greylake can be productive for them. Rarer herons may be present, but news probably won't be made public until after the breeding season for obvious reasons. Nightjar are present at a few sites, both in the Mendip and Quantock hills.
I can't help regarding where to go in August, but for an excellent trip in Africa, I can recommend Uganda, though 14 days would be the absolute minimum time needed to give this amazing country justice.

Hope this helps somewhat.
 
Another Africa possibility is Ghana, which can be done quite thoroughly in 10-14 days - see the thread by Kwame Brown on Bird Forum - I've travelled with him and am more than happy to recommend his guiding.
 
In Africa, you should visit Kruger National Park.
Easily doable without guides and selfdriving, not very expensive if you have a little bit luck on the flights, Great collection of Mammals (Big 5 in 14 days should be a "no-brainer" and birds (250+ species jsut inside the park boundaries shouldnt be to difficult). I think it is a great "Start" into Africa if you havent visited it before.

Just check, that you are not visiting in South African Summer holidays, because the park is very crowded then.
 
A few more ideas

Namibia - self drive
South Africa - cape Town and garden route ( but also support Kruger / Sabi Sands and if you have time up to Wakkerstroom via Drakensberg mountains)
Ghana - also support - we did it with Ashanti who were very reasonable and good.
Madagascar - although not possible to do it all.
Zambia

Ehtiopia - I hope will be great (we are there Oct/Nov)
 
Ethiopia Airways are soon to start direct flights from Manchester, I believe - which makes it easier for us Northerners.
 
Place to go

Himalaya said:
Hi All,

I did not manage to go to Gambia earlier in the year so have a couple of week spare this year.

1. At end of July I plan to visit Cardiff and will have 1-2 days to visit Bristol. Which areas would people recommend for a visit - in terms of nice scenery and wildlife? What would I like to see? - Cranes, Rare Herons and Bitterns, Nightjar if possible? The Somerset Levels would be a place I would like to visit but I do understand this maybe quite a big area? Ham Wall, Shapwick Heath...

2. I have 5-7 days spare possibly in August so I thought about visiting Denmark but it appears that Skagen is a much better place to visit in Spring for the Raptor migration? If so what other areas, countries are worth visiting not including Germany, Holland, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, North Africa or the Middle East?

3. I may have a chance of visiting Africa from 10 to 14 days from October to March - what advice would experienced people give - where to go, when to go, what to see, best prices...interest in any type of wildlife especially mammals and birds.
Click to expand...


For your No. 2 - Have you considered to visit Falsterbo in Sweden in august. Fly to Copenhagen, short drive to Falsterbo. Thousands of migrants with august being good for harriers incl. Pallid.

For your No. 3 - I can only second Krüger. Inexpensive, lots of birds, lots of mammals. If you rent a car in Jo'burg there are some great places to visit on the way.

Have a good trip where ever it goes
Carsten
 
I'm no expert on Africa although I have been to The Gambia many times. It's a great birding destination.
I agree that Namibia is a great self drive destination and you get to see mammals as well as birds.
Have you thought about Sri Lanka in winter too? A great all round destination with a lot to offer with birds and mammals both on land and at sea?
I have written blogs about my trips there and you can click on the link below if you are interested.
 
I agree with SA or Namibia. If you want to do it independently they're the obvious choice. SA cheaper. Kruger, despite its popularity, may well be my favourite place on this planet.
 
Larry Sweetland said:
What's the Grim Reaper on then these days H? I imagine he'd Scythe Bill given the chance.
Click to expand...

Hi, Larry.

Having had my 60th this year, (birthday, not bird!) I know time's pressing as my list is still below 3,000. Originally I'd hoped to get to 5k by 50 - but that plan was rudely interrupted.
Now I'm semi-retired I hope i can move a little faster towards my target.

Kruger would appear to be a good bet from this thread.

I was thinking of Sulawesi and Halmahera this year - but I think it needs more planning and cost sharing than I've time for - maybe next year.

I see you're still getting about - I expect you will be on 8,000 by the time you get to 60!

H
 
Managed to visit Shapwick Heath and Ham Wall on probably the hottest day of the year - both Cattle Egret and Purple Heron recorded on that day but I missed both. Still nice to see around 20 Great White Egrets and 2 Bitterns. Lovely places.

The trip to Africa is off until at least next autumn. Still not been away in Europe yet
 
MADAGASCAR is one of the best place for Bird Watching
You can check the list of 265 species in this page https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_birds_of_Madagascar
For all organization of tour, there some guides specialist of birds at each area/park
You can find vehicle for rent online and the cheapest price is from 50 euro to 60 euro depending to the itinerary and your length of stay.
Bird watching Tour is recommended from mid-August to December
 
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