Lawson's Birding and Wildlife Tours is a family owned and operated business, specialising in birding and wildlife trips to the very best Southern African destinations. Many of the places we visit are in the spectacular National Parks and wildlife reserves of the sub-region, where unsurpassed scenery, an unrivalled diversity of life and close encounters with large mammals such as elephant, lion, hippo, giraffe and leopard make for the experience of a lifetime. Tours are master-minded by Peter Lawson, one of the region's most experienced and highly-regarded naturalists and, although we endeavour to see as many different species of birds and mammals wherever we go, there is always time and space on our tours to enjoy the infinite wonders of nature.

A stunning Narina Trogon calling from a perch deep in the forest; a pair of magnificent Martial Eagles soaring in a cloudless sky; a young Chacma baboon surveying the scene from atop his mother's back; an African elephant bull striding across the savannah - these are typical daily treats when out and about with Lawson's Birding and Wildlife Tours.

Southern Africa

At the southern tip of the African continent, South Africa and its neighbouring countries have an amazing diversity of ecological zones, from high and medium altitude grasslands, savannah of all descriptions, coastal, lowland and montane forests to desert, the Nama and Succulent Karoo, mountain ranges and the botanically unique Fynbos of the Cape. Further influenced by cold Atlantic Ocean currents on the west coast, warm Indian Ocean currents on the east coast and distinct climatic zones, these ecological zones provide habitats for nearly 1000 different bird species and 340 mammals species - no wonder this part of the world, with its well-developed infrastructure and easy travelling conditions, has become one of the world's premier birding and wildlife destinations. Furthermore, South Africa and Namibia are particularly rich in endemic bird species, together boasting nearly 150 endemics and near-endemics, and these are the prime focus on any birding tour.

Our Objective

Travelling with Lawson's is a rewarding experience for all, from the dedicated 'twitcher' and wildlife enthusiast to those less familiar with wild things. The only requirement is a keen interest in nature! Not only will a Lawson's tour be a great holiday, but it can also be a rewarding learning experience: you will learn how to tell the age of an African elephant, why spotted hyena clans are run by females, how to identify bird species by their calls, how to use posture and physical traits in bird identification and how to distinguish between those frustratingly similar species such as African and Jameson's Firefinches, Buffy and Plain-backed Pipits.

Our tours aim to:

• Provide a first-class guided experience and be a holiday-of-a-lifetime for all participants.
• Take in as much of the wildlife as possible without becoming overly rushed and exerting.
• Provide a high-quality guided experience, with particular emphasis on specific areas of natural history, such as birds, mammals, botany, butterflies and dragonflies.
• Contribute significantly to conservation through tourism and adhere to the strictest codes of ethical and moral conduct.

Contact us today and let us plan an unforgettable bird-watching and wildlife holiday for you. It'll open your eyes to the natural wonders of Southern Africa, from the tiny Scarlet-chested Sunbird to the mighty African elephant, from the high Drakensberg to the sub-tropical Zululand coast. …. who knows, it could even be a life-changing experience!