A Memorable Birding Adventure Rooi-Els and the Garden Route:
Brilliant shot of Cape Rockjumper by Sarah-Jane Eastman (Birdwatcher UK Client)
Spotlight on the Elusive Cape Rockjumper In the final week of October 2025, I had the pleasure of guiding a wonderful client from the UK who was keen to explore the birding hotspots around Plettenberg Bay, where she was staying for a few days. What made this trip extra special was her incredible self-found sighting en route , a stunning Cape Rockjumper that she photographed in Rooi-Els while driving from Cape Town. I’d sent her a few quick WhatsApp tips on where to look, and she also tracked down similar advice online. Persistence paid off: she nailed a beautiful shot of this charismatic endemic literally jumping from rock to rock! When that photo landed in my inbox, I knew we were in for a exceptional trip in Plett and the surrounding areas. Despite steady rain for much of the time, the birds didn’t seem to mind at all and neither did we. Thankfully there was almost no wind, so visibility and activity remained excellent. Highlights from our trip included:
- Emerald Cuckoo
- Victorin’s Warbler
- Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler
- Hottentot Teal (Blue-billed Teal)
- Knysna Woodpecker
- Olive Woodpecker
- Red-chested Cuckoo
- Levaillant’s Cisticola
- Long-crested Eagle
- Black-winged Kite (hovering beautifully)
- African Harrier-Hawk
- Black-headed Oriole
…and plenty more!
Moments like these are what birding in the Garden Route is all about – great company, cooperative weather (even when it’s wet!), and that wonderful mix of coastal fynbos and forest specials.
Planning your next trip to the Garden Route or greater Western Cape?
Make sure to block out a day or two with BIRDWATCHER I’d love to show you these gems (and many more) in person. Drop me a message and let’s get your birding adventure on the calendar! (All photographs in this post were taken by my client, Sarah-Jane Eastman from the UK. Congratulations again on that superb Cape Rockjumper shot!)
