Bitou & Keurbooms Estuary
Canoe Birding Experience

Join us for an unforgettable birding paddle on the Bitou or Keurbooms Estuary with Wild Compass Experiences

29 SEPT & 3 OCT – BITOU RIVER
1 OCT & 4 OCT – KEURBOOMS RIVER

Guided Birding River Canoe Experience

Join us for a gentle paddle in our stable Canadian canoes and experience birding from a fresh perspective. Led by expert river guide Jonathan Tucker and a local Birdlife Plettenberg Bay birding guide, this excursion promises an unforgettable adventure for birding enthusiasts of all levels.

With small, intimate groups of up to 10 guests and 2 guides per trip, you’ll enjoy personalized attention and a unique birdwatching experience.

The Bitou Route

Starting at the beautiful Bitou River Lodge just outside Wittedrift, we’ll meet for coffee before setting off down the meandering Bitou River for approximately 4km. The river’s slow and steady flow makes it an easy paddle even for inexperienced paddlers. Along the way, we’ll explore various habitats teeming with birdlife. Expect to encounter Malachite Kingfishers, White-breasted Cormorants, Fish Eagles, Curlews, Spoonbills, and more.

The takeout point will be at Wetlands on the Bitou, where host Nix Wales will have a light breakfast snack and warm coffee ready upon arrival. Enjoy the serene surroundings before the shuttle service takes you back to Bitou River Lodge.

Google Maps Bitou Location Pin

The Keurbooms Estuary Route

Spanning river and estuary habitats, this route is bustling with a diverse range of bird species. Keep an eye out for Curlews, Terns, Stilts, Reed Warblers, Cisticolas, African Spoonbills, Goliath Herons, Grey Herons, Greater Flamingos, Black Oystercatchers, and more.

Upon returning to the launch site, enjoy a complimentary snack and cold drink.

This is a very popular activity with limited ticket availability, so please book early if you are interested.

BITOU RIVER – R800
KEURBOOMS RIVER – R745

BOOK THE RIVER BIRDING EXPERIENCE

Detailed Bird Checklist

Bitou Wetlands & Keurbooms

Birds to look out for

African Darter
African Fish-eagle
African Pippit
African Rail
African Snipe
African Spoonbill
African Swamphen
Black Cuckooshrike
Black-wing Stilt
Black-winged Lapwing
Blue Crane
Cape Cormorant
Cape Crow
Cape Shoveller
Cape Teal
Caspian Tern
Common-ringed Plover
Crowned Lapwing
Giant Kingfisher
Glossy Ibis
Jackal Buzzard
Kittlitz’s Plover
Klaas’s Cuckoo
Pied Kingfisher
Plain-backed Pipit
Red-billed Teal
Red-chested Flufftail
SA Shellduck
Three-banded Plover
Western Osprey
White-breasted Cormorant

About Jonathan Tucker

Jonathan Tucker is a highly qualified guide with a wealth of experience and certifications, including:

Level 3 First Aider
Trained Wild Medic
White Water Trip Leader
Advanced Mountain Leader
Field Guide
Certified Eco Therapeutic Guide
Registered Outdoor Guide in South Africa

Jonathan has a deep passion for helping people achieve mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health through interactions with the natural world. He believes that fostering a connection with nature is crucial for raising awareness about the importance of saving and preserving our environment.

For a full list of Jonathan Tucker’s certifications, visit his qualifications and experience page.

Join us for the Guided Birding River Canoe Excursion and discover the wonders of birdwatching from a fresh perspective. Whether you’re an avid birder or simply looking for a peaceful escape, this excursion offers a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.

Wild Compass Experiences

Wild Compass Experiences offers experiences that range from big to small; from kids birthday parties and picnics in your own garden, single & multi-day adventures into some of the most beautiful parts of the world, big multi-day expeditions into the most remote parts of our planet… whatever wilderness related experience you can dream up, they can create.

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Why not book your stay in the Bitou Bio Camp?

The Bitou Biocamp is an eco-friendly and sustainable bush camp set right on the banks of the Bitou River. Conceived as a way to reconnect people with nature, the Biocamp provides a serene retreat where the sounds of a slow-moving river and the softness of the forest floor can restore and rejuvenate.

Our camp offers comfort and safety in a eco-conscious and sustainable, non-invasive way, ensuring you can enjoy nature responsibly while having fun. You can book this unique campsite for the duration of the festival, located on the wetlands right next to the Bitou River. This prime spot offers an exceptional birding experience in a truly unique setting.

Book at the campsite by email bookings@bhejane.com

Bitou & Keurbooms Estuary Canoe Birding Experience