Tickets are on sale for the first Bitou Birding Festival
27 September – 6 October 2024
Calling all birding enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned twitchers! Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey into exploring the rich diversity of birdlife across the many varied habitats of the Garden Route. As tickets go on sale, get ready to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of birdlife in Plettenberg Bay at the inaugural Bitou Birding Festival.
TICKETS: www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za
South Africa is home to approximately 900 bird species, representing about 8% of the world’s avian diversity. The Garden Route and Klein Karoo area, with around 450 species, provide a unique opportunity for birding enthusiasts to explore the region’s rich diversity. In the greater Plettenberg Bay area alone, Birdlife Plettenberg Bay has documented over 300 species, including 27 endemic or near-endemic treasures. This abundance of birdlife, set against a breathtaking landscape, creates the perfect backdrop for an extraordinary birding adventure.
Highlights of the Festival
- Engaging Expert Talks: Enjoy insightful presentations on birding-related topics from renowned experts.
- Guided Bird Walks: Participate in guided bird walks through diverse locations and habitats.
- Universal Access Birding Routes: Explore accessible guided birding paths in Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.
- Unique Birding Activities: Experience bird netting, ringing, and recording with Dr. Mark Brown.
- Birding Canoe Adventure: Embark on a canoeing journey along the Bitou or Keurbooms Rivers.
- Pelagic Birding Excursions: Join a pelagic birding trip along the breathtaking coastline.
- Birding-Centered Wellness activities: Blending morning wellness and meditation practice with birdwatching
- Art and Photography Exhibition: Admire stunning bird-inspired art and photography exhibition.
- Dinner Presentation at Belle Balance at Plett Game Reserve: An informative presentation and dinner at Belle Balance inside Plett Game Reserve. Come early and book a game drive.
- Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre Tour: Visit the Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre for an informative tour and raptor display – learn about these magnificent birds and the crucial conservation efforts dedicated to their protection.
- Fundraiser Dinner: Support the festival at our fine dining fundraiser dinner.
- Self-Drive Birding Route: Navigate at your own pace with a self-drive birding route through diverse habitats.
Explore Diverse Habitats
- Wetlands, rivers, and estuaries
- Fynbos habitats
- Afromontane forest biomes
- Urban areas and grasslands
- Coastal areas and pelagic zones
Build Your Own Birding Adventure
Participants can create their own unique Birding adventure by booking various individual activities and talks during the festival period. We’ve designed our ticketing system to manage the number of participants for each activity, ensuring that each event remains unique and personal. This approach helps keep participant numbers small, minimising disturbance to the birds and enhancing the overall experience. By keeping groups intimate, we maximise the chances of spotting a diverse range of bird species.
The festival consistS of several individual activities that you can book online. Additionally, we will launch a self-drive map for those who prefer to explore the avian treasures of the area at their own pace. This map will guide you to the best birding spots, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the region on your own terms.
Book your activities online and join us for an unforgettable birding adventure, tailored to your interests and designed to offer the most enriching and immersive experience possible.
Find out more and book your tickets on www.bitou.birdingfestival.co.za
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