The Western Cape is home to a host of endemic bird species. It is also home to a host of recognised ornithological academics and birding experts who guide part-time.

However if you are a birder, what you want when you are in a foreign environment is someone who from years of practice immediately recognises bird calls, is familiar with the jizz of the local bird species, knows where to go in order to find that rare endemic species and is patient.

We know such a person and he has been birding locally for decades. He probably isn’t the best guide for the equatorial forests of Africa, but if you want to go birding in the Western Cape, he is the best.

He is passionate, he is local, he is focussed and he knows the local birds. Whether you are a twitcher or a bird photographer looking for a guide, we recommend him.

Perhaps you are in Cape Town for a short time and want to combine Kirstenbosch Gardens with some birding in the hope of seeing a Rameron Pigeon, Forest Canary or the endemic Cape Sugarbird. Or you are more ambitious and hope to see the elusive Knysna Warbler. Well we know the person you should go with.

Maybe you have more time and have heard about the arid-country endemics such as the Karoo Erememola, Fairy Flycatcher, and Cinnamon-breasted Warbler.

The Tanqua Karoo is within striking distance of Cape Town, offers wonderful landscapes and excellent birding – provided you are with an experienced birder familiar with the local avifauna.