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Atlantic Ocean Islands
with Birding Africa


The numerous islands of Macaronesia in the eastern Atlantic Ocean can be divided into four main groups, namely the independent country of Cape Verde, the Portuguese islands of Azores and Madeira, and the Spanish Canary Islands.

These islands are strung out over thousands of kilometres of ocean, but fortunately they are well connected by flights, making it possible to visit the important birding sites across the entire region in under three weeks.

Our back-to-back tours to the islands of Macaronesia, one to Cape Verde and one to the Azores, Madeira and the Canary Islands, offer a unique opportunity to search for all 25 endemic birds of these eastern Atlantic Islands. We spend time birding the diverse mountainous regions as well as valleys, wetlands and when at sea, during a couple of pelagic trips, we should expect to see several breeding endemic seabirds too.

Featured Leader: Michael Mills

Michael Mills grew up "in the bush" in the Kalahari and Kruger National Parks where his parents were carnivore researchers. His incredible focus, dedication and ability to locate and show people Africa's toughest birds is probably unequalled on the continent.

Michael has led dozens of tours in Southern, East, Central, West and North Africa and his experience in locating birds on just the softest of calls or briefest of views impresses those who have travelled with him.


There is seldom a tour where Michael doesn't make an interesting discovery such as finding a new species for a country or record an undescribed bird call (and he has published these in the scientific literature).

Not only is Michael one of our principal leaders, but he also helps extensively with scouting and planning our most challenging itineraries.

2023 Tours

Tour name Dates in country Days Leaflet Tour report
Atlantic Islands Special: Cape Verde (BA2399) 24 - 30 April   7 Leaflet USD enquire
Atlantic Islands Special: Azores, Madeira and Canary Islands (BA2399)  1 - 13 May  13 Leaflet USD enquire


Red-billed Tropicbird on an Atlantic Islands Tour with Birding Africa.



Practical tour information

Focus This trip has a strong focus on watching birds, but given the low general diversity there will be good chances for photography too, and we will take a few pelagic / seabird trips which should produce some marine mammals.
Photography There will be good opportunities for photography.
Fitness These tours require a moderate degree of fitness. Most walks will be easy and last no more than three hours. In some areas the terrain is steeper. Please note that we will be taking several boat/pelagic trips.
Timing The tour is timed to coincide with the peak time for birding across the region as a whole; spring.
Climate The weather vary from hot in Cape Verde to cool in Azores, and we expect some rain on Azores.
Comfort Accommodation and meals are generally of a good international standard, although they are a bit more rustic on Cape Verde. All rooms have private ablutions.
Getting There Please enquire
Transport Several internal flights, ferries and four wheel drive vehicles.
Group Size Maximum 10 participants.
Top birds The islands hold some 25 endemic birds in interesting and varied surrounds, offering ample of interest to world listers and more generalist birders.
Top mammals We should see marine mammals during our pelagic / seabird trips.
Booking Your booking can be secured with a booking form and deposit. You will receive confirmation and our tour information pack with practical information on what to expect and how to prepare for the tour. The balance is due 150 days before the tour. Contact us to enquire about availability.


About Birding Africa

Birding Africa is a specialist birding tour company customising tours for both world listers and more relaxed holiday birders. We combine interests in mammals, butterflies, dragonflies, botany and other natural history aspects and will guide you to Africa's and Madagascar's most diverse birding destinations. Our guides' knowledge of African birds and birding areas is our greatest strength and together we have rediscovered species, shared exciting observations with the birding community and had a fun time exploring our home continent. We've even written two acclaimed guide books on where to find Southern Africa's and Madagascar's best birds. Birding is more than our passion, it's our lifestyle, and we are dedicated to making professional, best value trips filled with endemic species and unique wildlife experiences. Since 1997, we've run bird watching tours in South Africa and further into Africa for individual birders, small birding groups and top international tour companies. We've run Conservation Tours in association with the African Bird Club and work with and consult for a number of other top international tour companies and the BBC Natural History Unit.

For feedback from our guests, please see our Client Comments. Please also browse our Latest News and Trip Reports.


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Black Harrier photograph courtesy of Keith Offord.
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[African Tailorbirding CC (CK2003/020710/23) trading as Birding Africa]
P.O. Box 22727, Scarborough, 7975, South Africa.


 

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