The Pantanal - Jaguar Safari and Hyacinth Macaw
2023-09-24 - 2023-09-30
If you want to see the best mammals of the Amazon, don’t go to the Amazon. Go to the Pantanal in Brazil! In the Amazon the eco-system is very complex, closed by a lot of vegetation and the animals are scarce and hard to find. On the other hand, in the open savanna of the Pantanal, the animals have Amazon origin, but are more plentiful and less concealed. Hence, it is the best place to spot Jaguars, Giant Otter, Tapir, Capibaras, Howler Monkeys, Caimans, and even Maned Wolf and Ocelot sometimes. Additionally, it is home to big iconic birds such as Jabiru Stork, Toco Toucan, Agami Heron, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Hoatzin, and of course the gigantic vivid blue Hyacinth Macaws. This trip offers Amazonian Wildlife like no other area in South America.
Our 7-day trip fits within two weekends, so you in most cases can get to Sao Paulo and back to your own country only taking 5 days off from work.
See detailed itinerary in this link.

Essential Birding Madagascar!
2023-11-19 - 2023-11-25, 2025-11-16 - 2025-11-22
Madagascar is not known from having a large avifauna. Only just above 300 species. Yet, over 100 of those are endemic. There are also a four unique bird families (the mesites, ground-rollers, asities and the Bernieridae ‘warblers’), plus two additional families (the vangas and cuckoo-rollers) that occur only on Madagascar and the nearby Comoro Islands. The purpose of this trip is to cover at least one member all those bird families in a week for those that have little time.
We shall also visit different biomes to get a fuller understanding of the topography of the island in this very short time. We will also offer pre and post tours for those with more time and who want a more complete list of the endemic species available.
This tour can be very exhausting, as we are up well before dawn, and continue into the night. You can make this itinerary as intense as you want. During the heat of the day or in the afternoon, many people prefer to take a nap or hang around the pool, but you will also be offered additional birding to search for special birds. It is up to you.
Find the complete itinerary on the here.

Birding Tasmania - Tasmanian Devil, Platypus and Birds (longer small group itinerary)
2024-02-15 - 2024-02-22
Even if you are a birder, when you think of Australia, you think of marsupial mammals, right? The first time it crossed your mind that you wanted to go to Australia to see all these wonders, you probably also thought of a country so large that you would need to buy or rent a camper van and spend some 3-6 months to see everything properly. Years pass, and it never happened… and now you have realized… that time is slipping by, and that that road trip will likely never happen. If there was only a way to do Australia in less time. If there was a way to do Australia in, like, just a week and taking only 5 days off from work.
Well, there is one way to do it. Our tour involves 4 days in Tasmania in combination with a day in Melbourne.

Bucket list animals targeted on this trip.

Platypus
Tasmanian Devil
Little Penguin
Koala
Gray Kangaroo
Short-nosed Echidna
Rufous Bristlebird
12 Endemic bird species for Tasmania.
Fairy-Wren species.
Rosellas
Lorikeets
Black Swan

See the detailed itinerary on this page.

Birding Ancient Egypt with Petra Extension
2024-04-06 - 2024-04-13
The only still standing of the classic 7 Wonders are the pyramids of Giza which includes the Cheops pyramid and the Sphinx. Egypt has to be included in a 7 Wonders Birding tour. Additionally, the marvelous Cairo Museum, the valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, plus a cruise on the Nile are must-sees for bucket-listers around the world. If the non-birding spouse has been on your back about that trip to Egypt give him/her this itinerary. Jam-packed with all the best sites, plus a lot of birding for species like Pharaoh Eagle-Owl, Greater Painted Snipe, Nile Valley Sunbird, White-tailed Lapwing, African Skimmer, Sooty Falcon, Cream-colored Courser and Greater Hoopoe-Lark.
The extension to Petra, one of the New 7 Wonders, also gives some birding possibilities with Sinai Rosefinch, Palestine Sunbird, and Fan-tailed Raven as key species.
Check out the full itinerary on the tour page.

Aardvark, Bat-eared Fox and Aardwolf in South Africa.
2025-01-19 - 2025-01-23
While most naturalists hit Kruger NP for the Big Five, and the birders will end up in the Cape region for endemics and a pelagic on their first South Africa trip, eventually a few weird animals in the mammal field guide will raise the question that you sooner or later will ask your local guide:
“Can we see an Aardvark?”
“Can we see a Pangolin?”

In spite of their fairly large ranges, all over Africa, you will be met with a headshake… and a … “very difficult” – reply.

There is however one area that is very good for Aardvark – the pig-like anteater with long upright rabbit ears. It is close to Kimberley, half way between Johannesburg and Cape Town, and hence mostly missed by South Africa visitors as being out of the way. Also Pangolin is sometimes seen here.

Kimberley is served with regular flights from both Cape Town and Johannesburg, so it makes a perfect 7 Wonders Birding Tour for five days. Half that time will be spent in Mokala National Park and the other half at the Marrick private reserve with superb birding and wildlife watching.
Check out the detailed itinerary here.

China: Culture and Wildlife Exploration in Beijing and Xi’an.
2025-04-07 - 2025-04-12
The absolute China essentials on your bucket list with Chinese Wall, Terracotta Army, and the Forbidden City, plus some amazing birding and wildlife with Crested Ibis and Golden Stub-nosed Monkey. See the detailed itinerary on this page.

The Pantanal - Jaguar Safari and Hyacinth Macaw
2025-08-16 - 2025-08-22
If you want to see the best mammals of the Amazon, don’t go to the Amazon. Go to the Pantanal in Brazil! In the Amazon the ecosystem is very complex, closed by a lot of vegetation and the animals are scarce and hard to find. On the other hand, in the open savanna of the Pantanal, the animals have Amazon origin but are more plentiful and less concealed. Hence, it is the best place to spot Jaguars, Giant Otter, Tapir, Capybaras, Howler Monkeys, Caimans, and even Maned Wolf and Ocelot sometimes. Additionally, it is home to big iconic birds such as Jabiru Stork, Toco Toucan, Agami Heron, Sunbittern, Sungrebe, Hoatzin, and of course the gigantic vivid blue Hyacinth Macaws. This trip offers Amazonian Wildlife like no other area in South America.
Our 7-day trip fits within two weekends, so you can usually get to Sao Paulo and back to your own country only taking 5 days off from work.
See the detailed Itinerary here.

Wild lowland Borneo: Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, Pittas and Hornbills
2025-10-24 - 2025-10-29
An extraordinary Borneo tour of 6 full days in the Borneo lowlands 2025, preceded by 5 days in Mt Kinabalu and hides for Bornean Peacock-Pheasant and Bulwer’s Pheasant.
More details and the exact price to follow. We hope the price of $3200 will be retained despite adding one day. Flight to and from Kota Kinabalu included and full board.
See https://7wondersbirding.com/birding-borneo-orangutans-and-proboscis-monkeys/ for details about the tour.

Birding and Buddhism in the Kingdom of Bhutan
2025-12-25 - 2026-01-05
Birding and Buddhism in the Kingdom of Bhutan​
Bhutan has been protected by both its isolation within the Himalayas and the topography of its mountainous land, resulting in over 70% of the land remaining forested, with approximately 25% protected by 10 National Parks. The diverse range of environments varies from sub-tropical at 150m to alpine over 4,000 m, supports a natural habitat, and a wide range of ecosystems with rich and varied bird-life, flora, and fauna.
Our 7WB leader will have the help of a Bhutanese local expert guide who is an accredited naturalist and birder who will ensure that your trip through this varied and beautiful landscape is full of birding excellence.
The tour begins in India and ends in Paro in western Bhutan.
There are 680 species of birds in Bhutan, and we will help you discover as many of them as time allows. Check the detailed itinerary for more information.

Birding New Zealand - Bird families, Maori culture and pelagics
2026-01-05 - 2026-01-09
New Zealand is a fascinating country with its Maori culture, scenic landscape of the Middle Earth in Lord of the Rings, a paradise for seabirds and pelagic fans, and a number of endemic bird families of truly unique birds, many of them threatened of extinction.
7 Wonders Birding offers two short trips that run back to back. The first part is on North Island and the second part on South Island. The focus of the two tours are a bit different. Both programs include a large amount of driving, but it is helped by the many hours of daylight in the Southern summer.
This North Island Program focuses on these specific goals:

See at least one representative of each of the six endemic bird families. They include Kiwis (North Island Brown and Little Spotted are possible), New Zealand Parrots (Kaka), New Zealand Wrens (Rifleman), Wattlebirds (Kokako and Saddleback), the Stitchbird and the new Mohouidae family (Whitehead).
See recently rediscovered New Zealand Storm-Petrel on a top NZ pelagic
See threatened and very local Shore Plover
See the peculiar Wrybill
See the torrent loving and threatened Blue Duck
Get familiarized with the Maori culture.

All this in only 5 days. Lot’s of bang for the buck.
Although the birding is easy, it is quite an intense tour with long days. It could lay your base for a fast introduction to New Zealand and later you can explore on your own, or you may want to add the South Island program to maximize your time in New Zealand.
Many tours to New Zealand run in 21 days and cost over US$8000. In just 10 days we see 80-90% of the same birds at roughly half the price.
The South Island 5 day extension program is more focused on some iconic birds like the Kakapo and Black Stilt, the Kaikoura pelagic, and a visit to Stewart Island.
Check out the detailed description here.

East Australian bird families. Cassowary and Lyrebirds.
2026-01-16 - 2026-01-21
Eastern Australia with the Great Dividing Range gives the best birding with the highest diversity of the continent, as one can access both the coastal lowlands and the highlands, as well as a short sidetrip to the plains of the west.
We are setting off for five very intense days in three areas. Two days from Cairns, two days from Brisbane and one day from Sydney,.
During these five days, there shall be owling sessions on two of the days with 12 hours birding.
On the other hand, if you consider to join us for 12 or 14 days in Australia, you should know that the 2 day pre-trip is very relaxed, the main Tasmania/Melbourne trip also quite slow-paced and ending with the last two days with intense birding to try to find Plainswanderer
Here are the goals set up for this tour.

See as many endemic and close to endemic bird families as possible.
See and photograph iconic birds such as Southern Cassowary, Riflebird (Bird of Paradise), Bowerbirds, Apostlebird, Crested Honeyeaters, Fairy-wrens, various colorful Cacatuas, Parrots and Rosellas, Lyrebird, Gray-crowned Babbler, Australian Owlet-Nightjar, Logrunner, White-throated Treecreeper, Rufous Scrubbird, Yellow-breasted Boatbill, White-winged Chough and many more.
Two nights of night birding
Selfie at Sydney Opera House.

All this in only 5 days. Lots of bang for the buck.
Although the birding is easy, it is quite an intense tour with long days. It could lay your base for a fast introduction to Australian Birds and later you can explore on your own, or you may want to add the Tasmania program to maximize your time in Australia.
The 2-day pre-tour focuses on the Great Barrier Reef for snorkeling and some introductory typical Australian Bird-families representatives with Magpie Goose, Megapodes, many Honeyeaters, and Cockatoos, as well as many shorebirds.
Check out the itinerary here.

Birding Tasmania - Tasmanian Devil, Platypus and Birds
2026-01-21 - 2026-01-26

Iberian Lynx, Alhambra and Raptor Bonanza
2026-04-06 - 2026-04-12
Andalucia, Spain is everything. It is birds, mammals, flamenco, moorish heritage, isolated sierras, white painted villages, gastronomy and wine. Our bucket list for Southern Spain include.

Alhambra – the beautiful palace of the last Caliph of Al Andaluz.
Granada Mezquita
Iberian Lynx
Spanish Imperial Eagle
Bee-Eater
Roller
Lammergeier
Golden Eagle

Culture and wild nature are entwined when visiting the Sierras de Andujar, Sierra Magina, Cazorla, Granada, and Cordoba.
Check out this link for full description.

Birding Petra and Jordan
2026-04-13 - 2026-04-19
Now is the time to visit the world heritage site and one of the new 7 Wonders, when the tourists are shunning the entire Middle East because of the regional conflicts. Jordan, however, is not in conflict with anyone, and the country is considered safe.
7WB has for a long time had Jordan as a very short extension to our Egypt trip, but it is worth expanding the tour, especially since the birds of Israel are likely not on the birders’ radar right now. Although late August is not an ideal time, and a few weeks before the migration onset, it will still be interesting. Most clients will be coming on this tour because of the chance of seeing Petra without the huge crowds, and the birding will still be good with several of the resident species of birds new to you, if you have not visited this region before.
The tour includes desert birding in Dana, Azraq Wetlands, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Ajloun, Yarmouk Forest Reserves, and the Dead Sea.
Cultural highlights apart from Petra itself include the Roman Theatre and the Citadel in downtown Amman, the crusaders’ castles and fortresses at Shoubak and Azraq, the Byzantine and Roman mosaics in Madaba, and the baptism site of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River.
The birding will be in the early morning and afternoons, and cultural visits will mostly be during the heat of the day, except at Petra, where we will make some early morning hikes to some of the most exclusive archeological sites while also looking for birds.
See the tour website for more information.

Uganda-Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee in one week
2026-06-27 - 2026-07-03
Name three things you want to see in Uganda! Easy, right?
Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee!
But all the birding trips there are so long, and so expensive.
What if you could see all three (OK..no guarantees… but a very good chance) and only take 5 days off from work.
The price per day is expensive, but time is money and in the end, you will see your bucket list species at a fraction of the price of big birding companies.
The itinerary for 2022 departure has been expanded to10 days. It is likely we shall be back to 7 or 8 days again in 2023.
You’ll have a good shot at 23 of the Albertine Rift endemics, many iconic African mammals and a special effort to get representatives of African bird families such as Modulatricidae (Gray-chested Babbler), Flufftail and Green-breasted Pitta.
It is possible to add an extension before and after the core trip for more birding and wildlife.
Check the complete itinerary in this link.

Wild lowland Borneo: Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, Pittas and Hornbills
2026-09-22 - 2026-09-26
Yes, you can do Borneo in 5 days. Mammals such as Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, and with luck Pygmy Elephant are the main targets, as well as the Bornean Bristlehead, which is the only endemic bird family in Borneo. We spend two nights at the exclusive Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Additionally, there will be loads of birds with Pittas, Broadbills, and Hornbills being particularly in focus.
Check the link for the itinerary and the pre-trip extension.

Birding and summiting Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
2026-10-18 - 2026-10-24
7 Wonders Birding is probably the first birding tour company that offers an itinerary that combines birding and trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
There is a huge draw to climb Kilimanjaro and it is very high on non-birders bucket list. It is hard to know how many birders are actually in shape to do this trip, but we are sure there are quite a few birders who have thought of summiting the highest peak of Africa. It is certainly the dominating and genuinely iconic feature on the horizon of the savanna.
From a climber’s point of view, it is also relatively easy to summit. It is a classic trekking peak. You don’t need climbing skills to reach the top. What you do need is determination, being in relatively good shape, and coping with the altitude.
We have come up with an itinerary where you can summit Kilimanjaro, do a lot of birding, and only take 5 days off from work. So even from the west coast of North America leaving Friday night, it is possible to be back on Sunday evening the next week!
The fastest route takes five days. Longer treks on other routes take up to nine days. It is pretty common to add one day to the short route to have an acclimatization day. We shall also add one day to our customized program for birders, with one difference. We add a day to have more time to bird and to acclimatize much better than the regular trekkers.
In many ways, our strategy works better than the traditional program of the trekkers. On day most trekking companies climb from 2700m to 3700m, and on day three make an excursion to about 4000 meters and back to sleep at 3700m a second night.
We do it differently!
At 3700 meters, there is heath and very few species of birds. Also, at this altitude one does not sleep well. At 2700 meters there is cloud forest and many more birds. It makes a lot of sense for birders to spend as much time as possible in the forested areas.
In fact, many birding companies include a day walking the first part of the Marangu trail, as it gives easy access to forest birds that are not seen on regular safaris. Also, you are rarely allowed to walk in nature on safaris. Kilimanjaro NP offers a nice contrast to this fact.
So, what about the acclimatization?
We have developed a strategy that will give you better birding results and which will prepare you even better for the high altitude.
We use the alpinist mantra.
• Work high.
• Sleep low.
By working high, you get exposed to altitude. By sleeping low, you oxygenate your body and get better rest.
Trekking companies don’t use our strategy because they have to adapt to the weakest people in the group. For slow walkers it would be counterintuitive backtracking and doing the same uphill hike two days in a row, even if it is the most sensible thing to do.
For birders, it is different. It will allow us more time in prime habitat and more birding.
We will walk some extra miles to get more birds.
The detailed itinerary can be found here.
There are two possible extensions.
One is a week birding for endemic species in the Usambara Mountains.
The other is a classic one week Safari in Serengeti and Ngorongoro and nearby sites. If possible we will adapt the program to go where Wildebeest migration is taking place.
In the Serengeti we will, apart from the big five, put much effort trying to see Cheetah, Serval and Caracal.
We shall also look for regional special birds of course within the allotted time we have.

Peru: Machu Picchu and Abra Malaga: Inca Culture, Condors and Endemics​
2026-10-25 - 2026-10-30
Best birding in Peru with Machu Picchu!

The last few decades have seen Machu Picchu grow to become one of the world’s most popular bucket list destinations. In this top-end hotel program, we give you a well-rounded tour that includes Machu Picchu and its history, the Inca culture, and some great birding at the Abra Malaga pass. The price is somewhat elevated because we stay at the best hotel for birders near Machu Picchu – the Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Machu Picchu Pueblo hotel has ample beautiful gardens that attract many birds, and there are hummingbird and tanager feeders giving an opportunity for great bird photography. This trip is just as exciting for the non-birding spouse or friend as it is for the birder in the family.
Serious birders and photographers will have ample opportunity to connect with the region’s endemics and near-endemics, of which many are not found on the famous Manu Road. Manu Road could be added as an extension if you have more time.
Join us for a visit to one of the new 7 wonders of the world and add some special bucket list birds to your list such as Condor, Torrent Duck, and Andean Cock of the Rock, as well as many endemics of the region. The photography opportunities are excellent.
Check out the detailed program here.

India: Birding, Tigers and Taj Mahal
2026-11-02 - 2026-11-06
This is India!

It is amazing how much India you will see on this short tour that includes Tiger Safari in Ranthambore National park, one of the most impressive wetlands in the world at Keoladeo National Park next to Bharatpur, Indian Skimmer and Gavial on the Chambal River and finally the beautiful mausoleum Taj Mahal.
Check out the detailed program here.

Birding and Buddhism in the Kingdom of Bhutan - Copy
2026-11-09 - 2026-11-20

Philippine Eagle on the Bucket List
2027-01-09 - 2027-01-15
The prime target is the Philippine Eagle – a species very high on many birders’ Bucket Lists. A post-tour extension to the lowland tropical forest at PICOP is also offered. Both sections contain a lot of walking. While it is cool at Mt Kitanglad, it is very hot, and tropical conditions at PICOP for the extension.
The lodging at the birding sites is very basic. The birding, in contrast, is extremely rewarding.
Domestic flights, food, lodging, entrance fees, and expert local guides, together with Gunnar Engblom.
The itinerary has been planned by Pete Simpson, a long-time resident and the foremost birder in Mindanao.
The Philippines is a nation with more than 7,000 islands covering a land area only slightly larger than the state of Texas, but with more endemic birds than the USA, Europe, and China combined. With 270 endemic bird species (and increasing), it is no wonder that the Philippines is a top destination for all birdwatchers, and the most wanted bird for all visitors is the Philippine Eagle. Critically Endangered, with population estimates as low as 100 birds and declining, it is an increasingly difficult bird to see. Although distributed through the islands of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, and Mindanao, it is only regularly seen by birdwatchers in Mindanao in the south.
This tour is devised to give the maximum chance of seeing Philippine Eagle in the wild, spending four days on Mount Kitanglad, and for those who want to additionally cover the lowland endemic species, there is an option to spend 2 days in the famous PICOP forest at the end.
See the tour website for more information.

Birding Holiday in Cambodia and Angkor Wat
2027-01-31 - 2027-02-07
Birding Cambodia and Angkor Wat.
The fascinating Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world, built as a Hindu temple in the early 12th century, but gradually transformed into a Buddhist Temple. It is the most important tourist attraction of Cambodia and obviously on many people’s bucket lists. But there is also excellent birding available nearby.
Our tour to Cambodia focuses on the unique birds and especially several Critically Endangered species such as Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, and White-winged Duck. We run this tour in cooperation with Sam Veasna Center for Wildlife Conservation – the prime conservation organization in Cambodia with projects aiming to conserve threatened birds.
After the main tour, we offer a 3-day extension for serious birders to hike Mt Aural in the Cardamom Mountains for the endemic Cambodia Laughing-Thrush and several endemic subspecies.
See the detailed itinerary by clicking this link.

Japan Winter Wonderland Birding
2027-02-14 - 2027-02-20
When birders come back from their VERY EXPENSIVE two-three week trip to Japan and start showing off their pictures on Social Media, it is mainly JUST FOUR main targets they brag about: Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Fish-Owl, and the famous Snow Monkeys. We have news for you. You can get the same in less than a week when traveling with 7 Wonders Birding.
Winter Japan in 2026 will be our 7th season in Japan. See the detailed Itinerary here.
There are extensions offered before and after the trip for additional birding.

Japan Winter Wonderland Birding
2027-02-28 - 2027-03-06
When birders come back from their VERY EXPENSIVE two-three week trip to Japan and start showing off their pictures on Social Media, it is mainly JUST FOUR main targets they brag about: Steller’s Sea-Eagle, Red-crowned Crane, Blakiston’s Fish-Owl and the famous Snow Monkeys. We have news for you. You can get the same in less than a week when traveling with 7 Wonders Birding.
Winter Japan 2025 will be our 7th season running these tours. See the detailed Itinerary here.
There are extensions offered before and after the trip for additional birding.

Birding Taiwan's Beautiful Endemic Birds
2027-03-11 - 2027-03-17
Taiwan is the land of the cute – “kawaii”. A Japanese word, but Taiwan has adopted it to the extreme. The birds in Taiwan are also kawaii. They are not boring Little Brown Jobs, but spectacular in their color variation and cuteness.
Taiwan has no less than 30 endemics, plus many local subspecies that may be considered good species when the systematics catch up.
There are the small and cute endemic Flamecrest, Taiwan Yellow Tit, and Taiwan Cupwing, as well as the small panda patterned Black-throated Tit.
The larger endemic birds are equally spectacular, with two species of beautiful pheasants, two partridges, and the iconic Taiwan Blue Magpie.
The birding in Taiwan is not complicated, and there is easy walking on good surfaces, never far from the vehicle. The large number of bird photographers feeding birds has made the game birds extremely confident.
There are no real dangers, with an extremely low crime rate, and no malaria, dengue, ticks, leeches, or rabies.
Taiwanese food is delicious, and there are excellent options for vegetarians.
See the tour website for more information.

Uganda-Shoebill, Gorilla and Chimpanzee in one week
2027-06-26 - 2027-07-02
Name three things you want to see in Uganda! Easy, right?
Shoebill, Gorilla, and Chimpanzee!
But all the birding trips there are so long and so expensive.
What if you could see all three and only take 5 days off from work?
The price per day is high, but time is money, and in the end, you will see your bucket list species at a fraction of the price of big birding companies.
Additionally, you have a good shot at 23 of the Albertine Rift endemics, many iconic mammals such as Leopard, Lion, Zebra, Hyena, Hippos, Elephants, Cape Buffalos, and Bushbuck.
Crowned Cranes, Bateleurs, and various species of Bee-eaters are other bird highlights.
It is possible to add an extension until July 7, after the core trip, for more birding and wildlife.
Check the complete itinerary in this link.
