I had been waiting for the moment intraprovincial travel was allowed again during the COVID... read more
I had been waiting for the moment intraprovincial travel was allowed again during the COVID... read more
Excellent knowledge and preparation meant that every target species of bird was seen. Knowledge of... read more
My wife and I enjoyed two days of guided birding with Patrick as part of a Southern Africa tour put together by Avian Leisure. Despite inclement weather, Patrick cheerfully and expertly guided us through botanical gardens and wildlife refuges showing us an incredible array of flora and fauna. My wife is a less intense birder but thoroughly enjoyed our days with Patrick and his balanced approach to guiding.
Together with Marie-Louise, he helped plan our amazing three week tour of the Western Cape, Kruger, Vic Falls and the Chobe. The trip was flawless, planned to the finest detail and exceeded our expectations at every turn. One of our best travel experiences ever. Highly recommended.
During September 2013 a group of 6 friends were taken on a trip to view the amazing spring flowers and birds of the west coast of South Africa near Cape Town. The whole experience was superb with excellent planning and management. I would have no hesitation in high recommending Patrick as a very caring and capable tour leader with an extensive knowledge of the countryside and its people.
I booked a birding trip with Patrick and trips around the Cape and winelands for me and family.
The birding trip was a lifetime experience with a trip to the Western Cape reserve and Strandfontein to look at wildfowl and shorebirds. Patrick knew exactly where to go and what to see and I had 62 new lifetime birds. The trips with my family were superbly organised ad a great delight and I cannot thank Patrick and his Wife Marie-Louise enough for organising a truly wonderful experience for me and family. All of this was arranged from the UK by email.
We have been birding in more than 20 countries in the last few years and would like to comment on the superb quality of the services offerred by Avian Leisure in Southern Africa. This 3-week trip was by far our most rewarding from the birding/photo points of view. What we liked:(1) Interactive, detailed programming of the tour, with cost and itinerary agreed upon and fulfilled; (2) birding experience of Patrick who took us to those places where specific birds could be seen; (3) Patrick's knowledge of photography and help when of us was sick.
By all means, do your S. African Bird Watching with Patrick Cardwell. We consider Patrick to be the father of S. African Birding, as he has trained many of those now running Rock Jumpers and Trogon Tours. Our experience with these latter companies is that on receives short shrift if not using services several times yearly. With Patrick and Marie-Louise, personal attention and specific birding/wildlife/naturalist or even golfing needs receive the utmost attention. This company is truly client oriented and has the experience needed to provide an uniquely satisfying tour. Be sure to stay in their B&B for a night or two, as the Cape Town experience received will be exceptional.
My Daughter(age 10) and I spent the day with Patrick Cardwell of Avian Leisure. I had read a review on trip advisor and decided to contact Patrick about a bird watching day trip out of Capetown. I told Patrick that we loved bird watching and that my daughter is an animal enthusiast and he put together a wonderful day of bird and animal watching/sighting along the western coast.
Patrick arranged everything from picking us up from our hotel to a picnic, coffee breaks, scenic stops, amazing bird watching, scenic drives along the coast , setting up a scope and visiting a bird blind. He even had extra binoculors if we needed them. We traveled to many sites including West Coast National Park. We were even fortunate enough to spot an African Wildcat and then sit and watch it make a kill. I am an avid photographer and Patrick was amazing in his ability to not only spot birds and animals but also his ability to coax birds out into the open so that I could get good shots of them. My daughter had a great time and not once did she complain about being bored! Patrick was professional, patient and such good conversation. We spotted over 75 different species, which was amazing for wintertime birding, and saw giraffes, kudu and too many other animals to list.
Patrick has an amazing a wealth of knowledge and was an incredible guide. My daughter and I consider our birding trip with Patrick to be one of the highlights of our South African visit. I look forward to taking a guided safari with Patrick in the near future. If you enjoy birds, an outing with Patrick is a must!