Pick-up at Málaga Airport and transfer to Ronda, located just over an hour’s drive from the airport, in the spectacular mountainous landscape of the Serranía de Ronda. After checking into our hotel, we will have some time to explore this beautiful and historic town, widely regarded as one of Spain’s most charming destinations. Ronda is dramatically perched above the famous Tajo gorge, with its spectacular cliffs and iconic Puente Nuevo. Our hotel is ideally located in the heart of the old town, directly opposite the historic Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza. In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely walk around the Tajo de Ronda, where we will have our first opportunities to observe species such as Lesser Kestrel, Alpine Swift, Crag Martin and Eurasian Griffon Vulture. Overnight in Ronda.

A full day of birdwatching in the Ronda area and the spectacular Sierra de Grazalema. The limestone mountains and rugged landscapes of this region provide excellent habitat for a variety of Mediterranean and mountain species. We will look for Black Wheatear, Blue Rock Thrush, Iberian Grey Shrike, Eurasian Griffon Vulture, Booted Eagle and a selection of warblers, among other species. The area is also home to Spanish Ibex, which we will have good chances of encountering during the day. The landscape itself is one of the highlights, with dramatic limestone formations and the picturesque white villages (“Pueblos Blancos”) that are characteristic of this part of Andalusia. Overnight in Ronda.

We will start the morning with a pre-breakfast walk around the area surrounding our hotel, taking advantage of the spectacular views from Ronda. After breakfast, we will head towards Tarifa and the Strait of Gibraltar. Our route will take us through part of Los Alcornocales Natural Park, one of the largest cork oak forests in Europe and an extraordinary Mediterranean landscape dominated by Cork Oaks, Gall Oaks and other native woodland species. This is an excellent area for birdwatching, and we will look for Iberian Chiffchaff, Booted Eagle, Short-toed Snake Eagle, Bonelli’s Warbler and, of course, the ubiquitous Eurasian Griffon Vultures. As we approach the Strait, we will soon have our first views of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, with the coast of North Africa visible directly across the water. Here, we will reach one of the most spectacular geographical settings in southern Europe: the meeting point of two continents and the legendary Pillars of Hercules. Overnight in Tarifa.

Two full days exploring the extraordinary natural environment of the Strait of Gibraltar, combining birdwatching, migration observation, marine wildlife and cultural highlights. During our stay in Tarifa, we will visit some of the region’s main migration observation points, where we can witness the early stages of the autumn migration of soaring birds. At this time of year, enormous concentrations of White Storks can pass through the Strait, sometimes numbering in the thousands, together with spectacular streams of Black Kites and other raptors. Among the key species we will look for are Spanish Imperial Eagle, Egyptian Vulture, White-rumped Swift and a wide variety of other migratory birds. One of the major highlights will be the chance to observe the local population of Northern Bald Ibis, one of the world’s most critically endangered bird species. Once on the brink of extinction, the species has successfully returned to this region thanks to an ambitious reintroduction project, with the local population now numbering more than 100 birds. We will also spend time exploring the agricultural mosaic of La Janda and its extensive rice fields. This area, historically occupied by a large lagoon, is particularly productive for birds and offers opportunities to see Spanish Imperial Eagle, Little Owl, Black-winged Kite, Montagu’s Harrier, Spanish Sparrow and many other species. 

One of the days will be devoted to a boat trip into the Strait of Gibraltar, sailing between Europe and Africa. This is a spectacular experience in its own right, but also provides excellent opportunities for marine wildlife. The Strait is internationally renowned for its populations of Long-finned Pilot Whales and several species of dolphins, with Sperm Whale and Iberian Orca possible with some luck. While at sea, we will also look for seabirds such as Balearic Shearwater and Scopoli’s Shearwater.

Beyond wildlife, we will have the opportunity to visit the impressive Roman archaeological site of Baelo Claudia, located on the coast near Bolonia. Here we will learn about the importance of tuna fishing during Roman times and the remarkable traditional fishing techniques that are still practised in the area today. Naturally, there will also be an opportunity to taste the region’s famous Bluefin Tuna.

Overnights in Tarifa.

Today we will transfer to Jerez de la Frontera, while continuing to explore some of the most interesting natural areas of the Cádiz region. Our main objective will be to prepare for the following day’s total solar eclipse. To maximise our chances of experiencing this spectacular event, we will return towards the Strait of Gibraltar and position ourselves in an area close to the path of maximum totality. Along the way, we will explore wetlands on the outskirts of the Doñana region, looking for species such as Marbled Duck and White-headed Duck. The industrial salt pans can hold impressive concentrations of Greater Flamingos, together with Audouin’s Gull, Slender-billed Gull and a wide variety of waders. We will also visit an important mixed breeding colony supporting species such as European Spoonbill, Squacco Heron, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret and White Stork. The area is also home to one of the most remarkable colonies of Little Swift in continental Europe, a species that has recently expanded its range northwards from Africa. In the afternoon, we will arrive in Jerez, where we will enjoy a wine tasting at a traditional family-run Sherry bodega. The day will culminate with an authentic flamenco performance, providing a memorable cultural finale to our journey before the eclipse. Overnight in Jerez de la Frontera.

A much hoped for highlight of the journey: an attempt at observing the total solar eclipse from a carefully selected location within the path of totality. We will need the weather to favor us, but the odds are good here for clear skies, and we could indeed enjoy the opportunity to experience one of nature’s most spectacular phenomena, with the dramatic landscape of southern Andalusia providing the setting for this unique event. Overnight in Jerez de la Frontera.

After breakfast (or in good timing for your flights)  transfer to Málaga Airport for the return journey.