Continuing making your way north, checking any drainage lines for flocks of Karoo Eremomela (betrayed by their unmistakeable calls). Species like Rufous-eared Warblers, Tractrac Chats and Spike-heeled Larks are especially common along this stretch.

After 20km you will reach the junction with the P2250 (-32.682056, 19.707872), a hidden gem of a road. The species mentioned above become more common, with the addition to a plethora of other Karoo specials. Larks are especially abundant, with a spring trip likely to net you Spike-heeled, Karoo, Large-billed and Red-capped. The prize bird is however the highly nomadic Black-eared Sparrowlark which can suddenly irrupt into this area after periods of exceptional rain.
More likely finds include larger species like Karoo Korhaan (all year) and Ludwig’s Bustards (winter and spring). Raptors are especially good along this road with Greater Kestrel, Pale Chanting Goshawk and Black-chested Snake Eagle all regularly seen.

After roughly nine km, stop and scan any patches of open gravel for the highly sought-after Burchell’s Courser. They occur along the P2250 in small numbers, but the Tankwa Karoo National Park is much better for this species.

After 34km on the P2250 you will reach the park entry gate at -32.477574, 19.910. The park offices are a further 35 km into the park (-32.241, 20.095). Within the park itself, explore the network of dirt roads concentrating on all the species mentioned above, paying special attention to the open barren areas favoured by Burchell’s Courser.

The Gannagas Pass is another important site to visit and allows you the chance of getting a feel of the rugged Great Escarpment. Although best done in a high clearance vehicle, it can possibly be done in a regular vehicle under ideal, dry conditions. Your prime target species include African Rock Pipit, Pale-winged Starlings and Cape Eagle-owl (rare).