birding tours kzn

Ascension Island
Tristan da Cunha
Burkina Faso
Central African Republic
Congo Republic
Côte d’Ivoire
Equatorial Guinea
Eswatini (Swaziland)
Guinea Bissau
North Sudan
São Tomé & Príncipe
Sierra Leone
Eastern Cape
KwaZulu Natal
Northern Cape
Northwest Province
Western Cape
South Sudan
Western Sahara
Afghanistan
British Indian Ocean Territory
Heilongjiang
Inner Mongolia
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Andhra Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh
Chhattisgarh
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu & Kashmir
Lakshadweep
Madhya Pradesh
Maharashtra
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand
West Bengal
Indonesian Borneo
Lesser Sundas
Kuala Lumpur
Peninsular Malaysia
Sarawak & Sabah
North Korea
Philippines
South Korea
Timor-Leste
Turkmenistan
Netherlands Antilles
Antigua & Barbuda
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
Dominican Republic
El Salvador
Puerto Rico
Saint Lucia
St Vincent & Grenadines
St. Kitts & Nevis
Turks & Caicos
South Ossetia
Republic of Croatia
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
Hauts-de-France
Île-de-France
Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pays-de-la-Loire
Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
Baden-Württemberg
Brandenburg
Lower Saxony
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
North Rhine-Westphalia
Rhineland Palatinate
Saxony-Anhalt
Schleswig-Holstein
Liechtenstein
Lake Skadar
Netherlands
Central Russia
Eastern Siberia
Northwest Russia
Russian Arctic
Russian Far East
South Russia
Western Siberia
Basque Country
Fuerteventura
Gran Canaria
Castilla y Leon
Castilla-La Mancha
Extremadura
Switzerland
Avon & Bristol
Bedfordshire
Buckinghamshire
Cambridgeshire & Peterborough
Gloucestershire
Greater London
Greater Manchester
Herefordshire
Hertfordshire
Isle of Wight
Isles of Scilly
Leicestershire & Rutland
Lincolnshire
Northamptonshire
Northumberland
Nottinghamshire
Oxfordshire
Staffordshire
Warwickshire
West Midlands
Worcestershire
Yorkshire – East
Yorkshire – North
Yorkshire – South
Yorkshire – West
Isle of Man
Angus & Dundee
Clyde Islands
Dumfries & Galloway
Isle of May
Moray & Nairn
North-east Scotland
Orkney Isles
Outer Hebrides
Perth & Kinross
Upper Forth
Brecknockshire
Caernarfonshire
Carmarthenshire
Denbighshire
East Glamorgan
Meirionnydd
Montgomeryshire
Pembrokeshire
Radnorshire
Vatican City
Vancouver Island
New Brunswick
Newfoundland
Northwest Territories
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Saskatchewan
Aguascalientes
Baja California
Baja California Sur
Mexico City
Quintana Roo
San Luis Potosí
St Pierre & Miquelon
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Mississippi
New Hampshire
North Carolina
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Rio Grande Valley
West Virginia
American Samoa
Christmas Island
Coral Sea Islands
New South Wales
Norfolk Island
Northern Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
Cocos Islands
Cook Islands
French Polynesia
Marshall Islands
New Caledonia
Stewart Island
Northern Mariana Islands
Papua New Guinea
Wallis & Futuna
Buenos Aires City
Buenos Aires State
Santiago del Estero
Tierra del Fuego
Espírito Santo
Federal District
Mato Grosso
Mato Grosso do Sul
Minas Gerais
Rio de Janeiro State
Rio Grande do Norte
Rio Grande do Sul
Santa Catarina
Easter Island
Northern Ecuador
French Guiana
Saudi Arabia
Farne Islands
Birding Tour Companies
Bird Fairs & Festivals
Trip Report Repositories
Weather & Tides
Rarity Alerts
Ornithological Journals
Birding Magazines
Websites with Mega-links
Books for Birders
Bird Book Publishers
Software, DVDs, Recordings etc.
Bird Writers
Bird Art & Artists
Digiscoping
Photos, Photography & Photographers
Webcams & Nestcams
#12348 (no title)
#11964 (no title)
Bird Watching Books
Bird Watching Telescopes
Birdfeeders, Birdhouses etc
Optics Retailers
Optics Companies
Outdoor Clothing for Birders
Other Birding Equipment & Accessories
Tripod Companies
Banding or Ringing
Study & Bird Behaviour
Birders & Ornithologists
Threatened & Extinct Species
Conservation
Ornithology Courses
Identification
Invasive Species
Taxonomy & Bird Names
Acanthisittidae – New Zealand Wrens
Acanthizidae – Australasian Warblers
Acrocephalidae – Reed & Brush Warblers Etc.
Aegithalidae – Bush Tits
Aegithinidae – Ioras
Alaudidae – Larks
Arcanatoridae – Dapple-throat & Allies
Artamidae – Woodswallows, Butcherbirds & Currawongs
Atrichornithidae – Scrub-birds
Bernieridae – Malagasy Warblers
Bombycillidae – Waxwings
Buphagidae – Oxpeckers
Calcariidae – Longspurs & Snow Buntings
Callaeidae – Kokako & Saddlebacks
Campephagidae – Cuckooshrikes, Cicadabirds, Trillers & Minivets
Cardinalidae – Cardinals, Grosbeaks & Allies
Certhiidae – Treecreepers
Cettidae – Bush Warblers, Tesias & Allies
Chaetopidae – Rockjumpers
Chloropseidae – Leafbirds
Cinclidae – Dippers
Cisticolidae – Cisticolas, Prinia, Tailorbirds & Allies
Climacteridae – Australasian Treecreepers
Cnemophilidae – Satinbirds
Coerebidae – Bananaquit
Conopophagidae – Gnateaters
Corcoracidae – Australian Mudnesters
Corvidae – Crows, Jays, Magpies & Allies
Cotingidae – Cotingas, Fruiteaters & Allies
Dasyornithidae – Bristlebirds
Dicaeidae – Flowerpeckers
Dicruridae – Drongos
Donacobiidae – Donacobius
Dulidae – Palmchat
Elachuridae – Spotted Wren-babbler
Emberizidae – Buntings, New World Sparrows & Allies
Erythroceridae – Yellow Flycatchers
Estrildidae – Waxbills, Munias & Allies
Eulacestomatidae – Ploughbill
Eupetidae – Rail-Babbler
Eurylaimidae – Broadbills
Formicariidae – Antthrushes
Fringillidae – Finches, Seedeaters, Euphonias & Allies
Furnariidae – Ovenbirds
Grallariidae – Antpittas
Hirundinidae – Swallows & Martins
Hyliotidae – Hyliotas
Hylocitreidae – Yellow-flanked Whistler
Hypocoliidae – Hypocolius
Icteridae – Oropendolas, Orioles, Blackbirds & Allies
Ifritidae – Blue-capped Ifrit
Incertae Sedis – Uncertain Families
Irenidae – Fairy-bluebirds
Laniidae – Shrikes
Leiothrichidae – Turdoides Babblers, Laughingthrushes, Barwings & Sibias
Locustellidae – Grassbirds & Allies
Machaerirhynchidae – Boatbills
Macrosphenidae – Crombecs, Longbills & African Warblers
Malaconotidae – Bushshrikes, Tchagras, Puffbacks & Boubous
Maluridae – Australasian Wrens
Melampittidae – Melampittas
Melanocharitidae – Berrypeckers & Longbills
Melanopareiidae – Crescent-chests
Meliphagidae – Honeyeaters
Menuridae – Lyrebirds
Mimidae – Mockingbirds, Thrashers & Allies
Mohoidae – O’os
Mohouidae – Whitehead, Yellowhead & Brown Creeper
Monarchidae – Monarchs, Paradise Flycatchers & Allies
Motacillidae – Longclaws, Pipits & Wagtails
Muscicapidae – Old World Flycatchers
Nectariniidae – Sunbirds & Spiderhunters
Neosittidae – Sitellas
Nicatoridae – Nicators
Notiomystidae – Stitchbird
Oreoicidae – Australasian Bellbirds
Oriolidae – Old World Orioles, Pitohuis & Figbirds
Orthonychidae – Logrunners & Chowchilla
Pachycephalidae – Whistlers & Allies
Panuridae – Bearded Reedling
Paradisaeidae – Birds-of-paradise
Paramythiidae – Painted Berrypeckers
Pardalotidae – Pardalotes
Paridae – Tits & Chickadees
Parulidae – New World Warblers
Passeridae – Old World Sparrows
Pellorneidae – Fulvettas, Ground Babblers & Allies
Petroicidae – Australasian Robins
Peucedramidae – Olive Warbler
Philepittidae – Asities
Phylloscopidae – Leaf Warblers & Allies
Picathartidae – Rockfowl
Pipridae – Manakins
Pittidae – Pittas
Pityriaseidae – Bristlehead
Platysteiridae – Wattle-eyes & Batises
Ploceidae – Weavers, Widowbirds & Allies
Pnoepygidae – Wren-babblers
Polioptilidae – Gnatcatchers
Pomatostomidae – Australasian Babblers
Prionopidae – Helmetshrikes
Promeropidae – Sugarbirds
Prunellidae – Accentors
Psophodidae – Whipbirds, Jewel-babblers & Quail-thrushes
Ptilogonatidae – Silky-flycatchers
Ptilonorhynchidae – Bowerbirds & Catbirds
Pycnonotidae – Bulbuls
Regulidae – Goldcrests & Kinglets
Remizidae – Penduline Tits
Rhagologidae – Mottled Berryhunter
Rhinocryptidae – Tapaculos
Rhipiduridae – Fantails
Sapayoidae -Sapayoa
Scotocercidae – Streaked Scrub Warbler
Sittidae – Nuthatches
Stenostiridae – Fairy Flycatchers
Sturnidae – Starlings, Mynas & Rhabdornis
Sylviidae – Sylviid Babblers, Parrotbills & Fulvettas
Tephrodornithidae – Woodshrikes & Allies
Thamnophilidae – Antbirds
Thraupidae – Tanagers & Allies
Tichodromidae – Wallcreeper
Timaliidae – Babblers
Tityridae – Tityras, Becards & Allies
Troglodytidae – Wrens
Turdidae – Thrushes
Tyrannidae – Tyrant Flycatchers
Urocynchramidae – Przevalski’s Finch
Vangidae – Vangas
Viduidae – Indigobirds & Whydahs
Vireonidae – Vireos, Greenlets & Shrike-babblers
Zosteropidae – White-eyes, Yuhinas & Allies
Accipitridae – Kites, Hawks & Eagles
Aegothelidae – Owlet-nightjars
Alcedinidae – Kingfishers
Alcidae – Auks
Anatidae – Swans, Geese & Ducks
Anhimidae – Screamers
Anhingidae – Darters
Anseranatidae – Magpie Goose
Apodidae – Swifts
Apterygidae – Kiwis
Aramidae – Limpkin
Ardeidae – Herons, Egrets & Bitterns
Balaenicipitidae – Shoebill
Brachypteraciidae – Ground Rollers
Bucconidae – Puffbirds
Bucerotidae – Hornbills
Bucorvidae – Ground Hornbills
Burhinidae – Thick-knees & Stone Curlews
Cacatuidae – Cockatoos
Capitonidae – New World Barbets
Caprimulgidae – Nightjars & Nighthawks
Cariamidae – Seriemas
Casuariidae – Cassowaries
Cathartidae – New World Vultures
Charadriidae – Plovers, Lapwings & Dotterels
Chionidae – Sheathbill
Ciconiidae – Storks
Coliidae – Mousebirds
Columbidae – Doves & Pigeons
Coraciidae – Rollers
Cracidae – Chachalacas, Curassows & Guans
Cuculidae – Old World Cuckoos
Diomedeidae – Albatrosses
Dromadidae – Crab Plover
Dromaiidae – Emu
Eurypygidae – Sunbittern
Falconidae – Falcons, Kestrels & Caracaras
Fregatidae – Frigatebirds
Galbulidae – Jacamars
Gaviidae – Divers or Loons
Glareolidae – Coursers & Pratincoles
Gruidae – Cranes
Haematopodidae – Oystercatchers
Heliornithidae – Finfoots & Sungrebe
Hemiprocnidae – Treeswifts
Hydrobatidae – Northern Storm Petrels
Ibidorhynchidae – Ibisbill
Indicatoridae – Honeyguides
Jacanidae – Jacanas
Laridae – Gulls, Terns & Skimmers
Leptosomatidae – Cuckoo Roller
Lybiidae – African Barbets
Megalimidae – Asian Barbets
Megapodiidae – Megapodes
Meropidae – Bee-eaters
Mesitornithidae – Mesites
Momotidae – Motmots
Musophagidae – Turacos, Plantain-eaters & Go-away-birds
Numididae – Guineafowl
Nyctibiidae – Potoos
Oceanitidae – Austral Storm Petrels
Odontophoridae – New World Quails
Opisthocomidae – Hoatzin
Otididae – Bustards, Floricans & Korhaans
Pandionidae – Ospreys
Pedionomidae – Plains Wanderer
Pelecanidae – Pelicans
Pelecanoididae – Diving Petrels
Phaethontidae – Tropicbirds
Phalacrocoracidae – Cormorants & Shags
Phasianidae – Pheasants, Grouse, Partridges & Allies
Phoenicopteridae – Flamingos
Phoeniculidae – Wood Hoopoes & Scimitarbills
Picidae – Woodpeckers
Pluvianellidae – Magellanic Plover
Pluvianidae – Egyptian Plover
Podargidae – Frogmouths
Podicipedidae – Grebes
Procellariidae – Petrels, Diving Petrels & Shearwaters
Psittacidae – African & New World Parrots
Psittaculidae – Old World Parrots
Psophiidae – Trumpeters
Pteroclidae – Sandgrouse
Rallidae – Rails, Crakes, Gallinules & Coots etc.
Ramphastidae – Aracari, Toucans & Toucanets
Recurvirostridae – Avocets & Stilts
Rheidae – Rheas
Rhynochetidae – Kagu
Rostratulidae – Painted Snipe
Sagittariidae – Secretarybird
Sarothruridae – Flufftails
Scolopacidae – Woodcock, Snipe, Sandpipers & Allies
Scopidae – Hammerkop
Semnornithidae – Toucan Barbets
Spheniscidae – Penguins
Steatornithidae – Oilbird
Stercorariidae – Skuas or Jaegers
Strigidae – Owls
Strigopidae – New Zealand Parrots
Struthionidae – Ostriches
Sulidae – Gannets & Boobies
Thinocoridae – Seedsnipe
Threskiornithidae – Ibises & Spoonbills
Tinamidae – Tinamous
Todidae – Todies
Trochilidae – Hummingbirds
Trogonidae – Trogons & Quetzals
Turnicidae – Buttonquails
Tytonidae – Barn & Grass Owls
Upupidae – Hoopoes
Big Days & Bird Races
Apocryphal Birding Stories & Urban Myths
Bird Humour
Listing & Listers
Twitching & Twitchers
Hints & Tips
Angling & Birds
Gardening For Birders
Birding Blogs
Accessible Birding
Birding Organisations
Birds on Stamps
Fatbirder’s Birding Advice

KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu Natal, nicknamed ‘the garden province’ is a province of South Africa covering c.95,000 K² (36,000 square miles) with a population of almost 13 million people. It is located in the southeast of the country, with a long shoreline on the Indian Ocean and sharing borders with three other provinces; Mpumalanga to the north Free State to the west and Eastern Cape to the southwest and the countries of Mozambique to the far northeast, Eswatini to the northeast and Lesotho to the southwest. Its capital and second city is Pietermaritzburg with around half a million inhabitants. The largest city is Durban with a population of c.4 million people. It is the second-most populous province in South Africa, with slightly fewer residents than Gauteng.

It has three different geographic areas and is the eastern most province in the country. The lowland region along the Indian Ocean coast is extremely narrow in the south, widening in the northern part of the province, while the central Natal Midlands consists of an undulating hilly plateau rising toward the west. Two mountainous areas, the western Drakensberg Mountains and northern Lebombo Mountains form, respectively, a solid basalt wall rising over 3,000 m (9,800 ft) beside Lesotho border and low parallel ranges of ancient granite running southward from Eswatini. The area’s largest river, the Tugela, flows west to east across the centre of the province. The coastal regions typically have subtropical thickets and deeper ravines; steep slopes host some Afromontane Forest. The midlands have moist grasslands and isolated pockets of Afromontane Forest. The north has a primarily moist savanna habitat, whilst the Drakensberg region hosts mostly alpine grassland.

Two areas in KwaZulu-Natal have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park; both are are wetlands of international importance for migratory species and are designated as Ramsar sites.

Birding KwaZulu-Natal

Well over 650 species have been recorded in the small province of KwaZulu-Natal, a product of its habitat diversity and its coastal position on the beautiful eastern seaboard of South Africa. From mangrove-fringed estuaries to the peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains, from the cool mistbelt forests to the bird-rich savanna of Zululand, KZN offers some of the best birding on the African continent. Of particular interest to the international birder are the more than 50 species endemic to the Southern African Subregion, a handful of which are only found here and in adjacent Mozambique.

KZN’s broad vegetation types of forest, savanna and grassland may be further subdivided into:

Subtropical, broad-leaved forest that runs the length of the coast, extending up to an altitude of 450m above sea level. It is home to numerous coastal specials, notably Spotted Ground-Thrush and Woodward’s Batis, and is well protected in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Ngoye Forest.

Patches of temperate, Afro-montane forest (mistbelt forest) which occur in a narrow altitudinal belt between 900m and 1200m above sea level, and host a handful of Southern African endemics, notably Cape Parrot, Knysna Turaco, Chorister Robin-Chat, Bush Blackcap and Cape Batis. Highly threatened by felling for timber and conversion to commercial agro-forestry, accessible patches are protected in Weza-Ngele Forest and the Creighton Valley.

Savanna woodland , or bushveld , which covers much of the northern and inland areas, and supports a very rich avifauna. This habitat is widespread in eastern Africa and endemics are few, notable exceptions in KZN being Sabota Lark, Fiscal Flycatcher and White-throated Robin-Chat. Large areas of bushveld are protected in Mkhuze Game Reserve, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, and a host of smaller reserves.

Grasslands that blanket KZN’s inland western regions, from sour grassland at medium altitudes to the Afro-Alpine grasslands in the Drakensberg massif. A number of regional endemics occur here, notably Drakenberg Rock-jumper and Drakenberg Siskin, both of which are easily seen on Sani Pass, the most accessible high-altitude site in Southern Africa.

Coastal grassland that occurs as part of the mosaic of habitats known as the East Coast Littoral, and is of interest to the birder for such tropical species as Swamp Nightjar and Rosy-throated Longclaw. The best example of this habitat is found in the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.

Wetlands that range from estuaries to tropical pans and flooded grassland, from fast-flowing mountain streams to man-made impoundments. Warm oceanic waters off the coast support a variety of tropical seabirds, especially after cyclonic conditions in the Mozambique Channel.

This page is sponsored by Birding Ecotours

Creighton Valley

Drakensberg park, hluhluwe/umfolozi game reserve, lake sibaya, ndumo game reserve, ongoye forest reserve, umkhuze falls game reserve, isimangaliso wetland park (greater st lucia wetland park), jonathan rossouw & adam riley.

| [email protected]

Supplementary Information - Johan van Tonder

| [email protected]

BirdLife KZN Midlands

Birdlife northern natal, birdlife sani, birdlife ethekwini kzn, endangered cape parrots & raptors, kwazulu-natal nature conservation services, ladysmith birders.

Abbreviations Key

* Parks of KwaZulu-Natal

*ezemvelo kzn wildlife parks, bg durban botanic gardens, gr mkuze falls, gr tembe elephant park, iba ongoye forest reserve, np isimangaliso wetland park, np ukhahlamba-drakensberg, nr dlinza forest aerial boardwalk, nr hluhluwe-umfolozi park, nr pongolapoort, nr springside, nr umbogavango, nr umdoni bird sanctuary, nr umlalazi, nr umgeni vlei, birding africa, birding ecotours, rockjumper birding tours, 2006 [10 october] - bo beolens, 2015 [01 january] - joe grosel - kruger, lesotho & zululand, 2017 [01 january] – chris durdin – drakensbergs & zululand, 2018 [09 september] - derek gruar, 2019 [04 april] - dylan vasapolli & dominic rollinson - kalahari and kwazulu-natal, 2019 [09 september] - jason boyce, 2023 [11 november] - ann gifford, botha house, ghost mountain inn, hluhluwe river lodge, zinkwazi lagoon lodge.

Fatbirder - linking birders worldwide... Wildlife Travellers see our sister site: WAND

BIRD LIST
TRIP REPORTS
CONTACT US

Welcome to Birdwatcher

BIRDWATCHER offer full day, morning and afternoon GUIDED BIRDING WALKS as well as weekend and longer BIRDING TOURS. Our tours include specialist or beginner birdwatching trips in the following areas:

Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Norther Cape, Northwest, and Western Cape. Birdwatcher also lead birding and nature tours in Swaziland, Lesotho and other neighbouring countries in Southern Africa.

Our tours are filled with highlights and memorable adventures.

We make use of exceptional venues with outstanding reputation and affordable rates. Our tour leaders are well qualified and registered guides.

We also publish interesting articles and birding trip reports for birding outings. Please subscribe to our newsletter and social media profiles.

More birding and birdwatching info can be viewed on OUTDOOR HEARTBEAT .

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Olive Woodpecker Takes Up Residence in My Garden

Olive Woodpeckers are a familiar sight here on the Garden Route, a welcome change from my first encounter way back in the Wilge Rivier Valley

The Fork-tailed Drongo: A Fascinating Bird Species

The Fork-tailed Drongo: A Fascinating Bird Species Image gallery at the end of this article Over the past few years, I have been fortunate enough

Pearl-spotted Owlet

Pearl-spotted Owlet Birding in South Africa Have You Heard the Call of the African Bush? The African bush holds countless wonders, but few creatures capture

Share this page:

Click one of our representatives below to chat on WhatsApp or send us an email to [email protected]

BIRDING – A FEATHER IN THE CAP OF KZN TOURISM

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? Well, it’s both, really, as many birders from across the world jet in to spot KwaZulu-Natal’s (KZN) amazing birdlife every year.

As visitors to Africa’s Travel Indaba will find out, birding – otherwise known as avitourism or ornithological tourism – is one of the fastest growing segments of the tourism market and enriches the province’s eco-tourism offering under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable network of community-based birding guides who keep a watchful eye over the KZN Birding Route.

Sakamuzi Mhlongo and Junior Gabela of Sakamuzi Bird Guides in Eshowe have been showing off the province’s feathered friends for decades. Both are accredited guides with Birdlife South Africa and, as representatives of the KZN Birding Route, are regular attendees at the Africa Travel Indaba. They are quick to point out that, with over 650 different bird species in exceptionally diverse habitats that stretch from coastal wetlands to African savannahs and the Drakensberg Mountains, KZN is the perfect destination for both domestic and international bird lovers.

A 2010 study by the Department of Trade notes that an estimated 8 000 and 16 000 international birders visited South Africa annually while between 21 000 and 40 000 local “twitchers” brought out their binoculars.

According to the study, avitourists’ spent between R927 million and R1,725 billion per year. Of this, domestic avitourists contributed between R482 million and R890 million, while international birders contributed between R309 million and R618 million. This adds up to a potential contribution to GDP of around R1,205 billion to R2,243 billion annually.

What tourism service providers tweeting about, is that travelling birders are believed to spend more than most other visitors, take longer trips and use experienced local tour guides to help them find unusual species. This presents an important opportunity to grow tourism and provide jobs in rural communities across KZN.

Mhlongo and Gabela are as familiar with the behaviour of tourists as they are with birds. The birding tourists that they host are split 50/50 between local and global. When Mhlongo started guiding 23 years ago, guests were mostly senior citizens. Now, bird watchers are younger.

Much of their marketing is done via social media and they get many return visitors. “People, with binoculars, which I took to see the Green Barbet 20 years ago are now returning with cameras. That’s now the big thing. We have a whole new market. People who have come back to take good photos are even returning for better shots,” he says.

He says that while travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic clipped their wings when it came to international birders, things have now returned to normal and guides have hosted growing numbers of local birders from Gauteng to Cape Town as well as enthusiasts from England, Canada, German and France over the past year.

A new aspect of his business has been collecting visitors and hosting birding tours for passengers on cruise liners that stopover in the port of Richards Bay.

Birding takes flight in Zululand

The Zululand Birding Route was the first Birdlife South Africa avitourism project and has been running for more than a decade. It isa network of 16 routes that offer a range of birding experiences that are grouped into four regions – North East Zululand, North West Zululand, Southern Zululand and the North Coast.

It relies on over 30 local guides and a series of brochures and information packs linking the top 70 birding spots in the area across 14 local routes. These include the Dlinza Aerial Boardwalk, which is close to Eshowe, one of the finest places to spot birds (including the Palm-nut Vulture), hike and see Wild Fig and African plum trees.

Other top birding destinations include the Hluhluwe- iMfolozi Park, Mkuze, Ndumo, the Tembe Elephant Park, the Umlalazi Nature Reserve, the Ongoye Forest outside Mtunzini, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and various privately owned reserves.

Mhlongo and Gabela say tourists and tour operators should never underestimate the value of local knowledge.

“In a single trip, I can set up a top 10 of special birds. If you come alone and search yourself, it will take five to six months. We will make your trip shorter because we know exactly where they are,” says Gabela.

When these two guides reach the end of their particular area, they simply pass on their birding customers to other guides who are experts in their particular habitats.

Spreading their wings across KZN

Birders in the Drakensberg can expect to see many of the 350 species. The Midlands Birding Route starts in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site and winds down through the foothills of the Drakensberg and over the rolling hillsides of the Midlands.

Highlights include the Hlatikulu Crane sanctuary, which is home to three different varieties of endangered cranes, the Falcon Ridge bird of prey centre in the Champagne Valley, Highmoor, which boasts the largest colony of breeding Bald Ibis in the Drakensberg, and the vulture hides at Giants Castle.

The Ugu South Coast offers a completely different and extremely diverse experience. Top spots include the Empisini Nature Reserve near uMkhomanzi, the TC Robertson Nature Reserve, the Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve in Umzinto, Lake Eland Game Reserve at Oribi Gorge, Oribi Gorge NatureReserve which follows the Mzimkulwana River as well as the Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide, which isconsidered one of the world’s best vulture viewing spots.

Other must-see stop-offs for birders are the River Valley Nature Reserve in Margate with its walking trails through riverine forest, the Red Desert Nature Reserve, one of the world’s smallest deserts at Port Edward, and Umtamvuna at Port Edward which is the s outhernmost nature reserve in the province and includes the beautiful Umtamvuna River surrounded by coastal and riverine forests, bushveld and cliffs.

The Rise and Rise of Aparthotels: Fad, Buzzword, or Booming Sector?

George golf club: where tradition meets excellence, you may also like, how does ‘cat’s pee on a gooseberry bush’..., unveiling the world’s most beloved vs busiest airports, africa’s travel indaba back in fullforce beating expectations, 20 gets inked at radisson red’s tattoo pop-up , kzn abounds with investment opportunities, the marine to welcome festivalgoers at the fynarts..., explore kwazulu-natal: the province’s seven must-see tourism routes, k-way renews sponsorship commitment to skyrun and maxirace..., a new era for weddings: conscious celebrations that..., cape town named one of world’s best cities..., subscribe to our newsletter.

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.

You have Successfully Subscribed!

St Lucia Birding Tours- Ian Ferreira

See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

ST LUCIA BIRDING TOURS- IAN FERREIRA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Bustards Birding Tours

3-Day Northern Zululand Birding Tour

Birding Trips
South Africa
South Africa Safaris and Overlands
Tours from Durban

Join me on a 3-day tour of Zululand with stops at Mtunzini; game drives in the exclusive Manyoni Game Reserve and and into hard-to-reach prime northern Zululand wetlands – some real hidden gems.

Specialist birding trips are go-go-go and can be daunting for the beginner. Join me on a trip, tailored to the beginner birder, we take all the pressure off in a small and intimate group of a maximum of 6 persons.

Departing on Monday, 22 November from King Shaka Airport in Durban at 10am – allowing you to fly in from anywhere to join us on the day. We return to King Shaka Airport on Wednesday, 24 November at 4-5pm.

Staying at the Msunduze River Lodge – home to a local wildlife vet who has been instrumental in the fight against the poaching of Rhino in the KZN Reserves. This is the perfect base for our 2 nights in Zululand.

CONTACT US FOR DEPARTURE DATES

Please click on the Itinerary tab for further details.

Although I run the set departures with a minimum of 6 birders, I can run this tour at any time of the year, please send me an email and I’d be happy to send you more info.

My daughter and I went on the two-day Zululand tour organised and guided by Emile and we had a wonderful time. Besides the fact that everything was extremely well organised, we saw a lot of birds. Emile just knew where to take us and who to arrange as additional guides to maximise our birding experience. He arranged for Junior to assist in Mtunzini and Ivor in Monyoni who both did an excellent job. The accommodation and food were great and even a night drive was included which gave us 3 different owls. – Tripadvisor, November 2021

The tour cost includes all accommodation, meals, refreshments, snacks, transport, entrance fees, game drive, but does not include the cost of alcohol or personal purchases.

Please note that we need a minimum of 4 persons for this tour to operate.

We depart from KSIA at 10:00 and arrive in Mtunzini at 12:00. We will pack a lunch so that we can make the best use of time in this seaside town, with its special environment that has attracted one of the rarest raptors – the Palmnut Vulture. Other special species attracted to the coastal forests and mangrove swamps are: African Finfoot, Mangrove Kingfisher, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Spotted Ground Thrush, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Green Twinspot, White-eared Barbet, Grey & Olive Sunbird, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Gorgeous Bush Shrike and Dark-backed Weaver.

We aim to check-in at Msunduze River Lodge at 18:00. Unwind in the boma around the camp fire and prepare for our epic birding day in Zululand the following day.

Ivor van Rooyen, a senior ranger and extraordinary birder, knows the Zululand birding areas intimately and will be our specialist guide for the next 2 days.

Today’s focus will be on the hard-to-reach Northern Zululand Pans – some real hidden gems!

One of the better known pans that we will visit is Muzi pan – the Muzi Swamps area is a birder’s paradise! There are a large number of waterbirds recorded here, including, herons, waders and ducks. Our ultra-tick for the morning is the Pel’s fishing owl!

We will head out early on day 2 to catch the best of the morning’s birding, grabbing brunch in Mkuze Game Reserve at a picturesque setting, where we can continue to bird. Heading back to Msunduze at around 2-3pm you can choose to have a lazy afternoon or bird on foot before an early braai for dinner and then we will head back into the reserve by 6pm for the evening session with Ivor – our focus will be on Nightjars and Owls!

Manyoni means the “place of birds” in isiZulu – 415 species have been recorded on the reserve! How appropriate for our full day in this magnificent reserve.

The highly localised trio of Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s Sunbird and Rudd’s Apalis are big targets. In addition Eastern Nicator, African Broadbill and Eastern Bearded Scrub-Robin will be great finds. Very rare KZN species on the reserve are the Hooded Vulture, Dark Chanting Goshawk, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Monotonous and Dusky Lark and Red-headed Weaver.

Another packed breakfast from Msunduze will be enjoyed whilst birding. After a full morning’s birding, we will grab lunch on the way back to Durban to arrive back at the airport by 4-5pm.

Sani Pass Birding Tour from Underberg

Lesotho Overnight Tour From Durban - Mokhotlong

2-Day Zulu Safari Adventure from Durban

Photo Safaris
Wildlife Safaris
Birding Tours
Equipment Rental

Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN - Photo & Wildlife Safari

In the heart of the South African, ‘Zulu’ kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal lies Zimanga Private Game Reserve. This world-class wildlife conservation destination offers those who seek to not only view but record the very best of South African wildlife.

Zimanga Photography – Designed for a Purpose

Zimanga reserve is designed for avid safari enthusiasts while simultaneously satisfying the needs of modern wildlife photographers of any level, both of which prefer a deeper appreciation of the bush and crave an unhurried exclusive experience.

Lifetime Experiences

Zimanga provides guests with a once in a lifetime up close and personal experience with a variety of bird and mammal species from the common residents, to Africa’s Big Five to smaller, more rare species which all call Zimanga home.

Zimanga Accommodation

Zimanga has a choice of exceptionally comfortable accommodation, beautifully set overlooking a central valley, that gives one a feeling of the African bush in all its splendor.

Lodge Accommodation – Zimanga Reserve

The main lodge consists of luxury suites with kingsize or twin bedrooms, separate WC and private decks. Single travelers are also catered for with single rooms with en-suite bathrooms as well as a private deck.

Doornhoek Homestead

Groups and or families may wish to take advantage of the ‘Doornhoek Homestead’ at Zimanga with its own private pool and very comfortable air-conditioned 3 twin bed en-suite rooms and a single en-suite room. This 7 sleeper is situated on the western slopes of Zimanga and overlooks the reserve with the Lebombo mountains as a faraway backdrop. Look at the ‘Costs’ tab below for further detailed information on the Doornhoek Homestead.

Zimanga Hides

Zimanga has the enviable position of having 9 hides, (including 2 overnight hides) providing guests with unparalleled access to wildlife activity. For more information on the hides please check out our ‘General Tab’ below.

Staying at Zimanga Nature Reserve

Main lodge accommodation from €331 per person, per day sharing / no additional costs for a single supplement.

Doornhoek Homestead (sole use) from €1529 per night

( See ‘costs tab’ below for further detailed information)

Privately Guided Photo Safaris are also available:

3-day: Photo Safaris Packages (Subject to Availability)

5-day: Photo Safaris Packages (Subject to Availability)

7-day: Photo Safaris Packages (Subject to Availability)

Photo Host: Tony Sparkes

Dates: Various

Very early booking recommended.

There are no set departure dates for Zimanga. Due to the Zimanga Reserves’ huge popularity, guests are requested to contact us to confirm availability for any accommodation or photo safari/tour packages as early as possible, so as not to be disappointed.

Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN – Photo & Wildlife Safari

please click on individual tabs below for more detailed information. , zimanga – wildlife photo safari, zimanga – the serious wildlife photographic getaway.

This very special safari takes place in the beautiful African bush at Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN (KwaZulu-Natal) South Africa . This safari is for those travelers and photographers of all levels who want something a little different and extra special.

Leading the Way

Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN is the first reserve in Africa designed for avid safari enthusiasts whilst simultaneously satisfying the needs of modern wildlife photographers of any level, both who prefer a deeper appreciation of the bush and crave an unhurried exclusive experience.

The Bushveld

Zimanga consists of pristine Zululand bushveld, fever tree forests and rolling hills, which is bisected by the Mkuze River and home to a splendid variety of animals and birds. Species including lion, elephant, leopard, and cheetah which roam freely across the region and can with luck be tracked down for unparalleled game viewing and photographic opportunities.

Zimanga Wildlife Hides

The centres of wildlife excellence at Zimanga revolves around the 9 ‘specialist’ wildlife photography hides. These hides (including 2 overnight hides) 6 of which were designed by the world-renowned Hungarian wildlife hide specialist Bence Mate .

These hides provide wildlife photographers with unprecedented opportunities to capture a broad variety of African birds & wildlife in their natural environment, which includes all of Africa’s Big 5.

With only 3 vehicles on the 7000-hectare reserve, our Zimanga guided game drives are an absolute pleasure. In addition, there are no time limits at animal sightings either, thus giving ample time and opportunity for photographers, wildlife and nature enthusiasts alike the time needed to enjoy the sightings seen at Zimanga.

Specialist hide sessions are coupled with an un-rushed, un-crowded wildlife vehicle safari experience, this combination makes Zimanga a premier African safari destination for any discerning wildlife and nature traveler.

At the End of the Day

After long days and early mornings its time to relax and spent time with like-minded individuals. Why not relax around the central pool and bar area, perhaps recounting stories of the day and or of safaris past. This is what a wildlife & photo safari like this is all about!

ZIMANGA ITINERARY

Daily activities.

All activities are carried out daily and consist of hide sessions and vehicle safari sessions of approximately 3.5 hrs (1 game drive & 1 hide session) and are included in the rate given on this website (see ‘costs’ tab). Usually half of our guests undertake a hide session while the other half continue on a game drive.

Seasonal Activity Time Schedule Estimates

Summer: (oct-march spring/summer season) 5:30-9:30 am, 15:30-19:00 pm, winter: (april-sept, autumn/winter season) 6:30-10:00 am, 14:00-17:30 pm, after-hours activities and special photo projects need to be arranged with your guide or team leader., zimanga lodge.

The lodge can sleep up to 12 guests in six separate air-conditioned luxury double suites, with the ability to host single visitors (no additional single supplement cost) in the four stylishly furnished single rooms. The Lodge is situated in close proximity to the Doornhoek Homestead, with breathtaking views over the Mkhombe Valley and nearby ‘Tamboti Overnight’ hide from the large deck with sun loungers, large shade providing umbrellas and rim-flow swimming pool.

Main Lodge also hosts a curio shop that proudly supports the local artisans with several of their wares on display, plus additional mementoes to take home for yourself, friends or family.

Delectable meals are served within the dining area with a cosy fireplace, and the open deck offers another dining alternative for those who prefer to dine outside under the stars. A large circular open-air boma provides the ideal spot to enjoy a nightcap whilst sharing the day’s stories around a small bushveld fire.

In Between Activities

In between your vehicle based safaris or hide sessions guests can explore the lovely lodge gardens which host a magnificent variety of indigenous plant and bird species, alternatively enjoy a book from the well-stocked sponsored library. In the summer months, guests favour a relaxing time based around the swimming pool on the sun loungers with their favourite drink. Others chose to laze around in their room conserving energy for the next adrenaline filled activity.

A floating staircase in the lodge leads up to yet another deck above, built on the lodge roof and offering spectacular views over the peaceful valley in front of the lodge and Lebombo mountain range in the background.

Photo Workshops

Our photography discussions/workshops are held in the well-equipped boardroom, complete with wireless HD projector, drop-down screen and custom-built boardroom tables doubling as a museum exhibit, which proudly displays a fascinating collection of local geology and artifacts originating from Zimanga and its nearby surrounds within recessed glass displays built into the tables.

Wildlife photo safaris can run throughout 2020 & 2021 without set departures. Please contact us to confirm availability.

COSTS & INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS FOR ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN KZN

Zimanga private game reserve rates, prices lodge:- from € poa per person per night/no single supplement – (low season), prices doornhoek homestead:- from € poa per night (sole use – sleeps 7) – (low season), prices are in (€) euro’s the exact price will be confirmed via invoice at the time of booking., we can accept payment via international swift transfer, credit card or paypal, note: guided photo safaris will run with a minimum of 2 guests and a maximum of 6 guests. , please be advised : zimanga private game reserve prices breakdown, what is included.

Twice daily activities of 3,5 hours each. (1 hide session and 1 game drive per day)
Fully Catered Accommodation
2 x Daily Game Activities
Water, Tea, and Coffee
Conservation and Community Levy
Photoguide & Workshop (Privately Guided Safaris Only)

Note: ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION

Guests can convert any reservation to an ‘All-Inclusive’ option for an additional € POA per person per night. This rate includes local beers, spirits, soft drinks, and house wines.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Additional Hide Sessions
Airport or other transfers to Zimanga (However, this can be arranged on behalf of the client. Advise at the time of booking)
After-hours Activities
Alcoholic Drinks and Canned/Bottled Beverages
Items of a Personal Nature
Personal Laundry ( However, can be arranged on behalf of the client)

SOUTH AFRICA

South Africa is officially listed as one of the most biologically diverse countries on earth. With South Africa being made up of an astonishing kaleidoscope of landscapes as well as a plethora of eco-systems.

From the arid, near-deserts on its west coast to the montane forests and sub-alpine zones at the top of the beautiful Drakensberg at nearly 3,500 metres above sea-level. In the South African cape, you will find pristine beaches and the uniqueness of its Fynbos ecosystems and lest we forget the vast wildlife and birds to encounter on the rich Savannah’s of its north-east provinces.

Without a doubt, any visitor to South Africa will be captivated by its constantly changing landscapes and the warm friendly people one encounters. All this goes towards making up, what can only be described as, experiences one will never forget and want to keep coming back for more of the same.

This applies particularly for those who wish to capture and record their experience no matter what photographic genre, as South Africa remains a primary destination for experiencing a Big 5 wildlife safari, phenomenal birding and nature photography. Read more about South Africa

ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN KZN – GENERAL INFORMATION

Who is zimanga for.

Zimanga Private Game Reserve is a conservation-orientated activity-based destination offering exceptional safari viewing and photographic opportunities Zimanga Nature Reserve is for all those who have a specials interest for the Big 5, Birding, Flora, Nature, Star Gazing and Wildlife.

Note: Unfortunately nobody under the age of 15 years can be accommodated at Zimange Nature Reserve.

Wild Dogs at Zimanga

Unfortunately, the wild dog pack was removed late in 2018 due to constant conflict with a neighbouring pack of wild dogs resulting in injuries and casualties between both packs. For their safety they have been moved to other areas without wild dogs, thereby increasing the available range of wild dogs in Southern Africa.

All is Not Lost

However, Zimanga aim is to reintroduce an entirely new pack at a later stage. There are however over 400 bird species recorded on the reserve and its surrounds, offering an incredible diversity of wildlife subjects native to the area guests can enjoy.

OTHER GENERAL SAFARI INFORMATION

Please read our Safari Safety and Etiquette to ensure you have an enjoyable and trouble-free safari experience with us.

Rates at Zimanga include:

Spacious air-conditioned luxury rooms, each with en-suite facilities, work desks, small private deck and wi-fi
All meals, consisting of a light pre-activity early morning snack, mid-morning breakfast, light lunch and dinner

Additional Information

Access to hides is determined based on the duration of the stay. For those who want a more detailed and in-depth description of the ‘hides’ at Zimange please contact us
KwaZulu-Natal is not free from malaria please consult a health-care professional for the latest advice on malaria.

Please note the following important factors when deciding to visit the hides at Zimanga:

Be aware of minimum focal distance limitations on your lenses. Typical subject distances can be seen under each hide description (See above request)
Tripods, Benro gimbal heads and mounting brackets are provided to guests at no charge
There are no toilet facilities close by so please limit your intake of fluids and coffee during the hide sessions.
The hides are dark to minimise reflections from inside and are mostly underground. Please be aware of this if you suffer from claustrophobia.

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI

Mornings and evenings in an open safari vehicle are cold to cool (even in the summer), bring a fleece and a windbreaker jacket
Rain jacket, hat, cap or beanie
Spare batteries for your camera
Camera/video camera & flash

LENS RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the diversity of the environment, it is recommended lenses covering the following focal length: Wide-angle 15mm – Telephoto up to 600mm. However, please check the requirements with us before you leave.

For those who chose to partake in privately guided photo safaris with us at Zimanga, we are able to offer camera and lens rentals for our clients.

PS: Don’t forget to catch up with our Safari Buddies Blog , read interesting posts about our nature and wildlife tours . Have you read our popular posts on What is a Photography Safari or Camera Setting for Wildlife Photography ? Why not subscribe to our quarterly journal Safari Buddies where you can be sure you are first to receive into your inbox all our latest tour and safari news, new tour destinations, discounts, photography tips and tricks and travel news.

Zimanga – Wildlife Safari Video’s

See more Zimanga Nature Reserve Video’s

Photo Gallery – Zimanga Wildlife Safari

Zimanga wildlife.

Woodland Kingfisher

(Halcyon senegalensis)

Zimanga Nature Reserve

Zimanga Lodge - Bedroom

Doornhoek Homestead - Bedroom

Cape Buffalo

(Syncerus caffer)

Zimanga Lodge - Blue Hour

Doornhoek Homestead - Lounge

Pygmy Kingfisher

( Ispidina picta )

Zimanga Lodge - Bathroom

Doornhoek Homestead - Dining Area

Nile Crocodile

(Crocodylus niloticus)

Zimanga Lodge - Dining

Doornhoek Homestead - Deck

African Leopard

(Panthera pardus pardus)

Zimanga Lodge - Lounge

Doornhoek Homestead - Bathroom

Spectacled Weaver

(Ploceus ocularis)

Zimanga Lodge - Ariel View

Great Egret

(Egretta garzetta)

Brown - Hooded Kingfisher

(Halcyon albiventris)

Vervet Monkey

(Chlorocebus pygerythrus)

Zimanga Lodge - Pool Area

White-backed Vulture

(Gyps africanus)

African Elephant

(Loxodonta africana)

Burchells Zebra

(Equus quagga burchellii)

Blue Waxbill & Jamesons Fire Finch

(Uraeginthus angolensis) & ( Lagonosticta rhodopareia )

Lightning over Zimanga

(Acinonyx jubatus)

Latest Posts
African Wildlife Photography Tips - February 23, 2020
Low Light Wildlife Photography - November 26, 2019
Bonamanzi Game Reserve - November 21, 2019

Useful Info
Destinations
Indian Ocean Islands
Garden Route
Kruger Park Area
KwaZulu Natal
Western Cape
#LetsGrowTourism
Accommodation
Adventure and Activities
Air Services
Attractions
Comment of the Week
Conservation
Culture and Heritage
Experiential Travel
Meetings and Incentives
People On The Move
Pic of the Week
Middle East
North America
Russia and East Europe
South America
United Kingdom
Editorial Guidelines
Send Us News

Birding – a feather in the cap of KZN tourism

Birding – otherwise known as avitourism or ornithological tourism – is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism market. And the province of KwaZulu Natal is no exception.

It enriches the province’s eco-tourism offering through a knowledgeable network of community-based birding guides who keep a watchful eye over the KZN Birding Route.

Sakamuzi Mhlongo and Junior Gabela of Sakamuzi Bird Guides in Eshowe have been showing off the province’s birds for decades. Both are accredited guides with Birdlife South Africa and, as representatives of the KZN Birding Route, are regular attendees at Africa’s Travel Indaba.

They are quick to point out that, with over 650 different bird species in diverse habitats that stretch from coastal wetlands to African savannahs and the Drakensberg Mountains, KZN is the ideal destination for both domestic and international bird lovers.

A 2010 study by the Department of Trade notes that an estimated 8 000 to 16 000 international birders visited South Africa annually while between 21 000 and 40 000 local ‘twitchers’ brought out their binoculars.

According to the study, avitourists spent between R927 million (€46.5m) and R1.7 billion (€86.6m) per year. Of this, domestic avitourists contributed between R482 million (€24.2m) and R890 million (€44.7m), while international birders contributed between R309 million (€15.5m) and R618 million (€31m). The sector’s current contribution to GDP is estimated at between R1.2 billion (€60.5m) to R2.2 billion (€112.7m) annually.

Higher spend

Tourism KwaZulu Natal highlights that tourism service providers believe travelling birders spend more than most other visitors, take longer trips and use experienced local tour guides to help them find unusual species. This presents an important opportunity to grow tourism and provide jobs in rural communities across KZN.

The birding tourists that Mhlongo and Gabela host are split 50/50 between local and global. When Mhlongo started guiding 23 years ago, guests were mostly senior citizens. Now, bird watchers are younger.

He adds that while travel restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic clipped the industry’s wings, guides are now hosting growing numbers of enthusiasts from the US, UK, Canada, Germany and France.

A new aspect of Mhlongo’s business has been hosting birding tours for passengers on cruise liners that stopover in the port of Richards Bay.

Zululand rich in potential

The Zululand Birding Route was the first Birdlife South Africa avitourism project and has been running for more than a decade. It is a network of 16 routes that offer a range of birding experiences that are grouped into four regions – North East Zululand, North West Zululand, Southern Zululand and the North Coast.

The route relies on over 30 local guides and a series of brochures and information packs linking the top 70 birding spots in the area across 14 hotspots. These include the Dlinza Aerial Boardwalk, which is close to Eshowe, one of the best places to spot birds (including the Palm-nut Vulture), hike and see Wild Fig and African plum trees.

Other top birding destinations include the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Mkuze, Ndumo, Tembe Elephant Park, Umlalazi Nature Reserve, Ongoye Forest, the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and various privately owned reserves.

Mhlongo and Gabela say tourists and tour operators should never underestimate the value of local knowledge.

When these two guides reach the boundaries of their particular areas of operation, they simply pass on their birding customers to other expert guides.

Spreading their wings across KZN

Highlights include the Hlatikulu Crane sanctuary, which is home to three different varieties of endangered cranes; the Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre in Champagne Valley; Highmoor, which offers the largest colony of breeding Bald Ibis in the Drakensberg; and the vulture hides at Giant’s Castle.

Other must-see twitching spots are the River Valley Nature Reserve in Margate, Port Edward’s Red Desert Nature Reserve – one of the world’s smallest deserts – and Umtamvuna, also in Port Edward.

View the discussion thread.

Massive development project in KZN

Minor’s Zambian value proposition

SA enhances global reputation – study

Latest feature - Tech revolutionises conservation

High season, high return – lessons in maximising revenue for south african hotels.

Niels Verspui

Global air passenger demand up 13.8% in March

Mara expects ‘excellent’ high season

Chinese market ‘not important’ for many

‘Indaba is 100% back’

Further investment expected for Moz tourism

Rural tourism and economic inclusivity boosted

Latest feature - Family villa provides more intimate experiences

Qatar Airways invests in African carriers

French company brings ultra-luxury to Africa

Rescued rhinos rewilded

KZN tourism industry ripe for investment

Rooibos tea brews tourism opportunities

Malawi project boosts tourism GDP contribution

Latest feature - Fun in the sun for families

Ross inducted into FEDHASA Hall of Fame

Seychelles becomes first African host of Beach Soccer World Cup

Okavango Delta welcomes another luxury camp

Feature (click to view).

Brand Update

Tourvest destination management 2024, latest features, latest columns.

Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, South Africa

Erindi Private Game Reserve, Namibia

Pilanesberg National Park, North West, South Africa

Discover Africa's greatest wildlife

Extraordinary expeditions for seasoned naturalists

St Lucia & Cape Vidal - iSimangaliso Wetland Park Overnight a nd Day Tours

This 96,000ha reserve complex is the oldest in Africa, established in 1895. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation. It is also famous for being the royal hunting grounds of past Zulu kings. The reserve is positioned 2,5hrs and 220km north of Durban in central Zululand.

The varied topography and wide range of habitat types provide a multitude of diverse game viewing opportunities including the “Big 5”, wild dog and cheetah. Birding is also great with some 340 species on offer, including many raptors.

Cape Vidal lies on the eastern shores of the remarkable 332,000ha iSimangaliso Wetland Park, just north of the buzzing tourist town of St Lucia. The reserve is positioned 3hrs and 220km north of Durban in eastern Zululand.

This world heritage site contains a complex interlinked series of 5 eco-systems providing very diverse game viewing and birding opportunities. The reserve is particularly good for leopard, rhino, buffalo and hippo. Make use of the waterways for incredible hippo and crocodile viewing while simultaneously taking in the astounding scenery, beaches and birdlife.

Mkuze Game Reserve Overnight Tours

This 30,012ha reserve is the home to the world's largest land animal and Africa's smallest antelope, the suni. It was proclaimed a national park by Chief Mzimba Tembe in 1983. The reserve is positioned 4,5hrs and 405km north of Durban in Maputaland.

This unique reserve boasts the largest elephants in southern Africa and greatest tree diversity in South Africa, with exceptional sand forest habitats. It plays host to the “Big 5”, wild dog and many others. the birding is exceptional, with more than 340 species on offer, including many rarities and endemics. Tembe's butterfly diversity is unsurpassed.

Mkhuze Game Reserve was established in 1912 and is 40,000ha in extent. It is situated in northern Zululand, approximately 4hrs and 395km from Durban. Today it forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

A place of great beauty and high contrasts, Mkhuze is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers with more than 420 bird species on record. It also presents diverse game viewing opportunities including the “Big 5”, wild dog and cheetah. Mkhuze has an exceptional variety of natural habitats: from the Eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains, to broad stretches of acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of woodlands, riverine and sand forest.

KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa - Wildlife Region

The Elephant Coast region of KwaZulu-Natal plays host to some exceptional wildlife experiences with very rich biodiversity. Sustain offers both overnight and day tour options to the four premier parks of the province, each with its unique attributes, breathtaking beauty and captivating experiences. We typically use the affordable and comfortable park accommodation, but should you prefer, several superb private lodge options are also on offer in world-class private reserves.

Some target species include: Our chances of witnessing the classic ‘Big Five’ (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and both White Rhino and Black Rhino) are excellent, while other sought-after mammals such as African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Honey Badger, Samango Monkey, diminutive Suni and the majestic Kudu are likely.

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park Overnight and Day Tours

Tembe Elephant Park Overnight Tours

Afrikaans | Sepedi | isiXhosa | isiZulu

Frequently Asked Questions
BirdLife National Trust
Isdell House
Gill Memorial Medal Award
Austin Roberts Memorial Medal Award
Meet the Team
Regional Conservation Programme
Landscape Conservation Programme
Species Conservation
Seabird Conservation
Science and Innovation
Policy and Advocacy
Empowering People
BLSA Animal Research Ethics Committee
GoBirding Platform
Recommended Course Providers
South Africa Listers’ Club
EcoTraining Birding Weekends
African Birdlife
Year by Numbers 2023
E-Newsletter
Conservation Conversations Webinar
The Eskom Red Data Book of Birds
State of South Africa’s Bird Report
Bird Checklists
Scientific Publications
Position Statements
Occasional Reports
Marketing and Awareness
Weekly updates
Media Releases
Statements and Reports
Policy and Advocacy Toolkit
The Dawn Chorus
Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology
Become a Member
Renew Your Subscription
Conservation League Donors
Leave a Legacy
Sponsors and Supporters
Golden Bird Patrons
Corporate Members
Outreach Donations
Give a Green Gift
Blue Swallow Conservation Project
Join a Bird Club
Purchase Zeiss Products
Shop for the Birds
Rovos Rail Safari
Birding Big Day 2024- 7 December 2024
Garden Route & Klein Karoo Avitourism Training
Call of the Wild Exclusive Showing
Flufftail Festival
The Kruger Bird & Wildlife Challenge
Upcoming Events
Virtual African Bird Fair 2021
Flock 2021: A Virtual Affair
Flock to Marion 2022
Flock to Wilderness 2023

KwaZulu-Natal

Midlands forest lodge.

Revel in peace and quiet by trailing through the beautiful indigenous forest at Midlands Forest Lodge . This forest offers fantastic birding opportunities with sightings of Forest Canary, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, and Brown-headed Parrot, African Harrier-Hawk and White-starred Robin.

The forest with its abundance of indigenous trees such as the Yellowwood offers well-constructed trails and a viewing platform for both bird and botanical enthusiasts. An Interpretation Centre, for both education groups and enthusiasts alike, will be available depicting the different fauna and flora occurring on this 25 ha property, as well as the history of the area.

Midlands Forest Lodge offers ten double rooms in timber chalets raised on stilts (each room sleeping two guests). Each room has en-suite shower, basin, toilet, small lounge area, and a quaint wooden balcony.

There are also two self-catering chalets, sleeping four guests in two bedrooms per chalet. These units have en-suite showers and toilets, a compact kitchen area and barbeque facilities. A large, well-positioned function room can be hired out for corporate imbizos/getaways, conferences, weddings, or any other type of function.

Situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander, a drive on the easily navigable roads will lead one to a range of country experiences from being pampered at a Spa, cheese making, micro-brewing and hand crafts to woodwork, pottery, weaving, ironwork, glassware and furniture. For those not inclined to drive around, spread a picnic blanket in a scenic spot with waterfalls and gorges coupled with rivers and nature reserves, and soak up the country air.

A number of ranches and stud farms in the neighbourhood offer hay-rides or easy horse trails. The Midlands is legendary for its well-stocked trout dams. Natural rivers also offer excellent fly-fishing opportunities. Some of the country’s finest golf courses are situated in the Midlands.

The renowned Caversham Mill Restaurant, under the same ownership, is situated on the Caversham Mill Estate 3 km down the road. It is a first-class, well-priced restaurant which offers breakfasts, lunches and intimate dinners. It is also open during the day for tea/coffee, cakes and drinks. The Chef prepares a variety of mouth-watering daily specials. Sit in the restaurant, on the deck, or on a fine day sit on the lawns overlooking the tumbling waterfall and enjoy!

Contact Details

Diana and terry acres.

Physical address: R103 (4km from Balgowan), Midlands Meander Tel: +27 (0)33 940 0145 or +27 (0)33 234 4524 Fax: +27 (0)33 234 4633 or +27 (0)33 234 4524 Mobile: +27 (0)72 125 3392 or +27(0)82 389 1395 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.ecotourism.co.za

Little Switzerland Resort

Little Switzerland Resort is situated on the slopes of the mighty Drakensberg, set in a 3000 hectare private reserve of rolling hills, indigenous forest, mountain streams, breathtaking views and a dedicated bird hide. The iconic mountain peaks offer every excitement, from serious hiking and hairpin drives to gentle strolls through forested glades. Here at Little Switzerland, you’ll find yourself in the middle of it all. The Little Switzerland staff is extremely helpful and always on hand to point out trails and not-to-be-missed sights.

Nearby is the Royal Natal National Park, a beautiful place far from the well-trodden tourist paths, where you can climb, bike, ride horseback, fish and spot birds and wildlife to your heart’s content.

For those who love privacy and a combination of creature comforts and independence, the comfortably furnished chalets are a world apart. Choose between luxury or family rooms in the hotel which includes breakfast or self-catering units. All have magnificent panoramic views of the amphitheatre or lush surrounding forests. There are also newly renovated chalets available. These can only be booked directly through Little Switzerland Resort as there are only 7 completed and they are not available for on-line reservations.

Sporting amenities include: tennis, swimming, hiking and leisurely strolls. We offer horse-riding, bowls, croquet, Putt-putt, volleyball, mountain bikes, guided quad biking and fishing.

Little Switzerland also offers a great birding experience and species like Dwarf Bittern, Bush Blackcap, Denham’s Bustard, Common (Kurrichane) Buttonquail, Corncrake, Southern Bald Ibis, Blue, Grey Crowned as well as Wattled Cranes can be observed. You could also spot various birds of prey like Booted and Crowned Eagles, Lanner and Peregrine Falcons, Harriers, African Cuckoo Hawk, Bearded Vulture, just to mention a few.

Address: R74 Oliviershoek Pass, Bergville, KZN 3350 Tel: +27 (0)36 438 2500 Fax: 086 524 2423 Email: [email protected] Web: www.lsh.co.za

GPS coordinates: 28.57972S, 29.05028E

Tala Private Game Reserve

There is a fixed daily schedule at Tala, with game drives operating in the morning and afternoon, with coffee and sundowner stops to complete the experience. Spend the remainder of your day on a bush walk, at the pool or just relaxing in the privacy and comfort of your room. Tala’s main lodge also features an outdoor viewing deck, an ideal spot for sundowners just before dinner.

Dining options include La Tala Restaurant and traditional outdoor bomas, and our conference rooms make Tala ideal for day conferences, special occasions, weddings and tour groups visiting KwaZulu-Natal.

Brigid Turner

Physical address: R603 Umbumbulu Road, Camperdown, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (031) 781 8000 Fax: +27 (031) 781 8022 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: http://www.tala.co.za/

Tala Private Game Reserve is a wildlife conservancy hidden in the hills of a quiet farming community near Camperdown in KwaZulu-Natal. Low-key and off the well-beaten track, Tala spans some 3,000 hectares, encompassing a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and a sensitive wetland, which attracts more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest and eland. Being Malaria-free, with no large predators makes Tala a top-notch choice for families, and holidaymakers seeking a no-frills authentic bush break with the freedom to explore on your terms.

Accommodation at Tala is down-to-earth, secluded luxury. Along with a splendid mix of rooms across a collection of lodges and houses, with the option of self-catering in our Fisherman’s Cottage near the dam. While couples and solo travellers are most welcome, Tala is uniquely suited to larger groups.

Gwahumbe Game And Spa

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway weekend, a family adventure or an indulgent spa day, Gwahumbe Game & Spa is the ideal KZN game reserve destination where you can enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld. Stay the day, stay the weekend, stay the whole week; you’ll feel right at home at our close-enough — yet away-from-it-all — bush escape.

Exploring the fauna and flora of Gwahumbe is a must for guests. This patch of beautiful bush has much to offer anyone passionate about nature – or if you need a break from city life for a bit. Gwahumbe offers guided safari game drives with knowledgeable field guides as well as marked out routes for 4×4 self game drives. As Gwahumbe is a relatively small reserve, it offers fantastic game-viewing opportunities. In addition to reserve size, relaxed game means ample chance to view natural behaviour in an exquisite setting.

More than 240 bird species have been recorded at Gwahumbe – and our list was compiled by leading African birder, David Hoddinott, who conducts regular bird outings in the reserve. The diversity of habitat offers fantastic valley, bushveld, and savanna birding opportunities for casual birdwatching and passionate twitchers alike. Our ever-expanding species checklist includes forest species like the Trumpeter Hornbill and Narina Trogon, waterbirds, a range of grassland birds, and a variety of raptors. The latter includes the endangered Crowned Eagle, which is recorded to have bred in the valley for over 25 years. The endangered Ground Hornbill has also been recorded and is always a remarkable sighting.

Gwahumbe Game and Spa, Mid-Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal

Cell: +27 082 347 6536 (also on WhatsApp) E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.gwahumbe.co.za/

Dargle Valley

Crab apple cottages.

Architecturally designed and delightfully comfortable, our three AA Highly Recommended Crab Apple Cottages are set on the edge of a pristine wilderness, the Dargle Valley Conservancy. Each thatched, self-catering cottage has a different character whilst being furnished with every comfort including underfloor heating to keep you snug. The bedroom has a queen-sized bed and there is an antique cast iron Victorian tub and shower in the en-suite bathroom. The spacious, open plan living area, with sleeper couch for children, leads onto a sun deck. Starred Robin Cottage has an additional loft with two single beds. Starred Robin and Wood Owl cottages have multi-fuel cast-iron stoves as fireplaces, while Crowned Eagle cottage has a large Spanish-style fireplace. Our delicious spring water, from the taps, is drinkable. Pets are permitted by arrangement.

It was at this very spot that Austin Roberts spent school holidays and which inspired his fascination with birds. The Roberts Book of Birds is a South African classic. Visitors can explore the same paths and enjoy the same bird life that he did all those years ago. Allow the peace and serenity to refresh you. Listen to the Jackal calling from the hills and the hum of the bees deep in the forest. Generations of visitors have experienced the soul restoring reassurance that comes with being surrounded by the beauty of creation. It is filled with ancient trees and abundant birds and animals including: porcupine, caracal, bushbuck, bush pigs, blue duiker and genes. Over 200 bird species are recorded in the Dargle and it teems with insect life, with 30 butterflies recorded in our valley. Special birds to be seen at Crab Apple include: Cape Parrot, Starred Robin, Crowned Eagle, Narina Trogan, Knysna Turaco. A full bird list and walking trails map are available on our website.

Helen Booysen

Physical address: Kilgobbin Cottage, D707, Dargle Valley, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Tel: 082 337 2025 Email: [email protected] Web: www.crabapple.co.za

Kosi Forest Lodge

The Kosi Forest Lodge is located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first World Heritage Site, and offers intimate, up-close interactions with the untamed African nature. The resort is surrounded by an abundance of wildlife and natural beauty that you must see for yourself. There is limited electricity, so candlelight creates a warm, romantic atmosphere evocative of wild African adventures. This is appropriate for this ancient land, which has a magical character that is difficult to describe. It’s a place where you may reconnect with nature while also reconnecting with yourself.

Enter a magnificent water world filled with lakes, Raphia forests, and the world’s only fruit-eating vulture. Every morning begins with a chorus of birds in your rustic yet comfortable woodland room on raised wooden platforms, tucked away under the canopy of a giant natal fig or milkwood tree. Feel the silky white sand between your toes and the shade of the tranquil woodlands, listen to the fish eagle’s call, accept the warm greeting from our team, and know that the stress of your hectic life has been left behind. The Kosi Forest Lodge is also a birdwatcher’s paradise. Spend a quiet afternoon in our sand woodland bird hide, and we’re confident you’ll be able to cross off some of those lesser-known species from your list!

Accommodation The six Forest suites and 2 family rooms at Kosi Forest Lodge are nestled in a sand forest with enough space between them to make you feel like you’re the only person on the planet. Each room is elevated on a wooden terrace with thatch roof and tented sidewalls. Each room includes a little private veranda where you may sip your morning coffee while watching the forest come to life. Although each accommodation offers an indoor shower, many guests prefer to use the outside restroom. The bathroom boma is surrounded by reed screens, giving you complete privacy while taking an outdoor shower or bath while staring up at the forest canopy and the dazzling stars beyond.

Reservations:

Tel: +27 (0)35 474 1473 or +27 (0) 60 972 4810 (after hours) Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.kosiforestlodge.co.za/ GPS coordinates: S27° 01’ 43.00” E32° 47’13.00”

Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise , an upmarket guest house, offers a secluded environment with a relaxed atmosphere. The rooms are spacious and tastefully decorated and are separate from the main house, each have their own entrance. There are 8 comfortable rooms and 2 self-catering rooms, all non-smoking. You can be assured of quality up-market accommodation with comfortable beds, fitted with fine percale linen, fluffy towels and luxury amenities in the bathrooms. All rooms are en suite, with well stocked tea trays, DSTV, and fans and heaters are available for your comfort. Breakfast includes home-made muffins, scones, fruit, a selection of yoghurts and a delicious English breakfast. Dinners are offered on request, a home cooked three course meal at a very reasonable rate. The property is securely fenced and walled with electric gates and there is plenty of secure off road parking. There are barbeque facilities, laundry facilities and babysitting can be arranged.

Bird-watching attractions in and around the area include the Dhlinza Aerial board walk (20m high tower overlooking the canopy of trees) and the self-guided forest trails in the Dhlinza and Entumeni forests.

Attractions in and around Eshowe:

800m from Dhlinza Aerial board walk (20m high tower overlooking the canopy of trees.
Within 5kms of sporting facilities (Bowls, Squash, Canoeing, Fishing, Gym, Tennis, 18 Hole Golf Course.
Vukaniu Museum, Norwegian Missionary Museum, Fort Nongqayi (Zululand Historical Museum).
Shops, Banks and Post Office.
Self walk forrest trails in the Dhlinza and Entumeni forests
Zululand birding route
The battlefields (a day tour can be arranged)
Phobane Lake (bass fishing)
Game reserves

Quentin and Delise Powell

Physical address: 49 Ulundi Street, Eshowe Fax: 086 614 6709 Mobile: +27 (0)82 532 4627 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.birdsofparadise.co.za

Chase Guest House

Chase Guest House is a comfortable family home on a sugar farm, situated 1.5 km from Eshowe town centre and offering personal service and country hospitality. Relax in two spacious double Garden Cottages with private braai areas, or a three-bedroomed Farm Cottage with two bathrooms (none en-suite) ideal for families or birders. Self-catering or bed-and-breakfast options are available. Enjoy free WiFi, DSTV, fans, heaters. Tea, coffee and toiletries are provided.

The beautiful garden is a birder’s paradise, with a tennis court, swimming pool and trampoline for the more energetic. Walkers will enjoy the indigenous forests on the farm. Cycling and fishing on the estate are also permitted. There are numerous farm animals, and children are most welcome. Sugar, banana and Protea farm tours can be arranged.

There is a great variety of birds both in the garden, and in the farm’s indigenous forests, grasslands and around the dam (over 75 species recorded). The garden is ‘home’ to two resident Spotted Eagle Owls, which have produced much-photographed owlets annually for the past eleven years. The magical Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, a ‘must’ for all birders, is nearby.

Game reserves are an easy 90 minutes’ drive away, whilst good swimming beaches are only 40 minutes away. Eshowe itself has many attractions including:

Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, with its canopy walkway and 20m high viewing platform, walking trails, bird hide, educational displays, picnic sites and Visitor Centre.–Specialist Birding Guides for this and the Zululand Birding Route can be arranged in advance, if required
Fort Nongqayi Museum Village, including Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, the Zululand Historical Museum, Eshowe Butterfly Dome and Children’s Playground, KZN Papermakers and Adams Outpost Restaurant.
Easy day trips can be taken to Game Reserves, beaches and Zulu cultural villages.
Eshowe Hills Golf Course and Country Club is opposite the farm entrance.
Shakaland is 20 minutes drive away.
Battlefields and historical tours around Eshowe-guides can be booked.
There are numerous restaurants and take-aways in Eshowe, 2kms away.

Jane and Jonathan Chennells

Physical address: The Chase Farm, John Ross Street of R66, ESHOWE Tel: +27(0)35 474 5491 Mobile: +27 (0)83 265 9629 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://thechase.co.za/

GPS CO-ordinates. S 28º 54.661′ E 031º 28.292′

Tsowa Safari Island

Contact details, francie sherren.

Physical address: Tel: +27 (0)35 474 1473 Fax: Mobile: +27 (0)83 704 7067 E-mail: [email protected] Web

Thonga Beach Lodge

Yolande hay-buchanan.

Physical address: Tel: +27 (0)35 474 1473 Fax: Mobile: +27 (0)82 326 8955 E-mail: [email protected] Web:

Experience 1880

Experience 1880 borders the Ntsikeni Nature Reserve, situated in the midst of the Natal mountain ranges. The absence of electricity will take you back in time and create a wonderful and romantic ambience.

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve is known for its diverse bird population. Some species often migrate to the solitude of the farm. Yellow-breasted Pipits, Cape and Bearded Vultures, Black and Montagu’s Harriers, African Marsh and even the rare Western Marsh Harriers and other large species like breeding Wattled Cranes, can be seen around the farm.

Activities available at Experience 1880 includes horse riding, hiking, rock art viewing, birdwatching and stargazing. For the less adventurous there is a small library where you can pick from a vast range of books to read.

The Farmhouse was the old hotel and sleeps 10. It has a beautiful wraparound veranda where you can enjoy your morning coffee while taking in the breathtaking views. Every room has its own fireplace to keep you warm in the cold winter nights. The living room and kitchen have doors leading to the veranda. You will find benches placed under luscious trees all around the farm to allow you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The cottage was the old Post Office, located next to the main house and has a nice sunny veranda. There are three cosy loft bedrooms which can comfortably sleep 6, each with its own bathroom located downstairs.

Rozelle du Plessis

Tel: +27 (0)35 474 1473 Fax: +27 (0)35 474 1490 Mobile: +27 (0)82 873 8874 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.isibindi.co.za

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge

Experience a luxurious safari in South Africa’s Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, which is located in the Kwa-Zulu Natal area. The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park has a fascinating history, claiming to be Africa’s first wildlife reserve and the former hunting grounds of the Zulu Royal family. The park is made up of two game reserves, Hluhluwe Game Reserve and uMfolozi Game Reserve, which were previously known as Hluhluwe Game Reserve and uMfolo Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the park’s sole private lodge, providing a sophisticated alternative to the park’s typical lodging.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is located on territory that once belonged to the Mpembeni Community and has since been included into the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. This is a one-of-a-kind partnership between the community, the park, and a private firm that creates much-needed jobs while also raising funds for conservation through park fees and levies. The park has three entrances, making it easily accessible from Swaziland in the north, Richards Bay Airport 1.5 hours east and an easy 3.5-hour drive north from King Shaka International Airport situated near Durban.

Accommodation The premium safari lodge has four different room types, all of which are situated to take advantage of the breath-taking views of the bushveld below. The modern, professionally appointed apartments and villas provide maximum privacy and comfort to guests.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge offers four room types: two Honeymoon Villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge pools overlooking the reserve; eight glamorous Luxury Bush Villas with deep baths separated from the bedrooms by open fireplaces; four Safari Rooms with showers overlooking the bushveld; and two Safari Family Suites ideal for families traveling with children. All of the rooms are designed to take advantage of the breath-taking views while also providing visitors with the ultimate solitude and comfort. The modern, high-end decor is softened by four-poster beds dressed in crisp white linen.

Reservations: Tel: +27 (0) 35 474 1473 or + 27 (0) 60 972 4810 (after hours) Email: [email protected] Website: www.rhinoridge.co.za

Location: Directions and map

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Bonamanzi is a privately owned Game Reserve, 4000 hectares in size with the Hluhluwe River forming our Eastern border. Proclaimed a Natural Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of the biodiversity of the Reserve we offer Sand Forests, Savanna & Wetland Areas. This diversity is why Bonamanzi is recognised as one of the best birding destinations in Southern Africa.

From the Eastern side of the Reserve we offer magnificent views over False Bay – on the Western side a Viewing Deck overlooking the Lalapanzi Dam where one can relax and watch the sun set.

Bonamanzi Game Reserve offers an array of accommodation to suit most needs. From our Ten Front Rooms overlooking the Lalapanzi Dam to the comfortable 3 Star Combination Rooms (Combo”s) – Dinizulu Lodge, Game Lodge, Tree Lodge, and our Rustic 2 & 4 sleeper Tree Houses to name a few.

For Caravan/Camping options we have a good selection and take great pride in the layout of the sites. Nestled amongst the Sand Forest it allows for peace & tranquillity, good bird sightings with the odd game wandering through.

With three different eco-systems on the Reserve Bonamanzi is a Birding Paradise. There are few places where you can find 29 birds on the red data list and over 408 recorded bird species. The Sand Forest area is home to the Pink-Throated Twinspot, Lemon Breasted Canary, Rudd’s Apalis, African Broadbill, Narina Trogon and the Green Malkoha to mention a few.

Equally rewarding, is a Game Drive with a guided walk out onto the Floodplains where you can see different birding habitats, rare birds like the Rosy-throated Longclaw and a whole host of waterbirds like Greater Flamingo, African Spoonbill and Great White Pelican. This drive leaves the Reserve, goes through a local village to reach the Plains.

Address: Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe Tel: +27 (0)81 339 4181 or +27 (0)35 562 0181 Email: [email protected] Web: www.bonamanzi.co.za GPS Coordinates: S28.072.94, E32.285.75

Bushwillow Collection

Traditional, Quirky or Cosy!

Choose between self-catering, dinner bed & breakfast or all inclusive packages. Bushwillow Collection offers 3 totally different accommodation style options to suit your mood.

Stay at our LODGE with warm wooden floors, reed ceilings and muted colours for a feeling of serenity and oneness with nature, together with good, honest home cooking.

Choose one of our BOUTIQUE self-catering chalets with private pool and quirky design and let the bright and cheerful colour schemes lift your spirit whilst still allowing nature to bring balance.

Retreat to our self-catering COTTAGE with thatched roof set under tall and rare Lebombo Wattles for a cosy and relaxing escape. Relax in the spa bath on the outside deck and listen to the sounds of the African night.

Approximately 280 bird species can be seen on the property alone and 4 Different habitats are accessible from Bushwillow – Sand forest, Thornveld, Wetlands, and Grasslands.

Self-guided walking trails allow guests to encounter game up close and the sand forest offers great birding opportunities. We offer a complimentary Bush walk to all our guests that is done by a qualified and experienced guide from Ukuhamba Guiding.

Bushwillow Collection is close to renowned birding spots like False bay Park, Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park, Mkhuze Game Reserve and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, Mpempe pan, Muzi pan as well as Nibela Peninsulia and day trips can be organised along with Ryan Tippett, an experienced bird guide and owner of Ukuhamba guiding.

Birds to look out for: Pelicans, Flamingos, Sadle-billed stork, Avocets, African Fish Eagle, Narina Trogon, Rudd’s Apalis, Gorgeous Bushrike, African Broadbill, Neergaards Sunbird, Woodwards Batis, Southern Banded Snake-Eagle and Plain backed Sunbird to name just a few.

Dylan and Christa Panos

Address: Kuleni Game Park, Hluhluwe Mobile: +27 (0)83 502 5556 Fax: +27 (0)86 650 2810 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.bushwillow.com

Malala Lodge

Malala Lodge , located 14 km south of Hluhluwe town, is situated on a 300 acre estate which has a variety of vegetation types, including lowland forest, woodland, grasslands and a dam and pans, both permanent and temporary.

Strips of lowland forest and thickets hold a diversity of forest species. Grey Sunbird is common here, and Purple-banded Sunbird is conspicuous on the fringes. Many species here are elusive, and are best located using their calls. Scaly-throated Honeyguides can be heard calling for long periods, while Gorgeous and Orange-breasted Bush-shrikes are seldom out of earshot. The hoot of Narina Trogons can sometimes be heard. Two sought after species, Green Malkoha and Eastern Nicator are fairly common in these habitats, but require determination in finding! Rudd’s Apalis is common throughout, and Grey Waxbills and White-throated Robin-chats are easily seen on forest edges. Rarer species found in woodland and on forest edges include Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Broad-billed Roller, Woodland Kingfisher and Grey-Tit Flycatcher.

In the grassland and scrubby woodland, several species of swallows and swifts hawk insects, and various raptors can be seen including Martial Eagle and Brown and Black-chested Snake Eagles. One of the main specials for this area is the Lemon-breasted Canary. Small groups of these special birds can be seen foraging near Acacia and Lala Palm thickets. Black Coucal is another sought after bird, and has been seen in rank grass. Collared Pratincole has also been seen in these grasslands, and Black-bellied Bustard is resident. A checklist is available for the property.

Physical address: Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)35 562 2259 & +27 (0)82 578 0021 Fax: 086 670 7740 Mobile: +27 (0)82 462 3859 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.malalalodge.com/

Nibela Lake Lodge

Nibela Lake Lodge, located on the northern shores of Lake St Lucia, blends almost magically into the rare sand forest surrounds. Eleven luxurious thatched chalets are situated high up in the cool forest beneath a magnificent canopy of trees, where guests can enjoy the solitude and tranquility of Africa at its best.

The Lodge and surrounds is one of the highest diversity areas for birds in South Africa. The area supports well over 400 species of birds, including numerous rare and endemic species. The Nibela Lake Lodge property does not have any dangerous game, making it one of the few reserves in Zululand where birders can still walk freely and explore the area without being confined to your car.

Aside from the luxurious chalets overlooking the lake, the lodge also boasts several private self-catering chalets, known as Sobhengu Lodge, an ideal private escape for larger groups and bird clubs.

Knowledgeable bird guides are available to take you exploring the sand forest trails where Narina Trogon, African Broadbill, Pink-throated Twinspot and Neergard’s Sunbirds abound. Or take a trip to explore the surrounding floodplains and pan systems where Rosy-throated Longclaws are a common sight as are flock of Pelican, Flamingos and other water birds….and there is always a great chance of turning up something more unusual such as Rufous-bellied Heron, Caspian Plovers and Lesser Jacana.

And if that isn’t enough birding to keep you busy, Nibela Lake lodge is just 30 minutes from Muzi Pans and the world famous uMkhuze Game Reserve, what more could a birder want?

Gemma Linforth

Physical address: Nibela Lake Lodge, Road A1115, Kwa-Nibela Peninsula, Hluhluwe Tel: +27 35 562 9292 Reservations: 0861 010 347 E-mail: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.nibelalakelodge.co.za

Thornwood is situated on the private game park of Kuleni, which is home to four different ecosystems: sand forest, grasslands, wetland and thorn scrub.

A unique blend of luxury timber frame units, fit seamlessly into the indigenous bush with an abundance of bird life and game. This luxurious villa offers guests absolute privacy with a large living area, a private pool, private waterhole and a fully equipped kitchen, which opens up onto a large deck with a fire-pit.

The secluded lodge-style villa features four bedrooms. Two bedrooms are stand-alone cottages while the other two bedrooms are connected to the main house. All are en-suite and are fitted with air conditioning, ceiling fans and an additional feature of an outdoor shower. Relax in spacious comfort without losing intimacy with nature.

Predominantly self-catering, Thornwood can also cater for B&B or Dinner B&B bookings on special request. During your stay at Thornwood you can partake in self-guided walking trails around the park or sign up for a variety of excursions offered around the area. Join us for a Yoga or Business retreat and enjoy expanding your knowledge on our designated retreat deck found next to the private waterhole.

We pride ourselves of giving accommodation of a very high standard and making your holiday one to remember. Registered as a Birder Friendly Establishment with Birdlife SA and rated four stars by TGCSA.

Jacqui Daniel

Mobile: +27(0)82 888 2540 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.thornwood.co.za GPS Coordinates: Lat: 27° 54′ 311″ (S), Lon: 32° 21′ 315″ (E)

Umziki Pan Game Farm

Umziki Pan is a lovely, small family owned game farm situated in the heart of northern KZN and in fairly close proximity to False Bay Park, Mkuzi and Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Reserves as well as Sodwana Marine Reserve.

Umziki Pan is a Natural Heritage Site (No 67) and is host to many unusual and interesting trees in the Sand Forest area of the farm with characteristic and rare tree species such as the Butterfly tree (Cladostemon kirkii) amongst many other unique and magnificent species. Whether walking through the sand forest, visiting the natural spring or simply watching the water hole from the pool hide, expect the unexpected!

Birdlife includes species such as African Broadbill, Pink Throated Twinspot, Green Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Green Malkhoa, Narina Trogon Eastern Nicator to name but a few of the many resident birds. Special mammals include Suni antelope, Tonga red squirrel and the rare 4-toed elephant shrew.

Accommodation consists of comfortable, fully kitted, self-catering serviced thatched chalets as well as a 4 bedroom guest cottage (www.umzikipan.co.za). Total capacity is 17. There are no TV’s in units (night sounds have priority here) but cell phone coverage is good for MTN users. The boma area and large swimming pool provides welcome relief after a long day’s outing, or as a spot, simply to spend time relaxing, reading and enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the farm.

As custodians of this farm since 1983, we are committed to conserving its very special fauna and flora. To this day, we are always surprised and delighted by unusual sightings – you just never know what you will see.

If you decide to visit us, we hope you enjoy it as much as we do – you will definitely leave rested and rejuvenated.

"Tim" (Carola) Smith or Cathy

Address: Cnr D540 and D70, False Bay Road, Hluhluwe, Kwazulu-Natal. Mobile: +27 (0)82 339 3576 (Tim) or +27 (0)83 330 3346 (Cathy) Fax: 086 428 1152 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.umzikipan.co.za/

GPS Coordinates: S 28°01’58.31″; E 32°19’45.63″

Zululand Lodge

Zululand Lodge is a privately owned tented camp on the 220 hectare Msinene wildlife conservancy north of Hluhluwe town and bordering Phinda Game Reserve, in northern KwaZulu Natal. The lodge is built on a slope with breath taking views of the Msinene River valley and surrounding bushveld.

The Lodge The lodge offers 9 tastefully decorated en-suite permanent canvas rooms sleeping up to 18 people. Our elegantly furnished central lodge area allows you to put your feet up and relax in the open-air cushioned lounge area. Enjoy tasty home-made meals in the spacious dining area included in your Dinner, Bed and Breakfast rate. Venture upstairs to our viewing deck which offers uninterrupted scenery, boasting spectacular sunsets for enjoying sundowners.

Activities Our locally guided bush walks give the opportunity to observe the abundant birdlife of the area, and to try and spot some of the plains game on our reserve (or you can take a short drive to a nearby Big 5 game reserve for a more adventurous experience). Bird lists for the area available at the lodge.

Sustainability The lodge is accessible by sedan car on +/-5km gravel road. The camp was designed and built from the ground up as an environmentally sustainable project. We have a solar power system, LED lighting throughout camp, and are completely off grid. Rain water is collected in tanks and used for cleaning, and grounds irrigation, and the small waterhole in front of camp. The black water is treated in a double septic tank system and we provide only biodegradable bathroom soaps. The camp is staffed 90% from the local community and we have an in-house staff training and development program.

The Msinene Conservancy The conservancy land was originally mixed cattle and game farm, which is being rehabilitated to wildlife conservation. This ongoing project includes soil erosion control, reintroduction of wildlife species, fence removal and anti-poaching efforts. We are very proud of our resident leopard population and the hippo pod.

Physical address: Zululand Lodge, Portion 32, Farm Msinene Estate number 14137, Hluhluwe Tel: +27 (0) 11 465 4905 Lodge reservation number: +27 (0) 72 082 8620 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.zululandlodge.com/ GPS Coordinates: S27° 53.985′ E32° 18.794′

Tillietudlem Game Reserve

Set on 2000 hectares in a secluded valley on the southern side of the Inhluzane Mountain, in the Upper Dargle in the KZN Midlands, Tillietudlem offers an extraordinary eco-experience with a variety of activities available. Fly fishing, birding, horse rides and game walks, there are many ways to explore the diversity of this ecological treasure, available exclusively to guests. If it’s a quiet retreat you prefer, simply relax amidst the tranquility of Tillietudlem – host to a myriad of wildlife including rare and endangered animal and bird species plus a plethora of wild flowers and indigenous trees.

Accommodation is available in two lodges and a cottage. Whether you are looking for the pampered surrounds of the lovingly restored 105 year old Ogram’s Colonial house (rated 4-star and AA Superior Accommodation status with full catering) with its splendid views of the dams and mountains, or the seclusion of the self-catering Helga Manzi Lodge set over a spectacular 30 m waterfall and indigenous forest, or the Milk Parlour Cottage, perfect for two!

Tillietudlem is a part of one of the most threatened eco-systems in Africa – the mist-belt (or mountain) grasslands. More than 60% of the grasslands biome has already been modified, mostly under forestry or arable agriculture, and only 2,2% of the South Africa’s mountain grassland biome is under formal conservation, despite it being one of the world’s most bio-diverse habitats, hosting a plethora of wild flowers and grasses, greater than the acclaimed cape fynbos. The bio diversity of the eco-system supports a huge array of animal and bird species that come to feast on the treasures it holds.

The owner and management of Tillietudlem are passionately committed to protecting and encouraging the conservation of the area. Although the vast majority of Tillietudlem is in pristine virgin condition we have to continually fight the encroachment of invasive alien plants and are returning previously farmed areas to natural grassland. Due to the diversity of habitats at Tillietudlem, including wetlands, grasslands, indigenous forest, open waters and rivers, the birdlife is plentiful, from tiny sunbirds to commanding Secretarybirds.

Whether you are an avid twitcher or a novice birding enthusiast, you will definitely be able to add to your checklist. This will hopefully include a number of rare, protected or endangered birds: Grey Crowned, Blue and Wattled Crane, Blue Swallow, Cape Parrot and Half-collared Kingfisher. It is remarkable to think that the reserve has 5 different kingfishers and three species of sunbirds.

For those interested in raptors Tillietudlem is truly a Pandora’s box with more than seven species of eagles, five species of buzzards, kites, harriers, kestrels, hawks and vultures. You may even be fortunate enough to see the massive secretary birds hunting as they stride through the grassland.

Guided game walks, bird-watching and flora walks with our ranger are a great way to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area. Alternatively self-guided trials are provided for those keen to explore this African jewel of nature.

Physical address: D522 Road, Upper Dargle, Howick Tel: +27 (0)33 234 9045 or +27 (0)33 234 9046 Fax: 086 245 2415 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.tillietudlem.co.za

King's Grant Country Retreat

Nestled in a tranquil valley and surrounded by the rolling green hills of Ixopo, Kwazulu-Natal, King’s Grant invites you to take a step back in time and enjoy a well-earned break from the daily rush of life. Tastefully decorated B & B accommodation plus two fully-equipped self-catering suites, weddings, conferences, museum plus a licensed restaurant where one can enjoy delicious country cuisine.

King’s Grant is nestled in the valley of the St Isidor Estate and is surrounded by lush farmlands, dams, bushveld and wetlands. The varying habitats play host to extensive birdlife and invite you to explore their diverse beauty. In September of 1996, the farm was bought by neighbouring farmers David and Cheryl Biggs who have renamed it ‘King’s Grant’ – though retaining the name ‘St Isidor’ for the mill and chapel.

We encourage our guests to explore the estate and offer a number of walks and mountain biking routes with breath-taking views and hidden estate attractions. Tantalize your senses with a stroll around the lavender and herb gardens with their exquisite scents or relax on the edge of the small pond and stream that has been landscaped with indigenous splendour.

For keen birders, King’s Grant boasts abundant birdlife. The dams and wetlands, bushveld, grass and farmlands provide a rich variety of habitats attracting over 200 different species of birds, including fish eagles, crowned cranes and the Critically Endangered and Vulnerable blue swallow.

Gourmet picnic baskets and Sundowners can be arranged for those wanting to expand on their outdoor experience. Sites such as the secluded ‘Brickfield Valley’, home to the old Brickwork buildings and the tranquil dam which nestles amongst the reeds, the viewpoint from ‘Schreiber’s Hill’ as well as ‘Schreiber’s Dam’, all make for an unforgettable and scenic experience.

Address: Sutherland Farm, D527, Ixopo 3276 Tel: +27 (0)39 834 2730 or +27 (0)39 834 1509 Fax: 086 909 5606 Mobile: +27 (0)76 909 5606 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.kingsgrant.co.za

Alpine Heath Resort

Alpine Heath Resort is an exclusive mountain village nestled in the midst of Northern Drakensberg. With a backdrop of the stunning mountains, this stylish Afro-Swiss designed resort blends perfectly into the landscape.

Alpine Heath Resort offers one hundred superb north-facing en-suite chalet accommodation with breath-taking views of the mountains, each equipped with telephone, good cellular reception, satellite TV, lots of privacy, comfortable lounges, fireplaces, self-catering kitchens and dining areas.

Set high in the majestic northern Drankensberg, midway between Durban and Johannesburg, 45km from Bergville in KwaZulu-Natal, Alpine Heath Resort is a stylish four-star Afro-Swiss designed mountain village, surrounded by crystal-clear streams and mountain-fresh air that blends perfectly with the landscape, and widely regarded as one of South Africa’s premier conference and holiday venues.

Physical address: Off old Cavernberg Road, Jagersrust, Northern Drakensberg Tel: +27 (0)438 8500 Fax: +27 (0)36 438 6485 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.alpineheath.co.za/

Jozini Tiger Lodge and Spa

Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is (TEST) situated along the banks of the picturesque Jozini dam of KwaZulu-Natal in the heart of the Kingdom of the Zulu with its rich heritage and untamed natural beauty. It is an exciting holiday destination which offers a perfect luxury getaway in the heart of nature.

The hotel is incredibly positioned soverlooking the Jozini Dam and is easily accessible from both Durban and Gauteng. The hotel itself boasts superb facilities such as a luxury Spa (Mangwanani Boutique Spa), gym, extensive conference and banqueting facilities, a wide variety of activities for all ages, and exceptional dining experiences. Ideal for weekends away, extended family holidays, conferencing, incentives, weddings, team building and international tour groups – this is a must-visit property.

The property is managed by the renowned Three Cities Group who’s unique portfolio of properties offer a diverse range of Africa’s finest hotels, resorts and game lodges in the major tourist and business centres of southern Africa.

We are located in a prime position in the heart of Zululand. Surrounded by World Heritage Sites, as well as some of the most acclaimed Nature Reserves in the world. Three Cities Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa is accessible from Johannesburg, Durban and the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands by road. There is also a road to the Kruger National Park via Swaziland. Some of the exciting locations available include the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO-declared World Heritage Site), the Maputaland Marine Reserve (located along the beautiful Maputaland South Coast) and many of the top game reserves in South Africa including:

Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Mkhuze Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve
Tembe Elephant Park
Phongolo Game reserve (which is on the eastern shore of the Jozini Dam)

Physical address: 1 Main Road, Jozini, northern KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)35 572 1020 Fax: +27 (0)35 572 1114 Mobile: +27 (0)78 422 7210 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.jozinitigerlodge.co.za

Tandweni Villa

Tandweni Villa is a privately owned, luxury Villa within the Pongola Biosphere Reserve bordering Lake Jozini. The game viewing in the reserve offers sightings of 4 out of the big 5. The Villa boasts panoramic views of Jozini dam and Ubombo Mountain pass from every room. Comfortable accommodate for 10 adults are available in the unique 5 bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms. The veranda and pool area have endless views over the dam and up the Jozini Gorge.

There is also a Boma to enjoy outside fires under the stars and a hide overlooking a small dam as well as a private gym. The airfield allows small planes access to land on the property near the house. Some birds like the short grass around the airfield. In the mornings, our resident hornbills, bush shrikes, swallows & franklins can be observe in the garden and forest below the house. The Mkuze area is situated in Northern Zululand which is world renowned for its birding. Approximately 300 bird species have been recorded in the area.

Tandweni is the ideal family getaway. The Villa is child friendly and there is a jungle gym for the children to enjoy within the fenced garden. Jabulani our ranger is amazing with kids and loves teaching them to fish and he makes sure game drives are child friendly and entertaining.

Activities offered at Tandweni Villa :

Tiger Fishing
Sunrise/Sunset Boat Cruises
Boat Cruises to the River Mouth
Game Drives
Lounging by the pool
Bird Watching
Photography

Tandweni Farm, Mkuze

Cell: +27 (0)83 626 7070 or Cell: +27 (0)83 626 6001 Email: [email protected] or Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.tandweni.co.za/

GPS coordinates: S 27*29’39”; E 31*57’05”

The Bird Hide

Ingeli forest resort.

Nestled below the Ingeli Mountain range (between Harding and Kokstad, KwaZulu-Natal) and surrounded by breath taking indigenous forests, Ingeli Forest Resort is the perfect place to unwind. Ingeli Forest Lodge is an ideal weekend retreat for families who want to get away from the bustle of the city, where a mixture of country living and quality accommodation go hand in hand.

You will be spoilt for choice with forest, natural bush and mountains right on your doorstep. For those seeking a relaxed break-away, our swimming pool, lounges and library will be your oases. For those active and adventurous visitors, Ingeli offers tennis, the best mountain biking and trail running routes, as well as great hiking/walking, birding and exploring opportunities.

The area around Ingeli is a birders’ paradise. Hiking trails were laid out near the Lodge and caters for the more relaxed walker as well as the energetic nature lover. The prolific birdlife which occurs in Ingeli is attributable to the fact that the area comprises the most extensive and best preserved indigenous forests of the Natal mistbelt, about four thousand hectares in extent. A number of usually rare forest birds may therefore be seen in the vicinity of the Ingeli Forest Lodge. Birds that can be seen at the Lodge are Cape Parrot, Trumpeter Hornbill, Orange Ground Thrush, Tambourine Dove, Narina Trogan, Olive Woodpecker, to name a few.

Ingeli Forest Resort’s spacious and comfortable rooms, all having their own verandas, look out onto a tranquil forest setting. All the rooms have en-suite bathrooms, flat screen TVs, DSTV, tea and coffee making facilities, undercover parking.

Physical address: 3792 Mackton Farm R56 Weza, Between Harding and Kokstad off the N2 Tel: +27(0)39 553 0600 Email: [email protected] Web: www.ingeliforestresort.com

Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge

Umzolozolo Private Safari Lodge, situated in the heart of the Kwa Zulu Natal Midlands, is a privately owned, luxury game lodge where you will be able to enjoy the biodiversity of the reserve in near solitude. This Malaria free area provides an ultimate safari experience with the opportunity to view Africa’s Big 5, including cheetah. Experienced, enthusiastic game rangers will accompany you on game drives in open topped 4×4 game viewers, tracking the Big 5 and sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife.

With almost 200 species of birds, the Nambiti Private Game Reserve is a bird lover’s paradise. The lodge has a comprehensive range of birding reference books and our rangers are knowledgeable of the birds on the reserve.

The lodge features 9 luxurious chalets and suites with panoramic views, freestanding, constructed with local materials and thatch. The air conditioned rooms are spacious and secluded with private viewing decks where guests can relax and observe the herds of zebra, wildebeest and impala as they graze below. The suites have been designed to allow maximum game viewing from every room with large picture windows looking out onto the valley. In addition to a private bathroom, each suite has an outdoor shower so that even while showering, our guests can immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of Nambiti.

Close proximity to the historic Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer battlefields.
Elandslaagte battlefield and memorial is located on the edge of the Reserve.
Easy access from both Johannesburg and Durban.
A true African bush experience.

Ronnie Herr

Physical address: Nambiti Game Reserve, Ladysmith KZN Tel: +27 (0)31 579 3870 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.umzolozolo.com

GPS Coordinates: -28.516848, 29.955706

Mazengwenya

Rocktail beach camp, river valley nature reserve.

River Valley Nature Reserve is one of the few remaining privately owned and family run pockets of natural habitat on the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast.

The reserve falls within a horseshoe of a picturesque section of the iVungu River which meanders down through a valley of hills into the Indian Ocean at the well known Uvongo Beach, where one finds the iVungu falls. It is a small reminder of the once untouched natural coastline with it’s varied ecosystems consisting of grassland, riverine and coastal forest.

Abundant birdlife including the Narina Trogon, African Finfoot, Crowned eagle, Knysna Turaco, Olive Woodpecker and over 145 species of birds inhabit the area. Antelope such as Nyala, Impala, Bushbuck, and Blue and Grey Duiker can be seen and if you are fortunate you might be able to get a sighting of the Cape Clawless Otter that frequent the reserve.

We offer two upmarket self -catering cottages, a small private campsite, walking trails through the reserve and a picnic area. The reserve borders the Margate Golf Course and is close to the main south coast beaches and shopping centres yet peacefully out of the hustle and bustle of town.

Andrew Lewis

Physical address: Portal Ave, Margate, Kwazulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)39 317-3474 Fax: +27 (0)39 317 3101 Mobile: +27 (0)83 263 5537 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za/

Bayete Zulu Game Reserve

Ghost mountain inn.

At the foot of the legendary Ghost Mountain lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn – a perfect setting to experience the allure of Africa in stylish comfort. This intimate and beautiful hotel is in the heart of South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom and is the ideal location from which to explore the array of wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand and the Elephant Coast.

Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives in nearby uMkhuze and Hluhluwe Game Reserves, guided walks, boat cruises and tiger fishing on Lake Jozini. The area is a bird-watcher’s paradise with the Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis and Neergaard’s Sunbird, among many other specials such as African Broadbill and Green Malkoha. Enjoy a guided walk through the rare and unique giant sycamore fig forest in uMkhuze Game Reserve and hear the haunting cries of the Trumpeter Hornbill echo through the treetops. Ghost Mountain Safaris offers specialist birding guides should they be requested.

Back at the hotel, the spa offers a range of pampering skin and body treatments, healthy lunches in a tranquil environment and an exercise facility for the more actively-inclined. Those who prefer the relaxing sound of birdsong and the warmth of the African sun will find their respite at the poolside within the glorious gardens of Ghost Mountain Inn.

For those travelling to southern Mozambique, or between Kruger Park, Swaziland and Durban, Ghost Mountain Inn makes an excellent stopover or memorable getaway.

Physical address: Fish Eagle Road, Mkuze, KwaZulu Natal Tel: +27 (0)35 573 1025 E-mail: [email protected] Web: http://www.ghostmountaininn.co.za/

Zebra Hills Safari Lodge

Situated within the 23,000ha Manyoni Private Game Reserve, Zebra Hills Safari Lodge is a perfect break-away for the discerning wildlife and lodge enthusiast. Manyoni means “place of the birds” and our reserve truly lives up to its name. As of September 2020, 415 species have been recorded on our reserve and the birding is truly spectacular. Johan and Wonderboy, two of our senior rangers are also top-class birding guides and would be thrilled to focus on birding during your game drives.

Available on a self-catering basis for rental at reasonable rates, the 6 room Main Lodge or 3 room Homestead (which also has 3 attached family rooms) can either be rented separately or together. Every room is air-conditioned with en-suite bathroom facilities. A backup generator is available when the power supply is down.

Our kitchens are a chef’s delight or make use of our excellent cook who can prepare delicious meals. Each lodge has its own pool and boma, the perfect venues for sundowners, and a braai overlooking a busy floodlit waterhole that often teems with game including lion, buffalo, and elephant.

The 6 room Main Lodge or 3 room Homestead are available for rental at reasonable rates, which include 2 game drives per day with a qualified field ranger.

Home to an impressive variety of wildlife including the sought-after about ‘Big 5’, time in the Manyoni Private Game Reserve is sure to be thrilling and memorable. Other highlights might include our breeding pack of African Wild Dog, Cheetah, Serval, Spotted and Brown Hyena, Pangolin or Aardvark. Landscapes in the reserve range from rolling hills of open Acacia savannah, lush riverbeds lined with giant Sycamore figs and bright Fever trees, dense thickets favoured by the elusive Black Rhinoceros, towering mountains and cliffs and scattered waterholes often thronged with thirsty animals.

Zebra Hills boasts two comfortable open safari vehicles and our rate includes two daily game drives with a qualified field ranger on this superb Big 5 game reserve.

Physical address: D464 off N2, Manyoni Private Game Reserve, 3965, South Africa E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.zebrahills.com

Mavela Game Lodge

Mpeti lodge.

Mpeti Lodge invites you to relax and treat yourself to being close to nature whilst sampling the delights of a Contemporary Culinary Safari. We believe your stay will offer you a natural haven with a feast for all your senses. Mpeti is easily accessible from the N2, on route to Mozambique, or through Jozini dam from Mpeti bay.

Mpeti provides luxury and self-catering accommodation as well a world-class restaurant headed up by renowned chef, Paul Eaton. The main lodge consists of 6 luxurious Deluxe suites and 1 Executive suite with a Jacuzzi. All suites are private and have their own patios, naturally screened by the beautiful Zululand Bushveld. The setting and the views are such that you will feel close to nature whilst affording the perfect chance to relax in a truly serene environment. All suites are stylishly fitted and come equipped with king sized beds, air-conditioning, mini bar, a safe, walk-in shower and raised oval bath where you can soak and take in the magnificent Natal vistas.

With a large deck area set amongst majestic Murula Trees, it is perfect for long lazy lunches and romantic dinners under the stars. This flows out onto a green oasis with a big rock pool for guests to enjoy.

Enjoy the walking trail through the indigenous forest
Birdwatching: there are two birdhides on the property
Viewing waterbirds on the Jozini dam from a boat
Visit our vulture restaurant

Mpeti Lodge, R69 / N2, Mkuze, 3965 074-127-8044 [email protected] http://mpeti.co.za/ GPS Coordinates: 27.4905 S, 31.9188 E; -27.490500, 31.918800

Ngoye Lodge

Quintasol accommodation & birding.

Enjoy our spacious private bed & breakfast or self-catering accommodation in the heart of Mtunzini’s magical nature, surrounded by lush Indigenous trees & garden where we have an abundance birdlife. Quaint coffee shops, restaurant, nature walks & a pristine wide open beach all very close by (couple of minutes’ drive). Relax at the pool & enjoy the view of the ocean, spot whales or dolphins.

Quintasol accommodation consists of two on-suite bedrooms with a king size or single beds and one on-suite bedroom with a king size bed and a discreet cubby hole bunk bed above the main bed to accommodate 2 small kiddies. Other facilities: lounge, kitchen, swimming pool, Weber braai & secure parking.

Birding is our specialty with excellent local guides whose knowledge will assist you with your birding wish list. Not only do these guides assist you with their excellent observation skills in finding the specials on your wish list but also add great value to any birding outing by providing security & peace of mind when travelling in some more remote areas. For the adventurous you might like to SUP (Stand up & Paddle) or slow boat ride along the Umlalazi estuary where there is an abundance of mangroves & birdlife along the shore line.

Bird species : Look out for the much sort after Palm-nut Vulture, Mangrove Kingfisher; African Finfoot, Green Barbet, European Honey Buzzard & Green Twinspot to name a few.

Birding hotspots

Umlalazi Nature Reserve (Mangrove board walk & Mud Flats)
The Historical Raphia Boardwalk
Siyaya Dune forest Nature walk
Ongoye Forrest (home of the Green Barbet)
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, with its canopy walkway and 20m high viewing platform, walking trails, bird hide, educational displays, picnic sites and Visitor Centre.

Specialist Bird Guides for this and the Zululand Birding Route can be arranged in advance, if required.

Other Activites

Richards Bay Casuarina Beach (coastal visitors)
There are numerous restaurants and take-aways in Mtunzini, 5-7 min away.

Glynnis & Charles Shewan

Address: 24 Kipersol Ave, Mtunzini, KwaZulu-Natal Cell: +27 (0)83 273 8037 (Glynnis) Email [email protected] Website: https://www.quintasol.co.za/ GPS coordinates: -28.961655, 31.745011

Ndumu River Lodge

Nottingham road, bramleigh manor.

Bramleigh Manor is tucked away on a secluded hillside providing a quiet, country getaway with no TV or cellphone signal (high speed WiFi offered throughout). Over 50ha of pristine indigenous forest is home to over 200 species of birds. Birdsong is the soundtrack to life at Bramleigh Manor, from the territorial call of the Knysna Turaco, the plea of the Narina Trogon, night-time laughter of the Wood Owl, Emerald cuckoo, hornbills, cranes – an idyllic setting to be interrupted only by the sound of birds. Enjoy a soul-restoring walk through the forest, below giant Yellowwood trees, with the shy Samango monkeys swinging above, abundant birdlife and calming streams. Hot, dry grassland trails provide panoramic views of Drakensberg. Or curl up with a book next to the fire, relax on the patio and soak up the fresh country air, be soothed by nature.

Our accommodation supports sustainable tourism, without minimising comfort; powered by the sun, complete with electric blankets, energy efficient lighting and appliances. Wood burning stoves efficiently heat the rooms, using sustainably harvested alien wood. Water is supplied from a forest stream, filtered and ready to drink, cool, straight from the tap. Natural cleaning products provide a fresh fragrance. Sample farm fresh organic produce and eggs. Picnic breakfasts and light dinners available on request.

The Garlick Cottage : This private little cottage was the original Bramleigh house. It retains the vintage charm to offer a comforting home-from-home feel. Large bedroom with doors opening onto a private patio, bathroom with bath and shower, fully equipped kitchen, and lounge with wood burning stove. This cottage has exquisite views onto the forest, ideal for birdwatching. Sleeps 2.

The Coop Family Suite : Large open plan bedroom with king sized four poster bed, lounge with fireplace and doors opening onto a private patio with a Weber braai. A second bedroom has twin beds and en-suite bathroom. The unit has two bathrooms, each with shower and vintage style bathtub, as well as a kitchen equipped for self-catering. Sleeps 4.

Orchard Suites : 2 suites, each sleeping 2, set in the fruit orchard, with king sized beds, wood burning stoves and an en-suite bathroom with shower and Victorian style bathtub. Each has tea and coffee making facilities, a mini bar fridge and private patio.

Andre and Kaitlynn Kauerauf

Physical Address: 3 D544, Nottingham Road, 3280 Tel: 033 2666903 (email preferable due to poor reception) Email: [email protected] Website: https://bramleigh.org/ (List of birds: www.bramleigh.org/birding)

Pietermaritzburg

Cumberland nature reserve.

Situated just outside of Pietermaritzburg, this Natural Heritage Site is not hard to fall in love with. Cumberland Nature Reserve is home to a variety of Fauna and Flora including over 280 bird species, over 50 Butterfly species, more than 200 wild flower species, 30 mammal species and an abundance of indigenous trees and grasses. Owned by a conservation-driven family, Cumberland Nature Reserve is also a proud Oribi Custodian.

Birding specials on the reserve include Palmnut Vulture, Grey Crowned Crane, Narina Trogon, Black Stork, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Peregrine and Lanner Falcons, African Finfoot, Western Osprey, Gorgeous Bushshrike, Swee Waxbill, Green Twinspot, Bokmakierie, Knysna Turaco, and Southern Bald Ibis.

Habitats found on the Reserve include pristine savanna, woodland, valley thickets and wetland. Extensive cliff faces, deep valleys, waterfalls and well-wooded gorges provide unrivalled landscape photography opportunities. A network of trails allows one to explore all that the Reserve offers.

Managers: Candice and Gareth Preiss

Telephone number: 0823765600 / 0823371056 Physical address: D408, Table Mountain Road, Pietermaritzburg E mail: [email protected] Web address: www.cumberlandreserve.co.za GPS Co-ordinates: 29°31’17’’S , 30°30’15’’E

Accommodation

Cumberland offers camping and self-catering accommodation at affordable rates, equipped for a convenient and comfortable stay. The campsite is a bird-watchers’ paradise, where over 80 species can be recorded without venturing out.

The self-catering rooms sleep up to 14 guests and have access to a communal kitchen and lounge, perfect for larger family groups.

Situated near the banks of the Umgeni River, wake up to the cries of the African Fish Eagle at the Horseshoe Cottage.

For couples who love to ‘get away from it all’, The Kranz Hut boasts a jaw-dropping view, an outdoor shower and a kitchenette equipped with all the basics, including a gas fridge and gas stove. Rustic, but clean and comfortable, it’s a firm favourite!

Belvedere Game Ranch

Cobus and Karen Venter are the owners of this beautiful bushveld game farm in the heart of the Northern Kwazulu Natal bushveld.

Situated in the centre of the farm is the lodge surrounded by lush bushveld, allowing for that connecting and intimate experience with nature.

Offering accommodation for up to 14 guests, the lodge has a total of 6 en-suite, airconditioned bedrooms, while a self – catering central kitchen, lounge, dining area, bar and swimming pool compliments the facilities. Visitors who do not wish to cook, can opt for catering during their stay.

Belvedere Game Ranch covers 1400 hectares stocked with a variety of game including Buffalo, Giraffe, Kudu, Nyala, Impala, Warthog, Bushbuck, Zebra, Bluewildebeest, Red- and Grey Duiker and other small game species. It is a paradise for bird lovers and hosts a magnificent variety of tree species.

The farm has a network of bush tracks of 130 km you could explore with your bicycle, quad, bakkie or on foot.

Our butchery makes some of the best tasting venison products and is open 7 days a week.

Cobus and Karen Venter

Physical address: Belvedere Game Ranch, Magudu (near Pongola) Tel: 082 316 3223 Email: [email protected] Web: https://www.belvederegameranch.com/ GPS Coordinates: S 27°31.752’; E 031°45.612’

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is situated in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on the outskirts of the town of Pongola. The town lies to the south of Swaziland and is the perfect link between the Kruger National Park and Durban. It is majestically perched on the high plateau of the Pakamisa Mountain, the lodge has breath-taking views of the evergreen valleys and plains of the Pongola River to the east and the rolling hills of natural bush of the Reserve in the west.

The Reserve is in a remote area, providing the required isolation that has been dictated by the current Covid 19 virus protocols. In addition, the lodge offers only eight luxury suites limiting the number of guests to a maximum of 16 – yet another positive during these unusual times. The lodge offers a unique Spanish architecture, blended with the finest African ambience. They also speak English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Zulu and some French.

Pakamisa Game Reserve offers many activities, such as guided game drives, bush walks, birding and botanical walks, just to name a few. They also offer a variety of dining experiences. Alternatively, guests can relax around the large pool, take in the spectacular views, enjoy light snacks and exotic drinks after a refreshing swim around the pool.

Tel: +27 (0) 83 229 1811

Fax: +27 (0) 866 229 403

Cellphone: +27 (0) 83 229 2116

Reservations: [email protected]

Postal Address:

P.O. Box 1097, Pongola, 3170 South Africa

White Elephant Safari Lodge and Bush Camp

Richards bay, imvuvu lodge.

Imvubu Lodge , meaning hippo in Zulu, was inspired by the famous “Huberta the Hippo” who undertook the historic journey from Zululand to East London. Tucked away in the lush greenbelt zone of Richards Bay, Imvubu Lodge is adjacent to the scenic Lake Menywa and the unspoilt beaches of the Indian Ocean. These pristine surroundings make bird watching an extraordinary experience.

The lodge is conveniently located within close proximity to the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, the International heritage site of St Lucia and two world-class game reserves boasting the Big 5. Situated only 1.5 hours from Durban allows for easy access to splendid shopping centers, the Richards Bay airport, numerous restaurants, pubs, sporting facilities and emergency services.

We offer luxurious accommodation, in the form of 37 chalets. All chalets are fully serviced and air-conditioned, with easy access to our private beach, television and DSTV. Telephone and laptop facilities in selected units also available. 24-Hour security allows you to relax and forget about the stresses of everyday life whilst enjoying the tranquillity of nature.

Imvubu Lodge opened its A-la-carte restaurant for its guests as well as the public. The restaurant has stylist timber furnishings and a spectacular view over Lake Menywa. Our Chef is responsible for planning of the meals on the menu, conscious of nutrition and lends his own enchantment to exotic meals. The restaurant can seat 60 guests.

Ina-Marie Garcia

Physical Address: Cnr Krewelkring & Hibberd Drive, Meerensee, Richards Bay Tel: 035 753 4122 Fax: 086 631 0959 Email: [email protected] Web: http://imvubulodge.co.za/ GPS Co-ordinates: S28° 47’26.412 E32° 06’04.872

Richards Bay Caravan Park

Nestling within the coastal dunes of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, the resort offers you options of caravan or camping sites which are of a generous size, level, grassed, and shaded with electrical power points and on site braai’s. We offer clean, well-appointed ablutions that are fully serviced, 24 hour patrolled and gated security and the resorts private beach access a fully holiday entertainment program all works towards ensuring that your stay is everything it can possibly be.

Other facilities of the resort include a Deep Sea boat and car wash area with separate Fish cleaning area, children’s playground, trampolines, volleyball, giant chess, paintball, large swimming pool a tiny tot’s swimming pool, as well as an 18 hole mini adventure golf course.

For year round idealistic holiday weather, be it for your annual vacation, or a long weekend getaway, Richards Bay Caravan Park offers you the ideal location. Set in sub-tropical surroundings, we even offer you idealistic weather conditions in the autumn and winter months at Richards Bay Caravan Park.

Tucked away in the lush greenbelt zone of Richards Bay, Richards Bay Caravan Park is adjacent to the scenic Lake Menywa and the unspoilt beaches of the Indian Ocean. These pristine surroundings make bird watching an extraordinary experience. We are conveniently located within close proximity to the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, the International heritage site of St Lucia and two world-class game reserves boasting the Big 5.

Karin van der Walt

Physical Address: Cnr Krewelkring & Hibberd Drive, Meerensee, Richards Bay Tel: +27 (0)35 753 1971 Fax: 086 631 0959 Email: [email protected] Web: www.richardsbaycaravanpark.co.za GPS Co-ordinates S28° 47’26.412 E32° 06’04.872

Mkomazana Mountain Cottages

Nestled in a magnificent World Heritage Site at the foot of the Sani Pass, Mkomazana Mountain Cottages have been lovingly restored and are a part of an historic 1800’s trading station. Surrounded by the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the sprightly Mkomazana River and four dams on the property attract a multitude of birds and wildlife to enjoy. We are perfectly situated for a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to bird watching and trout fishing.

Altogether there are two two-bed cottages and three cottages each suitable for six people. The cottages are beautifully appointed, each with its own character, private garden, and wood burning fireplace. Delicious freshly baked scones are delivered to your door each morning.

Some of the cottages look out over a large and tranquil dam that boasts a resident Half-collared Kingfisher and a pair of African Black Ducks. The garden spotted a pair of Southern Boubous as well as Cape Rock Thrushes.

Mkomazana is blessed with some of the Drakensberg’s most spectacular trails right on our doorstep. Two short walks lead from the garden. One is to and around another large dam. Below the dam is a wild marsh with patches of open water, reeds and long grass. It feeds a small stream that flows into the Mkomazana River. This can be reached on a different short walk and there is safe swimming in the shallow pools.

Most of the vegetation surrounding the developed area is alien but support forest birds, including Cape Batis, Bar-throated Apalis, Terrestrial Bulbul and Buff-spotted Flufftail. A flock of Swee Waxbills can also be spotted foraging in a small grassland patch.

From the Giants Cup trail which crosses a few kilometres up the road, to 2 distinct trails leading directly from our property. Take the 30 minute walk to Heartbreak Ridge for a birds-eye view of Mkomazana and beautiful views up the Sani Pass, or continue up to Salt and Pepper, a 4 hour walk to the top of the ridge and back, offering spectacular views of both valleys. This close to the escarpment, birders have a good chance of seeing the Critically Endangered Bearded Vulture. Two kilometres down the main road towards the Sani Pass Hotel, will take you to the start of a 3 hour walk to Gxalingenwa Pools and back.

Mkomazana Mountain Cottages, Sani Pass, Southern Drakensburg, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)63 699 4666 E-mail: [email protected] Web: https://www.mkomazana.co.za/ GPS co-ordinates: 29°38’6.13″S, 29°25’12.32″E

Mseni Beach Lodge

Mseni Beach Lodge – the place of happiness – is situated in the heart of Sodwana Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The only lodge in Sodwana Bay that has private access to the beach, through the surrounding dune forest.

Our cosy Forestview Cottages sleep 2, Family Cottages sleep 4 and the lovely beach house that sleeps 10 are all air-conditioned and nestled amongst beautiful indigenous bush of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The accommodation was all planned not to disturb the lush dune forest, and most are tucked away amongst unspoilt surrounding bush.

Toad Tree Cabins

Situated just 10km from the beach, Toad Tree Cabins offers a peaceful retreat after a busy day. We are surrounded by indigenous trees, birds and butterflies, and expect to get a visit from a chameleon or a tortoise. Guests are thrilled with the bush feel of Toad Tree Cabins and the variety of birdlife on the property. There are local bird guides in the area, who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, who can assist with tours further afield.

Rustic and affordable, Toad Tree Cabins offer you a choice between en-suite wooden cabins or fully equipped self-catering brick cottages for couples or family groups. Toad Tree has 5 two-bed wooden cabins with en-suite open-air ablutions. One cabin has a double bed and bathtub and one cabin has twin beds with inside ablutions. Guests using the cabins have the use of the outdoor entertainment area with a lounge and fully equipped self-catering kitchen. There is a self-catering brick cottage which can sleep between 4 and 8 people, with 2 double beds and 4 single beds. The cottage has a lounge, a fully equipped kitchen and a bathroom with an outdoor shower.

The outdoor entertainment area fully equipped kitchen and leads on to the welcoming splash pool and communal braai area, while those in the cottages have their own private kitchen, braai and lounge area. All rooms are serviced daily and will provide you with fresh linen, plug points, fans and electronic mosquito repellents.

At Sea Escapes we pride ourselves on caring for our beautiful seas and the animals that have made the reefs their home. Rediscover the simpler pleasures of life – the joy of achievement; the calm of solitude; and the pleasure of good companionship.

Janice Dodkins

Address: Toad Tree Cabins, Olakeni, Sodwana Bay Mobile: +27 (0)83 459 4222 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.seaescapes.co.za Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/seaescapes GPS coordinates: 27°30’436”S; 32°35’853”E

Hippo Hideaway

Hippo Hideaway is situated on the banks of the St Lucia Estuary near the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve and this idyllic luxury lodge is your gateway to the unspoiled beaches of the Elephant Coast.

St Lucia and the surrounding areas are an absolute haven for nature and adventure lovers. The iSimangiliso Wetland was declared South Africa’s first Natural World Heritage site by UNESCO protocol. This has preserved the land as the most ecologically and historically diverse park in South Africa, with Nguni tribes as well as all the natural features living in harmony.

Five ecosystems are recognised in the site, yet they are intertwined in a natural dance so complex and perfect it takes a few days to understand this labyrinth of nature. Birdlife is abundant in the area.

The Western Indian ocean’s waters are warmed with a tropical Agullas current, so that water temperatures can easily reach 30 degrees Celsius; creating the tropical reefs that are home to hundreds of fish species, turtle and dolphin. A huge migratory population of whales makes an appearance in the area every winter.

Join us for sundowners under our thatched boma, and you’ll see why we say the best sunsets always come from Africa. Hippo Hideaway is situated on the banks of the St. Lucia estuary and is often blessed with the presence of a variety of wildlife coming up to graze in the early morning sun.

Hippo Hideaway is a luxury, self-catering resort. The chalets are beautifully appointed and decorated, giving you the luxury of a hotel with the convenience and privacy of self-catering chalet, with a breakfast option.

Physical address: Hippo Hideaway 70 McKenzie Street, St Lucia Tel: +27 (0)31 764 4553 or +27 (0)35 590 1025 Fax: +27 (0)31 764 0295 Mobile: +27 (0)82 455 0450 E-mail: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: www.hippohideaway.co.za

Hornbill House

Hornbill House is situated in the tranquil and tropical village of St. Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal. The Bed & Breakfast offers well-appointed comfortable and fully serviced accommodation. All rooms have an en suite bathroom with tea and coffee available. Breakfast is either served on our deck or inside the dining room. Lunch and dinner is available on a variety of tours and safaris or can be enjoyed at a variety of restaurants in St. Lucia, all within walking distance of Hornbill House Bed & Breakfast Accommodation.

St. Lucia lies on the banks of the St. Lucia Estuary, and is unique as it is totally surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly known as The Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park), South Africa’s first natural World Heritage Site. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park boasts an abundance of game, over 500 bird species, 50 species of frog, five very distinct major ecosystems and much more.

SHAKAbarker TOURS

Thousands of birders annually visit St. Lucia, attracted by a record 526 species of birds. For the serious birders it is possible to go to sea to spot one of the many Albatrosses or for the novice birders take gentle river cruise, which will deliver pleasing results. But the most popular option for birders is a World Heritage Tour arranged by Shakabarker Tours, which visits the five ecosystems. Shakabarker Tours operates in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve.

Kian Barker

Address: 43 Hornbill Street, St. Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal Tel: +27 (0)35 590 1162 Fax: +27 (0)35 590 1070 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.shakabarker.co.za/hornbillhouse/index.htm GPS: -28.3762, 32.4157 (S28° 22′ 34.3″, E32° 24′ 56.5″)

Lalapanzi Guest House

Royston hall.

Royston Hall is accessed via a narrow unpretentious suburban lane in Umtentweni by the same name. The House is set on a small Private Nature Reserve nestled in tall indigenous coastal forest adjacent to the mighty Umzimkulu River. It has a view of the Indian Ocean in the distance and the swimming beach is 2.3km from here. Royston Hall has five beautifully appointed double suites in order to guarantee privacy at a maximum of ten guests at any given time. The rooms are elegant, refurbished with a real intent to preserve the grand colonial splendour of the house. Breakfast is served on the veranda with a birds’ eye view over the Umzimkulu River accompanied by the cry of the Fish Eagles. Many species of birds might join you for their own breakfast by feeding in the Fig Trees around the swimming pool.

Meander down any of our Nature Trails and spend tranquil time observing the riot of bird life on our small private nature reserve nestled in tall coast forest. The Royston Hall Bird List sports 207 species.

Botanically the two valleys continue to reveal rare and exotic plants previously unknown to grow wild here. Various excursions arranged from our Conservancy are on offer.

All the well-known South Coast amenities are within close proximity as the N2 access is right nearby. This includes 10 World Class golf courses, deep sea diving and fishing, Malls and movies and Lake Eland Game Reserve.

Ria and Roderick Hackland

Address: Royston Lane, Umtentweni Tel: +27(0)39 695 0083 Fax: 086 664 4456 Email: [email protected] or [email protected] Web: http://roystonhall.co.za/ GPS Co-ordinates: Latitude 30°42’43.71″S and Longitude 30°26’52.59″E

Birds and Beyond

Stuart mclean.

Physical address: Tel: +27 (0)33 702 1761 Fax: Mobile: +27 (0)82 742 6981 E-mail: [email protected] Web:

Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge

Zinkwazi is ideally situated for birders wanting to visit some of the top birding destinations in southern Africa. We are part of the Zululand Birding Route extending Northwards, with prime forest habitats around Eshowe and Ngoye (all approx.70 km) hosting bird specials such as Green Barbet, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Green Malkoha, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, African Emerald Cuckoo and Narina Trogon. In the wetlands and thornveld around Eshowe and the Phobane Dam, Red-chested Flufftails, White-backed Night Herons and the most southern Rudd’s Apalis population occur. At Mtunzini (60km) and Richards Bay (with the Zululand information office of BirdLife, 100km), unique eastern sub-tropical estuarine habitats support massive wader populations, wetland birds and specials such as Palmut Vulture and Mangrove Kingfisher. The special habitat at Amatikulu (30km) also attracts Swamp Nightjar and Black Coucal. To the South there is the well-known Jex Estate (approx 30km) with Collared Pratincole and many unusual wader sightings. Stanger Tranquila Hide (20km) regularly makes birding news.

At Zinkwazi your accommodation is set in prime habitat, constantly surrounded by birdsong. The lodge grounds offer spectacular bird watching and are accessible at all times. We are available to help with advice, directions, checklists and site guides. BirdLife South Africa has accredited us as ‘Birder Friendly Establishment’. The AA has graded us as ‘Highly Recommended’, and we are Caraville Getaways approved.

We offer 3 types of accommodation:

Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge offers a unique coastal eco-experience, with bed and breakfast or full board, conference and activity packages available.
Zinkwazi Forest Camp , an eco-camp site for the whole family, caters for all the needs of caravaners and campers.
Zinkwazi Lagoon Chalets , our Self-catering option in various styles, fully equipped and beautifully set, designed for outdoor living at its best.

Enjoy sundowners with the canopy birds at our elevated Isifonya Pub on the sundeck and deliciously spicy meals, named after our birds, in the Raffia Restaurant. On site activities include swimming pool, shop, canoe- and nature trails. Catch the ferry to the protected beach or join a cruise on the lagoon aboard the Fish Eagle.

Address: PO Box 42008, Zinkwazi, 4480 Tel: +27 (0)32 485 3344 Fax: +27 (0)32 485 3340 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.zinkwazilagoonlodge.co.za/

This site uses cookies to collect activity data and personalise content. By continuing to navigate this site, you agree to allow us to collect information using cookies. Privacy Policy

Flock to the KZN South Coast to experience some of the best birding spots

PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Attention 3 November 2021

With people cooped up the past few months, forced to slow it down and take in the surroundings, bird watching has taken flight as a preferred pastime. This renewed appreciation for the feathered friends has continued as travel opens up, with the KZN South Coast welcoming the trend in birders!

“The diversity of our natural landscape on the KZN South Coast provides homes for a such a wide variety of South African bird species,” explained CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu. “Bird watching is a great way to get back into nature and discover a previously unknown world. We’re very excited to welcome travellers starting out on the birdwatching journey, as well as those who are looking to tick off those truly unique bird species. The KZN South Coast has it all!”

Top birding spots to explore on the KZN South Coast

TC Robertson Nature Reserve (Scottburgh)

Flit on over to this 60-hectare coastal reserve situated on the south bank of the Mpambanyoni River near the mouth. Established in 1989 and named after the famed author, ecologist and conservationist Dr Thomas Chalmers Robertson, visitors can view African fish eagles, terrestrial brownbuls, Barratt’s warbler, yellow-throated longclaws and the green malkoha.

Contact: 062 002 5190 or [email protected].

Crocworld Conservation Centre (Scottburgh)

There are more than 200 wild bird species found at this beautiful conservation centre including nesting palm nut vultures, African fish eagle and six species of kingfishers. Within the centre, there’s a great variety of bird species including the African eagle owl, jackal buzzards, Eurasian eagle owls, Harris hawk and even white mute swans.

“I have lived in Joburg all my life and have been on the KZN South Coast for almost two years now,” said Ryne Ferguson, Crocworld Bird Curator. “To me, this is one of the best birding areas in the country. The diversity of birds and wildlife is absolutely amazing.”

Contact: 039 976 1103 or [email protected] or www.crocworld.co.za.

Umdoni Park Trust Golf Club & Nature Reserve (Pennington)

Named for the water berry tree found along the estate’s water courses and swamp areas, this is a wonderful place to start a birding adventure. There are extensive trail networks, starting from the club house, overnight or parking area which offer visitors the chance to see the spotted ground thrush, purple-crested turaco, olive woodpecker, ashy flycatcher, southern tchagra and narina trogon.

Contact: 039 975 1615 or www.umdonipark.com

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (Umzinto)

Established in 1973, this coastal reserve is just 13 kilometres inland of the sea and has beautiful grassland, forest, and wetland habitats. This variety provides shelter for around 300 bird species recorded in the reserve, among them grey crowned cranes, martial eagles, ground hornbills, secretary bird, lazy cisticola, lesser honeyguide and short-tailed pipit.

Contact: 039 974 2222 or [email protected]

Lake Eland Game Reserve (Oribi Gorge)

For those wanting a bit of birding and wildlife viewing, then Lake Eland Game Reserve is a great stop. The ecosystems consist of bushveld and grassland interspersed with coastal forest and wetland. Catch sightings of local birdlife at the picnic or braai sites, while enjoying a relaxed game drive, or go hiking or biking through the reserve.

Contact: 039 687 0395 or www.lakeeland.co.za

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

This is one of the most scenic birding spots on the 24-kilometre stretch of gorge along the Mzimkulwana River. There have been more than 350 bird species recorded here, with guided tours arranged if required. Get to the gorge to check out the African broadbill, African finfoot, African wood owl, African pygmy kingfisher and Knysna turaco.

Contact: 039 845 1000 or www.kznwildlife.com

Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide

Considered one of the world’s best vulture viewing spots, this site has over 200 resident Cape vultures and is easily accessible by car and foot. There are no 4×4 or hiking requirements to witness this spectacle of vultures soaring along ridges, flying overhead and below, just metres from visitors. Tours are held on a Saturday and advanced booking is essential.

Andy Ruffle, Project co-ordinator for the Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide said: “The coastal stretch has an interesting variety of wild bird species which aren’t found inland or in other parts of the globe. The vulture viewing site is something very special and a really unique experience for visitors.”

Contact: 072 893 3794 or [email protected].

Weza-Ngele Forest (Harding)

This is one of the most accessible tracts of this Afromontane mistbelt forest, found 80 kilometres inland of the coast with a great system of trails to go birdwatching. There are shorter trails for a quick hike or the half-day circular loop through the upper forest. Here visitors can see orange ground thrush, Cape parrot, bush blackcap, chorister robin chat, Cape batis, African dusky flycatcher and double-collared sunbird.

Contact: 039 553 0600 or www.anewhotels.com

Skyline Nature Reserve (Uvongo)

Renowned for its incredible collection of indigenous coastal and exotic tree species, Skyline Nature Reserve is also home to a really diverse variety of bird species. Birds and other local wildlife can be viewed by hiking along the many trails found here, roughly an hour in length.

Contact: 039 315 0112 or www.kznwildlife.com

River Valley Nature Reserve (Margate)

This is a much smaller reserve, just 28 hectares in total, with walking trails along the banks of the river into the riverine forest which is home to many interesting birds. In River Valley, twitchers can look out for the green-backed heron, tambourine dove, grey or purple-banded sunbird, grew waxbill and brown scrub robin.

Contact: [email protected] or www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za

Ventures by Sweetdale (Margate)

There are 120 hectares of coastal nature to be found at Ventures, consisting of exciting biking trails and hiking trails for spectacular bird watching. For the more experienced, there’s the challenging ‘alpine’ hiking trail to try, or the 9.5-kilometre biking trail.

Contact: [email protected] or www.sweetdale.com

Mpenjati Nature Reserve (Trafalgar)

This beautiful riverine reserve encompasses the Mpenjati River Estuary and is the perfect space for novice or experienced birders to spend a day out. There are well laid out walking trails with boardwalk observation platforms to enjoy views of the river lagoon, wetlands, forests, grassland, and coastline. Some special sightings could include the half-collared kingfisher, swift tern, African black oystercatcher, Kittlitz’s plover, giant kingfisher and water thick-knee.

Contact: 039 313 0531 or www.kznwildlife.com

Red Desert Nature Reserve (Port Edward)

Combine birdwatching while ticking ‘world’s smallest desert’ off the bucket list at Red Desert Nature Reserve. Just 200metres in diameter, the desert appears to be a miniature version of America’s Arizona Desert, but it’s the surrounding coastal forest that you’ll find some great birds. There are a range of habitats, including a protected grassland area, with more than 480 plant species and 200 bird species recorded here.

Contact: 039 695 0460 or [email protected]

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (Port Edward)

The southernmost nature reserve in the province includes the beautiful Umtamvuna River, coastal forests, bushveld, cliffs and riverine forests. There are well-developed hiking trails to wander in search of Gurney’s sugarbird, malachite sunbird, pale-crowned cisticola, common cuckoo or rufous-winged cisticola.

Contact: 039 311 2383 or www.kznwildlife.com

Sources: www.birdlife.org.za , www.kznwildlife.com .

To find out more about the KZN South Coast, simply download the FREE ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. You can also follow the KZN South Coast on social media: ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page or YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, or ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn. Follow the hashtags #KZNsouthcoast #summervibes #gosouth #summerishere #familyadventure #kidfriendly #adventuretravel #extendyourstay

All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.

Link to download high resolution images: https://we.tl/t-OqJpAFR3hi

Pied Kingfisher. (Photo credit: Wynand Grobler)

Palm-nut Vulture. (Photo credit: Wynand Grobler)

African Fish Eagle. (Photo credit: Wynand Grobler)

Malachite Kingfisher. (Photo credit: Wynand Grobler)

Sacred Ibis. (Photo credit: Wynand Grobler)

Giant Kingfisher. (Photo credit: Darrin Ulyate)

Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide. (Photo credit: Michelle Pearson)

About Ugu South Coast Tourism

Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.

About KZN South Coast Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of: Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by: Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact: Olivia Jones Communications Cell: 083 653 1720 Email: [email protected]

Change Location

Find awesome listings near you.

Booking Enquiry
Events Calendar
Tour calendar
Western Cape Day Tours
What our Clients say: -
Interesting Birding Videos
Accommodation
Newsletter / Blog

Birding Tours – Day Tours

South africa birding day tours, which we run at any time.

Our 1-day South African tours are extremely popular and offer our clients the possibility of seeing a large diversity of birds on the outskirts of South Africa’s major metropolises. Our most popular day tours are those from Cape Town and Johannesburg/Pretoria, however we do also run tours from Durban, Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route and other places, when guides are available. Our 1-day South Africa birding tours cost R6,000 for one person, with an extra R500 per person if more than one participant. We run all our 1-day tours as private tours, since we have found we never manage to put groups together. Most people travel singly, in couples, or they bring their own small group along. Half-day trips lasting less than five hours are much poorer value for money as we can only give a R500 discount for groups of two or more (because the guide usually ends up doing a large mileage even for such a short trip).

These prices include guiding fees, vehicle costs, entrance fees and a light lunch (but you can tell us if you prefer a sit-down restaurant meal which will then be for your account). The birding guide will fetch you from wherever you are staying, after breakfast, and drop you back before dinner/before dark in the case of a 1-day tour (airport drop-offs are also perfectly OK). In the case of a half-day tour, the trip will run either from breakfast until lunch or from lunch until dinner. Please e-mail us for the starting time you prefer – we are happy with an early start (e.g. 5 a.m.), but we also understand that you will sometimes prefer a later start (e.g. 9 a.m.). The trip is yours, and you can tell us when you want to start the day. We often recommend 7:30 a.m. at the entrance to your hotel, but we can also advise about the best time to avoid rush hour for specific tours.

Longer trips – accommodation and meals have to be added to the price – please ask us; we can usually get accommodation for R900 per person sharing per night (ballpark), but if more luxury is needed the price, of course, increases. The guide’s accommodation also needs to be paid.

We strongly recommend that you book far in advance even for the three larger cities. At certain times of the year our birding guides get booked particularly far in advance, but even at the best of times we recommend booking as far in advance as possible. On the other hand, we can often accommodate you even if you book a week in advance (sometimes even the day before).

You are welcome to just pay the guide cash (South African Rands; ZAR) on the day of the tour after you have booked with us. For trips that are longer than one day, we need payment of a deposit in advance.

Which tours do we recommend ? In Cape Town, if you have never visited the Cape before and only have one day available for guided birding, we suggest doing a 1-day tour of the Cape Mountains and Fynbos, which can be custom-made to your exact needs (you can discuss this with the guide at the start of the day). If you have a second day available, we recommend also doing a 1-day West Coast birding tour. If you have more than two days available, there is a stack more you can do birding-wise – please ask us for suggestions. In Johannesburg, we recommend Suikerbosrand/Marievale (south of Johannesburg) if you only have one day available. If you have a second day, we suggest Zaagkuilsdrift and environs (north of Pretoria), an area which has Kalahari-type birds. The Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden provides an excellent half day around Johannesburg.

We believe in providing first class service, and if you e-mail us with any questions you will find we answer with great detail and enthusiasm. We look forward to hosting you here in sunny South Africa!

Please note: Any of these 1-day tours can be run as 1-day photographic birding tours – to convert them into birdwatching photo tours we modify the sites visited and slow down the pace.

If you are interested in longer birding tours in South Africa please have a look here . Please scroll down to find out more about specific day tours.

South African day tours

Cape region.

1-day Cape Town Pelagic Trip

1-day Cape Mountains and Fynbos Birding Tour

1-day West Coast Birding Tour

1-day Cape Peninsula Birding Tour

3-day Tankwa Karoo Loop

3-day Agulhas Plains (Overberg) Birding Trip

1-day Garden Route Birding Tour

3–5-day Northern Cape Larks and other regional endemics

1-day Rare Mammals of Cape Town Tours

Johannesburg/pretoria area.

1-day Johannesburg – Highveld and Wetlands

1-day Dinokeng / Zaagkuilsdrift Birding Tour

1-3-day Northeastern Johannesburg/Pretoria Birding Tour

1-day Johannesburg – Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden

1–3-day Johannesburg/Pretoria Birding Tours

2-day Rare Owls, Flufftails, and Drakensberg Endemics, from Johannesburg/Pretoria

Durban area.

1-day Durban Birding Tour

1-day Sani Pass and Lesotho Birding Tour

Testimonials from our south african birding day tours.

Just a quick note today to let you know that mom (Eleanor) and I had a fantastic day with Dylan. First of all it was a great comfort to meet someone at the airport from the area who knows how to go about things. Dylan provided us with a splendid introduction day to the common bird families and antelope (plus a mongoose) at Rietvlie which was exactly what we needed after being cooped up on a plane for so long! He also capably described things about each family and then the species we were seeing. What surprised me was how knowledgeable he is about other species around the world which makes it easy for him to relate to our knowledge base. We had a splendid day talking about all sorts of things. You guys are doing everything right -Bravo! Your website came up first in a Google search and it’s very inviting which encourages an inquiry. Chris, you got back to me right away, and Dylan followed up with answers and then read perfectly what we needed. Thank you so much! I will most definitely recommend you to anyone coming to this part of Africa. Keep up the good work! Dylan, thank you! I look forward to coming back some day.

I just wanted to email and say how much I enjoyed the day yesterday in and around Suikerbosrand – Dylan was a fantastic guide, unbelievably knowledgeable, very helpful (and patient!) and good company. We saw much more than I expected, and the flufftail was the icing on the cake! I would go out of my way to recommend you guys and Dylan in particular – thanks again for a thoroughly enjoyable day. I will be in touch when I return to South Africa – even if just to set eyes on that pesky grass owl. . .!

My sister and I used one of our 2 and a half days in Cape Town to do a birding tour of the Peninsula including the Cape of Good Hope. I had great communication with our guide, Dom, before the tour and he picked us up right on time at our hotel. It was an excellent day. Dom is very knowledgeable and good company. It turned out he was at Magee Marsh in Ohio the same time I was this year! The weather was glorious and we got to see lots of SA endemics plus a Humpback Whale and a lifer sewage pond! I would recommend Birding Ecotours and Dom Rollinson to anyone birding in South Africa.

I would definitely recommend Birding Ecotours! Before the trip, we had prompt responses to our enquiries and we were fast assigned to a guide, Dominic Rollinson. We had such a great time with Dom on our day out in the Cape Peninsula. He was flexible with the schedule, itinerary, and with our photographic demands. He adjusted the trip so that we did everything at a slower pace, to be able to take pictures of literally every bird we saw. He knew how to position the car to get a better light on the subject, when that was the case. He’s very patient and pleasant to be with, and he shared with us some tips on where to go during the next days.

My three day tips out of Joburg with Dylan were phenomenal - a perfect introduction to the birds of the region, with all the logistics nailed down expertly. I would strongly recommend to anyone wanting to get a quick sense of the region's bird life.

A brilliant day out with an exceptionally brilliant guide (Dylan), in some beautiful places, with some amazing birds - perfect.

Marievale Bird Sanctuary provided ample opportunity to see thousands of birds. We saw a total of 82 bird species with over 40 new life birds. Weather was perfect. Our guide, Dylan, was knowledgeable and informative.

Join our newsletter for exclusive discounts and great birding information!

IMAGES

Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.
Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari photographs. Images
Aves KZN Birding Tour / Safari photographs. Images
Birding KZN with a flock of female expert guides
KZN birding, 22-31 May 2021
Birding KZN with a flock of female expert guides

COMMENTS

Birds, Birding Trips and Birdwatching Tours in KwaZulu-Natal
Birding KwaZulu-Natal. Well over 650 species have been recorded in the small province of KwaZulu-Natal, a product of its habitat diversity and its coastal position on the beautiful eastern seaboard of South Africa. ... At Rockjumper Birding Tours, we believe that the recipe for a successful birding tour is simple: a well-planned itinerary with ...
KwaZulu-Natal 5-Day Zululand Bird Tour
This 5-day tour is a moderately-paced birding focussed safari available as a set departure (or on request). We will expect to see around 320 species of birds, including five endemics and approximately 35 mammal speceis. This tour explores several abundant and premier game reserves in the famed Zululand and Maputaland (Elephant Coast) region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Each reserve offers ...
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Sustain's KwaZulu-Natal birding combines the abundant northern Zululand game reserves and lakes, the endemic-rich grasslands and mist-belt forests of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and the lofty heights of the statuesque Drakensberg. This journey will also lead us into several big wildlife areas for superb game viewing.
KwaZulu-Natal Mountain Birds 4-Day Tour
Midlands & Drakensberg. Scheduled Dates: 24 − 27 July 2023. 22 − 25 August 2023. Or alternate date on request. Introduction: This KwaZulu-Natal birding focused adventure within South Africa explores the hilly midlands and the mountain regions of this species rich province abundant in endemic and special birds, wildlife species and splendid ...
Birds and Beyond
Birds and Beyond. Stuart McLean of Birds and Beyond will guide you up the magnificent Sani Pass in search of the endemics and birds on your wishlist. The 4x4 tour into Lesotho will give sightings of Bush Blackcap, Barrat's Warbler, Gurneys Sugarbird, Drakensberg Siskin and Rockjumper and if another day is added to your memorable trip, Cape ...
Birdwatcher Guided Birding Tours, Birdwatching and birding trips
Welcome to Birdwatcher. BIRDWATCHER offer full day, morning and afternoon GUIDED BIRDING WALKS as well as weekend and longer BIRDING TOURS. Our tours include specialist or beginner birdwatching trips in the following areas: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, Limpopo, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Mpumalanga, Norther Cape, Northwest, and Western Cape.
BIRDING
Birding takes flight in Zululand. The Zululand Birding Route was the first Birdlife South Africa avitourism project and has been running for more than a decade. It isa network of 16 routes that offer a range of birding experiences that are grouped into four regions - North East Zululand, North West Zululand, Southern Zululand and the North Coast.
ST.LUCIA BIRDS & BIRDING (St Lucia)
St.lucia Birds & Birding. We offer unique and surperb Birdwatching and hiking within ISimangaliso Wetland Park in the north eastern region of South Africa.Our tours can be on 4x4 Open Game safari vehicle or on your small sedan depending on the terrain to explore at a time. Tours can be accomponed by most expirienced Guides introduce you to many ...
KINGDOM BIRDING (Durban)
Kingdom Birding is run and operated by Dave Rimmer - an avid birder, nature enthusiast, photographer, and supporter of bird conservation causes. Our services include day trips in and around Durban, as well as longer trips to top birding sites throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Customised tours are also catered for throughout the sub-region of Southern ...
St Lucia Birding Tours- Ian Ferreira
136 reviews. #3 of 33 Tours & Activities in St Lucia. Multi-day ToursPrivate ToursNature & Wildlife ToursDay Trips. Open now. 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. See all photos. About. St Lucia Birding Tours offers specialist birding excursions guided by Ian Ferreira, an expert bird guide in one of South Africa's most exciting bird watching regions.
Bustards Birding Tours
One day birding trips. Gauteng day trips; Kwazulu Natal day trips; Western Cape day trips; Custom Tours; COVID 19 ... The content on this site is the property of Bustards Birding Tours (Pty) Ltd and may not be used or copied in any way without express written permission from the directors and/or copyright holders.
3-Day Northern Zululand Birding Tour
A 3-Day all-inclusive birding tour of of the Southern Drakensberg with expert guide Aldo. Scheduled depature dates. +27 (0)33 702 0011 / +27 (0)76 630 7555. 08h00 - 17h00. Home; ... Lodge - home to a local wildlife vet who has been instrumental in the fight against the poaching of Rhino in the KZN Reserves. This is the perfect base for our 2 ...
Zimanga Private Game Reserve In KZN
Groups and or families may wish to take advantage of the 'Doornhoek Homestead' at Zimanga with its own private pool and very comfortable air-conditioned 3 twin bed en-suite rooms and a single en-suite room. This 7 sleeper is situated on the western slopes of Zimanga and overlooks the reserve with the Lebombo mountains as a faraway backdrop.
Birding
Birding - otherwise known as avitourism or ornithological tourism - is one of the fastest-growing segments of the tourism market. And the province of KwaZulu Natal is no exception. It enriches the province's eco-tourism offering through a knowledgeable network of community-based birding guides who keep a watchful eye over the KZN Birding Route.
Birdwatching KZN South Coast, South Africa: Over 380 Bird Species
The KZN South Coast offers a variety of habitats from coastal and wetland environments to forest, woodland and grassland. The Afromontane forests and the rich subtropical forests overlap to give rise to diverse and unique birdlife, including over 380 bird species, including many rare bird species. Find the Cape Vulture and Knysna Woodpecker in ...
KZN Wildlife Tours
St Lucia & Cape Vidal - iSimangaliso Wetland ParkOvernight and Day Tours. This 96,000ha reserve complex is the oldest in Africa, established in 1895. As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world-renowned for its white rhino conservation. It is also famous for being the royal hunting grounds of past Zulu kings.
St Lucia Birding Tours
Passionate St Lucia Birding Tours bird guide Ian Ferreira has been guiding birding tours in St Lucia since 2013 and has an intimate knowledge of all birds occurring in the area and knows reliable spots to find most species. Whether you are a 'twitcher' hoping to add new bird species to your list, a photographer hoping to get excellent photos of ...
KwaZulu-Natal
There are local bird guides in the area, who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful, who can assist with tours further afield. Rustic and affordable, Toad Tree Cabins offer you a choice between en-suite wooden cabins or fully equipped self-catering brick cottages for couples or family groups.
St Lucia Birding Tours
St Lucia Birding Tours - Ian Ferreira, Saint Lucia Estuary, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa. 5,237 likes · 580 talking about this · 10 were here. All tours guided by your passionate and experienced...
Flock to the KZN South Coast to experience some of the best birding
This is one of the most scenic birding spots on the 24-kilometre stretch of gorge along the Mzimkulwana River. There have been more than 350 bird species recorded here, with guided tours arranged if required. Get to the gorge to check out the African broadbill, African finfoot, African wood owl, African pygmy kingfisher and Knysna turaco.
Mammal and Birding Tour South Africa: The Kalahari
This 16-day tour combined our Kalahari Mammal and Birding Tour with our Drakensberg and Zululand Mammal and Birding Tour. It was designed to include many diverse South African ecosystems from the seemingly desolate landscape of the Kalahari Desert in the west to the lush and biodiverse forests of KwaZulu-Natal in the east.
Aves Birding Tours
In Southern Africa, Aves Birding Tours offer unique tours which focus on important birding areas, day tours and customized tours in the rest of Africa. Our unique tours offer luxurious accommodation, a maximum of six birders per tour and an unrushed schedule. Please peruse our tours online or contact us on +27 21 674 0836 or +27 72 647 7904 .
South Africa Birding Day Tours
Our most popular day tours are those from Cape Town and Johannesburg/Pretoria, however we do also run tours from Durban, Port Elizabeth, the Garden Route and other places, when guides are available. Our 1-day South Africa birding tours cost R6,000 for one person, with an extra R500 per person if more than one participant.

KwaZulu-Natal

Birding KwaZulu-Natal

Creighton Valley

Supplementary Information - Johan van Tonder

BirdLife KZN Midlands

* Parks of KwaZulu-Natal

Welcome to Birdwatcher

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Olive Woodpecker Takes Up Residence in My Garden

The Fork-tailed Drongo: A Fascinating Bird Species

Pearl-spotted Owlet

BIRDING – A FEATHER IN THE CAP OF KZN TOURISM

The Rise and Rise of Aparthotels: Fad, Buzzword, or Booming Sector?

You have Successfully Subscribed!

St Lucia Birding Tours- Ian Ferreira

Similar Experiences

ST LUCIA BIRDING TOURS- IAN FERREIRA - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Bustards Birding Tours

3-Day Northern Zululand Birding Tour

CONTACT US FOR DEPARTURE DATES

Please note that we need a minimum of 4 persons for this tour to operate.

You May Also Like

Sani Pass Birding Tour from Underberg

Lesotho Overnight Tour From Durban - Mokhotlong

2-Day Zulu Safari Adventure from Durban

Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN - Photo & Wildlife Safari

Zimanga Photography – Designed for a Purpose

Lifetime Experiences

Zimanga Accommodation

Lodge Accommodation – Zimanga Reserve

Zimanga Hides

Staying at Zimanga Nature Reserve

Privately Guided Photo Safaris are also available:

Dates: Various

Zimanga Private Game Reserve in KZN – Photo & Wildlife Safari

Leading the Way

The Bushveld

Zimanga Wildlife Hides

At the End of the Day

ZIMANGA ITINERARY

Seasonal Activity Time Schedule Estimates

In Between Activities

Photo Workshops

COSTS & INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS FOR ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN KZN

Note: ALL-INCLUSIVE OPTION

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

SOUTH AFRICA

ZIMANGA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE IN KZN – GENERAL INFORMATION

Wild Dogs at Zimanga

All is Not Lost

OTHER GENERAL SAFARI INFORMATION

Rates at Zimanga include:

Additional Information

Please note the following important factors when deciding to visit the hides at Zimanga:

WHAT TO BRING ON SAFARI

LENS RECOMMENDATIONS

Recommended:

Zimanga – Wildlife Safari Video’s

Photo Gallery – Zimanga Wildlife Safari

Birding – a feather in the cap of KZN tourism

Higher spend

Zululand rich in potential

Spreading their wings across KZN

Massive development project in KZN

Minor’s Zambian value proposition

SA enhances global reputation – study

Latest feature - Tech revolutionises conservation

Niels Verspui

Global air passenger demand up 13.8% in March

Mara expects ‘excellent’ high season

Chinese market ‘not important’ for many

‘Indaba is 100% back’

Further investment expected for Moz tourism

Rural tourism and economic inclusivity boosted

Latest feature - Family villa provides more intimate experiences

Qatar Airways invests in African carriers

French company brings ultra-luxury to Africa

Rescued rhinos rewilded

KZN tourism industry ripe for investment

Rooibos tea brews tourism opportunities

Qatar Airways invests in African carriers