KwaZulu Natal 12 Day Birding Tour - available on request
Limpopo Birding Tour - Dates below
Introduction
Tour available on request.
KWAZULU NATAL:
The
north-eastern part of KwaZulu Natal is one of the most species-rich
areas of South Africa with a tropical feel and spectacular birds. Lush
forests, marshes, freshwater lagoons, flooded grasslands, tidal
estuaries and acacia woodland support an excellent array of birds.
Specials of the area include Woodward's Barbet, Palmnut Vulture, African
Broadbill, Neergaard's Sunbird, Rudd's Apalis, Eastern Bronze-Naped
Pigeon, Livingstone's Turacos and Southern Banded Snake Eagle.
Birding facilities are exceptionally well developed in this region. The
Zululand Birding Route is centered on Eshowe - The Dlinza Forest in
Eshowe has a forest boardwalk that takes you into the canopy from where
you can observe species such as Grey Cuckooshrike, Crowned Eagle and
Spotted Ground Thrush.
Day 1
Durban/Amatikulu Nature Reserve / Eshowe /Richards Bay
Depart Durban for Richards Bay. Our first stop will be Amatikulu Nature Reserve. This reserve is small (2100 ha) and situated about 100km north of Durban. It is one of the few places in southern Africa where wildlife can be viewed feeding on forested dunes overlooking the sea. It occupies a narrow strip along the coast, reaching a maximum width of 3km and a length of 20km. Despite its size, the reserve contains many different habitats (including coastal, riparian and dune forest, grassland, lala palm bushveld, an estuary and a freshwater pan) the variety of which has resulted in a checklist of over 300 birds. The reserve lies at the confluence of the Amatikulu and Nyoni rivers, the latter running uniquely parallel to the Indian Ocean for about 8km. Specials include Black Coucal, Green Twinspot and Swamp Nightjar.
After our visit to Amatikulu we depart for the Dlinza forest aerial boardwalk in Eshowe. Eshowe, A place of diversity, is situated close to the capitals of the old Zulu kingdoms. In times gone by it was the colonial capital of Zululand, and it is steeped in Zulu and colonial history. Eshowe is situated around a 250 hectare indigenous coastal scarp forest, and offers a variety of attractions, the most striking being the majestic Dlinza forest itself, with hiking trails and picnic spots and the magnificent new Dlinza forest aerial boardwalk. The boardwalk, the first of its kind in Southern Africa and exclusive to Eshowe, is a 150 meter walkway built above the forest floor, which allows visitors to view flora, fauna and avifauna at a comfortable level. It ends with a 20 meter steel tower, offering dramatic views of both the forest canopy and surrounding countryside. Specials include the Spotted Ground Thrush, Narina Trogon, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Grey Cuckooshrike, African Crowned Eagle and Olive Bush-Shrike. After enjoying a light lunch we depart for Richards Bay. Dinner & overnight Richards Bay.
Day 2
Ongoye Forest /Mtunzini / Richards Bay / Southern Sanctuary / Thulasihleka Pan
After Breakfast we depart for Ongoye Forest. This beautiful remnant patch of coastal forest is interspersed with patches of rolling grasslands between granite outcrops, and lies along a ridge of hills that overlooks the Indian Ocean. Ongoye forest is also the only place to see the Green Barbet in Southern Africa - other specials of this forest include the Green Twinspot, Green Malkoha, Olive Woodpecker, Olive Bush-Shrike, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow streaked Greenbul and much more. We return via Mtunzini where we will be on the lookout for the Palmnut Vulture. Late afternoon visit to Thulasihleka Pan. Overnight in Richards Bay.
Day 3
Muzi Pans
Depart Richards Bay for Mkuze Game Reserve. En route we stop and explore Muzi Pans. Muzi swamps or pans are locally renowned for the abundance of waterbird species that occur here. The swamp is a typical coastal plain wetland with patches of sedge-marsh, open water, bare shores and some floating vegetation. Muzi pans are an excellent area to spot the elusive Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Lesser Jacana, African Openbill, Dwarf Bittern, Collared Pratincole and more. Dinner & overnight Mkuze Game Reserve.
Day 4
Mkuze Game Reserve
Today will be set aside discovering this premier birding destination. Mkhuze Game Reserve boasts one of South Africa’s highest checklists for a protected area with over 400 species recorded here. The reserve supports a wide diversity of eco-systems, which in turn supports a wide diversity of Fauna and Flora. The main habitats in this protected area include pans, swamps, Acacia thornveld, Sand Forest, Riverine Forest and open Woodland. The day will be spent visiting the numerous well situated hides within this reserve. Specials include Broad-Billed Roller, Stierling’s Wren-Warbler, Pink throated Twinspot, African Broadbill, African Barred Owlet, Retz’s Helmet-shrike, Crested Guinea fowl, Bearded Scrub-Robin, Green-capped Eremomela, Green Malkoha, Southern-banded Snake Eagle, Black Bellied Starling, African Hawk Eagle and much more. Overnight Mkuze Game Reserve.
Day 5
Tembe Elephant Park
After breakfast we depart for Tembe Elephant Park. Tembe is situated in the north-eastern region of KwaZulu Natal, adjoining the Mozambique border, and is 300 square kilometers in extent - making it the third largest game reserve in KwaZulu Natal. Apart from the “Big Five”, Tembe also supports a wide diversity of Fauna and Flora, including the rare and elusive Suni antelope. Tembe is a bird-watchers paradise, with more than 340 species recorded in the park – including the rare Rudd’s Apalis, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Pink-throated Twinspot, Rufous-bellied Heron, Natal Nightjar, Woodward’s Batis and Palmnut Vulture. We overnight at Tembe Lodge.
Day 6
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve is situated on the banks of the Phongola and Usutu river and lies adjacent to Mozambique on the northern coastal plain. Despite its relatively small size (about 9000 ha), Ndumo Game Reserve is one of the most attractive game reserves in southern Africa. Ndumo is arguably one of South Africa’s most productive birding areas, with well over 400 species being recorded here and several of them being at the southernmost limit of their range.
The straight boundaries of this reserve were arbitrarily drawn by cartographers in 1924, these erstwhile gentlemen being instructed by the then minister of lands, Deneys Reitz, to set aside land for a game sanctuary in the area. This was done initially to provide refuge for Hippo, and Ndumo is, at present, one of the few places in South Africa that can boast large numbers of these animals. Reitz had the foresight to realize that unless an area was set aside, little would be left for future generations of the rich animal kingdom that once characterized Maputaland. About a third of the reserve is covered by the Mahemane bush which was described by the great hunter and explorer, Frederick Courteney Selous as the thickest bush he had ever encountered in Africa.
We spend the day hunting for this reserves specials such as African Broadbill, Slaty Egret, Eastern Saw-Wing and African Skimmer to name but a few. Return late afternoon and overnight Tembe lodge.
Day 7
Ithala Game Reserve
After breakfast we depart for Ithala Game Reserve. Ithala overlooks the Phongolo river valley in the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu Natal, and offers a wildlife experience second to none.
Ithala’s most characteristic feature is perhaps its astonishing geological diversity. Some of the oldest rock formations in the world are found here, dating back 3000 million years. The topography varies from 400 meters above sea level in the north to 1450 meters above sea level in the south near Lowsburg. This gives rise to great diversity of habitats, fauna and flora. We set out and explore this fascinating reserve while keeping a lookout for Mountain Wagtail, Barrow’s Korhaan, Secretary Bird, Black-winged Lapwing, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Striped Pipit, Mocking Cliff-Chat, African Hawk-Eagle and more. Dinner and overnight Ntshondwe camp.
Day 8
Full day Ithala Game Reserve. Overnight Ntshondwe camp.
Day 9
Wakkerstroom
Early morning departure for Wakkerstroom. The Wakkerstroom area is famous among birders as the easiest area to find three highly endemic species restricted to South Africa’s high altitude grasslands - Rudd's Lark, Botha's Lark and Yellowbreasted Pipit. A total of 13 bird species are endemic or nearly so to South Africa’s Grassland Biome and nine of these, including Rudd's Lark, Botha's Lark and Yellowbreasted Pipit, plus Bald Ibis, Blue Korhaan, Eastern Longbilled Lark, Sentinel Rockthrush, Buffstreaked Chat and Spotted Prinia can easily be found here during a full day’s birding in summer. A second day could yield forest endemics such as Bush Blackcap and Chorister Robin. Add to these another 33 Southern African endemics or near-endemics and it is easy to see why the area is a magnet for foreign as well as South African birders. Habitats range from open grassland to mist belt forest, gorges and cliffs, with extensive wetland habitat in the form of vleis, pans and dams. Overnight Wakkerstroom.
Day 10
Full day birding
Wakkerstroom and surrounds.
Day 11
Drakensberg
Early morning departure for the Northern Drakensberg. Soaring peaks and
steep-sided rocky gorges form a jagged mountain barrier that spawns a
mosaic of high altitude wetlands. From mountain tarns to marshes and an
intricate network of streams and rivers; this pristine environment
supports a wealth of endemic plant, animal and bird species; including
the rare and threatened wattle crane and the bearded vulture, or
lammergeyer. But the mountains are not where the birding ends in the
region –due to the broad variety of habitat there is a remarkable
diversity of species, with the total current count exceeding 400
species. Overnight The Cavern Mountain Resort.
Day 12
Drakensberg/Durban
After breakfast and a short morning stroll we depart for Durban.
Tour Ends
KwaZulu Natal 12 day Birding Tour Information Sheet
Dates
Dates and Prices on request.
Departure times
Morning departures from Durban International Airport. Should you require assistance with accommodation bookings in Durban please contact our office.
Rate is inclusive of the following
v All travel and transfer costs
v All accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis
v Lunches on days 2, 3, 5 and 6
v Qualified driver/guides
v Specialist birding guides at all sites
v All travel in luxury, air-conditioned vehicles
v Full public and passenger liability insurance
Items to remember
v Cool, comfortable clothing for those hot Zululand days
v Warm jackets and jerseys
v Raincoat
v Hat
v Sunglasses
v Sunscreen/Suntan lotion
v Torch (Headlamps such as Petzl’s are ideal)
v Camera with sufficient film/memory and spare batteries
v Insect repellent
v Comfortable walking shoes/boots
v Sandals
v Towels
v Binoculars (good quality binoculars are highly advisable)
v Reference/Bird books
v Items of a personal nature
Important information
v Some of the areas that we will be visiting are known to be low to medium risk Malaria areas, please consult your GP prior to departing on this tour.
v Please let us know well in advance should you have any special dietary requirements or if you have any medical conditions that we should be made aware of.
v Although this is not a walking or trekking tour a certain level of fitness is required in order to access certain areas listed in this tour.
v Birdlife South Africa site guides are utilized wherever possible – this is done in order to maximize our species count, as the guides know the area and birdlife of the areas intimately.
Please note that a DVD and photographic CD will be made of each tour containing +- 300 pictures
Should you require any further information, please contact us at:
Tel – 035 7533677
Fax – 035 7535875
Introduction
Day 1 - Nylsvley
Depart Johannesburg for Nylsvley Nature Reserve. The key attraction of this Nature Reserve is the spectacular Nylsvley floodplain when it is in flood. This 16 000 hectare floodplain, which floods every 3 to 4 years, has been registered as a RAMSAR site due to the importance it has for waterfowl in South Africa. Of the 365 bird species recorded in the Nylsvley area, 104 are water birds and, of those, 87 breed here in the wet years.
Specials to look out for include Little; Dwarf and Eurasian Bittern, 15 species of duck and goose, Allen’s Gallinule, Lesser Moorhen as well as seven species of Crake and Rail, to mention a few. Besides the waterbirds, the bushveld surrounding the Nylsvley also offers great birding, with 8 species of Owl being recorded and a chance of seeing the spectacular Orange-breasted Bushshrike and Crimson-breasted Shrike amongst the 200 other bushveld species found here.
Overnight Dinonyani Lodge. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 2 – Nylsvley to Polokwane Nature Reserve
Morning birding excursion at Nylsvley nature reserve before returning to Dinonyane Lodge for breakfast.
After breakfast depart for Polokwane (Pietersburg). The afternoon will be spent birding the Polokwane Nature Reserve. Although this reserve is best known as the most reliable site for the isolated eastern population of the Short-clawed Lark, it also provides excellent bushveld, thornveld and grassveld birding. The extensive road network, walking trails and bird hides expose the visitor to a variety of habitats, which hold over 300 bird species. Localized species found here include: Northern Black Korhaan, Shelley´s Francolin, Double-banded Courser, Burchell´s Sandgrouse, Bushveld Pipit, Great Sparrow, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, African Wren-Warbler and Tinkling Cisticola. Raptors are also well represented here with African Hawk-Eagle, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Secretary Bird, Wahlberg´s Eagle, Greater Kestrel and Gabar Goshawk all of which breed in the reserve.
Overnight The Ranch Hotel (Dinner, bed and breakfast).
Day 3 – Polokwane Nature Reserve to Mapungubwe
The early morning will be spent birding the Polokwane Nature Reserve, (packed breakfast will be enjoyed in the reserve) before departing for Mapungubwe National Park. We will base ourselves for the next 2 days at Mopane Bush Lodge, which is only 2 km’s from the Mapungubwe National Park’s gate.
The afternoon will be spent birding this fascinating area. Overnight Mopane Bush Lodge.
Day 4 – Mapungubwe National Park and surrounds
Today will be set aside birding and exploring the Mapungubwe National Park and the Den Staat Wetlands. The abundance of birdlife in this area is quite spectacular and there are lots of specials to find. Two large hides have been built, one in bushveld habitat and one on the Limpopo River. A Tree Top walkway through the forest canopy on the banks of the Limpopo River has also been developed especially for bird watching. All hides are wheelchair-friendly. The other attraction of the park is the great number and variety of archaeological sites. These date from early Stone Age and Iron Age to the present. The most notable of the sites is Mapungubwe Hill. The artefacts found on these sites reflect one of the most complex social and political entities in Africa during the 8th and 9th Centuries.
Because of its new status, the park is relatively unexplored bird wise and with its proximity to Botswana and Zimbabwe , all sorts of species could turn up.
Along the Limpopo specials for South Africa such as Meve’s (Longtailed) Starling, Tropical Boubou and the reclusive Pel’s Fishing Owl should be searched for (one of the local farmers reportedly has one nesting in the yard of his house). There is a high density of Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle in this craggy landscape and other raptors are also prominent.
Particularly enticing is an abundance of cuckoo species in summer with up to eleven different species being found, including the rarer Common and Thickbilled Cuckoos.
A list of over 400 species for the area is purported. An interesting attraction of the park is the occurrence of species typical of the arid western regions of the country (e.g. Southern Pied Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Black-faced (Black-cheeked) Waxbill) occur alongside species associated with the moister Lowveld habitat of the Kruger National Park.
At Leokwe Camp Verreaux’s (Black) Eagle nest on the cliff face above the reception block.
The most prominent bird is probably the Cinnamon-breasted (Rock) Bunting, but other species associated with bush and rocky environments are common too. Blue Waxbill and Black-backed Puffback are also particularly common. Other specials that one should look out for include Great White Pelican, White-backed Night Heron, Bat Hawk, Augur Buz za rd, African Hobby, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Green Sandpiper, Three-banded Courser, Blue-spotted Wood Dove, Grey-headed Parrot, Senegal Coucal, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Broad-billed and Racket-tailed Roller, African Golden Oriole, Olive-tree Warbler and who knows what else.
Overnight Mopane Bush Lodge. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 5 – Mapungubwe to Kruger National Park
Early morning departure for the Kruger National Park. After entering Kruger Park at Pafuri Gate we proceed to Pafuri picnic site and bird this excellent area. The reason that this area has such good bird specials is because of its proximity to the Mozambique coast and the Limpopo River that acts as a migration corridor to birds normally found further east and north.
Our overnight accommodation is the historical colonial style Teba Pafuri camp which was built in the early 1900s as ranger’s and mine worker recruiting officer’s houses. Situated within the Kruger National Park, it offers early access to the Luvuhu and Limpopo riverine forests for bird and game watching, with Thulamela archaeological sight nearby.
300+ Birds have been spotted in the Pafuri area of which many have been sighted in the Teba Pafuri camp.
Specials include African Cuckoo Hawk, Pel’s Fishing-Owl, Bohm´s Spinetail, Trumpeter Hornbill, White-crowned Lapwing, Tropical Boubou, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Crested Guineafowl, Crowned Hornbill, Meve’s Starling, Yellowspotted Nicator and Bearded Scrub-Robin.
Overnight Teba Pafuri Camp. (Dinner and brunch)
Day 6 – Kruger National Park
Morning excursion birding the surrounding area before departing for Punda Maria camp. Punda Maria Camp lies in an area of fascinating history and unsurpassed bird watching. It also recognized as the best region inside the Park in which to spot the often shy Nyala Antelope.
The Mahonie Loop, (the 25 kilometres circular drive around the camp) is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding birding drives.
On a good day one could record several of the
following 'specials': Whitebreasted Cuckooshrike, Crowned hornbill,
Chestnutbellied (Greyhooded) Kingfisher, Crested Guineafowl, Gorgeous
Bush Shrike, African and European Golden Oriole (both summer),
Yellowspotted Nicator, Stierling's Barred Warbler and Dickinson's
Kestrel.
Narina Trogon has also been recorded on the
loop, but is shy and elusive. On the drive from Punda Maria to Pafuri
via the Klopperfontein Dam, Rackettailed Roller and Mashona
Hyliota have been recorded. This is also one of the best areas to
search for Yellowbilled Oxpecker - this species was absent in the
Kruger National Park for many years, but returned in the 1980s and their
numbers are still increasing.
Buffalo are the preferred hosts.
Overnight Punda Maria camp. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 7- Kruger National Park
Full day birding the Punda Maria area. Overnight Punda Maria camp. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 8 – Kruger National Park to Shiluvari
Morning departure through Thohoyandou for the Elim area. Our accommodation for tonight is Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge - set against a backdrop of mountains and forests, ancient ruins and sacred lakes, Shiluvari welcomes you to the warm heart of ancient Venda. Situated on the banks of the Albasini Dam overlooking the Luonde Mountains Shiluvari is the ideal place from which to explore this “Land of Legends”. Excellent birding on-site includes 8 different Heron species including Black-crowned Night Heron and White-backed Night-Heron. African Finfoot and Osprey (summer months) are commonly seen on the dam, Buff-spotted Flufftail is heard and occasionally Grey-headed Kingfisher and Honey Buzzard are seen. Shiluvari specialises in birding and offers guided trips into Afro-temperate Forest, Lowveld Riverine Forest and Miombo Woodland. On these outings specials are Arnot´s Chat, Bat Hawk and Pel´s Fishing-Owl. Shiluvari´s cool, thatched chalets overlook the dam and mountains.
Overnight Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 9 – Shiluvari and surrounds
Full day birding in the area. Overnight Shiluvari Lakeside Lodge. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 10 – Shiluvari to Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge
Depart after breakfast for the Magoebaskloof area. The Magoebaskloof area is a picturesque mountainous region speckled with pristine Afromontane forest patches. Spectacular forests play host to a number of southern Africa's forest specials making the area a very worthwhile birding destination. Two of the most worthwhile forests in the area are the enormous Woodbush and the small Swartbos Forests. Woodbush is probably the best place in South Africa to see the Black-fronted Bush-Shrike.
We overnight at Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge. Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge in Limpopo Province, South Africa is near Magoebaskloof and Polokwane. This eco-lodge offers beauty in nature, peace and tranquility, close to birds and animals.
Overnight Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 11 – Kurisa Moya/Magoebas Kloof and surrounds
Full day birding in the area. Specials to look out for are Cape Parrot, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Orange Ground-Thrush, Buff-spotted Flufftail. African Olive-Pigeon, Tambourine Dove, Lemon Dove, Black Cuckoo, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike and Green Twinspot.
Overnight Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge. (Dinner, bed and breakfast)
Day 12 – Kurisa Moya and Magoebaskloof to Johannesburg
Morning departure for Johannesburg.
Tour
Ends
Tour Details and Booking Information
Dates :
19 - 30 January 2009
09 - 20 March 2009
Price :
R 9 450.00 per person.
Rate is inclusive of the following :
- All travel and transfer costs
- All accommodation on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis (lunches for your own account)
- Qualified driver/guides
- Specialist birding guides at all sites
- All travel in luxury, air-conditioned vehicles
- Full public and passenger liability insurance
Please note that a DVD and photographic CD will be made of each tour containing +- 500 pictures. These DVD/CD sets are available post tour at R80.00 per set excluding postage costs.
Should you require any further information, please contact us at :
Tel – 035 7533677
Fax – 035 7535875