birder friendly establishments

An integral part of the Mpumalanga Birding Route is partnerships with accommodation establishments. Global trends in ecotourism have indicated a willingness from tourists to support establishments that undertake activities that are in line with the principles of responsible tourism. BirdLife South Africa has undertaken to ensure that all the accommodation establishments that they support operate in an environmentally and social sustainable manner in line with the mission statement of BirdLife South Africa.
By displaying the BirdLife South Africa's Birder Friendly" branding, establishments are easily recognized by birders. Their commitment demonstrates that they are committed to catering to the needs of birders, whilst contributing to the conservation of wild birds and their habitats in South Africa.
All accommodation establishments along the Mpumalanga Birding Route are registered as "Birder Friendly" and are members of BirdLife South Africa.
Barberton
| Aloe Ridge Guest Farm | More info | Website | |
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On Aloe Ridge we have a mix of Bush (Sourveld) and rocky ridges with the previously arable land we are rehabilitating providing grassland with scattered trees. The farm is some 66 Ha and borders on the Suid Kaap River. | ||
Hazyview
| Clivia Stream Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Clivia Stream lodge, owner run and situated on a litchi farm in the beautiful Sabie valley, is an ideal base for a weekend, or even a week's birding. The lodge is very small and consists of a self catering house which sleeps six, and a honeymoon unit, (which does not offer self catering). | ||
| Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort | More info | Website | |
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Situated on the banks of the picturesque Sabie River, amongst indigenous forest with abundant bird life and a vareity of walks, the Sabi River Sun Lifestyle Resort is just a short hop to the Phabeni, Numbi and Kruger gates into the Kruger National Park. | ||
Malelane
| Serenity Forest Eco Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Serenity Forest Eco Reserve is situated outside the town of Malelane, just 19km from the famous Kruger National Park. Serenity is situated in a biodiverse ecosystem. Some of the forest trees date back more than 1000 years and with that comes an abundance of bird species, butterflies, orchids and dragonflies. | ||
Nelspruit
| Eco-Eden Bush Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Eco-Eden Bush Lodge is situated in the heart of the Croc River Mountain Conservancy. This registered nature conservancy is located in the Krokodilpoort mountain range, immediately south from the Kruger National Park. The conservancy boasts the oldest granite outcrops on planet Earth and a substantial number of wildlife species still roam free in this wilderness area. More than 100 bird species occur in abundance in the area. Nelspruit is a mere 15 km away on the N4/Maputo Corridor. | ||
| Tomjachu Bush Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Tomjachu is an exclusive private estate in approximately 1000 acres of mountain bushveld. The Lodge is surrounded by beautiful gardens and with breathtaking views across the Bekker Mountains. | ||
Piet Retief
| Dusk to Dawn | More info | Website | |
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Dusk to Dawn is a spacious country house in the most southern tip of Mpumalanga. It is situated on the N2, 35km south of Piet Retief and 65km north of Pongola. It is a welcoming half-way stop for tourists en route on the N2 from the Kruger National Park or Gauteng to the Kwa-Zulu Natal North Coast or vice versa. | ||
Pilgrim's Rest
| Forever Resorts Mount Sheba | More info | Website | |
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Forever Resorts Mount Sheba is situated in the rain forest near the famous town of Pilgrim's Rest in Mpumalanga. Well appointed rooms, gourmet meals, and log fires give a magical feel to Mount Sheba. A blanket of mist usually enfolds the property in the morning and it is not unusual to experience all four seasons in one day. | ||
Sabie
| Porcupine Ridge Guest House | More info | Website | |
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Porcupine Ridge is an oasis of peace, tucked away in the mountains 5km from Sabie village. Expect a warm friendly welcome from fellow birders, Janet & John, at their beautifully renovated four star guest house combining old world charm with modern comforts. | ||
Schoemanskloof
| Old Joe's Kaia | More info | Website | |
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Old Joe's Kaia is a unique small family-owned guesthouse situated in the magnificent Schoemanskloof Valley. It is well known for its excellent cuisine, relaxed homely atmosphere and personal service, with a swimming pool, prolific birding and exhilarating walks. Experience harmony and tranquility at Old Joe's. It is ideally situated as the perfect stopover en route from Gauteng to the Kruger National Park. | ||
Skukuza
| Tinga Private Game Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Tinga Private Game Lodge is situated on the banks of the Sabie River, in a prime game-viewing area of the Kruger National Park. Tinga has an exclusive 5000 hectare concession within this area, where guests can view wildlife on safari's or bush walks, accompanied by SANParks-accredited guides. | ||
Wakkerstroom
| BirdLife South Africa Wakkerstroom Centre | More info | |
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A visit to Wakkerstroom, in the company of a BirdLife South Africa trained guide, will almost guarantee you the opportunity to see three endemic species which are restricted to Southern Africa's high altitude grasslands – Rudd's Lark, Botha's Lark and Yellowbreasted Pipit. Other specials include Blue Korhaan and Southern Bald Ibis. | ||
| Gables Guest House | More info | Website | |
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The Gables Guest House is one of the finest accommodation establishments in the village of Wakkerstroom, with special emphasis on providing information on birding destinations. Your host Bronwen Mellor Davidson is one the leading bird artists in South Africa, offering advice on birding. | ||
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Wakkerstroom Country Inn | More info | Website |
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Situated on the square in the heart of the village, the Wakkerstroom Country Inn is an ideal base from which to explore the village and the picturesque surroundings of Wakkerstroom. | ||
| Wetlands Country House & Sheds | More info | Website | |
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The Wetlands Country House & Sheds is set on six hectares of breathtaking grasslands and wetlands, within 100 metres of Martins Dam which feed the river that forms the boundary to the property. | ||
White River
| Heuglins Lodge | More info | Website | |
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Heuglins on Winmarleigh Farm is a small guest house just outside White River in Mpumalanga. The guest house offers B&B facilities close to many amenities whilst retaining a historic, country atmosphere within a secure, well-wooded area. | ||
