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Durban Bayhead
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Categories: roadside attraction; hide; trails

Durban 's natural bay was once a haven for water birds, with extensive mangroves around the edges and large expanses of swamps, where flocks of flamingos and pelicans were seen regularly. However, since the development of the harbour, its character has changed considerably and there is only one stand of mangroves remaining, which seems to be surviving the onslaught of industrialisation.

The natural heritage site is some 20 ha in extent, about 15 ha of which comprises mangrove swamps (the original extent of mangroves in the Bay was about 440 ha).

On entering the Bayhead mangrove swamps , organisms that particularly attract attention include mud-skipper fish Periophthalmus kalolo, as well as various species of crab, such as the fiddler crabs Uca spp and red mangrove crab Sesarma meinerti. The unbelievable plethora of crabs in the mangroves environment undoubtably explains the presence of the Mangrove Kingfisher in this area.

The mud flats attract thousands of Palearctic waders each summer, and pelicans, gulls and terns also occur in good numbers. For waterbird viewing from the hide, the best times are peak low tide and especially through an encroaching high tide when the birds are pushed up from the entire Bay to concentrate in front of the hide for a short period. Just before high tide, the flocks suddenly seem to disappear as they fly up to roost on the high artificial sand dune nearby. The flat top of this sandbank also attracts other unexpected species such as Familiar Chat and African Pipit.

African Fish-Eagle and Osprey are regularly seen here, while Lanner Falcons may often be seen roosting on the container cranes nearby.

In general, the best time to visit the site is between October and March. At any other time few waders are present. Early October can be particularly interesting as one may still see birds with remains of their breeding plumage.

Specials to look out for are Mangrove Kingfisher (Uncommon) , Pelicans, gulls and terns occur in good numbers , Familiar Chat , African Pipit , Osprey , Lanner Falcon and Goliath Heron.

Directions

From the city head south along Victoria Embankment, keeping right to follow the Maydon Wharf signs, and then bear left into Maydon Road . Continue along Maydon Road , which becomes Wisely Road for a short stretch, and then turn left into Bayhead Road after passing the dry dock on the left. Carry on until the Umbilo Canal is crossed, and then turn left into Langeberg Road . Proceed through the old customs gate and follow Langeberg Road across the railway bridge and then immediately turn left and follow the road for a short way until the entrance to the Natural Heritage Site is seen on the left. There is a fenced-in parking area, with a security guard, who you must sign in with.

NB: Major traffic congestion might be encountered on Bayhead Road during the normal working week, Monday-Friday. It might thus be advisable to try & plan visits to the site on weekends.

GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat:29°53.29' S
Lon:31°00.82' E

Additional Info

The site is accessible by day visitors and it is open from 6:00am to 18:00pm .

There are several information boards providing information on mangrove and inter-tidal habitats, and the birdlife present. There are two trails, one to a hide overlooking the tidal flats and the mangroves, and another going through the grasslands, with a side branch to a boardwalk through the mangroves.

The large, elevated and spacious hide on the edge of, and overlooking, the main tidal mudflat in front of the mangroves is one of the premier bird-watching sites in KwaZulu-Natal .

There is enough parking for up to 20 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Habitats: Tidal flats, mud flats, mangroves and grasslands

Contact

 
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