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Shongweni Resources Reserve
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Categories: accommodation; roadside attraction; picnic; trails; guide;

In July 1995, Giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis , Kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros , Burchell's Zebra Equus burchelli and Blue Wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus were introduced. Self-guided walking trails lead through the public areas while vehicle trails can be booked by visitors as they may not drive beyond the picnic sites. Wilderness trails are undertaken over the weekends. It is proposed that the SRR be developed into an important education centre.

The region first acquired its name from the characteristic conical hill, Ntshongweni, which lies between the junction of the Mlazi and Sterkspruit rivers. Within the bushveld vegetation of this reserve there exist three communities, corresponding to the geomorphology (land formation) and topography, namely plateau, slope and riverine wood land communities.

Within the main topographical types, various habitats are formed. The steep, maroon cliff faces along the river down from the dam wall consist of Natal Group Sandstone and offer a nesting site for the rare Black Stork. Other nesting inhabitants include Lanner Falcon, African Black Swift and Rock Martin . On the vertical rock faces along the roadside Cape Rock-Thrush, Mocking Cliff-Chat and Striped Pipit are often heard singing melodiously from their perches. At the base of the cliffs that rise precipitously from the water, White-backed Night Heron has been recorded breeding in the overhanging fig trees.

Carefully scan the open waters of the dam for rapidly flying White-throated Swallows. Frequently seen on the dam are numerous pairs of African Black Ducks. Usually these shy birds prefer secluded, wooded streams. In the vegetated wetlands along the shoreline, look out for Little Bittern, Black Crake and Common Moorhen.

This reserve boasts four resident large eagle species breeding within its boundaries. African Fish-Eagle is easy to recognise by the conspicuous white of its chest. Verreauxs' Eagles are frequently found soaring near the numerous cliff faces in the gorges. Sudden eruptions of protesting Hadedas from the forest certainly indicate the arrival of a African Crowned Eagle as it searches for an unsuspecting monkey. On rare occasions, a Martial Eagle may be seen; first as a speck in the sky but soon becoming clearer as it glides closer and closer, surveying the bushveld.

Thick riverine forest is a hideout of African Broadbill, which can be heard at sunrise. From the dense woody growth on the slopes, the Gorgeous Bush-Shrike is often heard calling throughout summer mornings. In summer, five species of cuckoo may be heard. It is suspected that in this reserve Red-chested Cuckoo parasitises Kurrichane and Olive Thrushes, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Red-capped Robin-Chat and Cape Wagtail , but not the Cape Robin-Chat as it is not present here in summer. Southern Boubous are the only hosts of Black Cuckoos, while Emerald Cuckoo is less common and the selected hosts are thought to be Green-backed Camaroptera and Ashy Flycatcher. Klaas's Cuckoo has a wide variety of hosts, including Bar-throated Apalis, Neddicky, Tawny-flanked Prinia and various species of flycatchers and sunbirds. The Diderick Cuckoo also parasitises a wide variety of species, such as African Paradise-Flycatcher, Southern Grey-headed Sparrow, the resident weavers, Red Bishop and Golden-breasted Bunting.

This reserve has a list of approximately 240 species and it is well recommended as a birding venue.

Specials to look out for are Black Stork, White-backed Night Heron , Mocking Cliff-Chat , African Broadbill, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike , Red-chested Cuckoo, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Red-capped Robin-Chat , Cape Wagtail , Southern Boubou , Emerald Cuckoo , Green-backed Camaroptera , Ashy Flycatcher , Klaas's Cuckoo , Bar-throated Apalis , Neddicky , Little Bittern , Martial Eagle , African Crowned Eagle , Verreauxs' Eagle , Striped Pipit and Lanner Falcon.

Directions

From the N3 Toll Road take the Shongweni/ Assagay off-ramp. Follow the Shongweni sign boards until you reach the gates.

GPS Coordinates (decimals)
Lat: 29°51.57' S
Lon: 30°43.80' E

Additional Info

The reserve is accessible by day visitors and a nominal entrance fee is charged at the main gate.

Please note the following gate times:
October - March ( 5:00am - 19:00pm )
April - September ( 6:00am - 18:00pm )

To cover the full extent of the Reserve during weekdays it is recommended that you call the day before your visit and arrange for a guide to accompany you. Marked trails lead through the reserve and there are also picnic sites.

There is safe parking and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.

Habitats: Riverine forest , a dam and sandstone cliff faces.

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