Giants Castle Nature Reserve

IBA – SA064 & SA078

Categories: accommodation; hide; trails; booking required

This spectacular reserve forms part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. The reserve offers birders very rewarding birding via several mountainous trails in a pristine natural setting. The reserve is also home to the world-famous vulture viewing hide.

Specials found at the site include Bearded Vulture, Verreauxs' Eagle, Cape Vulture, Ground Woodpecker, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Broad-tailed Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Drakensberg Prinia, Fairy Flycatcher, Red-winged Francolin, Blue Crane, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Sickle-winged Chat, Bush Blackcap, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Drakensberg Siskin.

Directions

From Durban

From the N3, just before the toll plaza take the Mooi River off ramp, at the Engen Garage turn right and follow the signs to Giants Castle . The distance from Mooi River is approximately 64kms. Motorists are advised to take care as there are potholes on this road

Alternatively, take the Nottingham Road/Mount West off ramp, travel through Nottingham Road to Rosetta and take the Kamberg turn off (on the left). Travel straight along this road to Giants Castle

From Johannesburg

From the N3 take the Estcourt North/Central Berg Resorts off ramp. Turn LEFT NB LEFT, to Estcourt. In Estcourt take the Ntabamhlope Road - which starts at the robot intersection of Connor and Lorne streets. Follow the signs to Giants Castle . The reserve is 65km from town.

Additional Information

There is a very well equipped rest camp, a small shop, campsite, hiking trails and the vulture hide. One can also view rock art and guided walks are offered. There is a restaurant on site.

Habitats: mountain streams, gorges and ravines lined with indigenous bush & forest, wetlands, grasslands, sandstones cliffs, basalt precipices and buttresses, protea savanna and Afro alpine heath land

Contact

Tel: +27(0) 33 845 1000 (bookings) or +27(0)36 353 3718 (vulture hide reservations).
Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
E-Mail: bookings@kznwildlife.com