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Korongo Valley Guest Farm
skznbs 7.1
Categories: accommodation; guide; booking required
After moving to the farm, a little under a year ago, the owners Richard & Sue decided to rename the farm Bush Hill to Korongo which is Swahili for "Crowned Crane" as a result of experiencing the wonderful calls of the crowned crane in the early hours of the morning.
The Blue Swallow site on the farm has an interesting history. Korongo features the first ever man made Blue Swallow nesting site in KwaZulu-Natal . The holes were dug in 1992 and only in November 1994 did a pair of swallows begin building a nest in the Korongo hole. Since then at least 30 babies have fledged from this same hole which is still used today.
Indigenous plants and trees have been planted around the large garden with the intention of attracting bird life and other animals at Korongo. There are two small dams and a limited area of indigenous bush on the farm which attract and are home to various species.
Specials to look out for are Blue Swallow, Grey Crowned Crane, Red-chested Flufftail, Buff-spotted Flufftail, African Fish-Eagle and Red-headed Quelea.
Directions
From Ixopo take the R56 heading towards Kokstad. 4.7km from the Ixopo crossroads turn right at the top of the hill onto a dirt road. Continue over the "Paton's Country Railway line" for another 1/2km. Turn right again at the Korongo Valley sign board and continue for a further 1km until you reach the farm.
Additional Info
The site is accessible to day visitors by appointment. Toilet facilities are available. Trails accessing 39 hectares of bird walks are soon to be completed. An animal farm and playground for the children are also under construction. A lovely deck area which overlooks the garden and swimming pool will soon be completed, where Sunday lunches will be offered or the option of a picnic in the garden.
Habitats: Blue swallow nesting holes, two small dams & small patches of indigenous bush.
Contact
Richard & Sue
Owners
- Tel: +27 (0)39 834 1039
- E-mail: korongo@telkomsa.net