community bird guides
The Southern KZN Birding Route has a network of local guides at some of the birding sites around Southern KZN. As part of our community development plan more guides are currently being trained and they will soon be ready to participate in this great adventure. The guides are affordable and make great companions for your birding trips. Not only do they know the area but they can also provide you with improved security and valuable information about where those special and elusive bird species may be found. The local guides will also introduce you to the fascinating world of ethnic South African culture and provide whole new insights into the natural world.
By making use of guides you are not only supporting the guides themselves but you are also supporting conservation and the local people of the region.
The Southern KZN guides are also closely involved in a variety of education and awareness projects, many of which could make a fascinating addition to your trip.
Guides are available for most of the Southern KZN routes.
It is important to book the local bird guide at least 3 days before your self drive birding tour. Birding tours can vary in length from 1 up to 5 days.
Please note that although many of the Southern KZN Birding Route community bird guides are still trainee guides. However many of them are extremely capable and are most definitely worth employing if you would like to improve your chances of finding the birds you are looking for. Remember that every time you employ a community bird guide you are supporting a very important conservation initiative and you are helping to sustain a family.
Should you wish to know more about a particular guide's skill level please feel free to contact the Southern KZN Birding Route Project Manager on 082 325 3514 or email skzn@birdlife.org.za . We would also appreciate any comments you may have about any of our guides. Your feedback is very important to the development process.
Thanks for your support and we hope you enjoy birding with our team!
Local Guides
| Guide Name | Contact Number | Area | Volunteer Mentor |
| Mpendulo Innocent Mzindle | +27 (0)73 893 0241 | Umtamvuna NR & Oribi Gorge | Mike Croeser |
| Richard Jabulani | +27 (0)73 043 5692 | Umtamvuna NR & Oribi Gorge | Mike Croeser |
| Hlengiwe Grace Ndebele | +27 (0)33 330 2992 | Karkloof Conservation Centre (KCC) | Eve Huges |
| Daluxolo Ngcobo | +27 (0)83 512 9734 | Ntsikeni NR | Malcolm Gemmel |
| Simphiwe Dumakude | +27 (0)73 543 8545 | Marutswa Forest Boardwalk | Trish Strachan |
| Enoch Shezi | +27 (0)72 816 3089 | Gqumeni Forest | Malcolm Gemmel |
| Highover Wildlife Sanctuary | +27 (0)33 212 3171 | Highover Wildlife Sanctuary | Dave Edwards |
| Maxwell Mngadi | +27 (0)76 925 7144 | Shongweni Resources Reserve | Sarah Burns & Sally Horne |
| Elton Mnganyi | +27 (0)72 311 0070 | Shongweni Resources Reserve | Sarah Burns & Sally Horne |
| Lindelani Zuke | +27 (0)72 899 0291 | Umgeni River, Pigeon Valley, Botanic Gardens, Burman Bush | Crispin Hempson |
Other Guides:
Trish Strachan
Qualification TGD/NatSGD/2/0029 SOUTHERN KZN BIRDING SITES
- Tel: +093 8350086
- Cell: 082 411 2708
- E-mail: rydal@futurenet.co.za
Jeremy Exelby - Nature Guide (mountain walking, plants and birds)
Registered Tour Guide
- Tel: +27 (0)74 112 3490
- E-mail: Jeremy@premieronline.co.za
Stuart McLean
Registration Number: KZN 0226
Specialising in: Birds and San/Bushman Rock Art
- Tel: +27 (0)33 702 0203
- Cellular: +27 (0)82 742 6981
- E-mail: mclean@sai.co.za