Birding Sites

Lower Drakensberg Foothills

The Lower Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route lies inland and to the South West of the Southern Kwazulu-Natal Birding Route . Once again the source of this route is found in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site at the majestic Sani Pass where birders get the unique opportunity to view birds in a rugged and stunningly beautiful environment, consisting of five different habitats and ranging in height from 1600m to 3200m. The heart of this route lies in the lowlands below the Sani Pass where you will find beautiful nature reserves and large tracts of pristine mist belt forest and grassland. The Lower Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route is also home to the exciting new Marutswa Forest Boardwalk on the outskirts of the quaint country village of Bulwer . This section of the route holds an amazing aray array of highly sought after endemic species such as Drakensberg Siskin, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Gurney's Sugarbird and Cape Vulture.

	Marutswa Forest
	The Marutswa Forest Trail & Boardwalk, located close to the quaint country village of Bulwer is a joint initiative between the Bulwer Biosphere and the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership. BirdLife South Africa and the Southern KZN Birding Route have incorporated the site into the route.

	Sani Pass & The Cobham Section of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
	Specials to look out for Bush Blackcap, Barratt's Warbler, Drakensberg Siskin, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Gurney's Sugarbird, Fairy Flycatcher, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Cape Vulture , Bearded Vulture, Mountain & African Rock-Pipits, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Grey Tit.

	Gqumeni Forest
	This is a spectacular and easily accessible mist-belt forest, 2 km west of Donnybrook. It is one of the larger indigenous forests in the region at 380ha. Unlike many in Southern KZN , this forest has survived the ravages of Yellowwood exploitation, and has successfully thwarted invading exotics like Spruce and Pine.

	Highover Wildlife Sanctuary
	Highover Wildlife Sanctuary consists of 3000 ha of spectacular scenery which spans the Mkomazi River in the area known as the Hella Hella. A variety of habitats from savannah, mist-belt forests, mist-belt grasslands to valley thicket support 240 + bird species.

Sisonke Central Route

In 1982 Malcolm discovered Black-rumped Buttonquail on his farm and built a birding business with that bird as his logo. He is based in the homestead on the original farm, 1km west of Creighton, which now serves as Smithfield Guest House. The area constitutes at least four distinct bird habitats such as dry river valley, grassland, Mist-belt forest and alpine slope, supporting in excess of 300 species and nearly 40 highly sought-after endemics. The Guest House accommodates 12. Malcolm is a registered guide.

	Korongo Valley Guest Farm
	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.

Sutherland Farm

The two pristine garden areas have an abundance of birdlife including African Green Pigeon, Violet-backed Starling, Double-collared Sunbird and Red-throated Wryneck. Kikuyu paddocks with Black-headed Herons, Blacksmith Lapwing, Southern Ground-Hornbill and more. The eleven dams and surrounding wetlands on the farms are teeming with South African Shelduck, Red-billed teal, Grey Crowned Cranes, African Marsh-Harrier, African Fish-Eagle (breeding pair) and African Snipe.

	Springbrook Farm
	Springbrook is an 1100ha dairy farm in the Highflats district. It is mainly mist-belt grassveld with five dams, surrounded by protected wetlands. All the pastures are planted zero till and eco friendly farming practices make this an ideal environment for birds. Natural corridors are left between pastures and hay making, for birds and animals.

Ntsikeni Nature Reserve

Ntsikeni Vlei is central to a 9000ha nature reserve declared in 1997 with a 1200ha central wetland. It is surrounded by mountains and pristine grasslands. Being high altitude the 1800m A.M.S.L wetland climatic conditions are cool to cold. The wetlands are an important breeding site for a number of highly sought after specials eg Wattled Crane and Eurasian Bittern. The surrounding mountains host breeding colonies for Cape Vulture and Verreuxs' Eagle. Fauna and Flora are of outstanding significance. Spring flowers and orchids can be viewed in late spring and summer respectively. The pink expanses of Satyrium hallekei flowering in the vlei are a spectacular sight.

Franklin Vlei

The Franklin Vlei is situated in the East Griqualand plains in the south-western corner of KwaZulu-Natal . The wetlands cover 5 244 ha in the upper reaches of the Mzintlava catchment. It is easily accessible via a network of district roads which cross the vlei at various points. The head of the vlei lies at an altitude of 1 585m and extends in a south-easterly direction towards its outlet at 1 498m. The vlei is surrounded by highland sourveld, and is dominated by reeds, robust sedges and bulrushes.

Sisonke Southern Route

East Griqualand, comprising Matatiele Commonage and Mountain Lake, Queen's Mercy Wetlands & Cedarville Flats. Matatiele is the most westerly town in southern KZN , flanked by the Drakensberg to the north and high-lying ground due south, rising to 2000m a.s.l. Most of the site is pure grassland, holding some extremely interesting and rare high-altitude grassland birds such as Rudds Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Short-tailed Pipit, African Rock Pipit and Mountain Pipit, as well as Cape Eagle Owl and Drakensberg Rock-jumper. Queen's Mercy has a good representation of water fowl and rails. The Cedarville Flats carries a stunning number of duck, geese and cranes (Blue, Grey Crowned and Wattled)

Durban and Surrounds

The eThekwini Metropolitan Area (Durban) is a major harbor city situated on the east coast of South Africa, and offers a variety of prime briding spots and a species list in excess of 400. These spots cover such habitats as coastal lowland forest, wetlands (both fresh water and estuarine), coastal scarp forests, grasslands and bushveld.

In addition, the eThewkini Natural Science Museum has world-class ornitholigical displays and collections. Durban is well known for it variety of waders and marine species, often turning up rarities such as Black-headed Gull.

	Tala Game Reserve
	Tala Game Ranch comprises 3 200ha and is located in an area called Tala Valley. This valley is a section of the Mlazi River System. The ranch was purchased in 1988 by Mr Stuart Hilcove. It was initially a cattle ranch which has been turned into a game ranch

Shongweni Resources Reserve

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.

	Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
	Krantzkloof is a large and well-known reserve west of Durban in the suburb of Kloof, named after the deep gorges formed by the Molweni and Nqutu Rivers . It covers about 600 ha and rises in altitude from 140 m above sea level in the east to almost 500 m above sea level at the crests of the ridges.

New Germany Nature Reserve

New Germany Nature Reserve forms part of the extensive New Germany Commonage, which has a long and chequered history, starting with the establishment of the farm Clermont in 1848. There has been much discussion about the status of various sections of the area, and this resulted in the formation of the New Germany Nature Reserve in 1986, consisting of two parts: the Nature Park on the north side of Mountain Ridge Road , and the Nature Reserve on the south side.

	Palmiet Nature Reserve
	Palmiet Nature Reserve in Westville is situated along the gorge of the Palmiet River named after the Palmiet Reed Prionium serratum which once grew extensively along the river. The reserve was established in 1972 as a result of a wish by the local residents to preserve some of the beautiful valley before it was taken over by housing development.

	Umgeni River
	The Umgeni River estuary and its associated mangroves provide a rich and important feeding ground for numerous waterbirds in the middle of Durban . The northern bank has been developed by the Parks Department of the eThekwini Municipal council and lay-bys have been provided along Riverside Road for birders to park and look over the river to observe the birds present.

Beachwood Mangroves

The area is controlled by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and a hide and resource centre have been set up near the mangroves. Several short walks lead through the mangrove system with its delicately balanced ecology and a bridge connects this path to the sand dunes which is an equally fragile system, full of interesting plant and animal life. The valley behind the pioneer dune is one of the easiest places to find Square-tailed Nightjar, although it is difficult to see when roosting on the sand below a bush during the day.

Durban Botanic Gardens

This park-like garden of 50 ha lies at the base of the Berea between St Thomas and Sydenham Roads and can be entered from either of these roads. Worthy of mention is the peace and beauty of these gardens with sunny lawns, huge trees creating coolness, shade and atmosphere, colourful plants and trees from around the world. Additional to this is the small lake fringed with interesting plants such as Papyrus, the Ornamental Banana, Raffia palms and other trees.

Umhlanga River and Lagoon

Umhlanga Lagoon is a relatively unspoilt estuary at the northern end of Umhlanga Rocks. From the parking area a trail leads through the Typha beds towards the staff quarters where it divides. The right hand path goes up the primary dune and follows its crest along toward the mouth and trough a magnificent dune forest of Milkwoods . Near the end a path leads down to the beach where one walks to the lagoon.

Mount Moreland Viewing Site

Lake Victoria Wetland, at the foot of the village of Mount Moreland, is the biggest roost site for Barn (European) Swallows visiting South Africa during summer. From their arrival in mid-October to their departure in mid-April, it is sometimes possible to witness up to 3 million of these tiny migratory birds an evening from the special viewing site in Mount Moreland . The swallows gather together about half an hour before sunset, and provide a soul-stirring sight as they fly in their vast numbers over the Lake Victoria Wetlands.

	Pigeon Valley Nature Reserve
	This small nature reserve is named after Bronze-naped (Delegorgue's) Pigeon, which was first collected here and described by Delegorgue in 1847. Unfortunately, the bird has long since disappeared from this area. Pigeon Valley is a 10 hectare remnant of the once extensive Stella Bush which covered a large part of the Berea .

	Durban Bayhead
	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.

	Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve
	This well-known and popular reserve of 253 hectares is situated adjacent to Yellow wood Park in the southern suburbs of Durban. A visit to this reserve is highly recommended for any visitor who is interested in natural history. Specials to look out for are Yellow-throated Longclaw, Lemon Dove, Mountain Wagtail, Spotted Ground-Thrush, African Crowned Eagle and White-eared Barbet.

	Bluff Nature Reserve
	Bluff Nature Reserve was proclaimed in 1961, making it Durban's oldest bird sanctuary. It is situated in Tara Road in the Bluff area near to the Engen oil refinery. The original extensive wetland area was split in two by the construction of Tara Road , with the majority of the vlei being to the east of the road.

	Umbogavango Nature Reserve
	This site was established at the site of the storm water trap dams serving the AECI industrial site at Umbogintwini. These dams collect all storm water and run off from the factory site in order to prevent any pollution of the Amanzintoti River . These shallow dams are high in nutrients and consequently support many waterfowl, especially in summer.

South Coast

The South Coast Birding Route comprises of a variety of habitats from coastal and wetland environments to forest, woodland and grassland. Above all it is the forest birding to be had here that is unparalleled. Southern Africa has two distinct forest avifaunas, namely the Afromontane forests and the rich tropical forest community that extends down the coast. It is only in the region of the South Coast Birding Route that these two diverse forest assemblages overlap and for this reason birding in this area is extremely profitable. Specials including the northern most population of Knysna Woodpecker and other highly sought after species such as Magpie Mannikin and African Broadbill.

Empisini Nature Reserve

Empisini Nature Reserve is a delightful birding spot established in 1973. It is owned by the borough of uMkhomanzi/ Umkomaas TLC and is managed by the Umkomaas Centre of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa. It is 120ha in extent. 'Empisini' means 'the place of the hyena' and is the name of the perennial stream that flows through the reserve and into the uMhkomazi River . The reserve is about 1km from the coast just inland of Umkomaas town.

T.C. Robertson Nature Reserve

T.C.Robertson Nature Reserve is situated on the outskirts of the coastal town of Scottburgh on the south bank of the Mpambanyoni River close to its mouth. It is about 60ha in extent and was established in 1989. It is named after the famous author, ecologist and conservationist Dr. Thomas Chalmers Robertson, who lived the past 16 years of his life in Scottburgh. The reserve is part of the townlands of Scottburgh.

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal . It preserves a magnificent stretch of coastal grassland and coastal forest. The reserve was named after a distinguished local sugar baron and it is under the control of KZN Wildlife. It covers 2189 ha and was established in January 1973. At its closest point, the reserve is about 13km inland from the coast. Its altitude ranges between about 150 m above sea level, in the lowest river valleys in the south of the reserve, up to 610 m in the north.

	Umdoni Park
	The outstanding forest birding on offer at Umdoni Park is one of South Africa 's best kept secrets. The estate is under the management of the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa. The name 'Umdoni' refers to the water berry tree present on the estate along watercourses and in the swampy areas.

	Oribi Conservancy ⁄ Idwala Nature Reserve (NPC Cimpor)
	This is a relatively recently developed conservation area in the UmzimKulwana river valley, the reserve virtually forms an extension of the well known Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. The area appears to have a slightly drier climate than Oribi Gorge with a more open valley & bushveld type vegetation.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is one of the most scenic and easily accessible birding spots in southern KwaZulu-Natal. It is centred on a 24km long stretch of gorge along the Mzimkulwana river. The tarred road winds down the gorge to a bridge that crosses the river, the road subsequently climbs steep gradients to the top of the valley on the far side of the Umzimkulwana, allowing easy access to a large area of the reserve and greatly facilitating birding. The reserve is 1837ha in extent.

Lake Eland Game Reserve

This is a private reserve 5000 hectares in extent. At higher altitude open grassy rolling hills dominate, whilst lower down typical valley bushveld vegetation is predominant. The Umzimkulwana River runs through the reserve and a large dam has been constructed on a tributary of this river. The area known as Hell's Gate consists of deep gorge guarded on both sides by spectacular rocky cliffs. This area leads into the Oribi Gorge. BirdLife is prolific and numerous game animals abound in this reserve.

	The Uvongo (VUNGU) River Nature Reserve
	This small reserve protects the riparian strip on both sides of the Vungu River , just upstream of its mouth. The reserve is about 28ha in extent. Walking trails along the banks of the river provide visitors with the means to penetrate the lush riverine forest and gain access to numerous bird species. No special arrangements are necessary and the reserve may be visited at any time.

	Mpenjati Public Resort Nature Reserve
	This reserve encompasses the Mpenjati River Estuary and adjacent areas on both the north and south banks of the river. Linking the coastal dune forest to the lagoon and beach, it is 66ha in extent. The source of the name of the reserve is unclear and refers either to the reedbeds lining the river ('mphenjati') or may mean 'place of warring buffalo'.

	Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
	Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is the southernmost nature reserve in KZN. It encompasses the northern bank of the Umtamvuna River and covers 3247ha. At its closest point it is about 3km from the coast and it extends just over 20km inland. The Umtamvuna River and its side streams form magnificent gorges in this area and provide the visitor with breathtaking vistas.

	Harding Dam
	It is not necessary to make prior arrangements with the land owner in order to visit this venue. Please just respect the land - no littering etc. Runaway fires are a hazard during dry periods. No braai fires in winter please.

Weza-Ngele Forest

Weza-Ngele Forest is one of the largest and most accessible tracts of Afromontane mistbelt forest in KwaZulu-Natal . A good system of trails allows access to large parts of the forest. It is 80km inland from the coast and the altitude of the forest spans about 1250 - 1550 m above sea level. This forest is a prime site for the much sought after Cape Parrot . There are several short trails in the lower reaches of the forest. The more energetic may like to take on the half-day circular hike that loops through the upper forest.

North Coast

Tugela Estuary

This includes the river and floodplain on the South Bank. Follow the signs from the R102 (for security does do not leave your vehicle unattended). On the beach numerous gulls and terns roost at night, and in the early mornings this can be a very rewarding area to look at with many rarities to see. These include the occasional Black and European Oystercatchers. Further inland the river meanders between sandbanks and numerous waders, ducks and herons feed along this stretch. The riverbanks are flanked by giant Sycamores and very productive wetlands, revealing specials such as Red-faced and Rufous-winged Cisticolas, Osprey, Lanner Falcon and spectacular Heronries. There is naturally the normal quota of Fish Eagles and some birders have been lucky enough to see juvenile Palmnut Vultures from time to time.

Dlokwane Forest

South of the Tugela Estuary is a most wonderful example of rare climax coastal lowland forest. Access is only possible with a local guide. Common birds in the forest are Crested Guineafowl, Dark-capped Weaver, Blue-mantled Flycatcher, Olive Woodpecker, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Terrestrial Brownbul and Spotted Ground-Thrush in winter. There is also a pair of Black-breasted Snake Eagles nesting in the forest, along with many smaller raptors. The forest itself supports an extremely high population of Blue Duiker, Bushbuck, Bushpig, Porcupine and numerous smaller mammals.

Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

On the Tugela South Bank, within sight of the coast, this Ezimvelo KZN Wildlife reserve offers a mixture of habitats from coastal grassland through scrub to dry forests. There are two trails, the shorter Remedies & Rituals and the extensive Bushbuck trail. This eco-diverse area has the highest butterfly diversity in South Africa matched by an awesome tree diversity and an appropriately interesting variety of specials including Striped Pipit, Olive, Gorgeous and Grey-headed Bush Shrikes and Red-fronted Tinkerbirds. The spectacular promontory is also on a major flight path for raptors and many can be seen from time to time.

Gumbi Trails

Situated on private land with 10 km's of Tugela frontage and adjoining Harold Johnson. Access is only possible with a local guide. In the forests one will come across Emerald Cuckoo and there is also a pair of Crowned Eagles which have been breeding for a good number of years. In the cliffs numerous raptors have been seen breeding including Gymnogene, Yellow-billed Kite and Lanner Falcons. This area has many trails through the bush and forests and if you move through slowly you will find Yellow-bellied Greenbuls and Terrestrial Brownbuls, Natal Robin, Black-bellied Starling and many more birds.

	Ingwenya Nature Reserve
	This reserve is on the Tugela North bank just east of Mandeni. This is also a mixed habitat reserve with grasslands, riverine woodland, valley forest in small patches and acacia scrub and bush. This leads to a wide diversity of birds including Yellow-throated Longclaw, Striped Pipit, African Pipit, Long-tailed Wagtail on the stream and the normal bush and forest birds.

The Zinkwazi Road and Zinkwazi Lagoon

Between the highway off-ramp and Darnall – offers some good birding on private land and a local guide is recommended. On the northern side of the Zinkwazi road are a series of IRRIGATION PONDS and dams with adjoining sedges amongst the cane fields. Hottentot Teal, White-faced Duck, Egyptian Goose, Brown-throated Martin, Malachite Kingfisher, Wood and Common Sandpiper are always present. Little Bittern has also been seen and at dusk or dawn look out for Shelley's Francolin and Natal Spurfowl. NYATIGAZE HILL behind DARNALL is the highest point in the whole area with bush clad slopes hosting species not normally associated with the coast. The greens in Darnall also regularly support Bald-headed Ibis. Zinkazi Lagoon - This is an estuarine system that is not common on the rest of the coast. You are likely to see Brown-throated Weavers, a good assortment of warblers, Little Bittern, Black Crake, Goliath and Purple and Greenbacked Herons. In the reedbeds and in the overhanging riverine trees African Finfoot is often seen early in the mornings. Recently Mangrove Kingfisher has taken up permanent residence all year round. Canoes are available to explore the extensive habitats and find the rare skulkers. Cruises also run on a regular basis, or can be arranged. Along the lagoon is a veritable coastal forest paradise yielding one of the highest counts of north coast specials for birders. Expect to see African Wattle-eye, Grey and Olive and Collared Sunbirds, Yellow Weaver, White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Green Twinspot, Square-tailed Drongo, Trumpeter Hornbill, Green Pigeon, Pygmy Kingfisher, Scalythroated Honeyguide, Red-billed and African Firefinches.

Nkonka Trail(Dlokwane Forest)

North of Zinkwazi the habitat mix supports the highest concentration of bushbuck in the country. This trail follows the coast northwards towards the Tugela and meanders through coastal dune forest, sugar cane fields, the beach with rock pools, stretches of beautiful coastal grasslands, scrubland and vleis. The numerous bird species on the trail include Dark-capped Weaver, Terrestrial Brownbul, Crested Guineafowl, Shelley's Francolin and Natal Spurfowl, Little Bee-eater, Zitting Cisticola, Fan-tailed and Red-collared Widows and of course when you emerge onto the beach the numerous tern species that abound in the area.

Lala Trails

Access to these private trails south of Zinkwazi is only possible with a local guide. This trail explores extensive FLATCROWN WOODLAND and coastal lowland forest, yielding Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Scimitarbill, Buffspotted Flufftail and even Levaillant's Cisticola in the canefields. It continues through mature DUNE FOREST, following the crest of the dune wandering through huge Coastal Red Milkwoods. This area hides some fascinating birds such as Cinnamon & Tambourine Doves, Yellowbellied Greenbul and many others, as well as offering whale watching in season. There is also a nesting pair of Fish Eagles in the dune forest.

The Nonoti Estuary

It offers a wide variety of wetland habitats with many surprises for the patient birder. It continues on the NONOTI FLOODPLAIN with a combination of riverine grassland, and riverine scrub changing to riverine forest. This area has a wide diversity of birds including Yellow-throated Longclaw, Rufous-winged Cisticola, Redheaded Quelea, Common Quail, Woolly-necked Stork and the southernmost population of White-fronted Bee-eaters.

SAPPI Tranquila

From the STANGER N2 highway off-ramp follow the signs to the Sappi Mill gates, where you collect the keys. On the northern bank of the Umvoti between the Mbozambo and Ntshaweni streams is the SAPPI TRANQUILA BIRD HIDE. During the summer months it is a place where one often sees Yellow Wagtail, African Rail and Baillon's Crake along with the normal mix of ducks, geese and waders. Recently Spotted Crake and Corn Crake were seen at the hide. If one keeps a good lookout another coastal special seen fairly often is Purplebanded Sunbird along with Scarletchested Sunbird. Downstream of the hide the MBOZAMBO WETLAND continues with many interesting species to be found, including Finfoot. When the river is very full the waders seem to move into this area as a temporary feeding ground, and thus if Jex's Estate is not rewarding this site normally is!

	Ethembeni Commons
	Opposite the N2 highway off-ramp to UMVOTI mouth travel inland towards GROUTVILLE for about 1 km to see moist grassland on your right where Black Coucal is often seen during wet summers, and they were also observed breeding there. There are also the normal grassland species and we have seen Pale-crowned Cisticola there on occasions, along with Yellow-throated Longclaw.

	Otimati
	About 30kms inland from Stanger, north of the R74 are the spectacular Otimati and Tugela valleys. Habitats include upland grassland, cliffs and gorges with scarp forest, extensive valley bush, riverine forest and wetlands. Specials include Raptors, Bald-headed Ibis as well as many species not normally found in coastal habitats.

Amatikulu

The turnoff is clearly signposted off the N2 to this beautiful Ezimvelo KZN Wildlife reserve. It is surrounded by tribal areas as well as farmlands, which are also very productive for specials such as Collared Pratincole. The reserve conserves some of the largest remaining areas of coastal grassland as well as palmveld and the diversity of LBJ's is enough to drive the beginner mad but it is also a great place to learn them. Croaking Cisticola is probably one of the easier ones and is common. The grassland supports both Little and White-fronted Bee-eater in fair numbers as well as numerous large antelope. The forest and bush areas have numerous specials including Grey Waxbill, three Bush Shrikes, Bat Hawk, Blue-mantled Flycatcher and many more. The wetlands at the southern end of the reserve are home to more delights including Painted Snipe, Little Bittern, Swamp Nightjar and Collared Pratincole among the numerous warblers and other skulkers. The estuary is also a good area for waders and waterfowl. Canoes with guides are available to paddle you to all the right habitats on the extensive lagoons, where even African Finfoot has been spotted. A whale-watching tower with spectacular views of the twin estuaries and the newly formed SIYAYA MARINE RESERVE is also easily accessible.

St. Kitts Wetlands

Situated off the R 102 north of the Tugela and inland from Amatikulu. Access is only possible with a local guide. A tropical paradise on a private sugar cane farm consisting of a series of shallow dams with extensive sedges and riverine trees as well as acacia bush complimented by patches of grassland. The abundance and variety of species is impressive. Eastern Nicator has been seen, which is the southernmost sighting of the species, as well as Black Coucal and Baillon's Crake. Common species include Pygmy Goose, White-backed Duck, Lesser Jacana, Lesser Moorhen, Little Bittern, all the Egrets, Blue-billed Firefinch, Cape and Yellow-throated Longclaw and a good selection of Warblers.