Bearded Vulture (Gypaetus barbatus)
The Bearded vulture is a large vulture identified in flight by the distinctive wedge-shaped tail, and at rest by the buff head, neck and underparts, a black back, wings and facial mask and the distinctive black ‘beard' at the base of the bill. The buff, shaggy leg feathers reach almost to the feet, giving the Bearded vulture an eagle-like appearance.
There are approximately 400 – 450 birds in southern Africa and around 100 known nest sites, though only 60 – 70% of these have been active over the last 5 years. The Bearded vulture breeds throughout the uKhuhlamba – Drakensberg Park, but the majority of nest sites are found in eastern Lesotho, in the Maloti Mountains. Sani Pass and the area at the top of the pass (Lesotho) are the best sites for seeing this beautiful bird. The other accessible sites would be the ‘vulture restaurants' at Giants Castle, Sterkfontein, Golden Gate and Cathedral Peak.
Bearded vulture has been listed as Endangered.
Directions
From Underberg take the road to Himeville, pass through the village of Himeville and continue along this road for 2 km's before turning left to Sani Pass 29°43'12.54"S, 29°31'17.53"E. Follow the road past the Sani Pass Hotel and on towards the border post. Sani Pass is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and the border post is open strictly from 08h00 – 16h00, passports are required. Stop at all the view sites and look for soaring raptors. Once through the Lesotho border post at the top of Sani Pass, drive straight on for a distance (10 km's) and keep looking for soaring vultures.
| GPS Coordinates | ||
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turnoff to Sani Pass outside Himeville | 29°43'12.54"S | 29°31'17.53"E |
| SA Border post | 29°36'11.49"S | 29°20'22.24"E |
| Lesotho Border post | 29°35'04.64"SS | 29°17'09.85"E |