Lower Mkhuze

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Lower Mkhuze is a wetland floodplain system situated down-stream of Mkhuze Game Reserve, and includes Muzi Swamps (see Sodwana Bay Route). The area is controlled by KZN Wildlife, and forms part of the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Mkhuze River crosses the main Hluhluwe- Sodwana road and heads into the Yengweni and Muzi Swamps area and ultimately filters into the northern end of Lake St. Lucia. Riverine forest (with leaning towards Fever Trees and Sycomore Figs), acacia thornveld and grassy wetlands typify the habitats and it is one of the few places where one regularly views Brown-headed Parrot and to a lesser extent – the elusive Pels Fishing Owl in the region. The combination of habitats makes for excellent birding throughout the year.

The area is predominantly flat, dry and grassy in winter but is transformed in summer to flooded grassland with lush forest. Groves of Fever Trees flank the wetland. This spot write-up covers the area to the south west of the Mkhuze River bridge.

Lower Mkhuze Bridge

This area can produce African Finfoot, Pel's Fishing Owl, Brown-headed Parrot, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, White-eared Barbet, African Emerald Cuckoo, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, Mountain Wagtail, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush Shrike and Grey Waxbill.

Lower Mkhuze Wetland and Thornveld

Black Coucal display from low perches and can be seen alongside Burchell's Coucal. Other grassland associated specials include Grey-rumped Swallow, Blue-cheecked Bee-eater, Lemon-breasted Canary and Yellow-throated Longclaw.

Rudd's Apalis, Pink-throated Twinspot, Purple-banded Sunbird, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Little Bee-eater and a host of warblers can be found in the surrounding thornveld.

The riverine forest along the Mkhuze River is home to the elusive Pel's Fishing Owl.

Directions

To the bridge:

From the N2 highway, take the Hluhluwe off-ramp 50km north of Mtubatuba. Turn right back over the freeway and drive into town. Take a left turn at the T-junction, proceed for about 2km, and then take a right hand turn to False Bay. Proceed up the R22 tar road for about 50km, taking care over the frequent speed control bumps. The bridge is not sign-posted, but the riverine forest will make it quite visible. Stop just before or after the bridge and walk back onto it.

To the wetland and thornveld:

Turn left onto a gravel road just before the bridge and follow this road for about 1km. The wetland lies either side of the road, and is flanked by fever trees.