trip planning
frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: What season is best for visiting Zululand?
This is a very difficult question to answer. You can have a fantastic time all year round, but spring and autumn are probably your best bet with the weather being less extreme.
Summers can be very hot and humid, but at this time we have the full complement of migrant birds and this is usually the season for rarities to pop up. The scenery in summer is also great with all the vegetation being lush and green, (this makes the birding a bit more tricky due to the dense cover in the bush). Most of Zululand's rain falls in summer (November-April). This can also make birding a bit unpleasant as well as causing water birds and many mammals to disperse more than in the dry season. Over the summer school holidays (December-January), certain birding areas can be very busy as this is South Africa's main holiday season and accommodation should be booked far in advance. Summers are definitely the season though for big species counts; a day's active birding in summer can produce over 200 species of birds.
In winter the climate, especially along the coast is very pleasant, there is very little rain and one can experience still, clear days for weeks at a time- great travelling weather. The birding remains good and a few of the migrant birds can stick around right into June. Later in winter and in early spring, the cover in the bush is very limited so the more shy birds have a more difficult time hiding away from birders. As standing water becomes less abundant, so any decent body of water or vlei can attract huge flocks of birds especially in areas around St Lucia and Blood River Vlei. Although there are not as many species present in the winter the birding is still as rewarding as in summer.
Q: Do I need a guide?
The purpose of the Zululand Birding Route website is to provide visitors with enough information to see the birds that they want to see in Zululand. Most areas are easily accessible on your own, although it is highly recommended that you use a community guide when going to remote areas such as Ongoye Forest. South Africa also has a large range of field guides which makes bird identification a bit easier, HOWEVER by using a guide you will have access to a lot of local knowledge and haunts of the more unusual birds thus the chances of seeing all your target birds or specials in an area are certainly much higher if you take a guide along. All the Zululand Birding Route guides have an excellent knowledge of their area of operation and their knowledge of the bird calls, habits, hide outs and other interesting information on the area will undoubtedly make your trip more memorable. The Zululand Birding Route has also sponsored the training of "Local Guides" who can accompany visitors on birding trips in most reserves in Zululand. Their local knowledge of the areas where they operate is fascinating and often provides an interesting cultural background to your birding. All guides are required by South African law to pass an exam and be registered with a tourism authority to ensure a professional service to tourists.
Q: What about hiring and driving cars in Zululand?
A 4x4 is handy for the northern areas but a sedan car will certainly get you around to most places. Most car hire companies in South Africa will deliver a car to your specified place. There are car hire depots at all the airports in South Africa.
South Africans drive on the left hand side of the road. The general speed limit in South Africa is 120km/hour on main highways, and between 80km/hour and 100km/hour on other roads except in residential areas where it is restricted to 60km/hour. You are restricted to 40km/hour in game reserves and protected areas. Traffic police do have speed traps set up along most routes! It is advisable to avoid driving after dark. South African roads have a large number or unroadworthy vehicles, often without lights, reflectors etc. and in rural areas stray pedestrians and animals also pose a significant risk on our roads at night. Do be aware of mini buses that are used as taxis. They have a reputation for pulling over and pulling away from just about anywhere on the roads.
Q: Do I need a 4x4?
Most of the main birding areas in Zululand are accessible by sedan car although, especially in game reserves, a 4x4 or high-clearance car gives a much better view of the surroundings. Certain areas especially north of Phongola and around Ongoye Forest DO need a 4x4 (especially in summer). It's well worth getting up-to-date local information from the Zululand Birding Route before venturing out on your own if you are uncertain of road conditions.
Q: How readily available is petrol (gasoline)?
There are petrol stations (garages) in almost all the towns and even smaller ones. In general you will seldom have to drive for more than 100km before finding the next filling station. As is the case anywhere, it is advisable not to leave filling up to the last minute. Running out of fuel in more rural areas can be unsafe as well as costly.
Q: How available and safe is fresh produce ?
Most larger towns (Eshowe, Ulundi, Melmoth, Richards Bay, Empangeni, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe, Mkhuze, St Lucia, Vryheid and Phongola) have supermarkets which offer a variety of quality fresh produce. It is always advisable to rinse fresh foods before eating. Roadside stalls also have a fantastic variety of fresh fruit and vegetables available at very low prices. As with all fresh fruit and vegetables, it is advisable wash and preferably peel such food before eating. Always buy meat from a reputable butcher or supermarket. "Roadside butcheries" with no refrigeration facilities are not uncommon in Zululand but are probably best avoided.
Q: What sort of foods or restaurants are available ?
The fast food epidemic has not missed Zululand. Most towns have some sort of fast food outlet which will serve the standard hamburgers, fries, etc. but there are also many fine restaurants in most towns that have an excellent variety of foods familiar to most westerners. Most private game lodges serve food of a very high quality, some also provide traditional African cuisine and a variety of "game" - anything from crocodile to kudu can be served if you are feeling a bit adventurous. Vegetarians and others with special dietary requirements are happily catered for in most restaurants and lodges. It is advisable to give them prior notice of any special dietary requirements.
Q: What language is generally spoken ?
The three dominant languages in Zululand are English, Zulu and Afrikaans. English is very widely spoken and is the language used in most banks, lodges, shops etc. It is handy to know a few Zulu phrases for emergencies and courtesy sake. We have included a section with some common Zulu phrases under the Travel and Birding section.
Q: Banking and Forex!
Again, most larger towns have banking facilities and forex is easily exchanged, but a passport will be required before money will be converted. ATM's (automatic teller machines) are also available in almost all towns and Visa/Mastercards are accepted at all of them. South Africa has a 14% value added tax on most goods, keep all your receipts for goods purchased and you can claim back your VAT at all major airports when departing South Africa .
Q: How safe is it to travel in South Africa.
This is always a major worry for visitors to South Africa, our high crime rate is very well publicised! Most crime in South Africa occurs in the main cities far away from Zululand. Zululand is generally very safe for tourists, there is certainly no violent crime against tourists here, however petty theft, car break ins etc. do happen (but probably no more than anywhere else in the world). When travelling don't leave valuables visible, keep your wallet, passport, mobile phone etc. on you at all times, especially in towns. Game reserves are generally free of any crime. When banking or using ATM's be on your guard as this is where most theft and muggings occur. Never let anyone offer you help with your banking. Be alert and aware of what is happening around you. Ask first if you are uncertain about visiting certain areas, lodges, B&B's etc. can offer valuable advice.