The KZN South Coast offers several diverse habitats making it home to well over 400 bird species, 64 of which are endemic or near endemic and 67 red data species – truly a birder’s paradise! Habitats include coastal and wetland environments, Afromontane and rich subtropical forests that overlap giving rise to a diverse, unique, and rewarding birding experience. Highlights for visiting birders may include sightings of the Knysna Woodpecker (Northern most population in SA), Magpie Manikins, Narina Trogons, African black oystercatchers, Kittlitz’s plovers, African Broadbills, Cape Vultures, Black-rumped Buttonquails, Grass Owls, Broad-tailed Warblers, Pale-crowned Cisticolas, Short-Tailed Pipits, Cape Parrots, Blue Swallows, Crowned Eagles and Palm- nut Vultures (Southern most breeding pair).
EXPLORE THE TOP 15 BIRDING HOT SPOTS
While the following exciting birding hot spots are recommended, most are public facilities However, some are privately owned and you are requested to call before visiting to confirm access, opening times, directions, safety, and any other information that will make your birding experience more pleasurable.
- Empisini Nature Reserve – Umkomaas – 039 973 0093
- Crocworld Conservation Centre – Scottburgh – 039 976 1103
- T.C.Robertson Nature Reserve – Scottburgh – 062 0025190/ 039 975 1679
- Umdoni Park Trust Golf Club and Nature Reserve – Pennington – 039 975 1615
- Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve – Umzinto – 039 974 2222
- Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve – Oribi Gorge – 039 845 1000
- Oribi Vulture View Hide – Oribi Gorge – 072 893 3794
- Lake Eland Game Reserve – Oribi Gorge – 039 687 0395
- Weza – Ngele Forest – Harding – 039 553 0600
- Skyline Nature Reserve – Uvongo – 039 315 0112
- Riverbend Crocodile Farm – Southbroom – 039 316 6204
- Mpenjati Nature Reserve – Trafalgar – 039 313 0531
- Red Desert Nature Reserve – Port Edward – 039 695 0460
- Culley’s Dam – Port Edward – 072 550 8303
- Umtamvuna Nature Reserve – Port Edward – 039 311 2383
Sources: www.birdlife.org.za, www.kznwildlife.com
