The Most Beautiful Bird Sanctuaries In South Africa
Bird watching is one of South Africa’s favourite hobbies. With some of the richest biodiversity in the world, South Africa is home to hundreds of bird species, living in vastly different habitats. While the natural beauty of the country is a sight to behold, birders flock to the bird sanctuaries to observe and appreciate these amazing creatures in their natural habitat.
Here are the top five beautiful bird sanctuaries to visit in South Africa for spectacular bird watching:
1. St Lucia Bird Sanctuary, KwaZulu-Natal
In the heart of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park lies the St Lucia Bird Sanctuary, a unique coastal lake ecosystem with a plethora of diverse bird species. In addition to its prolific bird population, the sanctuary features a wide variety of wildlife. The sanctuary has an extensive system of hides, enabling wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to observe wildlife without disturbing them. From the hides, visitors will be able to observe rare sea birds mating, nesting and preening.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is listed as a World Heritage site and is home to a variety of mammals, amphibians and reptiles, as well as 420 species of birds. Additionally, the park is renowned for its stunning beach-side forest, grasslands and wetlands. Two of the key bird species to watch out for include the Rudd’s Apalis Apalis ruddi and the White-fronted Bee-eater Merops bullockoides – both of which make St Lucia Bird Sanctuary an unmissable destination for any birder.
2. Oudtshoorn’s Cango Caves, Western Cape
In the foothills of the Swartberg Mountain lies Oudtshoorn’s spectacular Cango Caves, the largest underground cave system in South Africa. The Cango Caves contain a diverse range of birds, providing a unique experience for birders. The yellow-billed Kite (Milvus migrans), Southern Masked Weaver (Ploceus velatus), Pale Chanting Goshawk (Melierax canorus) and Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons) are some of the bird species that can be found within the Cango Caves.
The Cango Caves are a must-visit for birders, especially for those seeking a different birding experience! The Cango Caves are a great location for bird-watching during the day, but it’s even better at night when the distinctive sounds of the birds echo off the walls of the caves.
3. Bird Sanctuary at Weenen, Kwazulu-Natal
The Bird Sanctuary at Weenen boasts an amazing variety of more than 200 species of birds, some of which are unique to the area. The Sanctuary was established as a refuge for the locally endangered martial eagle, and more recently has been developed as a bird-hide park, offering an excellent opportunity for birders to observe birds in their natural habitat. Other feathered fauna include the African Fish-eagle, European Roller, marsh owls, Snake-Eagles, raptors and a variety of other species associated with wetlands.
4. Verloren Valei Private Nature Reserve, Limpopo
Verloren Valei Private Nature Reserve is tucked away in the rolling hills of Limpopo. It is teeming with wildlife and a great destination for birders. Pelicans, storks, ibises, egrets, herons and even the elusive Pel’s fishing owl have all been sighted here. Other species include kingfishers, comorant, shrikes and other ground and tree nesters.
The reserve features four hides which provide excellent viewing opportunities. With its lush valley, bushveld setting and diverse bird life, this is without a doubt one of the best bird sanctuaries in South Africa. The reserve also offers game drives, bush walks and guided canoe trips, ensuring a unique and memorable bird-watching experience.
5. Birding in the Lake district, Free State
The so-called Lake District in the Free State province is an ideal destination for birdwatchers. Located along the banks of the Caledon River near the small town of Marquard, the district’s main attractions include grassland and wetlands, as well as an abundance of spectacular bird species.
This is a birding paradise, with large flocks of waterfowl, raptors, waterbirds and passerines. Species to look out for include the huge Mashozi’s Eagle-Owl, pygmy geese, common snipes and waders. With over 400 species of birds identified in the area, the Lake District is an ideal destination for any birder looking to explore the abundant birdlife of South Africa.
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