Midlands
The Midlands Birding Route is the most Northern component of the Southern KZN Birding Route. Starting in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site at the location of the world famous Giants Castle Vulture Hide, the route finds its way down from the sandstones cliffs, basalt precipices and buttresses, through the foothills of the Drakensberg and into the picturesque rolling hillsides of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Another fascinating attraction on the Midlands Birding Route is the Karkloof Crane Information Centre. The beauty of the centre's location is truly something to behold and birders have the opportunity to see all three Crane species in one outing. Other key Midlands birding attractions include some of the most reliable sites for Cape Parrots and Blue Swallows.
Giants Castle Nature Reserve
This spectacular reserve forms part of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site. The reserve offers birders very rewarding birding via several mountainous trails in a pristine natural setting. The reserve is also home to the world-famous vulture viewing hide.
Specials found at the site include Bearded Vulture, Verreauxs' Eagle, Cape Vulture, Ground Woodpecker, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Broad-tailed Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Drakensberg Prinia, Fairy Flycatcher, Red-winged Francolin, Blue Crane, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Sickle-winged Chat, Bush Blackcap, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Drakensberg Siskin.
Directions
From Durban
From the N3, just before the toll plaza take the Mooi River off ramp, at the Engen Garage turn right and follow the signs to Giants Castle . The distance from Mooi River is approximately 64kms. Motorists are advised to take care as there are potholes on this road.
Alternatively, take the Nottingham Road/Mount West off ramp, travel through Nottingham Road to Rosetta and take the Kamberg turn off (on the left). Travel straight along this road to Giants Castle.
From Johannesburg
From the N3 take the Estcourt North/Central Berg Resorts off ramp. Turn LEFT NB LEFT, to Estcourt. In Estcourt take the Ntabamhlope Road - which starts at the robot intersection of Connor and Lorne streets. Follow the signs to Giants Castle. The reserve is 65km from town.
Additional Information
There is a very well equipped rest camp, a small shop, campsite, hiking trails and the vulture hide. One can also view rock art and guided walks are offered. There is a restaurant on site.
Habitats: mountain streams, gorges and ravines lined with indigenous bush & forest, wetlands, grasslands, sandstones cliffs, basalt precipices and buttresses, protea savanna and Afro alpine heath land
Contact
Tel: +27(0) 33 845 1000 (bookings) or +27(0)36 353 3718 (vulture hide reservations).
Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
E-Mail: bookings@kznwildlife.com
Web: http://www.nature-reserve.co.za/giants-castle-game-preserve.html
Hlatikulu Vlei
Hlatikulu Vlei is home to all three species of crane found in Southern Africa. The reserve is also home to approximately 80 other bird species. Some of the specials found at Hlatikulu Vlei are Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Denham's Bustard, Cape Vulture, Bearded Vulture, Little Bittern, African Marsh-Harrier, Black Harrier, Freckled Nightjar, African Rail & Cape Eagle-Owl.
Directions
Take the R103 to Rosetta. At Rosetta take the Kamberg turnoff and follow this road for approximately 13km, at which point it becomes dirt. Turn left at the Entabeni sign and follow the road signage to the vlei.
Additional Information
Besides for birding around Hlatikulu Vlei it is highly recommended that birders walk the trail up Mount Lebanon . The mist belt forest that exists behind Hlatikulu Mountain is a great place to see Bush Blackcap.
Habitats: consist of crane breeding pens, wetlands, reedbeds, several dams, grasslands.
Hlatikulu Nature Reserve is a IBA (SA072). Please see http://birdlife.org.za/conservation/important-bird-areas/iba-directory/item/213-sa072-hlatikulu-nature-reserve for more information.
Contact
Entebeni Communications
Tel: +27 (0)33 263 2441
Fax: +27 (0)33 263 2737
Email: entebeni@enviroed.co.za
Bramleigh Manor
A huge show garden offers excellent birding as well as the outskirts of the indigenous forest. There are walks through the forest with labelled trees. Walks onto the grasslands will take you either through the forest or past the dam.
Directions
From the N3 take the Nottingham Rd off ramp and turn right towards Nottingham Rd village. Pass the "Junction" and turn right under the railway bridge towards R103 Rosetta/ Mooi River . Pass the petrol station on the left and continue on the R103. First left towards Sani Pass /Himeville, Lower Lotheni for 17 km. Turn left into D544 which is a dirt road for another 4,5 km. Turn left at the sign " Bramleigh Manor" and follow the drive all along to the house.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Bramleigh Manor | S 29° 25' 9.06" | E 29° 52' 49.20" |
Additional Information
The site is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged. There are lovely trails through the mist-belt forest, in which certain trees have been labelled. There is safe parking for cars and toilet facilities are available. At the discretion of the owners food can be prepared on site so long as a reasonable amount of notice is given.
Habitats: Mist-belt forest and grassland, a beautiful garden bordered by indigenous forest & bubbling streams.
Contact
Bettina and Roger Kauerauf
Tel: +27 (0)33 266 6903
E-mail: bramleigh@bundunet.com
Web: www.bramleigh-manor.com
Beacon Vlei
Beacon Vlei 's beautiful 23 hectare dam and the surrounding wetland area are home to many beautiful bird species. The dam, wetland and reedbed area are home to species such as the Grey Crowned Crane, Purple Heron, Western Marsh-Harrier, Sedge Warbler, African Jacana, African Marsh-Harrier and Half-collared Kingfisher. Occasionally a Goliath Heron is sighted. Situated behind the farm buildings is an 11 hectare mist-belt grassland area is full of beautiful wildflower varieties.
Specials found at the site include Purple Heron, Goliath Heron, Grey Crowned Crane, Olive Woodpecker, Black Crake, African Fish-eagle, African Marsh-harrier, Western Marsh-harrier, Forest Buzzard, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Jacana and Sedge Warbler.
Directions
Directions from Durban
From Durban , take the N3 ( Toll Road ) to Johannesburg . After Pietermaritzburg and after Hilton there are 2/3 turn-offs to Howick. Take the "HOWICK(NORTH)/TWEEDIE" off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn LEFT. You go under a railway bridge, up a hill and come to a T junction. At the T junction go RIGHT. You will now be on the R103. You will shortly see a sign BALGOWAN 19km. (Balgowan is where you wish to get to.)
After 19 km you will see a sign "Currys Post 12km". Turn RIGHT here up a dirt road and Beacon Vlei is 300m up the dirt road on your Left. There is a Beacon Vlei board.
Directions from Johannesburg
From Johannesburg , take the N3 ( Toll Road ) to Durban . Shortly after the Mooi River Toll-Gate there is an off-ramp to " Nottingham Road ". Take this off-ramp. At the top of this off-ramp go RIGHT to Nottingham Road . Follow the road for 8km into Nottingham Road . At Nottingham Road the road stay on the R103 as it bends left (do not turn right under the bridge). Stay on the road you are on (R103) and follow the sign to "Balgowan" (Balgowan is where you wish to get to.)
10 Km after Nottingham Road you will pass Michaelhouse School on your Right. Immediately after the school is a sign "Currys Post 12 Km".
Turn Left here onto the D144 and Beacon Vlei is 300m up the dirt road on your Left. There is a Beacon Vlei sign board.
NB: There is more than 1 road sign to Currys Post. Be sure only to take the turn at the sign "Currys Post 12 km" sign.
You have arrived. The Manor House and the Boat House are at the bottom of the drive which is about 800m long.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Bramleigh Manor | S 29° 25' 9.06" | E 29° 52' 49.20" |
Additional Information
Beacon Vlei is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged. Jetties on dam, picnic sites and marked trails. B&B and self-catering guests need not leave the farm to enjoy fly fishing, boating or a picnic after a leisurely walk around beautiful Beacon Vlei . There is safe parking for up to ten cars. Restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: 23 hectare dam, wetland and reedbed, mudflats around the dam, mist-belt grassland, river and wetland behind the dam wall
Contact
Beacon Vlei Farm - C.R.Cliffe Trust
Tel: +27 (0)33 234 4486
Fax: +27 (0)33 234 4367
E-mail: stay@beaconvlei.co.za
Website: www.beaconvlei.co.za
Caversham Hall
Caversham Hall is one of the most beautiful places in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Conveniently located on the Midlands Meander, KwaZulu-Natal's most famous Arts and Crafts route, it lies only 4 hours from Johannesburg and 1.5 hours from Durban. Caversham Hall offers a variety of birding habitat from a beautiful dam to pristine indigenous mist-belt forest and the plethora of birds found in these environments is an absolute birding treat. Commonly sighted birds include Knysna Turaco, Olive Woodpecker, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin and Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler and occasional sightings of the African Crowned Eagle.
Specials that can be sites here include Half-collared Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco, African Crowned Eagle, Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Olive Woodpecker, White-starred Robin and Yellow-throated Woodland-warbler.
Directions
N3 - Johannesburg to Durban
Take the Balgowan/ Curry's Post off-ramp. Go right at the top of the off-ramp and follow the gravel road for approx 3 km. After 3km, road forks - keep left on Caversham Valley Road (D133) for another 4km. Caversham Hall is on the left (opposite La Lampara Restaurant - 7 km from N3)
N3 - Durban to Johannesburg
Take the Balgowan/ Curry's Post off-ramp. Go left at the top of the off-ramp and follow the gravel road for approx 3 km. After 3km, road forks - keep left on Caversham Valley Road (D133) for another 4km. Caversham Hall is on the left (opposite La Lampara Restaurant - 7 km from N3)
From Nottingham Road
Take R103 past Rawdon's Hotel and 5 km after Michaelhouse, turn left onto D182. Road forks after 1km. Keep left. Caversham Hall is on your right opposite La Lampara Restaurant (Total 15km from main road)
Additional Information
The site is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged. There are cleared & marked pathways around the dam and through the indigenous forest which allow views into the forest from ground to canopy level. There is safe parking for up to 5 cars and there are toilet facilities available. Some very good restaurants can be found nearby.
Habitats: Mist-belt forest and a dam.
Contact
Ivor and Yvonne Thompson
Tel: +27(0)33 234 4091
Fax: +27(0)33 234 4091
Gartmore Farm / Karkloof Conservation Centre
The Karkloof Conservation Centre is located at the entrance to Gartmore Farm in the Karkloof Valley. The Karkloof Conservation Centre is in the heart of the Karkloof Valley with the Karkloof Range of Hills and the largely unspoilt natural bush that adorns it, as the backdrop.
A rich diversity of birdlife abounds on the farm where Agriculture and Dairying are practised in harmony with birds, antelope and many other species. Numerous oxbow lakes are perfect sites for weavers and waterfowl. The Karkloof and Yarrow rivers meet on the property. The farm boasts some of the most fertile farmland in KwaZulu-Natal and is on the flood plains of the two rivers.
All three species of Crane are regularly seen here. Scarcer visitors include Denham's Bustard and Southern Ground-Hornbill. The marshes and pans in this area support Red-chested Flufftail, African Rail, Baillon's Crake and in wetter years, Lesser Jacana.
Gartmore and Loskop farms are proud to be the home of the Karkloof Conservation Centre and two world class bird hides. These facilities will provide birders with an additional insight into the lives of these beautiful birds as well as the many other grassland and wetland species on the farm.
Specials that can be sited here include Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, African Spoonbill, Buff-spotted and Red-chested Flufftail, Verreaux's Eagle-Owl, African Fish-Eagle, African Grass-Owl, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Denham's Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Baillon's Crake and in wetter years, Lesser Jacana.
Directions
From The North
Take the Howick North off ramp from the N3 at Tweedie and come on into Howick through three sets of traffic lights. At the fourth set of lights where the main street turns away to the right....Take the KARKLOOF / RIETVLEI Road . From the SUPA QUICK tyre shop at the beginning of that road, measure 15½ Kms. At this point you will see an avenue of Plane Trees lining the drive into the farm.
There is a clear sign indicating that you have arrived at the Karkloof Conservation Centre. Please park in the designated area right in front of the Centre.
From The South
Take the Howick South/Merrievale off ramp from the N3, proceed through Merrivale and on into Howick. Cross the uMngeni River and into the Main Street of Howick through two sets of traffic lights. At third set of lights where the main street turns at right angles to the left, turn right....Take the KARKLOOF / RIETVLEI road to the left at the SUPA QUICK . From the SUPA QUICK tyre shop at the beginning of that road, measure 15½ Kms. At this point you will see an avenue of Plane Trees lining the drive into the farm.
There is a clear sign indicating that you have arrived at the Karkloof Conservation Centre. Please park in the designated area right in front of the Centre.
From Greytown and Mooi River
Take the Karkloof road down the pass and into the valley (about 25km from the start of the Karkloof road) on the left hand side you will see signs indicating "Karkloof Conservation Centre" the centre is located at the entrance of gartmore Farm.
Additional Information
- Purchase your entrance ticket from the Conservation Centre office.
- The terrain is flat and sometimes boggy, but trails and paths have been established to ensure access to a complete birding experience. There is a six seater golf cart on site for people with ambulatory problems. There is also a trained guide on site and a site map can be obtained on request. There is safe parking for up to 6 cars, a picnic site, 2 beautiful bird hides and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
- Habitats: grassland, wetland, agricultural land, two perennial rivers, oxbow lakes and a dam.
Contact
Karkloof Conservation Centre and Hides
Tel/Fax: +27(0)33 330 2992
E-mail:karkloofcentre@telkomsa.net
Website: http://karkloofconservation.org.za/what-we-do/karkloof-conservation-centre/
Karkloof Nature Reserve / Rockwood Forest
The greater Karkloof area has been identified as having significant value due to its biodiversity and has been earmarked for conservation by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Currently, the reserve consists of about 60% mist belt forest and 40% mist belt grassland, and ranges from 1000m to 1767 m above sea level. This results in a significant number of endemic and near-endemic species of fauna and flora, including the Karkloof Blue butterfly (Orachrysops ariadne), and an isolated, endemic sub-species of Crested Guineafowl.
There are also a number of waterfalls within the reserve which are accessed by means of various self-guided walking trails. These include Horseshoe Falls, Rockwood Falls 1 and 2, Godwinwi Falls and Joan's Falls. On the property, there is also a well-stocked dam for fishing.
Specials that can be sited here include Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Verreauxs' Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Orange Ground-Thrush, Knysna Turaco, Crested Guineafowl, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Olive Bush-Shrike and Swee Waxbill.
Directions
N3 to Howick from Durban or Johannesburg
- From Durban , take Exit 103, Howick/Midmar and head into Howick central
- From Johannesburg take Exit 107, Howick (North)/ Tweedie and head into Howick central
- Take Karkloof/Rietvlei road from centre of Howick (near the BP)
- After 13 kms, turn left to Currys Post
- After 3.5 kms, right along D815. Follow signs to Rockwood Forest Lodge.
- After 4.3 kms, take left fork and cross drift
- After 2.3 kms, take right fork
- Carry on for 1.5 kms
- If gate is chained/locked, combination is "315"
- To get to Karkloof Canopy Tour, return to tar road and turn left. Follow signs. (About 20 min.)
- Alternatively, Durban International is about 1 hr 15 minutes by road. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.
Additional Information
- The site is currently only accessible to guests of Rockwood Forest Lodge.
- The roads through the reserve can be difficult to negotiate and it is advised that visitors use vehicles with high ground clearance and in wet conditions use four wheel drive vehicles. There are trails leading through the reserve and there is also a well-stocked trout dam. There is safe parking for cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
- Karkloof Nature Reserve is an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA SA074). For more information please see: http://birdlife.org.za/conservation/important-bird-areas/iba-directory/item/215-sa074-karkloof-nature-reserve
- Habitats: Waterfalls, mist-belt forest, mist-belt grassland and a dam
Contact
Tom Hancock
Tel: +27 (0)31 303 5162
E-mail: info@rockwood.co.za
Website: www.rockwood.co.za
Benvie Farm
Benvie Garden was established approximately 125 years ago and is well known throughout South Africa in both gardening and to lesser extent birding circles. The garden consists mainly of large conifers, azaleas and rhododendrons and is in extent ± 30 hectares and borders on indigenous forest.
There is a sign-posted walk around the garden of approximately 2km and along the walk one is likely to see Orange Ground-Thrush, Knysna Turaco, Chorister Robin-Chat, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, White-starred Robin and Cape Parrot which also nest on the property. During early summer various migrants arrive, mainly in the Cuckoo family and Red-chested, Black, African Emerald and Klaas's as well as Diderick are found in reasonable numbers. Regular sightings of Forest Buzzard and Narina Trogon are also experienced.
As an alternative there is a picturesque out and back easy walk of 2km along a forest stream within the indigenous forest where good sightings of Mountain Wagtail, Chorister Robin-Chat, Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco, Orange Ground-Thrush and Grey Cuckooshrike can be had as well as most other mist belt birds. During the breeding season (October to December) a number of active Orange Ground-Thrush nests will be observed on this walk.
The site is not within walking distance of the Benvie Garden and it would be recommended that one of the resident guides be used. The site is a short drive from the Garden and it would be better to do this walk in dry weather.
Specials that can be sited here include Cape Parrot, Orange Ground-Thrush, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-Chat, Knysna Turaco, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Olive Woodpecker, Grey Cuckooshrike, Narina Trogon, Forest Buzzard, Bush Blackcap, Buff-spotted Flufftail and Lemon Dove.
Directions
- From Howick, take the Karkloof/Rietvlei Road . Travel for 33kms.
- Turn right onto the York/New Hanover Road . Down the hill ±3kms.
- Then onto D583 on your left and Benvie entrance is ahead of you and follow the Birding Signs.
Additional Information
- Benvie is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged. There are marked trails and secure parking is available in the Garden as well as toilet facilities and two guides. Restaurants can also be found nearby.
- Habitats: Mist-belt forest, streams, small dams and a 125 year old garden. Benvie is also a Cape Parrot & Orange Ground Thrush nesting site.
Contact
The Geekie Family
Tel: +27(0)33 502 9090
E-mail: tomrob@mweb.co.za
Dargle valley
The beautiful Dargle valley, stretched out beneath Inhlosane, is home to many important ecosystems, including wetlands, grassland and mist-belt forests which provide habitats for endangered species and inspiration to local artists and crafters. The mission of the Dargle Conservancy in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is actively to conserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Dargle area for the benefit of present and future generations, by stimulating interest and awareness of conservation issues within the community as a whole, through education and community involvement. Working closely with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife's (EKZNW) Biodiversity Stewardship Programme the Dargle Conservancy embarked on an ambitious plan in 2008 to have a substantial area of the Dargle and Lidgetton Valleys as far as Balgowan, encompassing indigenous forests and moist mist-belt grasslands, formally proclaimed as a provincial nature reserve, equal in status to the provinces flagship Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Park.
Birds that occur in this area includes Blue Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Wattled Crane, European Honey Buzzard, Crowned Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Long-crested Eagle, Black-shouldered Kite, Secretarybird, Red-chested Flufftail, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Red-necked Spurfowl, African Rail, Little Rush-Warbler, African Reed-Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Barratt's Warbler, Red-throated Wryneck, Drakensberg Prinia, African Stonechat, Cape Grassbird, African Fish Eagle, African Spoonbill, Amur Falcon, Cape parrots, Southern Ground Hornbills, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Southern Boubou, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Bokmakierie, Greater Honeyguide, Giant, Brown-hooded & Malachite Kingfishers, Spotted Eagle-Owl, Zitting Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola, Black-headed Heron, Wailing Cisticola, Common Quail, Red-chested Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Black-headed Oriole, Sombre Greenbul, Black-backed Puffback, African Emerald Cuckoo, Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Longclaw, Terrestrial Brownbul, Speckled Pigeon, Cape Batis. For more information on Dargle Valley please visit the following websites: http://darglelocalliving.wordpress.com/, http://dargleconservancy.org.za/ or http://midlandsconservanciesforum.wordpress.com/tag/birds/
Dargle Cottages is one of KwaZulu-Natal's oldest working farms, the three gardens flow into one large area full of very old, interesting trees and abundant bird life. This area attracts many forest birds and at certain times of the year these include Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Knysna Turaco and Dark-backed Weaver. Other special birds on this site include Buff-spotted Flufftail, Southern Black Flycatcher, Cape Batis, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Cape Eagle-Owl and Ground Woodpecker.
Directions
From Durban
On the N3, take the off-ramp R103 Howick/ Midmar. Go left at the top of the off-ramp and then right onto the R103 (Midmar and dam wall will be on your left).
From Johannesburg
On the N3, take the Howick North/ Tweedie off-ramp. Go right over the highway to the T junction. Go right onto the R103.
Proceed to Lions River, staying on the R103 until you reach the Dargle/ Impendle turnoff on your left hand side. Turn left here and proceed 14.7km and then turn right onto the Dargle Cottages farm road (you will see a sign - Dargle Cottage, Farm No 29). You have 2km to travel on the farm road before reaching Dargle Cottages. Park in the car park.
Additional Information
- The site is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged.
- A cleared trail leads through the indigenous forest.
- There is safe parking for up to 10 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
- Habitats: Ancient Yellowwoods - estimated to be approx 1000 years old, mist-belt forest and grassland.
Contact
Griffin family
Tel: +27 (0)33 234 4446
Fax: +27 (0)33 234 4467
E-mail: gravic@nitrosoft.co.za
Lemonwood is in the heart of the peaceful Dargle valley and conservancy area in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. It is conveniently situated for the crafts of the Midlands Meander and day trips to the Drakensberg. Those in need of a less active stay, can just relax by the pool, take in the spectacular views and breathe in the beauty of the Dargle. Listen to the eerie sound of the rare Tree Hyrax (Dassie) at night, take a picnic to some of the oldest Yellowwoods in KwaZulu-Natal, walk around the dam and watch the dancing Grey Crowned-Cranes. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded on the farm. The Knysna Lourie is a permanent resident. We also have the Cape Parrot, Narina trogon and Martial Eagle. The shy Samango monkey can be heard and often seen in the canopy around the cottages or stealing fruit from the abundant garden. You may go to sleep (or not) to the alarming and hysterical shriek of the Tree Dassie. Reedbuck and bushbuck are often seen. We have also seen a 45 strong herd of Blesbok and a group of the rare Oribi on the top veldt. The serval cat is also often seen strolling around the farm.
Close by is a dam and wetland area which has many varieties of birds including crowned cranes and spur winged geese. Enjoy a relaxing stroll around the farm with your dogs or children, relax by the solar heated swimming pool or sip a sundowner on your cottage veranda overlooking fantastic views of the valley and surrounding hills and listen to the sounds of Africa and the bush. For those who like to be more energetic, there are several self-guided trails through the forest lasting from half an hour to half a day, look out for the tree identification labels along the way.
Directions
Travelling from Durban
- Take the N3 to Pietermaritzburg / Johannesburg.
- Pass Pietermaritzburg and the Midmar Dam further along.
- Take the 3rd Howick turn-off (Howick / Tweedie).
- At the offramp turn left, and at the T-junction turn right onto the R103 in the direction of Nottingham Road.
- Shortly after the Nelson Mandela Monument, turn left on the Dargle / Impendle Road.
- Lemonwood is 10 kilometres along this tarred road on the right hand side.
Travelling from Johannesburg
- Take the N3 to Durban.
- Take the Howick North/Tweedie off-ramp.
- At the offramp turn right back over the highway and at the T-Junction turn right onto the R103 in the direction of Nottingham Road.
- Shortly after the Nelson Mandela Monument, turn left on the Dargle / Impendle Road.
- Lemonwood is 10 kilometres along this tarred road on the right hand side.
Contact
Tel: +27(0)82 052 6072
Email: bookings@lemonwood.co.za
Web: http://www.lemonwood.co.za/
Boston View Farm
Boston View Farm is an absolute birding hotspot, offering a variety of habitats and an abundance of special birdlife. Situated in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, 1500m above sea level, on the edge of a beautiful dam. 45km from Pietermaritzburg and an hour and a half from Durban . The crystal clear water is well stocked with Rainbow Trout. There are lovely walks in the mist-belt forest bordering one side of the dam, which is home to a large variety of bird and indigenous plant life. Dr. Penny Lloyd spent 2 weeks on Boston View Farm in 1999 and amongst many other species she sighted Wattled and Blue Crane, Verreauxs' Eagle, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Blue Swallow and Yellow-breasted Pipit.
Specials to look out for are Cape Parrot, Secretarybird, Verreauxs' Eagle, Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk, Wattled Crane, Blue Crane, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Ground Woodpecker, Blue Swallow, Red-throated Wryneck, Buff-streaked Chat, Barratt's Warbler, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher, Yellow-breasted Pipit and Swee Waxbill.
Directions
From Johannesburg and Durban on the N3 highway
Take the Underberg turnoff. Head towards Boston and Bulwer on the R617. Continue along the R617 until you reach Boston Village. Just past the Boston petrol station keep a look out for the Dargle Road on your right hand side. Turn right onto the Dargle Road. Bobogaan Lodge and Boston View Farm will come up on your right hand side.
Additional Information
- The site is accessible by appointment and a nominal entrance fee is charged.
- There are trails leading through the mist-belt forest. Bird list and specials compiled by Dr. Penn Lloyd in 1999 - Dr. Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. There is safe parking for up to 10 cars and toilet facilities are available. Restaurants can be found nearby.
- Habitats: Mist-belt forest & grassland, rocky mountain outcrops and a dam.
Contact
Bev. Geldart
Tel: +27 (0)33 997 0717
Bisley Valley Nature Reserve
Bisley Valley Nature Reserve is a 350ha Thornveld and Grassland habitat situated just 7km from the centre of Pietermaritzburg. The Reserve has marked trails and 2 hides, both overlooking wetland/water. It is home to a variety of large mammals including Giraffe and Red Hartebeest. The picnic site adjacent to the parking has been mown under the trees but the edges where it meets the acacia woodland/scrub can be highly profitable. The thicker scrub hosts Green-backed Camaroptera, Cape Robin-Chat, White-browed Scrub-Robin and African Firefinch.
On the first trail, down to the Pamela Reed Hide, as you head through the more open woodland, look out for Spotted Thick-knee, Common Scimitarbill, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Chinspot Batis, Southern Black Flycatcher, Cardinal Woodpecker, Black-crowned Tchagra, and in summer, Diderick Cuckoo, Klaas's Cuckoo, Black Cuckoo, Red-collared and Fan-tailed Widowbird. In the thicker woodland surrounding the dam and river, Bar-throated Apalis, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, African Emerald Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo and Southern Boubou occur.
In and around the bottom dam, look for African Black Duck, Little Grebe, Little Rush Warbler, Village Weaver, African Yellow Weaver, Cape Weaver, Lesser Masked-Weaver, Thick-billed Weaver and Tawny-flanked Prinia. At times up to six weaver species can be seen within a 20 m radius! Back at the picnic site, the road leading alongside the stables will eventually bring you to the environmental centre. On the lawns under the big Acacia sieberana look for Golden-breasted Bunting, Bronze Mannikin, Brown-hooded Kingfisher and Kurrichane Thrush. Another trail leads you to the top hide, which in summer is also rich in weavers and widows.
In summer brood parasites abound with 6 cuckoos, 4 honeyguides, widowfinches and whydahs abounding. Specials at Bisley include Southern Tchagra (seen regularly) and Dwarf Bittern (seen in 5 of the last 6 summers from the Pamela Reed Hide), Corncrake (netted in the grassland!), Icterine Warbler, Common Whitethroat, Booted Eagle and Tawny Eagle.
Specials to look out for are Southern Tchagra , Olive & Grey-headed Bush-Shrikes, Common Scimitarbill, Greater, Lesser & Sharp-billed Honeyguides, Shelley's Francolin, Dwarf Bittern (rare in summer), Corncrake (rare in summer), Nesting site for Thick-billed, Village, African Yellow and Lesser Masked Weavers.
Directions
Leave N3 Highway at Market Road (Exit 74), go past the market and bear left on to R103 to Cleland. At next lights, go right into Murray Road (Gladys Manzi). Proceed for 2.3km and go left through gate at Canterbury Stables. Parking and entrance to Reserve are 100m on right.
Additional Information
- The site is accessible by day visitors and there is safe parking for up to 15 cars. Toilet facilities are also available. Restaurants can be found nearby in the city of Pietermaritzburg .
- Facilities include two hides overlooking wetland and grassland, picnic sites, a site map and marked trails.
- Habitats: Grassland, thornveld, wetlands and dams.
Contact
Mzunduzi Municipality/City Parks Dept.
Chris Metherell
Tel: +27(0)33 392 3242 or +27 (0)33 392 3241
Fax: +27(0)33 342 7107
E-mail: chrismetherell@msunduzi.gov
Darvill Resources Park
Darvill Resources Park is 100 ha of mixed wetlands, scrub and grassland habitat centred around disused maturation ponds. Specials to look out for are Baillon's Crake, African Rail, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Golden Weaver, Squacco Heron, Little Bittern, Lesser Moorhen, Brown-backed Honeybird, Red-throated Wryneck, Red Phalarope (during 2005) and Spotted Crake (during 2005).
Directions
To get to Darvill from Pietermaritzburg, take the Scottsville/ New England turn-off from the N3 and head east along New England Road . Bear left at the service station and continue until you reach the entrance gate, which is about 2 km beyond the golf course.
Additional Information
- The site is accessible to day visitors and a nominal entrance fee is charged. There are marked trails and 3 hides.
- Habitats: Mixed wetlands, scrub grassland & maturation ponds.
Contact
Umgeni Water/Msinsi Holdings
Tel: Information can be obtained from Mike Spain - +27 (0)82 442 5016
Birder Friendly Establishments in this area:
- Alpine Heath Resort (Jagersrust)
- Esiweni Lodge (Ladysmith)
- Midlands Forest Lodge (Balgowan)
- Tillietudlem Eco Lodge (Howick)
