Birding opportunities galore
eShowe is a popular birding hot spot, but why not spread your wings and head north for even more birding jewels.
THE iSimangaliso Wetland Park world heritage site is arguably one of the most diverse natural areas on the planet, with eight inter-linking ecosystems encompassing mountains, savannah, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, coral reefs, rocky shores and dune forests.
This diversity creates habitats for 526 recorded bird species.
iSimangaliso CEO Andrew Zaloumis says, ‘That’s way more than most countries including Germany, Japan and New Zealand, and practically double that of the entire United Kingdom’s 266 species.
‘Of these, at least 420 species occur just in the uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso which is internationally acclaimed as a first class birding hot spot.’
Birding sites
The uMkhuze section
This section incorporates the Lebombo mountains, bushveld and iNsumo Pan system and is bounded by the Mkhuze River.
It is the only known nesting site of Great White Pelicans in southern Africa.
Specials include the Eastern Nicator, Narina Trogon, Twinspots, African Broadbill, African Barred Owlet and the Yellow-billed Stork.
The reserve has new bird hides at iNsumo Pan as well as at the kuMasinga Hide, Fig Forest Aerial Boardwalk and the nearby Muzi Pan where birders can get up close on canoes.
Western Shores section
This area is drier and higher than the Eastern Shores which is on the east side of Lake St Lucia.
Birders can look out for specials including the Narina Trogon, Rosy-throated Long Claw and Chestnut-banded Plovers.
Ideal spots for birding are the eMgadankawu Hide, Kwelamadoda Pan, Kwelezintombi Pan and the uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk
Eastern Shores section
With a higher rainfall area there is dune seepage producing fresh water pans, swamp forest and grasslands.
Specials in this section include the Wood and Eagle Owls, Martial Eagle, Livingstone’s Turaco, Green Pigeon, Dwarf Bittern, Southern Banded Snake Eagle, Saddle-billed and Woolly-necked Storks.
The Amazibu and Mfazana Hides, Lake Bhangazi Outlook, Mission Rocks and Cape Vidal are all perfect places to bring out your binoculars.
Lake St Lucia, Estuary mouth and Maphelane sections
A boat cruise on Lake St Lucia Estuary brings visitors up close and personal to numerous water birds.
The estuarine system has a salt and fresh water mix with pelicans, terns, fish eagles, flamingos and herons.
The Estuary Boardwalk and self-guided Igwalagwala Trail are very rewarding and the estuary boat cruise is a definite must.
