Birding in KwaZulu-Natal: 4 Spots from the Drakensberg to the Coast
From the high Drakensberg to subtropical coastal forest, KwaZulu-Natal packs more habitats into one province than almost anywhere in South Africa. That variety means a remarkably long bird list. These are four places that show off the best of it.
1. uMkhuze Game Reserve
Often listed among South Africa’s top birding reserves, uMkhuze combines sand forest, acacia bushveld and pans in one place. The hides at Nsumo Pan are superb, and the fig forest walk is a highlight.
Look for: Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergaard’s Sunbird and African Broadbill in the sand forest; pelicans, storks and waterbirds at Nsumo Pan.
Tip: Book a guided walk for the fig forest and the sand forest. Local guides know exactly where the specials are and how to find them.
2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park: St Lucia and Cape Vidal
This UNESCO World Heritage Site runs along the coast north of St Lucia. The estuary and lake systems hold huge numbers of waterbirds, while the coastal forest at Cape Vidal and around St Lucia has its own specials.
Look for: Pelicans, Goliath Herons and, when conditions suit them, flamingos on the estuary. In the coastal forest, look for Livingstone’s Turaco, Woodward’s Batis and Green Malkoha.
3. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Best known for its rhino conservation history, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is also an excellent birding park, with hilly forest in the north and open bushveld in the south.
Look for: Southern Ground Hornbills walking in family groups, Bateleurs overhead, several vulture species including White-backed and Lappet-faced Vultures, and Purple-crested Turacos in the forest.
4. Sani Pass, southern Drakensberg
Climbing up into the high Drakensberg towards Lesotho, Sani Pass takes you through grassland, scrub and rocky slopes, each with its own birds. It is the most accessible place to find several high-altitude specials.
Look for: Gurney’s Sugarbird on the lower slopes, and near the top the Drakensberg Rockjumper and Drakensberg Siskin. Keep scanning the sky for the Bearded Vulture.
Tip: The top of the pass is the Lesotho border post, so you will need a 4×4 and your passport. Many birders join a guided trip from Underberg or Himeville.
When to go birding in KwaZulu-Natal
Summer (October to March) brings migrants and breeding plumage, though the coast is hot and humid. Winter is dry and pleasant on the coast and in the game reserves, and the bushveld is easier to see into. Expect snow and very cold conditions at the top of Sani Pass in winter.
What to pack for KZN birding
On the coast and in the reserves, a light outback shirt and a cap keep you cool. Up in the Drakensberg, pack a warm hoodie. A canvas and leather binocular strap makes long forest walks easier, and a game drive sign is handy when you stop on a game drive for a bird and the cars start to queue.
