Birding Areas
Jump to area
 *
Newcastle
Centre of the Amajuba Birding Meander
Newcastle, as industrial capital of North-west KwaZulu Natal, offers
comfortable and professional conference centres and an array of sporting and
leisure facilities. Shopping is a pleasure with state of the art centres
that offer you the variety that you seek at the right price. Newcastle is
ideally situated between Johannesburg and Durban, which makes it a very
attractive stopover. Once here, you can be treated to some of the best
nature scenes and wildlife that you could imagine.
Accommodation is of a very high standard at affordable rates and several
of which have been adapted to meet the needs of birdwatchers. For the
historian Newcastle is centrally situated in the Heart of the Battlefields
route with great sites to be visited within minutes of the CBD. For the
alternative shopper Newcastle boasts of a very large textile manufacturing
area where anything goes from Jerseys to shoes and plastic ware.
Other large operations include Iscor, DOW Chemicals, a diamond cutting
works, various heavy engineering concerns, a granite factory, a cement plant
and much, much more. Nature has blessed our area with a very moderate
climate which is excellent for birdwatching in our area. Enquiries to
Newcastle and it’s birdwatching can be directed to Tourism Newcastle on:
(034) 315-3318 or Birdlife Northern Natal on (034) 315-2013 or (034)
326-3849
Back to top
Memel
If you are serious about birding
The area surrounding Memel is a jewel in terms of its landscape, scenic
beauty and its extraordinary wildlife. The village is situated on the R32 in
the South-eastern corner of the Freestate only 240 km from Johannesburg and
50 km from Newcastle.
To the North, the landscape comprises mainly undulating grasslands and
includes the extensive Seekoeivlei wetland. To the East and South, you drive
within minutes into the majestic and picturesque Drakensberg mountain range
with its rocky hillsides, plateau grasslands, well watered valleys, tumbling
streams, dams and pans.
The Memel district includes the Ramsar listed Seekoeivlei wetland, one of
the largest remaining and intact wetlands in Southern Africa. It boasts of
over 230 species of birds which include not less than 15 Red Data species.
What makes Memel so special is its variety of birds. Some ornithologists and
experienced birders regard this area as a major and prime birding
destination.
In fact, Memel is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most sought after
birding spots. The district gives access to grassveld species, water birds
and mountain species and a whole range of forest species. Come and visit
Memel and discover its diverse bird population.
Back to top
Utrecht
The Bushveld Alternative
The major contribution that Utrecht makes towards the Northern Natal
Birding Meander lies in the access that it gives to a wide variety of bird
species which are normally only to be found in Bushveld Regions. This
increases the diversity of species to be found in the Northern Natal Birding
Meander dramatically.
Tucked away in a corner of the picturesque Balele mountains lies Utrecht
– a rare gem unique in that it lies in the heart of a conservancy.
Established in 1854, the town is steeped in history, which is reflected in
beautiful historical buildings like the Old Manse Museum, the old Dutch
Reformed sandstone church, the unique old military cemetery, and stately
colonial houses.
Utrecht does not only offer an historical experience to the tourist, the
picturesque Balele mountains with its waterfalls and variety in ecology is
home to a rich bird life and variety of fauna. The conservancy and district
offers a variety of experiences that include hiking and horse trails, trout
fishing in dams or the pristine Bivane river, birding as well as water sport
on the dam at the recreation resort.
The Utrecht district is the tribal domain of no less than five Amakosi
(Zulu Chiefs) who today play an active role in the development of the area.
A traditional Zulu Arts and Crafts village is presently being constructed
and a major arts and crafts market is envisaged in the near future. Farm
holidays are on offer to the city dweller in search of a different
experience. Directed enquiries to the Utrecht Publicity Association,
telephone (034) 331-3613.
Back to top
Wakkerstroom
Flagship of grassveld Birding
The Wakkerstroom area, one of the most important and unique bird areas in
South Africa, is without doubt, a birdwatcher's paradise. The habitat, home
to many rare and threatened. species, is considered to be of
world-importance (IBA020).
The wetlands hold a significant proportion of globally endangered
White-winged Flufftail and large numbers of specials such as Little Bittern,
Baillon's Crake, Redchested Flufftail and African Rail. In summer, it is
possible to see all three Cranes and all five Harriers within the district.
Other specials such as Bald Ibis, Rudd's and Botha's Lark and Yellowbreasted
Pipit are relatively easy to spot.
There are many delightful accommodation establishments in the area. Take
your pick from farm cottages to top-class country inns. The Bird Life South
Africa Wakkerstroom centre is used for bird guide and bird ringing courses,
as well as international seminars and workshops on conservation and
eco-tourism. This facility offers a range of accommodation, from camping to
comfortable en-suite rooms. There are three bird hides on the property.
The Wakkerstroom Country Fair has become a very popular annual event and
is certainly worth visiting. Information can be obtained from:
- The Wild Turkey - Tel: (017) 730-0674 or John Mc Allister - Tel/Fax:
(017) 730-0433 - Cell: 072-530-4834 - E-Mail: Wakkerstroom@birdlife.org.za
- Lucky Ngwenya David Nkosi Contact number - BLSA (017) 730-0433 Use
own vehicle R 20 per hour per person. Minimum: R 40 per hour
- Norman Mncube Contact number 082-584-1542 Use own vehicle R 20 per
hour per person. Minimum: R 40 per hour
- John Mc Allister Contact number (017) 730-0269 E-Mail: mcallister@vlr.dorea.co.za
Vehicle available R 120 per hour for group
Back to top
|
