The Valley covers nearly 100 hectares of forest and includes the world-famous Cheerio Gardens, famous for their Azaleas, flowering cherries, and crab apples. Interestingly, these exotic gardens attract a remarkable array of forest and mountain birds, and a walk along the well laid out paths may provide sightings of Lemon Dove, White-Starred Robin, Barratt´s Warbler, Orange Ground-Thrush and Green Twinspot. There have even been a few sightings of Bush Blackcap here. Trails lead through a section of indigenous forest in which the elusive Narina Trogon is regularly spotted. Numerous small dams on the property attract the likes of Half-collared Kingfisher, African Black and White-backed Duck and Purple Heron, not to mention the resident Cape Clawless Otters. Other activities include trout fishing, mountain biking and hiking. There are picnic sites for day visitors and a beautiful tea garden that serves light meals. Accommodation at Cheerio Farm consists of 5 self-catering chalets and 3 B&B rondavels - Contact Carol on 015 276 1804 Cell: 082 374 2818. Cheerio Gardens has 3 self-catering chalets - Contact Jane on Tel (015) 276 4924 or 083 263 7663 Rates: R - RR (c & s/c)

This luxury 5-star hotel is in the ideal setting to explore the birding sites around Tzaneen, Letsitele and Agatha. There is a Bat Hawk nest less than 2km from the hotel and during the non-breeding season the birds are sometimes seen roosting in the eucalyptus trees on the hotel property. The extensive and well-tended gardens have a host of resident birds including Tambourine Doves, Black Fly-Catchers, Amethyst Sunbirds and Red-Capped Robin-Chats. Due to the location of the hotel on the escarpment between the lowveld and the Wolkberg Mountains there are always surprising birds turning up, like Retz’s Helmet-Shrike and Gurney’s Sugarbird. There is a Crowned Eagle in the nearby Komatiland forests and these magnificent birds are often seen circling above the hotel. The hotel is famous for its impeccable service, delicious food, luxury rooms and spectacular mountain views. There is a swimming pool, croquet lawn and a spa for those who want to take a break from the birding in the area.