This is the most reliable site for African Broadbill. The best time to hear the Broadbill is just before dawn and just after dusk. The Broadbills can be heard for longer periods during the day in the summer months. Other species often seen here are Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Eastern Nicator, Narina Trogon, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Green Twinspot and Red-faced Cisticola. The vegetation is Semi-deciduous Scrub Forest which is a low canopy forest with a mix of woodland, riverine and Afro-montane tree species. This is a forest type that has recently spread across the Soutpansberg and has unfortunately replaced much of the mixed grasslands that used to cover the mountains 100 years ago. The birding is nonetheless very good. To get there take the R524 (Thohoyandou/Punda Maria road from Makhado), 15.8 km after leaving Makhado you will see a sign: ´Welgevonden´ (in red letters). Turn left onto this gravel road and drive 4.1 km. Here, at the end of a Macadamia nut orchard, is a small concealed track that runs steeply down to the left into a thick patch of forest. Park at this point if the road looks wet. The track goes on 300 m before reaching a small parking area and picnic site. Two marked trails have been laid out leading from the parking spot. One trail leads you up the Levubu River and the other up one of its tributaries. Both trails go past the Crowned Eagle nest, which is situated in the pine compartment. There is also a picnic site consisting of chairs and tables. Enjoy the birding: Roodewal is one of my favourite sites. NB: There is a boom on the road to the forest, which opens in the morning and closes in the evening. If you are planning a very early start at the forest you will need to make arrangements for the boom to be opened with Erina Lombard on 083 452 2091.

This is the most reliable site for African Broadbill. The best time to hear the Broadbill is just before dawn and just after dusk. The Broadbills can be heard for longer periods during the day in the summer months. Other species often seen here are Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Eastern Nicator, Narina Trogon, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Green Twinspot and Red-faced Cisticola. The vegetation is Semi-deciduous Scrub Forest which is a low canopy forest with a mix of woodland, riverine and Afro-montane tree species. This is a forest type that has recently spread across the Soutpansberg and has unfortunately replaced much of the mixed grasslands that used to cover the mountains 100 years ago. The birding is nonetheless very good. To get there take the R524 (Thohoyandou/Punda Maria road from Makhado), 15.8 km after leaving Makhado you will see a sign: ´Welgevonden´ (in red letters). Turn left onto this gravel road and drive 4.1 km. Here, at the end of a Macadamia nut orchard, is a small concealed track that runs steeply down to the left into a thick patch of forest. Park at this point if the road looks wet. The track goes on 300 m before reaching a small parking area and picnic site. Two marked trails have been laid out leading from the parking spot. One trail leads you up the Levubu River and the other up one of its tributaries. Both trails go past the Crowned Eagle nest, which is situated in the pine compartment. There is also a picnic site consisting of chairs and tables. Enjoy the birding: Roodewal is one of my favourite sites. NB: There is a boom on the road to the forest, which opens in the morning and closes in the evening. If you are planning a very early start at the forest you will need to make arrangements for the boom to be opened with Erina Lombard on 083 452 2091.