This Birdlife-SA accredited ´Birder-friendly establishment´ is situated on a 422-hectare farm, which straddles the Woodbush forest and the Bushveld habitats on the Northern Drakensburg escarpment. Kurisa Moya boasts excellent birding on site, including 7 species of Robin including White-starred and Chorister. Most notable are 5 Bush-Shrikes, with Black-fronted heading up the list. In this spectacular indigenous forest, other specials include the Narina Trogon, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher and Yellow-streaked Greenbul. The Bushveld areas have a range of cisticolas and warblers and the montane area is home to Gurney´s Sugarbird. Raptors include Rufous-chested and Black Sparrowhawk. Eight self-guided trails take birders through all five habitats and David Letsoalo, resident Birdlife-SA accredited guide, takes walks on the farm or excursions to Bat Hawk and Cape Parrot sites. Owners Ben and Lisa, experienced birders, provide comprehensive bird lists and early catering. Accommodation consists of two stilted log cabins in the indigenous forest; a luxury farmhouse for groups or a stone cottage with views that take your breath away. Camping is also an option and day visitors are welcome by prior arrangement. The lodge also offers massages, fly-fishing lessons, abseiling and sunset 4x4 drives. This electricity-free eco-lodge ensures privacy and a great birding experience. Rates: RR - RRR (s/c) (c)

This provincial nature reserve, which includes the Eiland Holiday Resort, has many of the lowveld´s best qualities including fine tracts of Mopane and red bush-willow woodland, riverine forest, saline patches and doleritic ridges. A stretch of 10km of the Great Letaba River forms the northern boundary of the reserve. The special here is Arnot´s Chat, which is best looked for in the mature Mopane woodland along the tourist drive in the main portion of the reserve. Other lowveld birds of interest in the reserve include Greater Blue-eared Starling, Red and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbills, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Bennett´s Woodpecker, Southern White-crowned Shrike and Stierling´s Wren-Warbler. The trail that runs along the river is good for Retz´s Helmet-Shrike, Thick-billed Cuckoo (summer), Brown-headed Parrot, Yellow-throated Petronia and Red-headed Weaver. There is good camping and chalet accommodation at the Eiland Holiday Resort and a rustic trail camp within the reserve itself. Rates: R - RR (s/c)