Limpopo Birding Routes

Black Forest Mountain Lodge is situated 4km west of Haenertsburg in the foothills of the indigenous Black Forest. This is the perfect base from which to do some weekend birding, within a radius of 5km there is a good variety of habitats including Afromontane forest and grassland. There are a few earth dams in the immediate vicinity of the lodge, where Black Crake, Purple Heron, African Black Duck, Half-collared and Giant Kingfisher and sometimes Red-chested Flufftail can be seen. The grassland patches and thickets adjacent to the lodge harbour Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Barratt's Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Drakensberg Prinia, Olive Bush-Shrike and Buff-spotted Flufftail while the flowering garden shrubs sometimes bring in Malachite Sunbird and Gurney´s Sugarbird. Keep a look-out for soaring raptors which could include Long-crested and African Crowned Eagle and Jackal and Forest Buzzards. Some of the activities one can enjoy at Black Forest Mountain Lodge are birding, hiking, fishing, cycling and horse riding. There are various accommodation options including the original farmhouse with five double rooms, lounge, library and fully-equipped kitchen; two log cabins; and a campsite.

 | 082 715 1606 | broadlandsacc@gmail.com | www.blackforestlodge.co.za |

This classic hotel is located in the Agatha area, near Tzaneen, with spectacular views over the Wolkberg Mountains. It is an ideal setting to explore the birding sites around Tzaneen and Letsitele. 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 gardens have a host of resident birds including Tambourine Dove, Southern Black Flycatcher, Amethyst Sunbird and Red-Capped Robin-Chat. Due to the location of the hotel between the Lowveld and the Wolkberg, surprising birds such as Retz’s Helmet-Shrike and Gurney’s Sugarbird are sometimes seen. There is a Crowned Eagle in the nearby Komatiland forests and these magnificent birds can be seen circling above the hotel. There is a swimming pool and spa on the hotel grounds for those wishing to take a break from the birding in the area.

 | 015 306 8000 | info@coachhouse.co.za | www.coachhousehotel.co.za |

Fairview Hotel is situated on 26 hectares of farmland just east of Tzaneen. The 3km Letaba River frontage offers great opportunities to see Fish Eagle, Bat Hawk, Purple-crested Turaco, White-browed Robin-Chat, White-faced Whistling Duck, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, and Southern Black Flycatcher. The gardens blend with indigenous vegetation and provide diverse habitats for a range other bird species. There is also a Par 3 golf course, spa, swimming pool and mountain biking trail on the hotel grounds.

 | 015 307 2679 | 082 900 5166 | reservations@fairviewtzaneen.co.za | www.fairviewtzaneen.co.za |

Day 1: Start in Polokwane, visiting the Polokwane Nature Reserve and Bird Sanctuary. This area will provide specials such as the Short-clawed Lark, Bushveld Pipit, Great Sparrow and Crimson-breasted Shrike. From Polokwane, travel eastwards towards Haenertsburg to explore the grasslands above the village for birds such as Broad-tailed Warbler, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Drakensberg Prinia and Cape Grassbird.

Day 2: An early morning exploration along the Woodbush Forest drive is sure to be a rewarding experience where specials such as Cape Parrot, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike and Grey Cuckooshrike may be seen. It is always worth checking for the Grey Wagtail (summer) at the Debegeni Waterfall. Look out for African Finfoot and Half-collared Kingfisher around the Magoebaskloof Dam. Then drive down to the Tzaneen Dam and bird the area below the dam wall for Grey-rumped Swallow, Yellow-throated Longclaw and White-browed Robin-Chat.

Day 3: Head out towards Letsitele, making short stops on the Taganashoek road and at The Junction. Look out for Woodland Kingfisher (summer), various Bee-eaters and Purple-crested Turaco. Now follow the road eastwards to the Eiland Resort and the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve. Spend the rest of the day birding in this reserve, looking out for Arnot´s Chat, Broad-billed Roller (summer) and White-breasted Cuckooshrike. 

This provincial nature reserve, adjacent to the Eiland Holiday Resort, has many of the Lowveld´s best qualities including fine tracts of Mopane and mixed broad-leaved woodland, riverine thicket, saline patches and dolerite ridges. A 10km stretch 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, Brown-headed Parrot, Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver, Bennett´s Woodpecker, Cuckoo Hawk, African Hawk Eagle, 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), 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.

Directions: Travel on the R71 from Tzaneen towards Phalaborwa. Cross the Letaba River and pass the Letsitele turn-off, then turn left on the R521 towards Eiland. Follow this road and see the Hans Merensky Nature Reserve entrance on the right after about 30km.

This once-flourishing bird sanctuary is now sadly in a state of disrepair. The habitats consist of riverine thickets, open water, dense reed beds, mudflats and Acacia thornveld, and may produce an interesting birding surprise or two. Apart from a variety of waterfowl, waders and rallids, the Acacia thickets are productive and accommodate Grey-backed Camaroptera, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-breasted Apalis and many warbler species in the summer months, including Common Whitethroat and Olive-tree, Icterine, Garden, Great Reed and Eurasian Marsh Warblers and Thrush Nightingale. The unpredictable flow of water into the settling dams may create mudflats and shallow pools which attract a host of waders during middle to late summer with Wood, Marsh, Common and Curlew Sandpipers, Greenshank, Ruff and Little Stint. Look out for skulking African Snipe and Greater Painted-Snipe as well as African Fish Eagle and other interesting raptors, including Ovambo Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk and African Harrier-Hawk.

Directions: The sanctuary is situated just outside Polokwane on the R521 towards Alldays. The turn-off is on the right-hand side after crossing the Sand River, just beyond a prominent filling station.

This reserve is best known as the most reliable site for the isolated eastern population of the Short-clawed Lark, it also provides excellent bushveld, thornveld and grassveld birding. The extensive road network, walking trails and bird hides expose the visitor to a variety of habitats in which over 320 bird species have been recorded. Localised species found here include: Northern Black Korhaan, Shelley´s Francolin, Burchell´s Sandgrouse (winter), Bushveld Pipit, Ashy Tit, Great Sparrow, Barred Wren-Warbler and Tinkling Cisticola. Raptors are also well represented here with African Hawk Eagle, Black-chested Snake Eagle, Secretary Bird, Wahlberg´s Eagle (summer), Greater Kestrel and Gabar Goshawk, all of which breed in the reserve. The Short-clawed Lark is best found where the main loop cuts through areas of short grassland with scattered shrubs. Listen for its high-pitched whistle and scan the tops of the broad-leaved Gymnosporia shrubs and Acacia trees. There is a camping ground, caravan park and basic chalet accommodation at the reserve´s entrance gate.

Directions: To reach the reserve from the N1 south of the city, turn onto the Louis Trichardt / Tzaneen bypass road (2km beyond the Shell Ultra City filling station). Continue on this road until just before the Peter Mokaba Football Stadium, then turn right onto the Silicon Road. The reserve entrance is about 800m further on the right. From Polokwane itself, travel along Dorp Street in a southerly direction, passing the sports stadium and golf course until the road becomes Silicon Road.

| 015 290 2331 |

Simply Wild Lodges are located in the 5500 hectare Munnik conservancy, 55km north-east of Polokwane on the R81 to Giyani. A variety of habitats can be explored here including low lying semi-deciduous scrub, mixed forest on mountain slopes, sour broadleaved bushveld, riverine thickets and farm dams. Over 250 bird species can be seen here, including Purple-crested Turaco, White-crested Helmet-Shrike, African Green Pigeon, Flappet Lark, Striped Kingfisher, Yellow-throated Longclaw, Black Cuckooshrike and Sombre Greenbul. Raptors include African Harrier-Hawk, Jackal Buzzard, African Hawk-Eagle, Brown and Black-chested Snake-Eagle and Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Mahuto Lodge offers fully-catered packages or self-catering accommodation. It has seven en-suite chalets with a fully equipped kitchen, large dining area, pool, bar and boma area. Fig-Tree Retreat is a rustic camp with no electricity in a secluded region of the Middle Letaba Valley, There are 7 rooms and a central ablution facility with hot showers; a fully equipped kitchen, pool and boma / braai area. Battery-powered lanterns are provided.

Game drives and guided bush walks can be arranged. Self-drives are permitted and for the more adventurous there is a 4x4 route which meanders up and down the Middle Letaba Valley and through the most beautiful parts of the Buffelsberg Mountains. The route is well-marked and ranges from fairly moderate to highly challenging. 

| 082 456 3097 | genecide@mweb.co.za | www.simplywild.co.za |

Thabapashwa Hiking and Mountain Bike Trails lie in a mountain range between Polokwane and Mokopane. There is a combination of thornveld and broadleaved woodland as well as riverine areas along a few small streams; 2000 hectares of the farm is dominated by huge granite outcrops. This range of habitats provides for interesting sightings on the property. The rocky outcrops and mountains are home to two pairs of Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon, Rock Kestrel and Cape Eagle Owl. Shelly’s Francolin, Striped Pipit, Cape Rock Thrush and Mountain Chat are also seen in the rocky areas. Other specials that can be found here include Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Secretary Bird and Freckled Nightjar; there have also been sightings of Yellow-spotted Nicator, Grey-headed Kingfisher and Meyer’s Parrot. The accommodation on the farm is varied and has been built into and around the big boulders. Dome Rock Camp can accommodate 26 people in 5 huts, each with its own boma and washing-up area. Ablutions are in reed enclosures with hot and cold running water and flush toilets. One deep-freeze serves the whole camp; the huts can be booked separately. Kanniedood Camp accommodates 14 people and has a huge deck overlooking the farm. It can only be reached by 4x4 vehicle or a 10-minute hike. There is also a fully-equipped self-contained thatched cottage and a campsite. There are over 95km of hiking and mountain biking trails on the farm; as well as 7 bolted rock-climbing routes for those who would like to try something different!

 | 015 491 4882 | 082 389 6631 | thabaphaswa@absamail.co.za | www.thabapaswa.co.za |

This is a perfect roadside stop along the R71 between Tzaneen and Phalaborwa to take a refreshing break as it is situated right on the banks of the Letaba River under a canopy of shady trees. It has a pub and a restaurant, which serves breakfasts and light meals. The river and riverine vegetation supports Goliath and Purple Heron, Little Egret, Thick-billed Weaver, African Jacana and Red-faced Cisticola while the tropical gardens hold White-browed and Red-capped Robin-Chat, Woodland Kingfisher (summer), Purple Indigobird and Red-backed Mannikin.

Directions: Travel on the R71 from Tzaneen towards Phalaborwa, just before crossing the Letaba River, see the Letsitele filling station and turn-off to The Junction on the right. Follow the signs to the left on the small road that runs parallel to the R71.

The award-winning Tzaneen Country Lodge is located on 170 hectares of farmland and mixed bushveld on the R71 between Tzaneen and Letsitele. This sub-tropical area has produced a good variety of interesting birds through the years with a bird list of around 200 species. Some of the specials seen here are Broad-tailed Paradise Whydah and their hosts, Golden-backed Pytilia. More common are Broad-billed Roller, Carmine and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Southern Black Flycatcher and Groundscraper Thrush. African Cuckoo Hawk and the three species of Indigobird also occur here. Several bird-feeding trays in the lodge gardens attract Cut-throat Finch, Golden-breasted Bunting and Jameson´s Firefinch. There are 4 dams on the farm with good habitats for Warblers, Kingfishers and Cisticolas. Several hiking trails wind through the property, these walks can also be done by day-visitors with prior arrangement. The lodge offers 67 rooms, 3 swimming pools and a spa wellness centre should there be a need for some pampering after a long day’s birding.

 | 015 304 3290 | 082 395 9507 | reservations@tznlodge.co.za | www.tznlodge.co.za |

The area below the Tzaneen Dam wall is a popular birding spot due to its interesting mix of habitats within a very restricted area. After entering Tzaneen on the R71 from Polokwane, turn left at the Lifestyle Centre. Travel along Voortrekker Street and pass through the Tzangeni security gate. The tangled tall grassland on the right often produces Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Red-collared Widowbird and Yellow Bishop. Large water birds like Goliath Heron, African Fish Eagle, Osprey or Yellow-billed Stork can be seen around the dam and more interesting birding lies below the dam wall. Turn right at the T-junction and drive down past the dam wall to the parking area just before the bridge. On the way down, scan the lawns opposite the wall for Long-billed and Plain-backed Pipit and Yellow-throated Longclaw. The large wild fig trees host many fruit-eating species such as Barbets, African Green Pigeon and Purple-crested Turaco. Look out for birds from the small bridge across the Letaba River below the sluice gates. Here one can often see African Pied and Mountain Wagtail, Red-faced Cisticola, Golden Weaver, Wire-tailed and Grey-rumped Swallow, Black Saw-wing and Half-collared Kingfisher. The thickets near the bridge area are home to Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Red-capped and White-browed Robin-Chat and Bearded Scrub Robin. Drive across the bridge and turn right just after the water purification works, then look for Brown-backed Honeybird, Tambourine Dove, Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Black Cuckoo (summer) and several warbler species (summer) in a dense Acacia belt.

Directions: as described above.

From a birding point of view this 14km dirt road runs through what is arguably the finest Afromontane forest in the Limpopo Province, if not the country. The Woodbush Forest Drive passes through pristine mistbelt forests, down into semi-deciduous mixed forest and riverine thicket along the lower sections of the drive. Cape Parrot, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Orange Ground Thrush, Brown Scrub-Robin, Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher are simply a few of the specials to be seen along this road. Also look out for African Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle and African Goshawk. The beautiful Debengeni Waterfalls are also accessible from this road. A high clearance vehicle is recommended and a 4-wheel drive vehicle would be needed in wet weather.

Directions: To reach Woodbush Forest Drive, take the R71 from Polokwane towards Tzaneen. About 2km beyond the Magoebaskloof Hotel, turn to the left onto the gravel road to Houtbosdorp/Woodbush. After 2.5km take the right fork to the Woodbush Forest Reserve, which passes through stone gateposts. After another 2.1km see the hiking huts on your right, then 200m further turn right onto the Woodbush Forest Drive. This road can be birded for about 13km. There are two forks along this road: at the first, stay left and at the second, take the right fork.

Day 1: Depart from Polokwane and travel east on the R71 towards Tzaneen. Turn left towards Turfloop at the University of Limpopo and follow this tar road for 26km through Mamabolo Mountain Bushveld. Look out for Greater Kestrel, Lanner Falcon and a host of Larks and Cisticolas in this unusual habitat. Stop at Kurisa Moya Nature Lodge to do some forest birding for specials such as Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Blue-mantled Crested-flycatcher, White-starred Robin and Green Twinspot.

Day 2: Head down the Kudu´s River Valley and bird along this scenic dirt road, looking out for Narina Trogon; Verreaux’s, Crowned and Long-crested Eagles, Cape Rock-Thrush, Mocking Cliff-Chat, Olive Bush Shrike, Shelley´s Francolin and Lazy Cisticola. From Moeketsi, travel back towards Polokwane. All 5 Southern African Bush-Shrikes can be seen along this route.

Boscobel Cottages is an intimate luxury self-catering establishment located near Haenertsburg with three cosy stone and thatch cottages set in lovely gardens and lawns. The cottages are meticulously appointed with each having its own colour theme and featuring a wood burning fireplace. They consist of a ground floor main bedroom, bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen area and outdoor patio, as well as an upstairs loft area with two single beds. The main central lodge has a comfortable TV lounge and there is extra freezer space available. A comprehensive map of the property and surrounding countryside with suggested hiking and mountain biking routes, is available at the cottages. The Woodbush Forest, Haenertsburg Grasslands and Kudu’s River Valley are all a short distance away.

 | 083 452 2418 | info@boscobelcottages.co.za | www.boscobelcottages.co.za |

This cascading waterfall is a popular picnic site for locals and visitors to the area. This has probably been the most reliable site in South Africa for vagrant Grey Wagtails (summer) over the past 15 years. Even if this special is not there, it is worth visiting the Debengeni Falls, to see Mountain Wagtail and other forest birds. After turning off onto the dirt road marked Debengeni from the R71, keep a lookout for Red-backed Mannikin, African Firefinch and Swee Waxbill on the road verges. After about 100m you will cross a small stream and when the water levels are high this is a good spot for Half-collared Kingfisher and African Finfoot. On the 3km drive up to the falls look out for Tambourine and Lemon Dove, Chorister Robin-Chat, Blue-mantled Crested-Flycatcher and Yellow-streaked Greenbul in the forests. Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk breed in the vicinity of the falls and Buff-spotted Flufftail and Scaly-throated Honeyguide are often heard calling in the area. There are picnic facilities and short walking trails along the river downstream of the falls. A note of caution: be aware that the large smooth rock surfaces below the falls can be dangerous to walk on, particularly when they are wet. A small entry fee is payable at the boom.

Directions: If travelling in an easterly direction on the R71, the turnoff to the falls and the lower Woodbush forest drive is on the left, 12km beyond the Magoebaskloof Hotel. The entrance point to the falls is a further 3 km up the dirt road.

The Cheerio Valley covers nearly 100 hectares 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. There are picnic sites for day visitors and 3 self-catering chalets for overnight stays.

 | 083 355 0835 | sarah@brandcafe.co.za | www.cheeriogardens.co.za |

This scenic trail starts in the village of Haenertsburg and winds through the largest remaining fragment of critically endangered Woodbush Granite Grassland and the associated forest patches. The whole trail is 10km in length but various sections can be done separately. Blue Swallow occurred here in the past and it is hoped that this species may one day return to the area. On the grasslands, you may find Wailing, Lazy, Croaking, Cloud and Wing-snapping Cisticola. Grass Owl, White-necked Raven, Red-winged Francolin, Yellow Bishop, Dark-capped Yellow and Broad-tailed Warbler and Drakensberg Prinia are present as well as Cape Grassbird. Jackal Buzzard and Long-crested Eagle often hunt over the grassland. Olive Bush-Shrike, African Olive-Pigeon, Cape Batis, Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-streaked Greenbul and Forest Canary occur in the forest patches.

Directions: The trail starts at the Haenertsburg Village Hall, Rissik Street. Follow the yellow markers, or the map that is available at the Red Plate restaurant and other establishments in the village. For the less energetic, a drive up to the village cemetery (surely the most scenic in the country) will take you to the edge of the grassland. Ask for directions at any of the businesses in the village.

Day 1: From Polokwane head east towards Haenertsburg on the R71, after about 45km, turn right onto a dirt road situated on a big horseshoe bend sign-posted ´Randfontein´. Follow this road to the first junction and turn left towards Haenertsburg. Look out for Pearl-breasted Swallow, African Black Swift, White-fronted Bee-eater, Jackal Buzzard, White-necked Raven and Lazy Cisticola. This road eventually leads back to Haenertsburg via the Black Forest Mountain Lodge where you can stop to look for various grassland and forest birds.

Day 2: Explore the Woodbush Granite Grasslands above the village of Haenertsburg and the forests in the area. Travel down the the George´s Valley road (R528) towards Tzaneen, stopping off at Magoebaskloof Canopy Tours to bird along the upper reaches of the Letaba River, looking out for African Finfoot and Half-collared Kingfisher. Continue towards Tzaneen, then turn right towards Agatha and look for the Agatha State Forest turn-off on the way to the Coach House Hotel. Turn onto the dirt road and look for a Bat Hawk nest in the tall trees just off the road. From here, continue towards the Letsitele Valley and link up with the sites mentioned in Day 3 of the Green Route.

Bordering the forests and plantations of Magoebaskloof and the Woodbush Forest Reserve, Graceland Eco Retreat offers hiking trails and a relaxed environment for those wanting to escape for a few days and unwind in a dramatic landscape. It is home to kudu, giraffe, impala, reedbuck and other game, which can be viewed whilst hiking or on one of the terraces. Graceland allows access to the Kudu River Valley and its unique variety of birdlife including Verreaux’s, Crowned, Long-crested and African Fish Eagles, Lanner Falcon, Alpine and African Black Swifts. Graceland Eco Retreat offers farm-style accommodation in either Giraffe House, Kudu Chalet or at Serapana house. They are all totally off the grid, but don’t compromise on creature comforts with state-of-the art solar geysers, lights and Wi-Fi; ideal for visitors wanting to escape a busy life, as well as business travellers. Kudu Chalet and Giraffe House are located on either side of an open-air kitchen, which is the perfect place for al-fresco dinner under the pergola, and caters for a variety of cooking experiences, equipped with a pizza oven, braai area, kettle-braai and various prep areas. A communal outdoor lounge space is shaded by an old Fig Tree for hot summer days next to the splash pool. Serapana House, with its indigenous aloes and succulent garden, has a large conversation/fire pit with outdoor cooking facilities. A small pathway leads through the bush to a pergola overlooking the Kudu’s River Valley and Schnellskop Mountain. Graceland’s accommodation is easily accessible with a sedan car and only a game drive requires a 4x4 vehicle. The property is best viewed on foot, however, with marked hiking trails and many outdoor spaces with different views of the valley.

 | 083 277 5553 | info@gracelandeco.co.za | www.gracelandeco.co.za |

This spectacular 30km dirt road between Houtbosdorp and Mooketsi drops down over the escarpment through rocky bushveld and riverine habitats. One descends about 1000 metres in the first 20km after which the terrain consists of undulating agricultural landscape. The exposed granite boulders along the slopes near the top of the route are home to Cape Rock Thrush, Mocking Cliff Chat and Lazy Cisticola. African Crowned and Verreaux’s Eagles are often spotted here as are Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. The high bridge that spans a broad cascading stream along the way is a good spot to look out for African Finfoot, African Black Duck and Mountain Wagtail. From here the vegetation consists mainly of riverine and sub-tropical thicket frequented by the likes of Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Purple-crested Turaco, Green-capped Eremomela and White-throated Robin-Chat. Around the irrigation dams lower down look out for African Fish Eagle, Great Egret, Purple Heron and various Indigobird and Firefinch species.

Directions: From Polokwane follow the R71 and after approximately 20km, take the slipway to the left to the University of Limpopo. Continue on this road passing Mankweng and the main entrance to the University. Where the tar road ends is the start of this route. Follow the dirt road down the escarpment to Mooketsi. If travelling from Polokwane on the R81 to Modjadjiskloof, continue past the prominent Mooketsi filling station and immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right to Houtbosdorp on the Kudu’s River Valley dirt road. If you are travelling from Modjadjiskloof towards Polokwane, turn left to Houtbosdorp  just before Mooketsi and the bridge.

This ´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 the Black-fronted Bush-Shrike heading up the list. In Kurisa Moya's spectacular indigenous forest, other specials include the Narina Trogon, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher and Yellow-streaked Greenbul. The Twinspot Hide attracts Green Twinspots in numbers as well as Lemon Doves and other seed-eaters. Taking some time at the feeders at the Reception area will yield Chorister Robin, Sombre Greenbul, Swee Waxbills, African Firefinches, Forest Canaries and Red-backed Mannikins. 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 as well as Crowned and Long-crested Eagles. The nearby Mamabolo Grasslands offer excellent sightings of the Short-clawed Lark. Eight self-guided trails take birders through all five habitats. Or better yet, take a guided walk or outing with one of South Africa's top Local Bird Guides, David Letsoalo, or one of Limpopo's top Local Bird Guides, Paul Nkhumane. Excursions to nearby Woodbush Forest include Bat Hawk, Magpie Mannikin, Orange Ground Thrush and Cape Parrot sites. Owner Lisa provides comprehensive bird lists and early catering. Accommodation consists of two stilted log cabins in the indigenous forest; a comfortable farmhouse for groups or a stone cottage with breathtaking views. Day visitors are welcome by prior arrangement. The lodge also offers guided nature walks, village tours, adventure mountain bike trails, fly-fishing lessons and sunset 4x4 drives. This electricity-free eco-lodge ensures privacy, tranquillity and a great birding experience.

 | +27 (0) 71 658 6980 | 082 200 4596 | info@krm.co.za | www.krm.co.za |

Kuhestan Organic Farm is situated at the crest of Magoebaskloof, adjacent to the Woodbush Forest, and is thus ideally situated to further explore the indigenous Afromontane forest or look for various forest bird specials on the property itself. The farm is planted with avocados and raspberries and the houses are surrounded by magnificent gardens. Birds which can be seen include Cape Parrot, Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Orange Ground-Thrush, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Tambourine Dove, Lemon Dove, African Emerald Cuckoo, Narina Trogon, Olive Woodpecker, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike and Chorister Robin-Chat. Kuhestan produces a range of delicious preserves and cordials which are prepared on site. The self-catering fully-equipped cottages are beautifully situated, tastefully furnished and serviced daily.

 | 082 903 7593 | 082 887 8029 | info@kuhestan.co.za | www.kuhestan.co.za |

Magoebaskloof Birders’ Cottages are located on Dragonwyck Farm just off the R71 in Magoebaskloof. They are accessed by a 2km dirt road (which is not suitable for very low profile cars). Dragonwyck is a working farm practising natural farming methods and producing avocadoes and indigenous plants. The two cottages are surrounded by indigenous vegetation; walking trails on the farm follow streams and forest patches. Bird species seen around the cottages include Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Narina Trogon, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Orange Ground Thrush, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Green Twinspot, Mountain Wagtail, Forest Buzzard,Scaly-throated Honeyguide, White-starred Robin-Chat, Chorister Robin-Chat, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Barratt’s Warbler and Black Saw-wing. Robin Cottage has 2 bedrooms and can accommodate 7 people; there is an inside bathroom as well as a charming outdoor bathroom. Trogon Cottage can accommodate one couple and also has an additional outside bath with a view, as well as a small splash pool.

 | 084 402 3709 | mbcottage1@gmail.com | www.mbcottage.co.za |

This family hotel is to be found at the top of the Magoebaskloof Pass on the R71 between Polokwane and Tzaneen. It is flanked by Afromontane forest and a patch of Afromontane grassland, and overlooks the sub-tropical Lowveld at the bottom of the valley; it is therefore particularly well-situated as a mountain birding base. The hotel is a member of the Heritage Environmental Rating Programme and the management is committed to conserving the natural environment in which it is situated. There are marked paths on and adjacent to the property. Over 130 bird species have been recorded in this area, and of special interest are the African Crowned Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Cape Parrot, Narina Trogon, Olive Bush-Shrike, Grey Cuckooshrike, Square-tailed Drongo, Chorister Robin-Chat, Knysna Turaco and Buff-spotted Flufftail. The flowering shrubs in the hotel gardens attract a variety of Sunbirds including Southern and Greater Double-Collared, Amethyst and Collared. The hotel has standard and deluxe twin and double rooms, family rooms, and two-bedroomed self-catering apartments. Facilities include an a-la- carte restaurant, an all day continental-style coffee shop serving pastries and light meals, two pubs, a sparkling pool and curio shop.

 | 015 276 5400 | 082 213 7321 | reservations@magoebaskloof.co.za | www.magoebaskloofhotel.co.za |

Owl Cottage is situated 500 metres off the R71 in the Magoebaskloof Valley. The cottage is on the southern edge of the Woodbush Forest, just 7kms from the Debengi Falls turn-off. Frequent visitors to the 4 hectare avocado and pecan nut farm are Cape Parrots, with up to 30 birds feeding on the pecan nuts during winter. The garden, water features and bird feeders attract a wide range of birds and butterflies. Birds seen regularly are Purple-crested and Knysna Turaco, White-starred Robin, Red-backed Mannikin, African Firefinch and Swee Waxbill, with Grey Waxbills seen occasionally. Owl Cottage offers self-catering accommodation for 7 people, there is also a swimming pool and outdoor braai area. Owner Phil is also an accomplished fly-fisherman who can organise fishing outings and casting lessons.

| 082 853 9950 | tigphilw@metroweb.co.za | www.owlcottage.co.za |

This reserve encompasses all the habitats that make up the great eastern escarpment of the Northern Drakensberg including superb mistbelt forest and montane grassland. This is a good site to see high-altitude grassland species such as Common Quail (summer), Wing-snapping, Croaking and Wailing Cisticola, Broad-tailed Warbler and Malachite Sunbird. There are historical records of Blue Swallows in the grasslands. The forested gorges hold Cape Parrot, Red-capped Robin-Chat, White-starred Robin, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and many other forest species. There is a good tar road from the gate leading up the scenic Orrie Baragwanath Pass to the grasslands at the Downs and forested patch known as Church Forest. The reserve has comfortable self-catering wooden chalets at Makhutsi Camp along the river.

 | 015 293 3792 | rathlanes@gmail.com | rathogwatg@gmail.com | www.ledet.gov.za/lwr |   

This reserve encompasses all the habitats that make up the great eastern escarpment of the Northern Drakensberg including superb mistbelt forest and montane grassland. This is a good site to see high-altitude grassland species such as Common Quail (summer), Wing-snapping, Croaking and Wailing Cisticola, Broad-tailed Warbler and Malachite Sunbird. There are historical records of Blue Swallows in the grasslands. The forested gorges hold Cape Parrot, Red-capped Robin-Chat, White-starred Robin, African Emerald Cuckoo, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and many other forest species. There is a good tar road from the gate leading up the scenic Orrie Baragwanath Pass to the grasslands at the Downs and forested patch known as Church Forest. The reserve has comfortable self-catering wood chalets at Makhutsi Camp along the river.

Directions: Travel on the R36 from Tzaneen towards Lydenburg for around 40km, just past Ofcolaco turn right and follow the signs to Lekgalameetse.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |