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Birder Friendly Establishments

Limpopo

Alma

The Dabchick Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Waterberg district of Limpopo Province, South Africa, which is one of the most important conservation and ecotourist areas in the country. The reserve is roughly a two and a half hour drive from the OR Tambo international airport in Johannesburg and is a malaria-free zone. The reserve caters for nature lovers who want to experience the wonders of the African bush, in comfort without the intrusion of modern life.

The luxury tented lodge has a lapa and a swimming pool where guests can relax at any time of the day. A cosy boma provides a venue for boasting about bird sightings and astounding star gazing. All tents have wonderful views, lights, power outlets and en-suite bathrooms with hot water, towels and complimentary toiletries. Power points are also available in the main lapa (lounge and dining room) for charging photographic equipment, phones or laptops (220V). Three different types of tent are available, decorated in different animal themes, at various rates.
A tented bush camp situated under a huge fig tree can accommodate a total of 12 guests in comfortable bush style, with hot shower, toilets, bush lamps and gas cooking.

A diversity of habitats including mountains, wetlands, waterholes, grasslands and forests make Dabchick Wildlife Reserve a paradise for wildlife, large and small. The return of the mammalian megaspecies and a variety of other wildlife species to the area has made it ecologically more diverse. The Waterberg area is now one of the most important conservation and wildlife tourism areas in the country.

Activities of interest for nature lovers:

  • Bush walks
  • Game drives
  • Bird watching at camp/waterholes
  • Vulture viewing at restaurant when carcases are available
  • Star gazing or guided star safari at extra cost from astrophysicist Dr Phillip Calcott (prior booking needed)

Places of interest in the area are Feracare cheetah sanctuary (Rooiberg), elephant rides and visit to the Black Mamba curio shop (Vaalwater), Marakele (Thabazimbi) and day visits to Mabula on Thursdays for ground hornbill research info and viewing. These activities in the surrounding area can be arranged on request, at an additional cost.

Contact Details

Rory Turbitt

Physical address: Alma Valley Limpopo
Mobile: +27 (0)79 944 8717
Email: management@dabchick.co.za
Web: https://www.dabchick.co.za/
GPS Coordinates: S24’ 56 93 58, E27’ 85 76 69

Hoedspruit

Toro Yaka Bush Lodge is nestled in the heart of the Balule Nature Reserve, a 38000 hectare conservancy, which forms part of the Greater Kruger National Park biosphere. Toro Yaka, which means “My Dream” in Northern Sotho, is a one-of-a-kind lodge situated in the unforgettable pristine bushveld of Balule, a 30 000 ha nature conservancy in the Greater Kruger National Park. Toro Yaka is owner-managed by husband and wife team, Steve and Nicole, who will personally ensure your stay to be something to remember.

Steve has spent more than a decade sharing his knowledge and love for the bush with clients from all over the world at luxury game lodges throughout South Africa. All bush activities are conducted by Steve, who is a professional SKS trails guide, qualified through the Field Guide Association of South Africa (FGASA). His 12 years of experience and specialised knowledge of all aspects of nature make all bush experiences truly unforgettable. In excess of 350 species have been recorded in the Balule Nature Reserve.

Nicole is a qualified holistic massage therapist and takes care of all the tiny details. Together with the Toro Yaka Staff, they will ensure your stay to be a memorable one.

Balule is home to a large variety of plants and animals. From the smallest spider to the largest elephant, from the tiniest flower to a 1000 year old Leadwood tree, owls at night and eagles by day, every aspect of the ecosystem is explored.

The Olifants River, which flows year round through the Balule, is home to hippos and crocodiles, and the whole area is one of scenic splendor, with the northern tip of the Drakensberg mountain range being visible from many points.

Birding in the Balule Nature Reserve is very rewarding and Steve’s Balule Bird List to date is 250+ species long. A large variety of birds are found in Toro Yaka’s garden, including sunbirds, kingfishers, owls, francolins, cuckoo’s and many more. The Region, with its diverse habitat of mountainous forest, riverine forest and bushveld savannah, hosts 80% of the country’s raptor species. All of the birding “Big 6” (Kori Bustard, Southern Ground-Hornbill, Lappet-faced Vulture, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Martial Eagle and Saddle-billed Stork) have been recorded here.

In addition to birding, Toro Yaka offers a number of other activities including visits to the Kapama Cheetah Breeding Project, Moholoholo Animal Rehabilitation Centre, Swadini Reptile Park, White river rafting, hot air ballooning and the Nyani Cultural Village.

Contact Details

Steve & Nicole Baillie

Physical address: Balule Nature Reserve,
(On the R40 between Hoespruit & Phalaborwa)
Fax: +27 (0)12 991 5984 or 086 603 8251
Mobile: +27 (0)82 308 5763
E-mail: info@toroyaka.co.za
Web: http://toroyaka.co.za/

Bundox Safari Lodge is stylish and simple overnight safari accommodation in a private reserve in the Greater Kruger area. On the doorstep of South Africa’s most visited wildlife region, Bundox has the Kruger National Park, Panorama Route, and the Blyde River Canyon within arm’s reach.

There are many accommodation options to choose from here at Bundox, from the Luxury Superior Tent, Luxury Meru Tents, and Chalets, all of which are situated amongst the natural trees and bush characterising the property. Bundox is the ideal destination for visitors wanting a quiet nature retreat with the option of indulging in safari activities with the family.

There is a wide variety of birds, small mammals and antelope roaming the property….

Sit back and enjoy the bush at this relaxing safari lodge.

Contact Details

Lene Venter

Central Reservations: +27 72 523 2796

Bundox Safari Lodge: +27 71 949 5808 / +27 60 581 1065

Email: reservations@wildsideafrica.net

Magoebaskloof (Haenertsburg)

Magoebaskloof Birders’ Cottages are located on Dragonwyck Farm in the Magoebaskloof (near Haenertsburg) on the edge of the Limpopo Drakensberg escarpment. Historically the valley was mainly grassland with acacia and kiaat trees dotted about with patches of mist belt forest in ravines and along river lines. Today, much of the forests remain and the grasslands are mostly planted with avocado, macadamia and bluegums.

Dragonwyck Farm is a working farm producing avocados and indigenous plants. We practise natural farming methods and have many birds and animals coexisting with us on the farm. We do our best to offer our guests peace and quiet and the opportunity to get the most enjoyment from our environment. Each cottage is surrounded by indigenous plants providing the ideal habitat for many birds and animals.

There are walks on the farm which follow the streams and provide access to escarpment forest. Be on the lookout for the following birds on the trails: Black-fronted Bush-Shrike, Olive Bush-Shrike, Narina Trogon, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Olive Thrush, 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, Barrats Warbler and Black Saw-wing.

Woodbush Forest, one of the premier birding spots in South Africa, is a short drive away. Scenic drives in the district offer excellent bird watching.

Birders Cottage Accommodation

  1. Robin Cottage is a two bedroom unit. The main bedroom has a bath, shower and toilet tucked into a very private garden outside. The second bedroom has a double bed on the mezzanine level and two single beds on the lower floor. Robin has a fully equipped kitchen with a gas stove, fridge-freezer and microwave.
  2. Narina Cottage has a single bedroom with a double bed plus a large couch in the bedroom suitable for younger children. It has a built- in braai/fireplace in the rondavel. The cottage has an inside shower and a private outside double bath. It is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas stove, fridge/freezer, microwave and kitchen utensils.
  3. Trogon Cottage has a single bedroom and can have either a King size bed or two single beds depending on guests requirements. The inside fireplace is designed to be also used as a braai when it is cold and wet. Trogon Cottage has an inside shower and double bath with a private double bath outside. It is fully equipped for self-catering with a gas stove, fridge/freezer, microwave and kitchen utensils.

Contact Details

Mark Harman

Address: Dragonwyck Farm, A 46.5 off R71, Magoebaskloof
Phone: 0844023709
Email: mbcottage1@gmail.com or harman9@gmail.com
Web: http://mbcottage.co.za/ or http://birderscottage.com

Makhado (Louis Trichardt)

Camp Africa is situated on the fringes of indigenous forest and has a beautiful view over Louis Trichardt (Makhado) and the plains below. We are approximately 7 km (by road) from the CBD of Louis Trichardt. Camp Africa has five huts and many grassy camping spots. Each hut is a ‘family-unit’ with two single beds and a double bunker. For large camping groups, there is the beautiful lawn under the trees with its own little ablution with hot water from a ‘donkey’. There are mango and avocado trees scattered around the beautiful garden with a wild guava hanging over the bar. The children may also enjoy feeding the geese and goats with old bread and/or salad scraps.

Of interest to birders, would be the fact that Camp Africa is on the Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route. There is a Crowned Eagle’s nest behind the house; Narina Trogan live in our forests. The Knysna- and Purple-crested turacos may be seen, and colourful sunbirds flash from one flower to the next… and many, many more…

The many sights in Limpopo, especially Venda, are almost unending. Self-drive day tours may be undertaken, using Camp Africa as a central point, to visit places such as Thathe Vondo Sacred Forest, Lake Fundudzi; the potholes, potters, etc.

Activities: birding (Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route), tree-spotting, hiking, mountain biking, butterflies, moths… to name but a few…

Contact Details

Address: Hanglip Plantation, Louis Trichardt (Makhado)
Tel: +27 (0)15 516 5717
Mobile: +27 (0)82 829 5421 (Jacqui)
Email: info@campafrica.co.za
Email: info@masazane.co.za
Web: http://www.campafrica.co.za/

Mapungubwe

Mopane Bush Lodge is a luxury 4-star safari lodge in Northern Limpopo adjacent to Mapungubwe National Park. The lodge is located in Mapesu Private Game Reserve, a 7200ha property where the focus is on conserving biodiversity and the reintroduction of endangered species.

The reserve also offers an unfenced camping area comprising 24 individual sites with three ablution blocks. Tent rentals are optional. For guests who prefer more comfort, there are also 4 air-conditioned self-catering units available. All the accommodation offers complimentary Wi-Fi and allows guests to use the pool, bar and restaurant facilities at the lodge. There are 15 luxury double rooms in the lodge with private patios & outdoor showers, and some with private splash pools and outdoor bathtubs.

The tranquility of Mopane Bush Lodge provides the ideal base from which to experience the Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding route which host over 540 bird species. The area supports a high number of resident species, resulting in an abundance of birds all year round. Several different biomes including riverine forest along the Limpopo River, wetlands, sandstone cliffs and mopane bushveld support an impressive diversity of birds. A birding hide and an elevated tree top walk in the riverine forest to the Limpopo River are available for birding. A great option from the lodge is to visit the nearby Mapungubwe National park which is considered an Important Birding Area (IBA) by Birdlife International for its protection of globally threatened species such as the White-backed Vulture (breeding) and the Kori Bustard (possibly breeding). The riverine forest habitat allows for the secretive, subtropical, river-dependent Pel’s Fishing Owl to occur here. 387 bird species have been officially recorded within this IBA.

Contact Details

Physical address: R572, Mapesu Private Game Reserve, Farm Horison MS56, Limpopo
Tel: +27 (0)15 534 7906
Mobile: +27 (0)83 633 0795
Email: bookings@mopanbushlodge.com
Web: www.mopanebushlodge.com (lodge)
Other: www.mapesu.com
GPS coordinates: S-22.234179; E-029.459731

Pafuri

The Makuleke concession, situated between the Limpopo and the Luvuvhu Rivers in the northern section of Kruger National Park, is certainly the wildest and most remote part of the Kruger Park and offers varied vegetation, great wildlife viewing and the best birding in the entire Park.

Scenery ranges from the beautiful, quietly-flowing Luvuvhu River shaded by nyala trees and fever tree forests and teeming with hippos and crocodiles to the awesome Lanner Gorge, palm-fringed wetlands and rocky outcrops with thousand-year-old baobab trees.

Accommodation
9 comfortable thatched, tented double rooms on wooden decks rest in the shade of large nyala trees, each with an en-suite shower, washbasin with hot running water and a flush toilet and also a veranda overlooking the surrounding bush. The camp is not fenced.

Animals
All the wildlife that one would expect to see in a great national park such as Kruger can potentially be encountered on the concession.

Birds
You will be in arguably one of the best birding areas in South Africa. Makuleke forms 1% of Kruger Park’s surface area yet supports 90% of all the birds recorded for the Kruger Park. According to Birdlife SA, Makuleke is ranked three as a birding hotspot in South Africa.

There are many “specials” to be found at Makuleke include the Mottled Spinetail, Bohm’s Spinetail, Arnot’s Chat, Lemon-breasted Canary, Racket-tailed Roller, Grey-headed Parrot, Three-banded Courser and Pel’s Fishing-Owl. Others include the Crested Guineafowl, Narina Trogon, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Pennant-winged Nightjar, African Finfoot, Verreauxs’ Eagle, African Crowned Eagle, Dickinson’s Kestrel, Tropical Boubou, Black-throated Wattle-eye, African Yellow White-eye, Meves’s Starling, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, Mosque Swallow and Thick-billed Cuckoo.

Makuleke lies within the migratory path of many species including some of the rare or uncommon migrants such as the Olive-tree Warbler, Thrush Nightingale, Great Spotted Cuckoo, Eurasian Golden Oriole and Dwarf Bittern. It has a long bird list, mainly due to its pristine and great habitat variation. These include floodplains and wetlands, riparian and Fever Tree forest, thornveld, broad-leaf woodland, cliffs and rocky gorges.

Contact Details

Angela Leaning

Address: Makuleke concession, Pafuri, Northern Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 (0)13 752 2532
Fax: +27 (0)13 752 4791
Email: enquiries@ecotraining.co.za
Web: www.ecotraining.co.za 
GPS Co-ordinates:
22°23’59.28″ S
31°2’28.68″ E

RETURN Africa’s origins lie at Pafuri in the far north of the Kruger National Park. Our concession lies in a vast triangle between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers along South Africa’s north-eastern frontier. Between them, the two great valleys embrace one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes with mountains and gorges in the west giving way to plains, pans, baobabs and fever tress forests in the east. The land, particularly the low-lying floodplains near the confluence at Crook’s Corner where our camps are located, harbours an abundance of life and is home to over 350 species of birds.

Accommodation:
Pafuri Tented Camp lies along a bend of the Luvuvhu River shaded by enormous jackal and nyala berry trees. Its 19 luxury tents, sheltered under thatch, are en-suite, have indoor and outdoor showers as well as private viewing decks. The communal area offers al-fresco dining a bush bar, swimming pool and plenty of space.

Baobab Hill Bush House, a rustic yet comfortable bush home, offers ideal accommodation for groups of up to eight. The house consists of four bedrooms, with a home kitchen, open plan dining room and lounge, swimming pool and wrap around veranda. With the house comes a private game viewing vehicle, private guide, housekeeper and cook to assist at mealtimes.

Pafuri Walking Trails is for the more adventurous birder. Enjoy a three-night, four-day stay at the walking trails camp and explore this wild and bird lush area on foot.

Bird species found in the area:
The Makuleke concession is a RAMSAR wetlands site and there are over 350 species of birds in the Pafuri region. Commonly seen specials include Black-throated Wattle-eye, African Yellow White-eye, Lemon-breasted Canary, Grey-headed Parrot, Mottled Spinetail and African Finfoot. Other specials which are occasionally seen and for which the area is well known, are Dickinson’s Kestrel, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Orange-winged Pytilia, Racket-tailed Roller, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, White-backed Night Heron, Narina Trogon and Eastern Nicator. Other vagrants that are often seen are the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Mangrove Kingfisher and Angola Pitta.

Contact Details

Samantha Dalais

Address:Return Africa Pafuri Collection, Makuleke concession Pafuri, Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 (0)11 646 1391
Email: reservations@returnafrica.com
Web: www.returnafrica.com

GPS coordinates:
S 22.4140700
E 31.2125300

Birding Hotspots:

  • The Luvuvhu River
  • Lanner Gorge
  • Crooks Corner
  • Fever Tree Forest

Phalaborwa

Silonque Bush Estate & Spa is is located near the city of Phalaborwa and boasts 2 swimming pools and a tennis court. We have won the 2018 Lilizela award for the best provincial self catering 4 star accommodation. The estate offers views of the adjacent, Kruger National Park.

Thatched-roof units feature African-inspired décor and neutral colours. Each unit at Silonque Bush comes equipped with a private entrance, flat-screen satellite TV and a terrace offering views of the African bush. The bathroom includes free toiletries. Guests can prepare meals in the privacy of their self-catering unit which offers a fully equipped kitchen. Barbecue facilities are available and there is a restaurant open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests can unwind at the spa which offers a steam room or enjoy a refreshing swim in the pool. Facilities include a sun terrace and library, and a curio shop. Free Wi-Fi is available and an airport shuttle or car rental can be arranged upon request. Phalaborwa Airport is a 15-minute drive away.

Activities to engage in:

  • Exploring the nature of Silonque with a ranger
  • Birdwatching from your own terrace or in KNP
  • Bow and arrow clinic for kids and adults
  • Massage, manicure, pedicure or waxing
  • Make use of our tennis court on the estate
  • Barbecue clinic + dinner with a professional BBQ expert (min. 5 persons)

Contact Details

Duty Manager

Address: Plot 149 Silonque East Nature Reserve, Phalaborwa, Limpopo
Tel: +27 (0)15 781 0399
Mobile: +27 (0)79 509 0522
Email: reservations@silonque.com
Web: http://www.silonque.com

RETURN Africa’s origins lie at Pafuri in the far north of the Kruger National Park. Our concession lies in a vast triangle between the Limpopo and Luvuvhu rivers along South Africa’s north-eastern frontier. Between them, the two great valleys embrace one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes with mountains and gorges in the west giving way to plains, pans, baobabs and fever tress forests in the east. The land, particularly the low-lying floodplains near the confluence at Crook’s Corner where our camps are located, harbours an abundance of life and is home to over 350 species of birds.

Accommodation:
Pafuri Tented Camp lies along a bend of the Luvuvhu River shaded by enormous jackal and nyala berry trees. Its 19 luxury tents, sheltered under thatch, are en-suite, have indoor and outdoor showers as well as private viewing decks. The communal area offers al-fresco dining a bush bar, swimming pool and plenty of space.

Baobab Hill Bush House, a rustic yet comfortable bush home, offers ideal accommodation for groups of up to eight. The house consists of four bedrooms, with a home kitchen, open plan dining room and lounge, swimming pool and wrap around veranda. With the house comes a private game viewing vehicle, private guide, housekeeper and cook to assist at mealtimes.

Pafuri Walking Trails is for the more adventurous birder. Enjoy a three-night, four-day stay at the walking trails camp and explore this wild and bird lush area on foot.

Bird species found in the area:
The Makuleke concession is a RAMSAR wetlands site and there are over 350 species of birds in the Pafuri region. Commonly seen specials include Black-throated Wattle-eye, African Yellow White-eye, Lemon-breasted Canary, Grey-headed Parrot, Mottled Spinetail and African Finfoot. Other specials which are occasionally seen and for which the area is well known, are Dickinson’s Kestrel, Thick-billed Cuckoo, Pel’s Fishing Owl, Orange-winged Pytilia, Racket-tailed Roller, Yellow-billed Oxpecker, White-backed Night Heron, Narina Trogon and Eastern Nicator. Other vagrants that are often seen are the Silvery-cheeked Hornbill, Mangrove Kingfisher and Angola Pitta.

Contact Details

Samantha Dalais

Address:Return Africa Pafuri Collection, Makuleke concession Pafuri, Kruger National Park
Tel: +27 (0)11 646 1391
Email: reservations@returnafrica.com
Web: www.returnafrica.com

GPS coordinates:
S 22.4140700
E 31.2125300

Birding Hotspots:

  • The Luvuvhu River
  • Lanner Gorge
  • Crooks Corner
  • Fever Tree Forest

Vaalwater

Jembisa is private bush home situated in a private game reserve, the Palala River Reserve, in the heart of the Unesco world biosphere reserve of the Waterberg. It is a breathtakingly beautiful reserve that encompasses a wide diversity of habitats and biomes including savannah plains, syringa forests, riverine forests, gullies, rock faces, cliffs, flood plains and with 7 km of the Palala River meandering through it.

As a result it is home to a very broad range of fauna and flora species. Game species includes, rhino, leopard, giraffe, zebra, serval cats, eland, zebra, Red Hartebeest, hippo, crocodile, steenbok, bushbuck, kudu, duiker and many nocturnal animals such as civet, porcupine, bushbaby, brown hyena, genet, aardwolf and the relatively rare, but frequently sighted at Jembisa, aardvark. The land is managed in line with a plan drawn up by Dr Fanie Venter, a leader in the field of bushveld management.

The reserve was created by joining several pieces of land and now covers 3000 hectares. It is private land that is owned by the owners of the Jembisa Bush Home. This allows for good conservation management and control and provides guests with privacy and the knowledge that there will not be other visitors to the reserve other than Jembisa guests. The Jembisa team frequently partners with research projects on fauna and flora, recently taking part in a leopard distribution project with the University of the Witwatersrand and a protea monitoring project.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge and Villa is a luxurious, five-star private Safari Lodge situated within the malaria-free Welgevonden Game Reserve in Limpopo.

The lodge is becoming distinguished for its underground waterhole hide, which is connected to the Main Lodge by a tunnel. This unique feature offers an accessible, safe and one-of-a-kind opportunity to get up close to the animals drinking at the waterhole in front of the lodge.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge is family friendly yet is private and exclusive, enabling guests to relax and explore abundant wildlife on guided game drives. Welgevonden Game Reserve’s strict policy limiting the number of vehicles on the Reserve, enhances the exclusive and peaceful drives and ensures there will be no interruptions from vehicle traffic.

Mhondoro Safari Lodge has five suites, two Deluxe Suites (for two guests), one Executive Suite (for four guests) with all facilities of the Main Lodge within a short walking distance. The Villa is perfectly suited for exclusive family or small group bookings of up to six guests. It has a master suite and two additional en-suite bedrooms.

Welgevonden Game Reserve is home to over 50 different animal species, including the Big 5. The diversity of habitats leads to a wide range of wildlife and crossing the grassy plains you will see an abundance of antelope. Over 300 bird species are found on the reserve, including the Blue Crane which breeds in the southern section of the reserve. Our rangers will tell you all about the wonders of the wilderness on bush walks.

Contact Details

Physical address: Welgevonden Game Reserve, Vaalwater
Reservations: +27 (0)87 150 2314
Email: res@mhondoro.com
Web: https://www.mhondoro.com/

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