The Retreat is a Victorian farmhouse set in 560ha of the beautiful Groenfontein Valley Conservancy, bordering on the 129 000ha Swartberg Nature Reserve. The house, filled with yellow-wood and mellow Oregon pine, has a lounge and dining room – each with its own ceramic fireplace to keep them cosy on chilly winter evenings – leading onto a wide verandah, overlooking the sweeping gardens and majestic Swartberg mountains. The Retreat is ideally situated for day trips to the Swartberg Pass, Meiringspoort, Seweweekspoort, Montagu Pass, the coast and more.
Calitzdorp (and The Retreat), is situated more or less in the middle (from east to west), of a new conservation area that was officially established in the Little Karoo in 2011. The Gouritz Cluster Biosphere Reserve (GCBR), covers an area from the Swartberg mountains in the north, to the Indian Ocean in the south; and from Uniondale in the east, to Montagu in the west. It aims to co-ordinate the protection of three international, biodiversity hotspots that overlap in this region, that form part of the Cape Floristic Kingdom.
Birder Friendly Establishments
Western Cape
Caledon
Tucked away in the Overberg Mountains outside Caledon, Black Eagle Lodge and Villa offer a tranquil farm-style retreat just 90 minutes from Cape Town. Revive your soul, surrounded by nature, from the privacy of these beautiful self-catering mountain lodges, spaced nearly a kilometre apart. Awake to the call of the sugarbird and unwind on an expansive verandah, overlooking a spring-water dam and rolling wheat fields. Take the edge off hot summer days in pools of cool spring water and warm up winter nights beside a blazing log fire. Count the stars with the kids and teach them to fly-fish, collect frogs or spot a black eagle.
Offering respite from busy schedules, Black Eagle Lodge and Villa are ideally suited to a holiday of total relaxation, whether it’s reading a bestseller or pedalling the road. Reconnect with family and loved ones as you take in the beauty of nature and explore the activities of this working farm. Overlooking a dam (lake), our 4 star-rated self-catering Villa is the ideal base from which to explore the area’s prolific birdlife and mountainous surrounds, or to simply wile away an afternoon savouring the views. The Villa accommodates up to six guests in three double bedrooms, each with en suite bathroom.
Calitzdorp
There are two suites and two garden rooms away from the house with breathtaking views of the mountains from their private terraces, and 4 comfortable en-suite bedrooms in the main house, with French doors opening onto a patio.
Enjoy energetic hill walks or mountain biking in the clear air – or lazy summer afternoons cooling off in the shady, secluded rock pools that sparkle like jewels along the length of the tree-fringed river – or simply stroll along the peaceful, winding lanes of the Groenfontein Valley.
Darling
Darling is your hub on South Africa’s West Coast
Bird hides, rolling hills, vineyards, wheat fields, dairy pastures, flower reserves, lagoons and long stretches of beaches – all can be found and experienced in the immediate proximity of Darling.
Hub for 5 Birding Routes and more
- Groote Post Wine Estate & restaurant Hilda’s Kitchen with hide
- Burgherspost & Cloof Wine Estate with nature walk trail
- Lagoon West Coast National Park with trails and hides
- !Khwa ttu – San Education and Culture Centre with hide, herb garden and trails
- Coastal area of Yzerfontein with trails
See all route maps and a birding checklist here.
After birding? Things to do in Darling
- Pieter-Dirk Uys show at Evita se Perron Theatre, Museum & Shop
- Darling Museum, Darling Art Gallery
- Wine Shop & Wine Estates
- Darling Brew Tab Bar
- Restaurants & Cafes
- Events through out the year
Darling Lodge Guest House
The charming guesthouse is birder friendly and offers a harmonious blend of old and new reflecting the romantic name of the little town. The lush garden with its ancient pepper an palm trees, fountain spraying water over blossoming roses, aloes, bougainvillea and mass of lavender with its heady fragrance invites guests to relax and unwind, be it just for one night, a weekend or for a whole week. Each room is dedicated to a local artist, whose work is on display and can be purchased.
We speak English, French, German and offer full English breakfast, secure off street parking, a swimming pool, free WiFi internet access, a cosy TV lounge (DSTV) with honesty bar, a relaxing library and individual concierge services.
Gansbaai
Witkrans is a 35 hectare farm nestled on the eastern slopes of Witkransberg in the beautiful Flower Valley some 15 minutes from Stanford and Gansbaai. Witkrans self-catering cottage is set in pristine fynbos with at least 180 indigenous plant species including many protea’s, erica’s, iris’s and geranium. The farm is also home to a wide variety of birds including Knysna Woodpecker, Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird.
There is a natural stream running along the bottom of the property which is included in a gentle, circular walking trail. Easy hiking trail on the farm as well as part of the new slackpacking hiking trail, The Fynbos Trail which our guests are welcome to walk sections of.
We also form part of the new MTB Slackpacking trail, Cycle Down South or enjoy a morning out on The Klipspringer MTB route.
The property is well located for easy access to neighbouring De Uijlenes and Murasie (wedding venues) Flower Valley (hikes and MTB trails) and Platbos (day hikes in a beautiful indigenous forest) as well as being just 15 minutes from beautiful beaches at Franskraal and Stanfords Cove in De Kelders.
Hermon
Bartholomeus Klip is an exclusive destination in the Cape Winelands, located on a working farm and game reserve in the Riebeek Valley. Discerning travellers will appreciate the peace and quiet in the exclusive five-bedroomed farmhouse, while families with children can enjoy privacy in the Wild Olive House & Cottage.
The reserve, which was established in the 1970s, has abundant herds of eland, springbuck, black wildebeest, zebra and bontebok, as well as other animals, such as baboons, bat-eared foxes, lynxes, and smaller species of antelope. Several different leopard individuals have been photographed in the reserve by trail cameras, usually at night time.
Apart from Ostrich, the Verreaux’s eagle also nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Also on offer is fresh water fishing in our dam, where fish such as barbel, carp, small mouth bass and bluegill can be caught.
Apart from Ostrich, the Verreaux’s eagle also nests in the mountains, and the enormous dam near to the farmhouse has a spectacular array of water birds, some resident like the fish eagles and the kingfishers, and others such as the pelicans and the spoonbills less regular visitors. Flamingos have also been seen in some of Bartholomeus Klip’s smaller dams and there are a host of interesting large and small birds out in the reserve and on the wheatlands, including large flocks of the blue crane, South Africa’s national bird.
Also on offer is fresh water fishing in our dam, where fish such as barbel, carp, small mouth bass and bluegill can be caught.
Langebaan / Yzerfontein
Duinepos Chalets is a retreat for bird and nature lovers. The charming Chalets are situated inside the West Coast National Park, located 15 km from the Langebaan Lagoon and 17 km from the Langebaan town centre. The camp is based inland amongst the natural bush.
We offer 11 self-catering Chalets which sleep four to six guests in each. It is secluded and quiet making it one of few places where one can still wake up with only the sound of birds. This is why birders from all over the world migrate here for the Duinepos experience. We provide excellent value for money and our affordable rates ensure that we can share the experience with as many guests as possible, and they keep coming back.
Duinepos Chalets is the ideal place where outdoorsy families and groups can have quality time. No television and limited mobile reception will ensure that days are spent in nature and evenings are filled with conversation, board games and books. The West Coast National Park and surrounds offer much to do. Various hiking, biking and birding trails depart from the Duinepos camp. The Langebaan lagoon is also a water sport paradise.
At Duinepos we have a definite “greening”philosophy” that we implement in our operations from house-keeping to administration. While we are working towards becoming an official green destination, we do our bit to be kind to the environment.
A birder’s paradise!
The West Coast National Park is a birding spot of note and is considered as the flagship birding destination along the West Coast. The Langebaan Lagoon, a Ramsar wetland of global importance, supports an exceptional species richness. The 16 km long lagoon area of the park provide important bird habitats.
The park, which is part of the West Coast Biosphere Reserve, forms part of the Flamingo-birding route and is a important birding area.The park is best known for the large numbers of migrant waders that to be found on the mudflats during summer. It also offers exceptional terrestrial birding opportunities.
Over 250 bird species have been recorded in the park and there is a good chance that during your visit you might also spot a few rare migrant visitors. Besides the lagoon area that is a haven for birds, the park’s strandveld fynbos also supports rich birdlife.
In some years, wader numbers can increase to 50,000 in summer. These visitors are migrating from their breeding in Siberia and Greenland and live of tiny invertebrates than can be found in the nutrient rich waters of the mud banks here. The lagoon is seen as an extremely important wetland for waders in South Africa. Several bird hides (including the one at Geelbek and Abrahamskraal) have been constructed in the park.
The nearby islands of Schaapen, Jutten, Malgas and Marcus support important breeding colonies of coastal birds including African Penguin, Cape Gannet and Crowned and Bank Cormorant. During a single day of bird-watching, even novice birders will spot a significant number of species in the different habitat types of the area. Start early in the morning to ensure good birding. Make sure to pack your hat and binoculars for some world-renowned birding!
A rustic diamond on the wild and beautiful West Coast of South Africa, Strandkombuis is nestled in the dunes between a nature reserve and the longest stretch of beach in the country. This is a magical place in a world of its own; the perfect getaway.
Our restaurant deck looks out over a Rooi Pan that attracts coastal and wetland species of birds in the winter, with the rains, and a rich variety of different species in the summer, when the pans are dry, increasing the salinity.
West Coast Birding (from Cape Bird Club website)
In winter small flocks of both Lesser and Greater Flamingo feed here, with significant numbers of roosting African Black Oystercatcher always present. Equally large tern roosts can be seen; Swift and Common Tern (in winter and summer), Caspian Tern is often present. Sandwich Tern adds to the numbers in summer. Look out for Little Tern which has been recorded in summer.
Hartlaub’s and Kelp Gull are always present, as are Black-winged Stilt and Avocet.
Great White Pelican occasionally roost when the pans are full. White-fronted and Kittlitz’s Plover can be seen and nest in the area.
During summer, palearctic migrant waders occur, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruddy Turnstone, Common Ringed Plover, Sanderling. European Oystercatcher a vagrant, has occurred more than once.
In the surrounding strandveld Karoo Scrub Robin, Cape Robin-chat, Cape Bulbul, Bokmakierie, Pied Starling, Cape Wagtail are all common, as are Grey-backed Cisticola, Cape Weaver, Cape Bunting, Southern Double-collared and Malachite Sunbird. Black Harriers can also be seen hunting low over the strandveld.
An additional birding option after the pans can be made to the coast at Yzerfontein village and harbour. Bank Cormorant does breed on the small offshore island of Yzerklip (Meeurots) and often many thousands of Cape Cormorant are seen flying low over the water in long flocks going to roost on the island or around the harbour.
In summer during strong winds and bad weather flocks of Sabine’s Gull come close inshore to the harbour to roost in sheltered waters in the evenings.
Bed & Breakfast
Our bed and breakfast accommodation sleeps 65 people in 27 rooms, each with its own, private en-suite bathroom. The decor is classic and simple; whitewashed walls with reclaimed wood fixtures and features; all contributing to Strandkombuis’ natural, rustic harmony. Our rooms – suites, doubles, twins, and family rooms – all have private, en suite bathrooms. Please bring cots for infants.
Restaurant
Our outdoor restaurant – under our main Bedouin tent – has a fully-stocked, fully-licensed bar, a wood-fired pizza oven, and three braai pits. We are most famous for our Sunday Seafood Buffet – our deep-fried calamari are the best on the West Coast – and we our eclectic menu of gourmet, wood-fired pizzas draws a crowd on Friday nights.
Activities
A short walk along the beach from us you’ll find the town of Yzerfontein, an urban conservancy with natural unspoilt fynbos, spectacular sunsets, and views of Dassen Island and Table Mountain. Popular with surfers and windsurfers, there’s plenty to do on and off the water… walk the coastline, go fishing, take a boat from the harbour, explore the local 4×4 and mountain bike trails. The nearby olive farms and wine farms of Swartland are also world-class.
Our Heaviside Dolphins in the bay are joined from July to December by migrating whales. And every year in the spring, the flowers on the West Coast put on a show that will take your breath away. And Strandkombuis is no exception. Our coastal strandveld and fynbos put on their own spectacular display after the winter rains.
Continue up the coast, with its spectacular seascapes, magnificent lagoons and historic fishing villages, to explore Saldanha, Jacobsbaai, Langebaan, Paternoster, and St Helena Bay. And if you’re planning to drive the West Coast Way and see it all, stop in with us on the way up and on the way back.
Noordhoek
Woodlands Sea Ranch is a small holding in Noordhoek which offers multiple options for guests’ budget and comfort. We have a farm-yard ambiance and the seasonal vegetable garden is 100% organic and guests are welcome to help themselves to our organic seasonal fare when available.
We’re on the famous Chapmans Peak Drive, on the Noordhoek side where road becomes Noordhoek Main Road which is a stunning, busy tourist route en-route to Simonstown and Cape Point. It is however very quiet at night once all are back in to roost.
Accommodation
Guinea Fowl Cottage is one of the options of houses offered on Woodlands Sea Ranch.
There are two bedrooms downstairs with a queen in one and beautiful double brass bed in the other. In the loft area above the rooms, are 2 bedrooms each with their own staircase and each with 2 singles and a little door connecting the loft rooms. There is also a large fireplace on both sides of the house, electric blankets on the beds and a gas heater for winter stays.
Old World finishes with brass and lots of character. There are 2 bathrooms with one of the bathrooms hosting a beautiful small style antique Victorian bath tub on legs and brass hand shower unit. The other has a second toilet and hand basin with huge open walk in style shower. There is also a second antique fridge (supplied with honesty drinks) plus bigger dining table for seated meals/working space and free Wi-Fi.
The house is comfortable for a family and is fully self-contained, perfect for the larger family group. We have 2 cots plus bedding available on request. There is a peaceful private garden barbecue area with stunning mountain views, a swing for the kids and superb sun downer evenings in front area with ample garden to enjoy. Farm style ambiance with chickens and wild birds resident in the trees.
The cottage is perfect for private family vacation of longer stays and with easy lock up and go to explore the beauty of the Southern Peninsula of Cape Town.
Birds on site we have seen on the small holding include:
Cape Canary, Cape Bunting, Swee Waxbill, Common Waxbill, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Southern Fiscal, Red-wingend Starling, Cape Grassbird, Karoo Prinia, Cape Robin-chat, Cape Bulbul, Pied Kingfisher, Spotted Eagle Owl, Western Barn Owl, Cape Turtle Dove, African Harrier-Hawk, African Fish Eagle, Egyptian Geese, Glossy Ibis, Western Cattle Egret, Cape Weaver, Pin-tailed Whydah, Cape White Eye.
Birding hotspots that can be visited from Noordhoek
- Silvermine Nature Reserve
- Noordhoek wetlands
- Chapmans Peak walks and hikes
- Simonstown for pelagic trips
- Cape Point
- Kommetjie wetlands
- Hout Bay
- Strandfontein
- Constantia
Sedgefield
The Studio @ Mount View Lodge is an upmarket studio and designed to sit unobtrusively in a rural setting. The setting is safe and peaceful, and encourages rest and rejuvenation. It boasts beautiful views over farmland to the mountains and forests, and is only a 15 minute drive to Sedgefield and 30 minutes to Knysna.
Being close to the Garden Route Trail Park, the Seven Passes Road, the Knysna forests and numerous hiking trails, this is a perfect base for cyclists and adventurers. Groenvlei / Lake Pleasant sits at the end of our road and is well-known for its bass fishing. The Garden Route lake system and the lagoons of Sedgefield, Knysna and WIlderness offer numerous angling, boating / sailing, and bathing options.
The studio offers a spacious and sunny lounge, kitchen and dining area with gorgeous views. A King sized bed (or two singles) and a sleeper couch allows for peaceful sleep with only the sounds of nature as your companion. The studio is fully fenced with its own garden and offers pet-friendly accommodation. There are several bird feeders as well as a butterfly garden that is planted specifically with plants attractive to butterflies.
Some of the bird species that can be observed includes Long-crested Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, African Fish Eagle, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Amethyst Sunbird, Cape Weaver, African Golden Oriole, Cape Sugarbird, Knysna Turaco, and Cape Crow, to name a few.
Rondevlei in Wilderness National Park is a good birding spot especially for waterbirds which can be observed from the birdhide.
Simon's Town
AVIAN LEISURE APARTMENTS IN SIMON’s TOWN, CAPE TOWN
Avian Leisure’s self-catering apartments are in a magnificent situation on the mountain above the Boulders Beach penguin colony in Simon’s Town, overlooking False Bay and set amidst an indigenous Cape Fynbos garden – this means you can see whales, fur seals, penguins, sunbirds, sugarbirds and a host of other wildlife right from your bedroom! An added delight is the almost guaranteed night-time view of porcupines coming to our floodlit pond!
Our location in Cape Town makes a perfect base for doing Cape Peninsula birding trips, pelagic birding trips, whale watching trips, Cape winelands tours, snorkelling or scuba diving in False Bay and along the Atlantic coastline or just enjoying the natural beauty in the Table Mountain National Park. There is something for everyone here!
5 minutes to the harbour for pelagic trips
10 minutes from Cape Point Nature Reserve
Owner run by experienced birders and adventurers – available to assist in planning your self-drive trips
Fully equipped spacious apartments:
Shearwater, with its unrestricted, panoramic sea views, sleeps up to 4 adults comfortably and is fully equipped including a dishwasher and washing machine, making for a relaxed and very comfortable stay.
Watsonia is a spacious one bedroomed suite, with twin beds, a bathroom with large shower and a large living room with a small but well equipped kitchenette, so even though there is no sea view from this apartment, it makes for a very convenient and comfortable base from which to explore the area
