Addo Elephant National Park – Amakhala, Lalibela, Shamwari and Pumba Private Game Reserves
About the Birding
Large portions of the reserves are blanketed in succulent thicket, in various stages of rehabilitation, as well as acacia scrub. These habitats are rich in species and will often yield the Southern Tchagra, Black Cuckooshrike, Knysna Woodpecker, Acacia Pied Barbet, Chinspot Batis and Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler (Warbler). Knowledge of the calls of Southern Tchagra and Knysna Woodpecker are essential to locating these highly sought-after species. Isolated patches of evergreen forest along the small tributaries of the Bushmans River are equally productive.
About the Birding Site
Since the 1990s, large areas surrounding the core area of Addo Elephant National Park have been converted into privately-run game reserves. This includes the Shamwari, Amakhala, Lalibela and Pumba Private Game Reserves which, collectively, cover an area of roughly 40 000 hectares and have earned international renown as safari destinations. These reserves fall under the Indalo Protected Environment, declared in 2018 by agreement with the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.
Other Related Information
Directions:
Shamwari, Amakhala, Lalibela and Pumba Private Game Reserves are all accessible off the N2 highway between Port Elizabeth and Grahamstown and are well sign-posted.
Shamwari: 75 km from PE, 65 km from Grahamstown
Amakhala: 80 km from PE, 60 km from Grahamstown
Lalibela: 95 km from PE, 35 km from Grahamstown
Pumba: 110 km from PE, 20 km from Grahamstown
Key species:
Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Warbler, Southern Tchagra, Knysna Turaco, African Finfoot, Secretarybird, Martial and Crowned Eagles
Contact details:
For more information, contact:
Shamwari Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)42 203 1111
Email: reservations@shamwari.com
www.shamwari.com
Amakhala Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)41 450 5658
Tel: +27 (0)82 659 1796
Email: centralres@amahkala.co.za
www.amakhala.co.za
Pumba Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)46 603 2000
Tel: +27 (0)41 502 3050
Email: reservations@pehg.co.za
www.pumbagamereserve.co.za
Lalibela Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)41 581 8170
Email: stay@lalibela.co.za
www.lalibela.net