Amathole Mountains Route – Amathole Forest Complex
About the Birding
The Amathole Forest Complex has been regarded as an Important Bird Area, owing to the large number of endemic and bird-species on offer including nationally significant populations of several key species. Perhaps most exciting among these are the Black Harrier, Knysna Woodpecker, Drakensburg Rockjumper, Ground Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat, Bush Blackcap, and Cape Parrot. Several days are required in the Hogsback and Stutterheim forests to maximize chances at seeing the abovementioned species, as well as Orange Ground Thrush.
About the Birding Site
The Amathola Mountain range consists of a series of montane forest blocks, including several State forests, the Mpofu and Fort Fordyce nature reserves, surrounding fragmented urban and rural areas and montane grassland. The forest complex runs from Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve and Katberg State Forest in the west to Kologha State Forest and Fort Cunningham in the east. It includes large State-owned forest blocks such as Katberg State Forest, Fort Fordyce Nature Reserve, …
Other Related Information
Directions to Hogsback:
The village of Hogsback is easily accessible from Grahamstown, following the R67 to Fort Beaufort. At the main intersection, take the R63 through Alice and finally the R345 to Hogsback. Alternatively, from East London, follow the’ ‘N2’ to King William’s Town. Continue towards Alice o the R63, turning to the right along the R345 to Hogsback. Several trails, of various lengths and intensities, lead from the town itself. The walk to the Big Tree, via Swallow Tail Falls, is recommended and takes roughly 1-2 hours.
Key species:
Cape Parrot, Orange Ground Thrush, Knysna Woodpecker, Chorister Robin-chat, Barratt’s Warbler, Drakensburg Rockjumper, Ground Woodpecker, Bush Blackcap
Contact details:
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency
17-25 Oxford Street
East London CBD
Tel: +27 (0)43 492 0081
Email: info@ecpta.co.za
Hogsback Tourism
Tel: +27 (0)83 458 3414
Email: admin@hogsback.com
www.hogsback.co.za
Stutterheim Tourism