Durban and surrounds - Cumberland Nature Reserve

Durban and surrounds – Cumberland Nature Reserve

About the Birding

Cumberland Nature Reserve blankets over 300 hectares in the Table Mountain area, just east of Pietermaritzburg. Besides a wonderful selection of savannah species, one is able to see a variety of wetland, forest, and rock-loving species. Spectacular scenery and pristine habitats add to the appeal of this reserve. Birding is generally good with 227 species recorded to date, with some 80 species expected on a morning walk.

Grasslands near the main entrance to the reserve hold the distinctive Fan-tailed Grassbird. This species is easiest to see in the summer months, and on misty and overcast mornings, when the males perform their aerial displays. The same areas often yield the scarce Shelley’s Francolin, which sometimes emerges onto the roadside in the early mornings to feed. Other grassland species include both the Yellow-throated and Cape Longclaws, African Pipit, Red-headed Quelea, Orange-breasted Waxbill, and Rufous-naped Lark.

Further along – the picnic site is located in an area dominated by mixed thornveld. This section of the reserve is generally rich in species including the Crested Barbet, Red-throated Wryneck, Black Cuckooshrike, Lesser and Greater Honeyguides, Red-faced Mousebird, Black-crowned Tchagra, Acacia Pied Barbet, Brubru, Cape Robin-chat, Long-billed Crombec and Golden-breasted Bunting. Lazy Cisticola is common in the tall grass bordering the stream, and along the path which follows the cliff edge. Scan the cliff face for Mocking Cliff-chat, Cape Rock Thrush and Striped Pipit, all of which are best located by their loud and distinctive calls. Peregrine Falcon is often seen within this section of the reserve.

The forested gorge, extending beyond the camp along the stream to the Umgeni River, is best accessed along the Lolombazo Trail. Narina Trogon is particular common in this section of the reserve and is easiest to find in the summer months when males are most active in their efforts to woo females. Other species include the Olive Bush-shrike, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis, Southern Double-collared Sunbird and Green Twinspot.

Key species:

Shelley’s Francolin, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Red-headed Quelea, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Narina Trogon, Mocking Cliff-chat

About the Birding Site

The eThekwini Metropolitan Area (Durban) is a major harbour city situated on the east coast of South Africa. It serves as the most accessible port of entry into the KwaZulu-Natal province with daily flights to all other major cities in South Africa, and further afield (e.g. Mauritius, Dubai). The city and surrounding towns are popular among holidaymakers, given the sub-tropical climate and extensive beaches along the rich waters of the Indian Ocean. Moreover, the city falls within a global biodiversity hotspot – the Maputaland-Pondolona-Albany (MPA) Hotspot.

This region is home to more than 7000 species of plant, more than 25% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. The variety of landforms and sub-tropical climatic conditions, combined with its unique biogeographical position, have resulted in a range of aquatic (wetlands, rivers, estuaries) and terrestrial (mainly forests and coastal grasslands) environments which additionally support a plethora of interesting bird, mammal, reptile and amphibian species. The eThekwini area contains three of South Africa’s eight biomes (namely savanna, forest and grasslands), and supports more than 2000 plant species, 82 terrestrial mammals, 69 reptiles, 25 endemic invertebrates and well over 500 bird species – making it South Africa’s most biodiverse city, by far. To be expected then, the region offers a variety of prime birding spots featuring a number of South Africa’s most sought-after bird species. Top among these are the Spotted Ground Thrush, Mangrove Kingfisher, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Green Malkoha, and Knysna Woodpecker. Durban is also well known for its variety of waders and marine species, often turning up rarities such as the Lesser Black-backed Gull. Key sites within the eThekwini Metropolitan Area include Tala Game Reserve, Pigeon Valley and Krantzkloof Nature Reserves, Durban Bay Head and the Durban National Botanical Gardens.

In addition, as a further attraction to this rich region, the eThewkini Natural Science Museum has world-class ornithological displays and collections.

Key species:

Shelley’s Francolin, Fan-tailed Grassbird, Red-headed Quelea, Orange-breasted Waxbill, Narina Trogon, Mocking Cliff-chat

Other Related Information

From the N3 highway heading north through Pietermaritzburg, take the Ohrtman Road offramp. Turn north-east and follow Ohrtman Road past Meadow Feeds and Epol Feeds. Cross the first intersection, before turning right onto the M30 towards Table Mountain. After 0.8km, turn to the left onto the M30 Table Mountain Road and follow this stretch for 3.3km. Turn right to follow Table Mountain Road for a further 1.8km. Cumberland Nature Reserve will be well sign-posted on your left following the D406. The reserve is 6.5km down this road.

Other related information:

Directions:
From the N3 highway heading north through Pietermaritzburg, take the Ohrtman Road offramp. Turn north-east and follow Ohrtman Road past Meadow Feeds and Epol Feeds. Cross the first intersection, before turning right onto the M30 towards Table Mountain. After 0.8km, turn to the left onto the M30 Table Mountain Road and follow this stretch for 3.3km. Turn right to follow Table Mountain Road for a further 1.8km. Cumberland Nature Reserve will be well sign-posted on your left following the D406. The reserve is 6.5km down this road.

Notable points of interest include the:
Main entrance: -29.5181, 30.5063
Picnic site: -29.5163, 30.5056

The nearest towns to the Cumberland Nature Reserve are:
Pietermaritzburg: 17km

Access and facilities:
Gates are open between sunrise and sunset, daily. Special access may be arranged for other times using the contact details below. An entrance fee of R5 per person is payable into an honesty box and visitors are asked to sign an indemnity form.

Cumberland features an extensive network of trails that wander through the plateau savannahs and vary in length from short strolls to more strenuous hikes. Paths following the cliff edge command incredible vistas over the Umgeni River gorge below. Up-to-date maps are available at the main entrance gate. The reserve additionally features a picnic site, complete with toilets and braai facilities, as well as a camp site and self-catering guest houses.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
A number of Birder Friendly Establishments are available within the wider eThekwini Metropolitan Area including Camperdown/Kloof/Pietermaritzburg. For more information, view:

http://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/bird-friendly-establishments/kwazulu-natal/

Local guide information:
No community bird guides are currently available within the wider eThekwini Metropolitan Area.

Text prepared by:
Daniel Keith Danckwerts (Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Tours)