Durban Pelagics
About the Birding
The open ocean is one of the most challenging habitats in which to look for and identify birds. Weather plays an extremely important role and, as a general rule, the rougher the conditions the greater the chances of seeing impressive numbers of birds and a high diversity of species. The downside is that rougher conditions are not generally conducive to travelling far from land, where most pelagic species prefer to remain.
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.
Other Related Information
Regular pelagic seabirding trips are run from Durban Harbour. Cruises typically leave at 05:30 (possibly earlier in the summer months) from Wilson’s Wharf in Durban harbour.
For more information, please visit http://www.niall.co.za/pelagic/KZNpelagictrips.htm
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/
Key species:
Barau’s Petrel, Black-bellied Storm-petrel, and numerous Albatrosses, Petrels and Shearwaters
Contact details:
For more information, contact Niall Perrins and Dave Rimmer:
Neil Perrins
Email: niall@kitech.co.za
Cell: +27 (0)83 657 5511
Dave Rimmer
Email: daverimmer@mweb.co.za
Cell: +27 (0)82 453 7255