Greater George – Outeniqua Nature Reserve (Witfontein Forest)

About the Birding

Forest birding is what Witfontein is best known for, however, for those who are slightly more fit, there are also fast tracks of Fynbos to be explored. A network of trails can be used to get to these forest patches (and also to the Fynbos), and they can be accessed from several points, but the best is to start at the Witfontein Forest Station (-33.935624, 22.427418) and you should get a permit at the office (entry is free). Several walking trails start at the office parking area (and maps are usually available at the office).

These include the Forest Buzzard Trail, the Emerald Cuckoo Trail, Burchell’s Coucal Trail, the Blackheaded Oriole Walk and the trail up to the Cross. For the mountaineering birders there is also the Cradock & George Peak Trails as well as the Cradock Pass Trail.

However, what is easiest, is to follow the lower contour road – you will be walking, because vehicles are not allowed on this road (see map above). You will be heading East from the office, until you get to the lower contour road (-33.935134, 22.43010). This road will eventually lead you through two of the Witfontein forest patches. Watch for Forest Buzzard, Grey Cuckooshrike and Forest Canary as you walk through the plantations. You will enter the first forest parch when you arrive at the Witfontein Waterfall, GPS: -33.935166, 22.434783. Birds often come to this waterfall to drink, and you should find Forest Canary and flocks of Cape White-eyes enjoying the water. Look out for African Olive Pigeons in the taller trees. You will notice the Forest Buzzard Trail crossing the road here and it provides good access into the forest and with worth exploring, but then come back to the contour road and head East again towards the second forest patch.

Initially you just pass the fridge of the second (much larger forest patch) before arriving at the point where the contour road cuts into the heart of the forest GPS: -33.937334, 22.442786. These two forest patches are collectively home to just about all the forest specials that you can hope to see in the Garden Route including Knysna Turaco, Narina Trogon, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Chorister Robin-chat, White-starred Robin, and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler. Remember to scan for birds of prey flying overhead as there is a resident pair of Black Sparrowhawks as well as a pair of African Cuckoo Hawks that live in the Witfontein area. Both Grey Sunbird and Collared Sunbird have moved into these forest patches and are easily located by their calls; and so is the elusive Knysna Warbler.

Heading up into the Fynbos (using the Cradock Pass Trail or Cradock and George Peak Trail or even the trail to the Cross), you should listen for the call of the Victorin’s Warbler, as they are fairly common in this area. Also be on the lookout for Orange-breasted Sunbird and Cape Sugarbird whenever you encounter a stand of flowering Proteas or Ericas. There is also a small population of Red-winged Francolin that live in the mountain Fynbos habitat. Alpine Swifts are usually seen up at either George or Cradock Peak, and Cape Rockjumper have also been seen up there. But it is a very steep climb, so go well prepared and take enough water!

Key species:

Knysna Turaco, Forest Buzzard, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Chorister Robin-chat, Knysna Warbler, Black-winged Lapwing

About the Birding Site

Situated along a broad coastal plain with a backdrop of the Outeniqua Mountains, which overlook farmlands, wooded gorges, coastal forests, fynbos covered mountain passes and a section of the dry Klein Karoo providing a mosaic of birding habitats.

The Outeniqua Nature Reserve covered a vast area of 38 000 hectares including most of the Outeniqua Mountains. Here I am concerned with one particular area of the reserve, commonly referred to as the Witfontein Forests. These are several small patches of pristine Southern Afro-temperate Forest, hidden within a large pine plantation. Up above the forest patches the pin plantations give way to the Fynbos vegetation that covers most of the Outeniqua Mountains.

Key species:

Knysna Turaco, Forest Buzzard, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Chorister Robin-chat, Knysna Warbler, Black-winged Lapwing

Other Related Information

There have been several robberies in the plantation South of the lower contour route, so please take care to go in groups and take any safety precautions you deem necessary (pepper-spray etc).

Other related information:

Access and facilities:
Make sure sign in and to get your permit and map at the office (permits are free of charge).
If you decide to hike the any of the steep trails, make sure to have enough water and comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to explore the forest patches, please remember to take mosquito repellent.

Office hours should be checked carefully on the Cape Nature website (see link below):
https://www.capenature.co.za/reserves/outeniqua-nature-reserve/

Text prepared by:
Christiaan Viljoen

Key species:

Knysna Turaco, Forest Buzzard, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Chorister Robin-chat, Knysna Warbler, Black-winged Lapwing

Contact details:

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