Greater Mossel Bay – Geelbeksvlei route

About the Birding

Geelbeksvlei route – runs along the Brandwag River from the R328 near Brandwag towards Kleinbrak. The best way to do this route is to start in the east (at -34.077635, 22.139169) and finish on the R328 (at -34.062040, 22.059810) in the west. Before reaching the Moordkuil River, keep an eye out for Black-winged Lapwing, Peal-breasted Swallow, Cape Spurfowl, Brown-hooded Kingfisher and Southern Tchagra.

Between the Moordkuil river bridge and the Brandwag river (at -34.061480, 22.113385) is arguably the best birding spot in the greater Mossel Bay area. The variety of habitats (Thickets, Forest Edge, Alien plantation, Farmlands, Freshwater bodies) provides a high diversity in birding species and numbers. Specials that could be found in this section includes Knysna Warbler, Lesser Honeyguide, Greater Honeyguide, Black Cuckooshrike, Knysna Woodpecker, Olive Woodpecker, Cardinal Woodpecker, Hamerkop, African Black Duck, African Olive Pigeon, Knysna Turaco, Martial Eagle, African Marsh Harrier, Willow Warbler, Black-winged Lapwing and Common Sandpiper.

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

About the Birding Site

The Greater Mossel Bay is situated on the far western half of the Garden Route. The various habitats within the greater Mossel Bay area makes for a rich birding experience. The aforementioned habitats include Coastal waters, Estuaries & Freshwater bodies, Farmlands & Agulhas plains, Forest & Forest edge, and Fynbos.

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

Other Related Information

Recommended accommodation nearby:
There is a good variety of accommodation available in the Greater Mossel Bay area.

Local guide information:
No BirdLife South Africa Birder Friendly tour operators in the area.
Rudi Minnie
Cell: +27 (0)72 837 0242
Email: rudi.minnie@gmail.com

Other related information:

Text prepared by:
Rudi Minnie

Key species:

Black Harrier, Grey-winged Francolin, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Victorin’s Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Rockjumper, Knysna Warbler, Knysna Woodpecker

Contact details:

N/A