From the Plettenberg Bay side, you can start this route by turning off the N2 just past Kurland Village onto the R102 (-33.9382, 23.4899). You will pass farmlands, a dairy farm and the Nature’s Way Farm stall. Look out for Black-wing Lapwing in the fields which are usually present if the grass is not too long. From the Farm stall (-33.9435, 23.5112) there is access to a road through a small coastal forest patch where Forest Buzzard, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Cape Batis and other forest species may be seen.

Further along the plateau toward Natures Valley, through the fynbos reserve, there are several spots for Victorin’s Warbler, (listen for their call) and African Cuckoo-hawk, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk and Long-crested Eagle may be seen from time to time on the telegraph wires/poles or flying over the Fynbos reserve. Also look out for Red-necked Spurfowl along the road verges and Cape Sugarbird and Orange-breasted Sunbird on the Proteas and other flowers, along with Karoo Prinia.

Just before the Grootrivier Pass, there is a parking area (-33.9673, 23.5397) for the Salt River hiking trail through the fynbos reserve. A 20/30-minute walk along this trail and back to the car park is another good area to look for these species and Southern Tchagra.

The mix of farmland, fynbos and forest means that this site offers most of the Garden Route specials. Several endemics or range restricted species can be found. On top of that, the proximity to the Eastern Cape holds the possibility that several eastern species can be seen too.

Up to 80 species can be seen here on a summer’s morning.

Nature’s Way Farm Stall: -33.94331, 23.51123 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/PeiWnkGasb55TtWp6)

Although access is free, a permit and route map must be obtained from the farm stall for the forest patch.

Due to the nature of the terrain, the trails are not accessible by wheelchair.

Key species:

Black-winged Lapwing, Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Chorister Robin-chat, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Forest Buzzard, Red-necked Spurfowl, Victorins Warbler, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird

Contact details:

Nature's Way Farm Stall:

Tel: +27 (0)73 565 6400

Tel: + 27 (0)44 534 8849

Email: natureswayfarmstay@gmail.com