Large areas of reclaimed agricultural pasture exist, most of which are now covered by short grassland. Time spent in this habitat could yield the Cape Longclaw, African and Plain-backed Pipits, Rufous-naped Lark, and Zitting Cisticola. Black-winged Lapwing are frequently sighted, though are nomadic in nature and tend to appear irregularly.

Boat cruises can be arranged along the upper reaches of both the Kariega and Bushmans Rivers. The dense overhanging vegetation is prime habitat for both African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron, both of which are regularly sighted. Half-collared Kingfisher is common along the river, together with the Malachite, Giant, and Pied Kingfishers.

Listen at dusk for the calls of the near-mythical nominate race of African Barred Owlet, which prefers Euphorbia dominated thicket. The species was collected from this area in 1938, but very few records exist since then and the most reliable place for the species in the wider Kariega-Bushmans triangle seems to be within Kariega Private Game Reserve. At night, listen for the calls of African Wood Owl, Spotted Eagle-owl, and Fiery-necked Nightjar; all of which are common throughout the reserve.

Birds-of-prey abound in the Kariega Valley. The reserve itself supports nesting Crowned, Martial and African Fish Eagles. Other interesting species include Rock Kestrels, both Peregrine and Lanner Falcons, Black and African Marsh Harriers, African Harrier-hawk, and African Cuckoo-hawk.

Other notable mentions include the ‘Big 5,’ Hippopotamus, Spotted Hyena, Waterbuck, Plains Zebra, Common Wildebeest, Common Eland, Greater Kudu as well as a myriad of other smaller species.

Key species:

African Barred Owlet, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Knysna Woodpecker, Chorister Robin-chat