Lower Drakensburg Foothills – Impendle Nature Reserve
About the Birding
Impendle Nature Reserve, situated near the village of Boston, consists predominantly of mid-altitude grasslands with isolated rocky patches and a large tract of mist belt forest in the furthest reaches of the reserve overlooking the Umkomazi Valley. While infrequently visited, some 60 to 70 bird species are known to occur including a small population of the critically endangered Blue Swallow.
About the Birding Site
The Lower Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route lies inland and to the south-west of the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route and is easily accessible from both Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the two nearest points of entry. The source of this route is found in the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg World Heritage Site at the majestic Sani Pass where birders get the unique opportunity to view birds in a rugged and stunningly beautiful environment, consisting of five different habitats and ranging in height from 1600m to 3200m.
Other Related Information
Directions:
From the N3 heading, turn off at Howick and follow the R617 towards Boston. Roughly 6km beyond Boston, turn to the right in the direction of Impendle. Continue for 9km before turning left. Continue for 7km before turning left again, and the entrance to the reserve is a further 1.5km along this road.
Notable points of interest include the:
Main entrance to Impendle Nature Reserve: -29.6860, 29.8594
The nearest towns are:
Boston: 31km
Bulwer: 52km
Howick: 63km
Underberg: 89km