Lower Drakensburg Foothills – Korongo Valley Guest Farm

About the Birding

Named after the Grey Crowned Crane – ‘Korongo’ is Swahili for Crowned Crane – this is one of the premier sites in South Africa to see the critically endangered remnant population of Blue Swallows and happens to be the site of the first ever man-made Blue Swallow nesting site in KwaZulu-Natal. Holes matching the natural sink holes used by the birds were dug in 1992 and, in 1994, a pair of Blue Swallows occupied one of these artificial nesting sites.

Since then, at least 30 breeding attempts have been made and the Swallows still return to breed at this site today. Moreover, efforts to restore the surrounding areas are well underway in an attempt to optimize the region for Blue Swallows.

While the primary attraction is the Blue Swallows, other notable species that may be seen on the property include the Grey Crowned Crane, both Red-chested and Buff-spotted Flufftails, and Red-headed Quelea.

Key species:

Blue Swallow, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane

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.

However, the heart of this route lies in the lowlands below the Sani Pass where numerous beautiful nature reserves and large tracts of pristine mist belt forest and grassland are to be found supporting a plethora of interesting species including several of South Africa’s most sought-after birds. Top specials within this birding route include the critically endangered Blue Swallow, Drakensburg Rockjumper, Cape Parrot, Drakensburg Siskin, Bearded and Cape Vultures, Orange Ground Thrush and Gurney’s Sugarbird among others. Several days are recommended in the area to do the route proper justice and summer visits (September-April) are optimal to ensure that all target species are present and that all sites will be accessible.

Key species:

Blue Swallow, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane

Other Related Information

Directions:
From Ixopo take the R56 heading towards Kokstad. 4.7km from the Ixopo crossroads turn right at the top of the hill onto a dirt road. Continue over the “Paton’s Country Railway line” for another 1/2km. Turn right again at the Korongo Valley sign board and continue for a further 1km until you reach the farm.

Notable points of interest include the:
Korongo Valley Guest Farm: -30.1810, 30.0448

Other related information:

The nearest towns include:
Ixopo: 5.4km
Richmond: 59km

Access and facilities:
The site is accessible to day visitors by appointment. Toilet facilities are available. Trails accessing 39 hectares of the property are soon to be completed. An animal farm and playground for the children are also under construction. A lovely deck area which overlooks the garden and swimming pool will soon be completed, where Sunday lunches will be offered or the option of a picnic in the garden.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
Korongo Valley Guest Farm offers comfortable accommodation in the form of camping and caravan sites, a rustic dormitory-style backpackers, self-catering log cabins, self-catering cottages suitable for small families, and converted stables.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact:
Richard and Sue – Owners
Tel: +27 (0)39 834 1039
Email: Korongo@telkomsa.net
Website: www.korongovalley.co.za

The nearest Birder Friendly Establishment is in the nearby village of Ixopo.

For more information, please contact:
http://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/bird-friendly-establishments/kwazulu-natal/

Local guide information:
No BirdLife community guides are currently available for this region of KwaZulu-Natal.

Text prepared by:
Daniel Keith Danckwerts (Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Tours)

Key species:

Blue Swallow, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane

Contact details:

For more information, contact:

Richard and Sue – Owners
Tel: +27 (0)39 834 1039
Email: Korongo@telkomsa.net
Website: www.korongovalley.co.za