Lowveld – Mbombela Golf Course
About the Birding
Mbombela Golf Course has a great number of magnificent indigenous trees dotted around the fairways. There are enormous specimens of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea), Natal Mahogany (Trichilia emetica), Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis), Paperbark Thorn (Acacia sieberiana), various wild figs (Ficus spp.), and others. It is wonderful that someone, many years ago, had the foresight to preserve these trees and not to plant exotics. Drainage lines running in a northerly direction are well-wooded and there is good indigenous woodland on the perimeters as well and also in gardens in the housing estate. There are also splendid granite outcrops on the southern side and these form an additional bird habitat.
About the Birding Site
The Mbombela Golf Club is an interesting birding spot situated in the eastern part of the city, east of the arterial Ferreira Street. Early mornings are the best, not only because the birding is good in the early hours, but also because there is less chance of being hit by a stray golf ball! It is always wise to consider that golfers have the right of way and that the golf course is their territory. Do not be put off by this though, as by keeping to the perimeters you are out of the way and that is where the birding is best in any event. As a matter of courtesy, be sure to telephone the Club Manager before your visit (013) 744 0952. Weekdays are best when there are few golfers around and you are not likely to disturb anyone.
Other Related Information
There is no entry fee charged to bird this area. Please just as a matter of courtesy; be sure to telephone the Club Manager before your visit (013) 744 0952.
The entrance to the golf club can be found at: 16 Matumi Dr, Matumi Golf Estate, Nelspruit, 1201
GPS: -25.477, 31.004
Text prepared by:
Extracted from Birds of Mbombela – A Comparative Study by Duncan McKenzie and Peter Lawson. Published by BirdLife Lowveld (2019).