Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape – Nature’s Valley
About the Birding
Starting in the town itself, one can park at various spots along St Micheals Drive or in front of the restaurant at -33.98495, 23.54769. A lot of the town is situated in a forest, and simply walking the streets can yield many bird species such as Knysna Turaco and African Dusky Flycatcher.
Forest Drive at the top of the village is particularly good for forest birds, and Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler and Forest Canary can be prominent. In summer, the calls of Red-chested, Black, and African Emerald Cuckoo serenade the town.
The Nature’s Valley beach can be accessed from in front of the restaurant and a few other points along St Micheals Drive. African Oystercatcher and White-fronted Plover walk the beach regularly and looking out onto the ocean could produce Cape Cormorant or Cape Gannet.
About the Birding Site
Many days can be spent exploring this fairly extensive area, on the many trails available. One could also spend time canoeing the estuary and Groot River or driving and cycling the roads. Most of the Nature’s Valley area is comprised of forest, but there are extensive areas of fynbos on top of the hills as well. On top of this, there is a long section of rocky and sandy coastline, with the Groot River mouth, estuary, and river offering even more variety.
Over 100 species can be recorded in the space of a few days in this area, many of which are endemic.
Other Related Information
The Natures Valley De Vasselot Rest Camp reception sits at -33.97074, 23.56222 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/dQy4XQsjQ82T8GdF7).
The shop and restaurant in the Natures Valley village are at -33.98495, 23.54769 (https://maps.app.goo.gl/eW9bMu8aRYT3Ah8F8).
A day visitors fee is payable at the Rest Camp reception to do the trails or explore the campsite. Alternatively, a Wild Card can also be used to obtain a day visitors permit.
To view prices, click this link: https://www.sanparks.org/parks/garden_route/camps/natures_valley/tourism/tariffs.php
Key species:
Narina Trogon, White-starred Robin, Lemon Dove, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Grey Cuckooshrike, Half-collared Kingfisher, Cape Siskin, Victorins Warbler, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird
Contact details:
SANParks:
Tel: +27 (0) 44 531 6700
Email: grace.valela@sanparks.org
Contact Natures Valley Trading store:
Tel: +27 (0)44 020 0172