Much of the central and upper sections of Bonamanzi are blanketed in sand forest and tall woodland. These forests are perhaps the best place in South Africa to search for the African Broadbill, a nationally near-threatened species that is frequently heard calling from the wilderness areas close to the southern boundary of the reserve. Five robin species can be seen in this habitat including the White-throated and Red-capped Robin-chats, as well as the beautiful Bearded Srub-robin. Gorgeous Bush-shrike – perhaps one of the most sought-after species in all of Zululand – is common throughout the forested sections of the reserve and knowledge of its loud call is essential to finding this species. Rudd’s Apalis is common in the canopy, where it occurs alongside the Yellow-breasted Apalis. The shy and reclusive Pink-throated Twinspot can be searched for in the scrubby thickets and is best detected by its insect-like calls. Seeding grasses may yield the uncommon Green Twinspot as well as Grey Waxbill. Other notable species to look for in this habitat include the Eastern Nicator, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Pink-throated Twinspot, African Emerald Cuckoo (summer), and Green Malkoha. Crested Guineafowl is also a possibility with small coveys of these special birds appearing on forested roads in the early morning and late afternoons. Watch overhead for Southern Banded Snake-eagle, which is sometimes seen hunting along the tree line. A night drive through this habitat will likely also yield the African Wood Owl and African Barred Owlet.

Grassland habitats blanket the eastern and western boundaries of the reserve. Many of these are seasonally inundated and grow on dense black clays that are totally impassable during the wet season. However, this habitat supports both Swamp Nightjar and the localized Black Coucal in the summer months. Search for these species along the main entrance road where both can be common in wet years. The threatened Orange-breasted Waxbill and African Quailfinch share an affinity towards these wetter areas of the reserve and both of these species can be flushed from the roadside grasses. In winter, search for the Rufous-naped Lark, Desert and Zitting Cisticolas, African and Nicholson’s Pipit, and Yellow-throated Longclaw. Burnt patches should be scrutinized for both the Senegal and Black-winged Lapwings, which co-occur here, as well as Bronze-winged Courser. The regal Secretarybird and Black-bellied Bustard may also be seen.
Woodlands and palm savannah within Bonamanzi are perhaps one of the best areas in the country to search for the localized near-endemic Lemon-breasted Canary, as well as the uncommon Grey Penduline-tit. Other species within this habitat include the Crested Francolin, Grey Tit-flycatcher, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike, and Cape Batis.

There are many small pans and dams in the reserve, the most rewarding of which are found near the Lalapanzi Lodge. Dinizulu Dam is especially productive and the small pan close to the entrance is rich in waterbirds when wet. Search these wetland habitats for both African and Lesser Jacanas, Striated Heron, Reed Cormorant, Three-banded Plover, Common Sandpiper and occasionally African Pygmy Goose (particularly where the pans are covered in floating water lilies). Several species of weaver also breed in the reedbeds here including the Lesser Masked, Eastern Golden, and Village Weavers as well as occasional Southern Brown-throated Weavers. Cuckoo-finch is regularly sighted between September-April when the males attain their distinctive all-yellow plumage while the localized Rufous-winged Cisticola occurs commonly. The Hluhluwe River also runs along the eastern boundary of Bonzamanzi and boat cruises may yield an assortment of Kingfishers, the shy African Finfoot, and occasionally the highly sought-after Pel’s Fishing Owl. Regarding this latter species, it is always best to enquire at reception as to whether there have been any recent sightings within the reserve. A visit to the Hluhluwe River floodplain (requiring an armed guide) may yield both the Cape and sought-after Rosy-throated Longclaws as well as both the Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans.

A number of birds-of-prey can be seen in the reserve particularly in the summer months (September-April) when the resident populations are supplemented by the influx of intra-African migrants. Species to look for include the Tawny Eagle, Black-chested and Brown Snake Eagles, European Honey Buzzard (a rarity), Lizard Buzzard, Bateleur, and both the White-backed and White-headed Vultures. In the forests, it is possible to encounter a range of Accipiters with African Goshawk and Black Sparrowhawk being notably common. At night, watch for Spotted Eagle-owl, Marsh Owl, and for both the Western Barn and African Grass Owls.

Key species:

Pink-throated Twinspot, African Broadbill, Rudd’s Apalis, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Lemon-breasted Canary, Crested Guineafowl, Gorgeous Bush-shrike