North-east Zululand – iSimangaliso Monzi-Futululu Park

About the Birding

The Monzi-Futululu Park covers an area of more than 1800 hectares of coastal forest, between Mtubatuba and St. Lucia. The area is included within the Futululu Section of the Dukuduku Forest, and within the Greater St. Lucia World Heritage Site. The reserve offers an environmentally friendly caravan and camping resort, including several fully serviced self-catering chalets, and is within easy reach of the town of St. Lucia.

The site is dominated by forest habitats and supports many of the same species as St. Lucia (treated separately). Look out for Grey Waxbill and Green Twinspot, especially when grasses come to seed, as well as the Ashy Flycatcher, Dark-backed Weaver, Forest Canary, African Green Pigeon, White-eared Barbet, Narina Trogon, Green Malkoha, Tambourine and Lemon Doves, Black-bellied Starling, Red-fronted and Yellow-rumped Tinkerbirds, and both the Livingstone’s and Purple-crested Turacos. Crested Guineafowl are frequently seen at the edges of the campsite in the early mornings.

In the open grassland habitats, search for the Yellow-throated Longclaw, Croaking Cisticola and Woolly-necked Stork. Wetlands may add the African Pygmy Goose, Goliath Heron, Whiskered Tern (summer), and White-backed Duck.

Key species:

Green Twinspot, Crested Guineafowl, African Pygmy Goose, Narina Trogon, Green Malkoha

About the Birding Site

The iSimangaliso Wetlands Reserve has recently been proclaimed as a World Heritage Site and is one of South Africa’s oldest reserves established in 1895. The lake itself covers an area of around 38 000 hectares and is one of South Africa’s most important waterbird breeding sites. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park includes Mkhuze and Sodwana Bay, though these sites are treated separately. The surrounding habitats are extremely complex and varied including the estuary and its floodplains, numerous pans, dune and sand forests, coastal thickets, mangroves and grassland.

Altogether, the region is one of the most biodiverse areas in all of South Africa supporting a plethora of interesting species including as many as 420 species of birds. This includes a high number of near-endemics including the Pink-throated Twinspot, Rudd’s Apalis, Woodward’s Batis as well as other sought-after species including the Southern Banded Snake-eagle, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Spotted Ground-thrush, and Rosy-throated Longclaw. A number of self-guided routes are available, including several hides, and an excellent group of local guides are based in the village of St. Lucia, which if used will make finding specials that much easier.

Key species:

Green Twinspot, Crested Guineafowl, African Pygmy Goose, Narina Trogon, Green Malkoha

Other Related Information

Directions:
From Durban or Johannesburg (via Pongola), take the N2 highway to Mtubatuba, which is situated about 100km south of the Hluhluwe offramp. Follow the St. Lucia signs. From Mtubatuba, drive for 16km and turn right at the Monzi/ Futululu signs. Travel for 7km and turn right into the park entrance.

Notable points of interest include the:
Monzi-Futululu Park: -28.4382, 32.2907

Other related information:

The nearest towns Monzi-Futululu Park are:
St. Lucia: 16km
Mtubatuba: 18km

Access and facilities:
Monzi-Futululu Park is open to day visitors and overnight guests. A nominal entrance fee is charged for day visitors. The reserve features a tuck shop, activities for children including a jungle gym and obstacle course, volleyball court, playing field and swimming pool. There is a golf course nearby, numerous restaurants and well-maintained hiking trails.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
Monzi-Futululu Park features a caravan park and 4-sleeper and 2-sleeper self-catering chalets at extremely affordable prices. The self-catering chalets are fully equipped except for TV, dishcloths and cleaning liquids and irons. Breakfast is available by prior arrangement at an additional cost.

For more information, please contact:
Tel: +27 (0)35 550 4431
Fax: +27 (0)35 590 1312
Website: www.futululu.co.za

Moreover, numerous Birder Friendly Establishments are available in St. Lucia. For more information, please view Birder Friendly Establishments using the following link:
http://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/bird-friendly-establishments/kwazulu-natal/

Local guide information:
Several community guides operate within the wider Hluhluwe/Mkhuze/St Lucia areas. For more information, please use the following link:
https://www.birdlife.org.za/go-birding/community-bird-guides/

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

Key species:

Green Twinspot, Crested Guineafowl, African Pygmy Goose, Narina Trogon, Green Malkoha

Contact details:

For more information, please contact:

Monzi-Futululu Park
Tel: +27 (0)35 550 4431
Fax: +27 (0)35 590 1312
Website: www.futululu.co.za