Among these are such sought-after specials as the Southern Banded Snake-eagle, African Finfoot, White-backed Night Heron, Narina Trogon, Eastern Nicator, African Broadbill, Green and Pink-throated Twinspots, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Lemon-breasted Canary, and Gorgeous Bush-shrike.

The reserve is dominated by the Mzinene River, which meanders through the area before ultimately flowing into Lake St. Lucia to the south. It is possible to arrange river cruises and canoe trips through the lodges, providing incredible opportunities to find a plethora of interesting waterbird species. Large heronries form in the reedbeds including the Purple, Goliath, and Squacco Herons, Black-crowned Night Heron, and Little Bittern. This is also one of the few sites anywhere in South Africa where Malagasy Pond Heron has been reported, albeit as a rarity. Pel’s Fishing Owl is occasionally seen, mainly in dry areas when the birds are dependent on these larger rivers, while African Finfoot patrol the overhanging vegetation and are regularly seen. In the reedbeds, look for both the Red-billed and Red-headed Queleas as well as for Orange-breasted Waxbill and Cuckoo-finch. The latter is easiest to find in the summer months when males attain their bright golden plumage. The near-endemic Lemon-breasted Canary prefers the drier edges where Lala Palms grow. The Mzinene River floodplain is equally productive and often supports impressive numbers of African Crake and Black Coucal in wet months. Red-chested Flufftail and African Rail are both resident, preferring areas of taller reeds which remain wetter year-round. Other notable species to look for on the floodplain include the Collared Pratincole, Corn Crake (summer), Fan-tailed Grassbird, Cape and Yellow-throated Longclaws, Red-faced and Rufous-winged Cisticolas, African Marsh Harrier and Blue-cheeked Bee-eater (summer). Pans and depressions on the floodplain may yield the African Crake, Dwarf Bittern, Lesser Moorhen, and Allen’s Gallinule in the summer months. The Zimongwe Dam regularly holds African Pygmy Goose and White-faced Whistling Duck. The uncommon Western Yellow Wagtail is also regularly reported in the summer months. Hirundines are common and include the Grey-rumped, Red-breasted and Wire-tailed Swallows.

Ntabankosi Mountain is blanketed in varied woodland and forest. Check these areas for the Stierling’s Wren-warbler, which prefers the drier sections and is best detected by its loud ringing call. These drier areas also host an interesting assortment of warblers in summer including the Willow, Icterine, Olive Tree, and Garden Warblers; all of which are easiest to detect in March/April just prior to the return migration. In winter, search the mountain top for sunbirds and the Black-headed Oriole as these species are attracted by the flowering Mountain Aloes that grow here. Narina Trogon and a host of cuckoos frequent the canopy of the forested sections lower down near the Munywana River, where African Broadbill, Rudd’s Apalis, Black Cuckooshrike, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Trumpeter Hornbill, African Green Pigeon, Crested Guineafowl and White-eared Barbet may also be seen. The endearing Pink-throated Twinspot is regular in the forest understory and is best detected by its insect-like call.

Key species:

Pink-throated Twinspot, Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Finfoot, Lemon-breasted Canary, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Neergaard’s Sunbird, Narina Trogon