As the valley begins to widen, keep your eyes to the skies for any raptors hunting along the cliff edges, flyovers by Southern Bald Ibis, and the erratic flights of Alpine and African Black Swifts (both summer) amidst mixed hirundine flocks. At the base of the towering mountains the habitat slowly changes into Silver Cluster-Leaf dominated broad-leaved woodland, where Greater-double Collared Sunbird, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Bar-throated Apalis, and Lazy Cisticola are around in good numbers. The Wilge River itself can be birded at various points throughout the valley but is best by visiting either Muelstream or Qodesh. Here birders should keep their binoculars peeled for African Finfoot, Common Sandpiper, Striated Heron, African Pied Wagtail, and even the occasional Mountain Wagtail from time-to-time. The deep, well-concealed, forested gorges within the valley are home to some seriously sought-after species for Gauteng, namely Swee Waxbill, African Firefinch, Ashy Flycatcher, African Crowned Eagle, and Olive Woodpecker. These are best explored by visiting the accommodation options listed below. As one finds themselves closer to the R544 tar road on the eastern side of the valley, Coqui Francolin, Green-capped Eremomela, and Striped Kingfisher are all relatively common.

Key species:

Southern Bald Ibis, Verreaux’s Eagle, African Hawk-Eagle, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, African Finfoot, Freckled Nightjar, Alpine Swift, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Pygmy Kingfisher, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Green-capped Eremomela, Ashy Flycatcher, Spectacled Weaver, and African Firefinch