North-west Zululand – Pongola Mkuze Falls Game Reserve

About the Birding

Mkuze Falls lies within the heart of the extensive bushveld biome in northern Zululand. The reserve takes its name from the Mkhuze Falls, which is located immediately adjacent to the main camp. The river itself is lined with extensive forests and many large kloofs on the mountain slopes. Away from the main river, the reserve is dominated by mature bushveld in generally undulating terrain. There are also a few wetlands including a major one just below the main camp. The reserve supports well in excess of 300 bird species.

Woodland and bushveld areas are home to the Natal Francolin, Black-bellied Korhaan, Bronze-winged Courser, Bearded Woodpecker, Flappet Lark, Red-billed Oxpecker, Scarlet-chested Sunbird and Red-headed Weaver. Seeding grasses in the summer months attract the Green-winged Pytilia, Blue Waxbill, and Red-billed Firefinch. The easiest approach to birding these areas is by following mixed-species foraging flocks, which are often centred on flocks of White-crested Helmetshrikes.

The forested areas of the reserve produce Narina Trogon, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Red-capped Robin-chat, African Green Pigeon, Purple-crested Turaco, and Crested Guineafowl. Listen for the monotonous calls of Rudd’ Apalis, which occurs here alongside the widespread Yellow-breasted Apalis. The rivers and streams may yield the African Finfoot, Mountain Wagtail, Yellow-billed Stork, Black-crowned Night Heron, Fulvous and White-faced Whistling Ducks, and African Jacana. Black Coucal occurs rarely in the summer months, favouring areas of dense grass.

Mkuze Falls attracts several notable raptors including the African Hawk Eagle, Martial and Crowned Eagles, Bateleur, Shikra, African Goshawk and White-backed Vulture.

Key species:

Rudd’s Apalis, Crested Guineafowl, Black Coucal, African Finfoot, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush-shrike

About the Birding Site

North-west Zululand is one of the most varied of the birding routes in KwaZulu-Natal ranging in habitat from high altitude temperate grasslands in the west, to low lying subtropical thickets in the east including several large wetlands. Given this incredibly high habitat diversity, it is no surprise that the route also boasts an impressive checklist of birds including 58 of Southern Africa’s endemic and near-endemic species, many of which are confined to the extensive grasslands and wetlands.

Birding is generally best in the warmer summer months (September-April) when the resident species are supplemented by the influx of migrants, though the dry winter months often facilitate large congregations of birds around several nationally important wetlands. Many sites on the route are easy to access on fair roads though drivers are cautioned that gravel roads may become impassable during the wet season limiting access to a few sites. Moreover, given the size of the sub-route in general, the region is further divided into five distinct birding areas each treated individually. These include the Louwsberg, Pongola, Ulundi, Umfolozi, and Vryheid areas.

The Pongola sub-route covers much of the eastern coastal plain including the immense Jozini Dam and several areas bordering the Lebombo Mountains. These regions feature the only examples of Sweet Lowveld Bushveld, supporting a vast array of species including several species that are rare in other parts of KwaZulu-Natal. Among these are the Burchell’s Starling, Bennett’s Woodpecker, Levaillant’s Cuckoo, Purple Roller, Magpie Shrike and Red-headed Weaver. The route includes small areas of habitat which are more characteristic of eastern Zululand, in which several of the coastal plain endemics may be seen including the Rudd’s Apalis, Pink-throated Twinspot, Lemon-breasted Canary and Neergaard’s Sunbird. Notable sites along this sub-route include the Hlatikhulu Forest, Lebombo Cliffs, Pongola Game and Nature Reserves and the Mkuze Falls Game Reserve.

Key species:

Rudd’s Apalis, Crested Guineafowl, Black Coucal, African Finfoot, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush-shrike

Other Related Information

Directions:
Travelling from Johannesburg in the north, take the N2 Highway through Piet Retief and on to Pongola. On entering the town, take the right-hand turn-off marked “Vryheid, Louwsburg” This is the R66. Follow this road for approximately 35km, and turn right at the sign marked “Mkuze Falls”. The reserve lies a few kilometres from the turn-off on a dirt road.

Travelling from Durban in the south, take the N2 Highway till Pongola and then take the left turn on the R66 (as above).

Other related information:

Notable points of interest include the:
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge: -27.6739, 31.6684

The nearest towns to Mkuze Falls are:
Pongola: 39km
Mkuze: 60km

Access and facilities:
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve is only open to overnight guests at the Mkuze Falls Game Lodge.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve offers luxury 5-star rated accommodation featuring 8 thatched chalets and a single safari suite, all accommodating guests in the utmost comfort and style. All suites are built on raised wooden platforms with a spacious veranda overlooking the river, waterfall and surrounding hills.

For more information or to make a reservation, please contact:
Tel: +27 (0)34 414 1018
Cell: +27 (0)82 322 8555
Fax: +27 (0)86 416 7527
Email: admin@mkuzefalls.com
Website: www.mkuzefallsgamelodge.com

White Elephant Safari Lodge and Bush Camp is the only listed Birder Friendly Establishment in the Pongola area, situated within Pongola Game Reserve. White Elephant features 12 ‘glamping’ units, and self-catering accommodation for up to 17 people split across seven 6-sleeper chalets or the Umkhaya Cottage.

For more information or to make a booking please visit.
Tel: +27 (0)34 413 2489
Email: info@whiteelephant.co.za
Website: www.whiteelephant.co.za

Diverse accommodation options are also available within the town of Pongola itself including caravan and camping, self-catering, B&B and more luxurious options.

Local guide information:
Mkuze Falls Game Lodge offers a number of guided activities including game and bird walks, and guided safaris in open vehicles. The lodge also features a spa centre offering a range of luxurious and indulgent treatments. All activities are booked through reception at Mkuze Falls Game Lodge.

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

Key species:

Rudd’s Apalis, Crested Guineafowl, Black Coucal, African Finfoot, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush-shrike

Contact details:

For more information, please contact:

Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)34 414 1018
Cell: +27 (0)82 322 8555
Fax: +27 (0)86 416 7527
Email: admin@mkuzefalls.com
Website: www.mkuzefallsgamelodge.com