The Ntshingwayo Dam itself supports large flocks of both the Egyptian and Spur-winged Geese and is one of the only sites in KwaZulu-Natal where Great Crested Grebe is regularly reported. The dam is also well-known as a moulting site for Yellow-billed Ducks with impressive rafts of these nomadic birds arriving at the site in the winter months. Other notable species include Caspian Tern, Pied Avocet, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Knob-billed Duck, Southern Pochard, Red-billed Teal, and White-winged Tern. The eastern edge of the dam is shallow and regularly holds impressive numbers of waders, especially in the summer months when resident populations are supplemented by the arrival of Palearctic and intra-African migrants. A small inlet in the top section of the dam is difficult to access but worthwhile for African Jacana, African Snipe, and Squacco Heron.

The lush grasslands surrounding the dam support the Eastern Long-billed, Pink-billed and Spike-heeled Larks as well as Eastern Clapper Lark; the latter, best detected in the spring months when their display calls echo through the landscape. The Cloud, Zitting, Pale-crowned and Desert Cisticolas are all abundant though can be challenging to see well and differentiate given their small size. Large terrestrial species include the Blue Korhaan, and White-bellied, Black-bellied and Denham’s Bustards, and Secretarybird. The African Grass and Marsh Owls are easiest to see in the early mornings and late afternoons, alongside the Black Harrier. Blue Crane nest in the summer months and are often seen alongside the Grey Crowned Crane.

The area below the dam wall supports a number of rocky slopes. Search this area for the Ground Woodpecker, Mountain Wheatear, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Rock Martin, Speckled Pigeon and Bokmakierie.

Key species:

Great Crested Grebe, Know-billed Duck, Pink-billed and Easter Long-billed Larks, White-bellied Bustard, African Grass Owl