North-west Zululand – Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve
About the Birding
Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve is well known for supporting an interesting mix of upland and lowland species. A number of endemics occur and, to date, some 230 species have been recorded from this small reserve. The reserve is accessible using a single road that meets a T-junction. Turning left will take you into mixed woodland, and right enters forest and plateau grassland.
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.
Other Related Information
Directions:
Entering Vryheid from Melmoth or Durban, continue along East Street, up over the railway bridge and turn right at the T-junction. Follow the road up to the reserve gate. Travelling from Dundee or Paulpietersburg, continue along Church Street and turn left into East Street. Follow the rest of the directions above.
Notable points of interest include the:
Main entrance: -27.7517, 30.7960