Northern KwaZulu-Natal/Free State Ingula Nature Reserve

About the Birding

Located on the escarpment near Van Reenen and spanning both the high-altitude Eastern Free State and KwaZulu-Natal, Ingula obtained Nature Reserve status because the site protects a high number of highly threatened species, and especially White-Winged Flufftail, Wattled Crane, Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. The site has recently been declared as South Africa’s 27th Wetland of International Importance according to the Ramsar Convention and is home to more than 340 species including Grey-Crowned Crane, Southern-Bald Ibis, Yellow-Breasted Pipit and White-Bellied Korhaan. This new birder's paradise is definitely one to add to your bucketlist!

About the Birding Site

The Ingula Partnership was established in 2003 between Eskom, BirdLife South Africa, and the Middelpunt Wetland Trust with the common objective of managing the Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme as a sustainable conservation site. It has been heroed as a conservation success and is the classic example of how an industrial undertaking of this magnitude can be integrated within a conservation area. Going forward, Ingula will likely serve as a model for future conservation work elsewhere.

The reserve itself was formally proclaimed in 2018 and is now recognized as RAMSAR site, protecting a vast area of 8 000 hectares at an altitudinal range of between 1200 and 1900m above sea level on the border between the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State provinces of South Africa. The reserve boasts several large wetlands surrounded by flat agricultural land and remnant areas of high-altitude sourveld grassland on the upper slopes. The wetlands themselves are dominated by large beds of Phragmites, Typha and mixed sedges which in turn support a high number of breeding waterbirds including several highly threatened species (e.g. Wattled Crane and White-winged Flufftail). Other notable species include the Yellow-breasted Pipit, Southern Bald Ibis, Martial Eagle, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Secretarybird, African Marsh Harrier and both the White-backed and Bearded Vultures. At least a two-day visit is recommended, though the site is suitable for day visits.

Key species:
Secretarybird, Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Martial Eagle, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Orange-breasted Waxbill, White-bellied Korhaan, Red-winged Francolin, African Marsh Harrier, Southern Bald Ibis.

Other Related Information

Access is along one of two routes. For those preferring to drive tar roads, take the Tugela-East off-ramp from the N3 freeway to the R103 in the direction of Ladysmith. Shortly after the toll gate, a road turns to the left towards Bester/Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme. This paved road runs to the Ingula security gate and De Beers Pass.

Alternatively, follow the gravel road from Van Reenen toward the De Beers Pass, where it meets the Bedford gate to Ingula. Note however that this route is on gravel roads and road conditions are frequently poor demanding at least high clearance vehicles.

Other related information:

Notable points of interest include the:

Ingula security gate: -28.328889; 29.538481
Bedford gate to Ingula: -28.2953383; 29.4757169

Access and facilities:

As this is also an operational Eskom power station, access permits should be arranged at least a week before visiting the reserve. Power station tours are also available, subject to prior arrangement with the Eskom Visitor’s Centre (SheziNGP@eskom.co.za).

Road access within Ingula is generally fair. Although there are some tarred roads, providing easy access to most key habitats, access to some of the grasslands and wetlands are only through off-road tracks where at least high clearance vehicles are essential. These off-road tracks are also only accessible with the presence of a local guide to ensure the safety of our environment and our visitors, as there’s the potential of getting stuck in the rainy season, and network coverage close to the wetlands is non-existing.

The best times to visit are between the months of September and February when all key specials are present and when most birds are breeding. However, several notable species are present throughout the year. A brochure and map are available, though prior arrangement when visiting this site is essential in order to obtain a visitors’ permit (contact: Carina Pienaar – Carina.pienaar@birdlife.org.za and Peter Nelson – NelsonPA@eskom.co.za).

Contact details:

Ingula Nature Reserve
Carina Pienaar – BirdLife Ingula Project manager
Cell: +27 (0)78 611 9881
Email: Carina.Pienaar@birdlife.org.za


Local guide information:

A BirdLife Community guide operates within the Ingula Nature Reserve, boasting excellent knowledge of the site and its history. A second guide is available for larger groups. Note that some areas of Ingula are only accessible with the assistance of one of these guides. Please contact Carina Pienaar for more information on the guiding fees, and to book a guide for your visit to Ingula Nature Reserve. For more information, please view: birdlife.org.za/gobirding/community-bird-guides/


Text prepared by:

Carina Pienaar (BirdLife South Africa)

Key species:

Secretarybird, Cape Vulture, Wattled Crane, Grey Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Martial Eagle, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Orange-breasted Waxbill, White-bellied Korhaan, Red-winged Francolin, African Marsh Harrier, Southern Bald Ibis.

Contact details:

Ingula Nature Reserve
For more information, please contact:
Carina Pienaar – BirdLife Ingula Project manager
Cell: +27 (0)78 611 9881
Email: Carina.Pienaar@birdlife.org.za