Overberg – Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
About the Birding
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens is an ideal place to look for many of the fynbos endemics. The beautifully planted gardens lead into pristine natural habitat, both of which attract a range of species. The lower half of the garden near the entrance (-34.3522, 18.9270) holds a variety of regular species such as Fiscal Flycatcher, Southern Double-collared Sunbird, Cape Bulbul, Streaky-headed Seedeater and African Dusky Flycatcher. A small constructed marsh area (-34.3512, 18.9268) attracts Common Waxbills, Levaillant’s Cisticolas and a variety of other birds that prefer the reedy vegetation.
About the Birding Site
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens is one of the best places to see a range of Cape endemics, including four out of the six fynbos endemics. The gardens lead into wonderfully preserved fynbos clad slopes, and forest patches, which hold even more species. The short walkways around the garden and a boardwalk trail leading to a waterfall make this an excellent stop for both birders and non-birders.
Other Related Information
Access and facilities:
Access point GPS: -34.3507, 18.9270
Admission costs: Entrance fees are R30 for adults, R20 for students and R12 for school learners.
Wildcard: Wildcard not applicable. BotSoc cards are accepted.
Accessibility: Harold Porter Botanical Gardens can be easily accessed by wheelchairs along the many paths within the gardens.
Key species:
Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Victorin’s Warbler, Ground Woodpecker, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Cape Grassbird, Fiscal Flycatcher, Black Saw-wing, African Dusky Flycatcher
Contact details:
Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens
Tel: +27(0)28 272 9311
Email: Harold.Porter.NBG@sanbi.org.za
Website: https://www.sanbi.org/gardens/harold-porter/