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.

Yellow Bishops, Sombre Greenbuls, Speckled Mousebirds and Swee Waxbills can also be found across the gardens. Look out for carnivorous species such as Southern Fiscals and Southern Boubous patrolling the shrubbery while raptors such as Rock Kestrels, Jackal Buzzards and Peregrine Falcons are regularly seen overhead. Aerial feeders are easily seen above the gardens and it is a particularly good spot for Black Saw-wing.

Further into the gardens you will reach beds planted with indigenous fynbos from across the province. The nectar rich proteas and ericas attract Cape Sugarbirds, Orange-breasted and Malachite Sunbirds. Heading out of the top of the gardens, the riverside bushes are an ideal spot for the secretive Victorin’s Warbler, located by its repetitive call, as well as a good place to see Cape Grassbird and Cape Siskin that venture down from the mountain. To see Ground Woodpeckers, keep your ears peeled for their distinctive call emanating from the mountainsides. The mountainsides are also a good spot for Cape, and Sentinel Rock Thrushes.

The Disa Kloof Trail (-34.3491, 18.9268) is a wonderful short walk through the forested ravine leading to a lovely natural waterfall. The wet cliff faces around the waterfall have Red Disa orchids flowering in December. The forest vegetation attracts a range of different birds including Cape Batis, African Olive Pigeon, Olive Woodpecker and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher (the latter at the Western edge of its range). Scan the shaded banks of the river for the secretive African Black Duck and keep an eye out for the Giant Kingfisher that can sometimes be caught flying up and down the valley.

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

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.

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

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/