Begin your explorations in the village itself, searching for both Dark-capped and Cape Bulbuls and the Hartlaub’s and Grey-headed Gulls; though beware of hybrids showing intermediate features. The Pearson Park campsite offers several vantage points from which to scan the upper reaches of the Sunday’s River where you might see Half-collared Kingfisher and Goliath Heron. Little and Swift (Greater Crested) Terns are regularly sighted along this stretch of river, while Horus Swift can sometimes be seen overhead in mixed flocks of swallows, swifts and martins. When in fruit, the many fig trees in the campsite itself can be productive with large numbers of frugivorous species.

Entering the Sunday’s River Mouth Nature Reserve by paying a small day fee at the entrance gate. The road begins by passing through the well-vegetated dune fields where Streaky-headed Seedeater, Brimstone Canary, Cape Sparrow, Southern Tchagra, Bokmakierie and Southern Boubou are all possible. Watch out for Peregrine Falcons hunting, as several pairs nest on cliffs nearby.

As one reaches the estuary itself, explore the mudflats from the various picnic spots along the way. The optimal time to visit is low tide, when large numbers of waders can be seen foraging at ease. Top prize is shared between the Terek Sandpiper, which prefers muddier sections, and the Red Knot. Other targets include the Bar-tailed Godwit, Ruff, Curlew and Marsh Sandpipers, Little Sting, Common Greenshank, Common Whimbrel, Eurasian Curlew, and both Grey and Common Ringed Plovers.

The sandbar at the mouth itself supports a large tern roost generally including the Common (summer), Swift (Greater Crested), Sandwich, Roseate (winter), Antarctic (winter), Damara (summer), Caspian, and Little Terns. This is also a fantastic site from which to view St Croix Island, an important African Penguin colony, though a telescope is recommended.

Key species:

Hartlaub’s Gull, Terek Sandpiper, Damara and Roseate Terns, Red Knot