Redstone Hills, nestled between Oudtshoorn and Calitzdorp, offers a captivating birding experience in the heart of the Klein Karoo. The hills boast a network of gravel roads that wind through diverse habitats, including rocky outcrops, valleys, and shrubland. These habitats are home to a variety of bird species, making it a must-visit destination for bird enthusiasts.

Begin birding the moment you leave the R62, driving slowly northwards, scanning for Karoo Eremomela in the sparse shrubs and listening for the soft distinctive calls of Cape Penduline-Tit. Nearing the rocky outcrops, look out for Layard’s Tit-Babbler and Black-headed Canary. At the river crossings, look and listen for Namaqua Warbler in the reedbeds.

Continue along the road as it winds towards valleys and along ridges. The Acacia thickets support Acacia Pied Barbet, Pririt Batis, Fairy Flycatcher and Chestnut-vented Warbler, while the taller vegetation at Redstone Hills holds Speckled Mousebird, White-backed Mousebird, Red-faced Mousebird, Southern Tchagra and Cardinal Woodpecker. The Rufous-eared Warbler, Grey-backed Cisticola and the Karoo Scrub-Robin are commonly seen in the scrubland, with the White-throated Canary, Yellow Canary and Karoo Lark.

Some of the raptors that can be expected include the Gabar Goshawk, Booted Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Black Sparrowhawk, African Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, and Lanner Falcon.

Redstone Hills is characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky outcrops and valleys covered in shrubs and sparse vegetation. The area offers a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, scrubland, and valley thicket. The hills provide an excellent vantage point for observing the surrounding landscapes and birdlife.

The varied topography of Redstone Hills provides ample opportunities for birdwatching, with each turn revealing new avian delights. Whether you’re an experienced birder or a novice, Redstone Hills promises a memorable birding experience against the backdrop of the stunning Redstone Hills and the Klein Karoo landscape.

Redstone Hills: -33.5105, 21.8698
Western turnoff from R62 (Calitzdorp side): -33.5443, 21.8244
Alternative turnoff from R62: -33.5563, 21.8786
Eastern turnoff from R62 (Oudtshoorn side): -33.5795, 21.9716

Key species:

Black-headed Canary, Layard's Warbler, Karoo Eremomela, Cape Penduline-Tit, Namaqua Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Rufous-eared Warbler, Karoo Scrub-Robin, & Karoo Lark.

Contact details:

N/A

Text prepared by:
Rudi Minnie
Cell: +27 (0)72 837 0242
Email: rudi.minnie@gmail.com