South Coast – Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

About the Birding

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in southern KwaZulu-Natal, covering an immense area of approximately 2189 hectares. It preserves a magnificent stretch of coastal grassland and coastal forest. The reserve was named after a distinguished local sugar baron and it is under the control of KZN Wildlife. At its closest point, the reserve is about 13km inland from the coast though the influence of the rich Indian Ocean is profound and many of the forests are supplemented by warm moist air carried inland off the sea.

Its altitude ranges between about 150 m above sea level, in the lowest river valleys in the south of the reserve, up to 610 m in the north.

Begin your explorations on the main entrance road. Search the tall Blue Gum (Eucalyptus) trees along the main gravel road for Eurasian Hobby in the summer months. A pair of African Wood Owl are also resident in the area and are sometimes spotted roosting within the shadier sections. The small stream also hosts Mountain Wagtail.

As one enters the reserve, the road passes a large amphitheatre of forest. This section of the reserve is especially active in the early mornings, particularly during the dawn chorus. The Red-capped and Chorister Robin-chats both occur, the latter mainly in winter. The shy Brown Scrub-robin calls from the densest thickets, while Narina Trogon and Scaly-throated Honeyguide prefer to remain within the canopy at all times. Other species include the Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Trumpeter Hornbill, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, Barratt’s Warbler, both Lemon and Tambourine Doves, African Emerald Cuckoo (summer), Purple-crested Turaco, African Green Pigeon, Green Malkoha and Gorgeous Bush-shrike. Road cuttings at the forest edge also occasionally host nesting African Pygmy Kingfishers in late summer, while a resident pair of Martial Eagle nest in the upper left-hand reaches of the forest.

Near the top of the hill, one enters rich grassland. This is perhaps one of the better areas in South Africa to search for the unpredictable Short-tailed Pipit during the summer months. This species is best detected early in the season when the birds perform their aerial display flights. Alternatively, watch for the birds at the road edge in the early mornings. Other grassland species include the Fan-tailed Grassbird, Plain-backed Pipit, Grey Crowned Crane, Yellow-throated Longclaw, up to 5 species of Cisticola (including the Croaking, Rattling, Pale-crowned, Wing-snapping, and Cloud Cisticolas), and Red-winged Francolin. Damp sedges may too deliver the threatened Orange-breasted Waxbill.

In winter, visit the flowering Coral Trees near the picnic site where the Black-bellied Starling is common among diverse sunbirds and other nectar-feeders. Beyond the picnic site, the reserve flattens somewhat and the open savannah type habitats are an excellent site to search for Black Cuckooshrike, Lazy Cisticola and Greater Honeyguide. Rocky habitat may yield the Striped Pipit, which is best detected by its loud and melodious song.

Key species:

Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin, Green Malkoha, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Short-tailed Pipit

About the Birding Site

The South Coast Birding Route in KwaZulu-Natal – spanning from Durban to the southern provincial border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape – comprises a variety of rich sub-tropical habitats ranging from coastal and inland wetlands to extensive grasslands, woodlands and forests. The forest birding to be had in this region is arguably some of the best anywhere in South Africa, featuring an interesting community of birds that is intermediate between the rich afromontane and coastal forests.

It is the only route within KwaZulu-Natal where these two diverse forest assemblages overall and, for this reason, birding in this area is extremely rewarding. Several species reach their northernmost limits within this route including the sought-after Knysna Woodpecker and Knysna Warbler, while other notable highlights include the Magpie Mannikin, Knynsa Turaco, and Red-headed Quelea. Moreover, the route boasts many of KwaZulu-Natal’s most revered birding sites including Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and the Weza-Ngele Forest among others. Several days are recommended in the area to afford yourself with the best chances of finding the most sought-after species.

Key species:

Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin, Green Malkoha, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Short-tailed Pipit

Other Related Information

Directions:
This reserve is marked on most popular road maps. The turnoff to Vernon Crookes is well signposted from the N2 freeway linking Durban and Port Shepstone, and turns inland to Highflats/Ixopo at the Park Rynie/Umzinto flyover. Follow the R612 inland, bypassing Umzinto, for about 12,5km. The turnoff to the reserve is on the right of the road and it is adequately signposted. Follow the gravel road, taking note of the signboards along this route, the main entrance is about 6km off the tar road.

Other related information:

Notable points of interest include the:
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve: -30.2695, 30.6066

The nearest towns to Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve are:
Scottburgh: 24km
Port Shepstone: 78km
Durban: 80km

Access and facilities:
Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and a nominal entrance fee is payable at the gate. A 12km network of roads winds through the reserve and visitors are also free to leave their vehicles and walk as there are no dangerous mammals in the reserve. There are several walking trails that provide excellent birding. There are two picnic sites. Toilets can be found at the main camp, at the picnic sites and entrance gate. A comprehensive bird list for the reserve is available from the main office.

Gate times are as follows:
Summer (October-March): 06:00-18:00
Winter (April-September): 06:00-17:00
While office hours are from 08:00 to 13:00 between Monday and Friday, and from 08:00-12:00 on Saturdays and Sundays.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
A self-catering hutted camp is included within Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve including a 6-bed rest hut and a 7-bed tree house. The rest huts consist of six 2-bedded rondavels each equipped with a refrigerator, bedding and cutlery and crockery though are all served by a communal kitchen and ablution block. The tree house has its own kitchen and ablution block, has running hot and cold water, and includes bedding, towels, and cutlery and crockery. To book, please contact:

For more information, contact:
KZN Wildlife Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
E-mail: webmail@kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com

Local guide information:
No BirdLife Community Guides are currently available for Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.

Text prepared by:
Daniel Keith Danckwerts (Rockjumper Worldwide Birding Tours)

Key species:

Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin, Green Malkoha, Gorgeous Bush-shrike, Short-tailed Pipit

Contact details:

For more information, contact:

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1000
Fax: +27 (0)33 845 1001
E-mail: webmail@kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com