Southern Zululand – Eshowe Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
About the Birding
Unique to Southern Africa, and totally exclusive to Eshowe, is the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk extending over 125m through the forest canopy and leading to a canopy observation tower which emerges above the forest and overlooks a vast area of Dlinza. The forest itself covers roughly 250 hectares and, due to its accessibility and impressive bird list, is one of southern Africa’s premier forest destinations. An average visit should produce 50 species including many range-restricted specials.
About the Birding Site
Southern Zululand is perhaps the premier forest birding route in all of KwaZulu-Natal, home to a rich diversity of species in a mix of different habitats. Starting on the warm coast of Zululand, between Mtunzini and Richard’s Bay, the route offers many estuarine swamp forests supporting impressive numbers of threatened species including the Mangrove Kingfisher and Black-throated Wattle-eye. Coastal forests here are equally rich in species and are perhaps the best areas anywhere in South Africa to search for the Spotted Ground Thrush (mainly a winter visitor) and Palm-nut Vulture.
Other Related Information
Directions:
To reach Eshowe, take the N2 north from Durban. From there, take the R66 towards Gingindlovu and Eshowe for 28km. This road leads directly to the town of Eshowe. Once there, take the second exit into Eshowe near the top of the hill and turn left into Kangella Street. Continue for 2.8Km to reach the Dlinza Forest sign on your left.
Key species:
Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, Spotted Ground Thrush, Chorister Robin-chat, Narina Trogon, Green Twinspot, Grey Cuckooshrike
Contact details:
Dlinza Forest is under the administration of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. For more information, contact:
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife
Tel: +27 (0)33 845 1999
Fax: +27 (0 086 505 889
Email: bookings@kznwildlife.com
Website: www.kznwildlife.com