Southern Zululand – Richard’s Bay Harbour
About the Birding
The commercial part of the harbour, as a distinct site from the Southern Sanctuary (treated separately), includes several areas of interest for birders visiting Richard’s Bay. Areas currently accessible to the public include the Bay Hall, Pelican Island and “Casuarinas” areas. These areas attract waders and terns but in much lower numbers than the before probably due to more intensive recreational use.
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 access the “Casuarinas” area – coming from Empangeni / N2 direction. Turn Right at Medway/ Harbour Coast. After 0.9 km’s turn left towards Tuzi Gazi Waterfront. After 1.4 KM’s turn right onto a small dirt road, cross railway and continue for about 4km’s. Follow road through area of casuarina trees to sandflats.
To access Bay Hall and Pelican island – Turn Right off the R34 just before Meerensee towards Tuzi Gazi. Follow this road and turn right at the signpost “Pelican Island.”
Key species:
Crab-plover, Greater and Lesser Sand Plovers, chances for seabirds and out-of-range vagrant species
Contact details:
For more information, contact Portnet Control at the Richard’s Bay harbour using the following details:
Portnet Control
Tel: +27 (0)35 905 3440
Fax: +27 (0)35 905 3333
Email: preston.khomo@transet.net