Transkei – Coffee Bay and Hole in the Wall
About the Birding
Isolated coastal and swamp forests host an incredible diversity of bird species. The rare Spotted Ground Thrush is an occasional breeding visitor during the summer months, together with small numbers of Mangrove Kingfisher. Other characteristic species include the Green Woodhoopoe, both Crowned and Trumpeter Hornbills, Grey Cuckooshrike, Narina Trogon, Common Square-tailed Drongo, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, both Chorister and Red-capped Robin-chats, and Olive Bush-shrike.
About the Birding Site
Until very recently, the vast Transkei has been the least explored region of the Eastern Cape province – extending from Kei Mouth to as far as Port Edward at the border of the KwaZulu-Natal province, and bound to the north by the Drakensburg Mountains. Many parts remain difficult to access, given that the region was considered as an unrecognised state for ‘separate development’ until as recently as 1994. Post-Apartheid, the Transkei was reclassified as part of the Eastern Cape though the region remains almost totally under-developed.
Other Related Information
Directions:
From Mthatha – travel east along the R61. Shortly before the village of Gxulu, turn south on the unpaved road and travel for approximately 90Km through the villages of Tukela, Mdoni, Mzamo, Matayi, Canzibe and Ganzini to reach Coffee Bay. The road is well sign-posted and locals can be approached for directions if required. Hole in the Wall is roughly 5km to the south of Coffee Bay.
Key species:
Spotted Ground Thrush, Mangrove Kingfisher, Chorister and Red-capped Robin-chats, Grey Crowned Crane
Contact details:
For more information, contact:
Hole in the Wall
Tel: +27 (0)87 150 6095
Email: holeinthewallreception@firstgroup-sa.co.za