Transkei – Mazeppa Bay and Manubi State Forest

About the Birding

Sitauted roughly 180Km to the north of East London, along a spectacular stretch of coastline, Mazeppa Bay and the Manubi State Forest are a true birdwatcher’s paradise. Roughly 300 species can be seen in the area including several key endemics as well as numerous threatened species! Ideally, it is recommended that visiting birders stay at Mazeppa Bay to explore the surrounding areas though it is possible to visit the area as a day trip from East London.

The forests have gained recognition in recent years as being one of the most reliable sites in the Eastern Cape to see both Mangrove Kingfisher and Spotted Ground Thrush. Both species occur as breeding visitors during the summer months, though small numbers remain throughout the year. Spotted Ground Thrush is best located in the Manubi State Forest itself, whereas Mangrove Kingfisher can be found along the Qwaninga River nearer Kob Inn. Other notable forest specials include the Common Square-tailed Drongo, Narina Trogon, both Barratt’s and Knysna Warbler, Brown Scrub-robin, Chorister Robin-chat, Knysna Woodpecker, Knysna Turaco, Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, Olive Sunbird, and Dark-backed Weaver. African Finfoot and White-backed Night Heron both share a strong preference for overhanging riverside vegetation, though these species are scarce here and typically require dedicated searches.

The extensive coastal grasslands in this region support several interesting species. Highlights include the Yellow-throated Longclaw, Croaking Cisticola, and Broad-tailed Warbler (Fan-tailed Grassbird). Black-winged Lapwing is fairly common in the area, often joining groups of Crowned and Blacksmith Lapwings. Grey Crowned Crane occur in considerable numbers.

Key species:

Spotted Ground Thrush, Mangrove Kingfisher, Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin

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.

The Transkei convers an estimated area of 45 000Km2and includes several notable river systems, though is otherwise a generally rugged landscape blanketed by extensive grasslands and isolated forests. Large areas are of agricultural significance, mainly of a subsistence nature, and many parts suffer from decades of over-grazing. However, the region remains ecologically important for several notable reasons.

The many remnant forests along the Transkei coast are of ecological significance in that they support many localized and threatened species. Among these are the Cape Parrot, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon, African Barred Owlet, Mangrove Kingfisher, and Spotted Ground Thrush. As such, most forests on the Transkei are characterized as ‘State Forests’ and have been included into provincial nature reserves. Sites of particular importance include the Manubi State Frest, Hluleka Nature Reserve, Dwesa-Cwebe Nature Reserve and Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. Intact grasslands and wetlands further support large populations of the Wattled Crane, Yellow-breasted Pipit, and the critically endangered Rudd’s Lark. Further exploration in the region will likely deliver other exciting finds – perhaps even a relic breeding population of Egyptian Vultures!

Visits to the Transkei typically for the dedicated birder requiring considerable inside knowledge, some forethought and planning, and a level of self-reliance. However, though those willing to venture into this exciting region will certainly be rewarded with an impressive species list.

Key species:

Spotted Ground Thrush, Mangrove Kingfisher, Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin

Other Related Information

Directions:
From East London – follow the N2 north towards Butterworth. At Butterworth, turn south along the Kentani Road in the direction of Wavecrest. Once you reach the village of Kentani, turn to the north to travel through Kabakazi. Mazeppa Bay is roughly 64Km from Butterworth.

Access and facilities:
Mazeppa Bay is highly regarded among fishermen, as one of the top spots along the entire Eastern Cape coast. Moreover, several hiking trails run through the town itself and into the Manubi Indigenous Forest including a 6Km hike to Kob Inn and a 17Km hike through the reserve.

Other related information:

Access and facilities:
Mountain Biking through the surrounding areas, and canoeing on the estuary, are both permitted.

Recommended accommodation nearby:
No Birder Friendly Establishments are currently available for Mazeppa Bay and the surrounding area. However, luxurious accommodation is available in the nearby area at the 3-star rated Mazeppa Bay Hotel.

For more information, contact:
Mazeppa Bay Hotel
Tel: +27 (0)47 498 0033
Fax: +27 (0)47 498 0034
Cell: +27 (0)82 575 9656
Email: mazeppabayhotel@sainet.co.za

Local guide information:
No Birder Friendly Tour Operators or local guides are currently available for Mazeppa Bay and the surrounding areas.

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

Key species:

Spotted Ground Thrush, Mangrove Kingfisher, Chorister Robin-chat, Brown Scrub-robin

Contact details:

For more information, contact:

Mazeppa Bay Hotel

Tel: +27 (0)47 498 0033
Fax: +27 (0)47 498 0034
Cell: +27 (0)82 575 9656
Email: mazeppabayhotel@sainet.co.za