Celebrate World Migratory Bird Day on 10 May 2017 When sunny South Africa puts on a layer of frost for the cold winter mornings, the birds of South Africa pack up in search of warmer skies. If you're an avid bird watcher or photographer, we've got a few superb locations you can visit to practice this beautiful hobby. Here are our top birding destinations and where to stay with TradeUnipoint: WESTERN CAPE - Garden Route The Garden Route is synonymous with abundance - forests, lakes, beaches, valleys and mountains - each offering a unique habitat. Routes include Langvlei, Plettenberg Bay, Rondevlei, Wilderness, Buffalo Bay, Knysna and Oudtshoorn. Expect to see White-breasted Cormorant, Malachite Kingfisher, Knysna Turaco, African Black Oyster Catcher and Pied Avocet among others. For more info on various hides, click here. WHERE TO STAY: SOUTHERN KWAZULU-NATAL: The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, Oribi Gorge, the Midlands and Southern Drakensberg are all excellent birding destinations among the long coastline which includes lush forests, lowveld plains and majestic mountains. Over 550 species of birds can be found on this route, including various rare and endemic birds. Expect to see Drakensberg rock jumper, mangrove kingfisher, endangered Cape parrot and the globally threatened blue swallow. For more info on tips and planning, click here. WHERE TO STAY: MPUMALANGA - Panorama Route
Mpumalanga's birding route stretches from south of the Blyde River Canyon, the Lowveld are south of the Olifants River as well as the eastern Highveld and Grasslands surrounding Wakkerstroom and Chrissiesmeer. Cool highveld grasslands to sub-tropical lowveld plains offer a variety of threatened, endemic and sought-after species including the Blue Swallow, Rudd's and Botha's Lark, Wattled Crane, Orange Ground Thrush and Narina Trogon. For more info on the route, click here. WHERE TO STAY: LIMPOPO: Home to 420 resident species, the mountain ranges, riverine forests and bushy savannahs of Limpopo hosts national and provincial parks, all beaming with abundant birdlife. Tick off lifers like the grey-headed parrot, African broadbill and Shelley's francolin. Central African birds like Arnott's chat and the Senegal coucal can also be expected. For more info on birding in this area, click here. Terms and conditions:
Accommodation to be booked on a first come first serve basis and subject to availability. No on-selling of accommodation allowed. Standard TradeUnipoint terms and conditions apply.
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