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South Africa Western Cape
(visit this page on fatfisherman.com)
(visit this page on fatphotographer.net)
(visit this page on fatfisherman.com)
(visit this page on fatphotographer.net)
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Western South Africa, comprising the Western and Northern Cape Provinces, is one of the world's greatest biodiversity hotspots and is legendary among international and local birders alike for the remarkable variety of birds that are found here and nowhere else. It is an indispensable destination for the eco-tourist and there are no other areas in Africa that offer such a high level of endemism in such a uniquely accessible setting. A staggering 47 of South Africa's 58 endemic and near-endemic bird species occur here, as well as 76% of southern Africa's 181. New innovations to assist the eco-traveler include a new birding site guide that covers the region, and the Cape Birding Route that links the up-to-date birding information with practical routes to follow and accommodation options. Local and international bird-watchers are inevitably drawn to the region by the tourism gem of Cape Town, the capital of the Western Cape Province, and by the region's scenic and cultural diversity, well-developed infrastructure, high standard of accommodation, and excellent network of national parks and provincial and private nature reserves. A total of 615 bird species have been recorded in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces, and a two-week trip could expect to yield in excess of 300 species. Indeed, over 220 species have even been seen around Cape Town in a single day! Although the sheer diversity of southern Africa's more tropical eastern region is inevitably higher, most of these species have wide distributions and extend over much of eastern Africa. The west, by contrast, is rich in species largely restricted to this region, making the Western and Northern Cape Provinces an essential destination in both global and local terms. See also Northern Cape Province. Local and international bird-watchers are inevitably drawn to the region by the tourism gem of Cape Town, the capital of the Western Cape Province, and by the region's scenic and cultural diversity, well-developed infrastructure, high standard of accommodation, and excellent network of national parks and provincial and private nature reserves. A total of 615 bird species have been recorded in the Western and Northern Cape Provinces, and a two-week trip could expect to yield in excess of 300 species. Indeed, over 220 species have even been seen around Cape Town in a single day! Although the sheer diversity of southern Africa's more tropical eastern region is inevitably higher, most of these species have wide distributions and extend over much of eastern Africa. The west, by contrast, is rich in species largely restricted to this region, making the Western and Northern Cape Provinces an essential destination in both global and local terms. See also Northern Cape Province. Top 10 Species in the Western Cape: Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rockjumper, Black Harrier, Knysna Warbler, Protea Canary, Southern Black Korhaan, Hottentot Buttonquail, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, African Penguin, Bank Cormorant. The Western Cape Province has a wide diversity of birding habitats including the unique Fynbos, Succulent Karoo, Nama Karoo, Afromontane Forest and internationally renowned wetlands. The smallest of the world's six floral kingdoms, the tiny Cape Floral Kingdom is one of the richest biodiversity hotspots on earth, and is almost totally restricted to the winter-rainfall climate of the Western Cape. Despite occupying less than 0.05 per cent of the earth's land surface, this small pocket of diverse vegetation lying at Africa's southern extremity holds an astronomical 8 700 species of plants and Fynbos, the largest and most prominent subset of the Cape Floral Kingdom, has some notable endemics, namely Hottentot Buttonquail, Cape Rockjumper, Victorin's Warbler, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin and Protea Canary. The Karoo is a vast semi-desert area that is divided into two botanically very different regions and dominates the arid western half of South Africa. It forms part of the most ancient desert system in the world, and is an open area of stony plains, scattered with small shrubs, punctuated by low dunes and hills koppies, and is very sparsely inhabited. The Succulent Karoo Biome is characterized by small succulent plants, supported by low but predictable winter rainfall, whereas the summer-rainfall Nama Karoo Biome is dominated by grasses and low, woody shrubs. The Succulent Karoo Biome is one of Africa's biodiversity hotspots, and has the highest diversity of succulent plant species in the world. Despite these fundamental climatic and vegetation differences, most Karoo bird specials occur in both biomes. Karoo endemics and near-endemics in the Western Cape include Karoo Korhaan, Ludwig's Bustard, Karoo Long-billed Lark, Black-eared Finchlark, Karoo and Tractrac Chats, Karoo Eremomela, Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Namaqua Warbler, Pale-winged Starling and Black-headed Canary. Afromontane Forest is scattered discontinuously across central and east Africa's montane peaks, with the temperate forests of the Cape constituting its southern remnants. Knysna Warbler and Knysna Woodpecker are local endemics. Both the Atlantic and Indian Oceans flank this region, merging at Africa's southernmost point, Cape Agulhas. The productive Benguela Current surges up the Atlantic coast, bringing chilly, nutrient-rich waters from Antarctica, while the warmer Agulhas Current moves down the east coast of Africa from more tropical climes. The birds endemic or near-endemic to the plentiful waters of the Benguela Current of southern Africa's west coast are African Penguin, Cape Gannet (breeding endemic only); Cape, Bank and Crowned Cormorants, African Black Oystercatcher, Hartlaub's and Cape Gulls and Damara Tern (breeding endemic only) Furthermore, huge numbers of migrant pelagic seabirds are attracted to offshore waters (see Pelagic Birding off South Africa). Foreign birders visiting the Western Cape Province as part of a longer tour around the country will need a week based in Cape Town as the city can be conveniently used a base to explore the surrounding regions described below. The best time to go birding in the Western Cape is undoubtedly springtime - birding picks up significantly towards the end of August, and the very best birding months are September, October and November. |
Boulder's Beach
InformationSatellite View
Come face to face with African Penguin!
Cape Peninsula - Other sites
Constantia Greenbelts (Knysna Warbler); Table Mountain (Black Eagle); Robben Island (seabirds); Kommetjie (coastal endemics, including Bank Cormorant).Cape Peninsula National Park
InformationSatellite View
Cape of Good Hope: An area of mostly coastal fynbos with long stretches of sandy and rocky shorelines and numerous cliff promontories, this reserve is also fabled to be the place where the Atlantic and Indian Oceans meet as well as laying claim to having the most powerful lighthouse in the Southern Hemisphere. It is good for endemics such as Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird and Cape Siskin as well as rewarding bouts of sea watching in winter. The specialty of the reserve is Hottentot Button-quail, a bird that can require spending a lot of time in order to see it.
De Hoop Nature Reserve
InformationSatellite View
Another area of predominately coastal fynbos with a large fresh water lake or vlei. A number of specials occur at this south coast locality, which are extremely difficult to find elsewhere in the region. Cape Vultures on Potberg Mountain, Southern Tchagra and elusive Knysna Woodpecker in thickets. Others include Stanley's Bustard,Aghulas Long-billed Lark and Damara Terns breed along the coastline in the area.
Eierkop - Tanqua Karoo
Open Karoo plains and koppies. Karoo Eremomela and Rufous-eared Warbler.Grootvadersbos - Overberg
Superb Afromontane Forests with Narina Trogon, Forest Buzzard, Knysna Warbler.Helderberg Nature Reserve
WebsiteSatellite View
Fynbos stands with Protea Canary, Victorin's Warbler. The stands of forests in Disa Gorge hosts Olive Woodpecker and Rameron Pigeon, with Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrush on the rocky slopes of the mountain.African Black Duck is a regular visitor to the duck pond to the left behind the restaurant...
Kalk Bay
Satellite ViewUp Boye's Drive for Ground Woodpecker early morning (dusk)
Karoopoort - Tanqua Karoo
Cliffs and Acacia thickets. Namaqua Warbler, Pale-winged Starling.Kirstenbosch National Botanic Garden
InformationSatellite View
Superb starting destination and good for fynbos and forest endemics, including Cape Sugarbird, Orangebreasted Sunbird and occasionally Knysna Warbler. Very scenic, a mere fifteen minutes drive from the city centre.
Overberg - Other
De Mond Nature Reserve (Damara Tern).Paarl Bird Sanctuary
InformationSatellite View
The local sewage works with good opportunities to see Baillon's Crake, Lesser Flamingo, Paradise Flycatcher, White Backed Duck & Water Thick-knee
Pelagic Trips
With the meeting of the warm Agulhas current and the cold Benguela current just offshore, this creates upwelling and hence a feeding Mecca for many Southern Ocean seabirds. Trips throughout the year produce numbers of pelagic species, but the sheer quantities of birds experienced on winter trips has to be seen to be believed. At least 3 species of albatross and a number of petrels, shearwaters, skuas and other specials are seen on most trips with an average of 19 true pelagic species being seen on a day trip at any time of the year. There are also outstanding opportunities to see whales and other marine mammals.Rietvlei Wetland
WebsiteSatellite View
Rietvlei wetland is situated between Milnerton and Table View in the Cape Metropole. This is one of the more important sites for waders in the Western Cape and is a popular venue for birders...
Rooi Els
Satellite ViewA quiet holiday town with excellent chance to see Cape Rockjumper, Cape Rock Thrush, Verreaux's Eagle, Cape Sisken & Ground Woodpecker ±mid-day. Follow the gravel road along the mountain and stop at gate for a walk along the foot of the mountain.
Sir Lowry's Pass
Satellite ViewThis area is predominated by Montane fynbos and is probably one of the best spots to track down a number of endemics in the Western Cape. The most sought after species here are Cape Rockjumper and Victorin's Warbler, while other specials like Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Siskin, Cape and Sentinel Rock Thrush and Striped Flufftail also occur.
Skieterrykloof - Tanqua Karoo
Rocky gorge and Acacia thicket. Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Layard's Titbabbler, Pririt BatisStrandfontein Sewage Works
Satellite ViewStrandfontein Sewage Works is the best waterbirds site in Cape Town, over 100 species possible in a morning. Specials include waterfowl, African Marsh Harrier and Greater Flamingo.
Tienie Versfeld Nature Reserve
Satellite ViewExcellent for flowers during August with Grey-backed and Cloud Cisticola. The newly split Cape Clapper Lark and Cape Long-billed Lark are both a good possibility, with Grey-winged Francolin and Orange-throated Longclaw ever present.
West Coast - other
Berg River Estuary, Lambert`s Bay (Cape Gannet colony); Darling FarmlandsWest Coast National Park
Satellite ViewRAMSAR wetland site with large number of migrant shorebirds and local rarity hotspot. The vast tracts of coastal shrubland host many endemic birds including Southern Black Korhaan, Black Harrier, Grey-backed Cisticola and Lesser Double Collared Sunbird whilst the tidal lagoon attracts tens of thousands of migratory waders every year as well as having numbers of resident water birds. It is one of the better spots to find Chestnut-banded Plovers and is also one of South Africa's rarity hotspots.
Supplemental Information - Johan van Tonder
SafariWise (South Africa)
johan@birdwatching.co.zahttp://www.birdwatching.co.za
Claire Spottiswoode & Callan Cohen
Co-authors of Essential Birding in western South Africa
(Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology, Cape Town)http://www.capetownpelagics.com
Supplemental Information - Trevor Hardaker
Zest for Birds Guide & Co-owner
(Cape Town)
trevor@zestforbirds.co.zahttp://www.zestforbirds.co.za/
Fieldguides & CDs etc.
See the main South Africa page of Fatbirder...Cape Nature Conservation
WebsiteCape Nature Conservation (CNC) is concerned with the conservation of our natural environment within the western Cape, South Africa (see our mission statement below). This area includes the fynbos biome - one of the six plant kingdoms of the world. Cape Nature Conservation manages nature reserves and wilderness areas in the Western Cape, and invites you to experience and revel in their pristine natural beauty! If you seek truly wild places, offering hiking trails, rustic accommodation, indigenous vegetation, wildlife, and enough space and silence to renew your senses and recharge your batteries, then come and lose yourself in a Cape Nature Conservation nature reserve or wilderness area...
Cape Bird Club
WebsiteThe site has some general info about birds and birding in Cape Province as well as a gallery and other useful info.
Zandvlei Trust
WebsiteAnother important resource that remains largely untapped is the Western Cape birding community, and we would like to appeal to you, the birding public, to participate in some aspect of field data collection for any and all of the projects within the WCRRP...
Animal Demography Unit
http://adu.org.zaAnimal Demography Unit, Deparment of Zoology, University of Cape Town - From 1 January 2008, the Avian Demography Unit (or the ADU for short) will become the Animal Demography Unit (still the ADU). What prompted this? Ever since the ADU initiated the frog atlas project a decade ago in 1998, there have been issues with the name Avian Demography Unit – “Why is the Avian Demography Unit doing the frog atlas?” This inconsistency has recently been heightened by our involvement with projects on reptiles (Southern African Reptile Conservation Assessment, effectively the reptile atlas), and with butterflies (Southern African Butterfly Conservation Assessment, the butterfly atlas), and with five postgraduate students doing PhD and MSc projects on seals, one on rare mammals in Namibia and even one on dwarf chameleons...
Avian Demography Unit - University of Cape Town
http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/stats/adu/index.htmThe Avian Demography Unit (or ADU as it is mostly known in the vernacular) is a research unit of the University of Cape Town. Initially it was built on the nucleus of the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING) and the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP). The ADU was established in December 1991 and forms part of the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Cape Town...
University of Cape Town
http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/stats/adu/Avian Demography Unit
Building on the nucleus of the South African Bird Ringing Unit (SAFRING) and the Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP); the Avian Demography Unit (ADU) was established in the Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Cape Town, in December 1991. The ADU, always closely associated with BirdLife South Africa (formerly the Southern African Ornithological Society); entered into a formal partnership relationship with that organization during 1993 to foster the development of further ornithological projects. This close association is appropriate because the research of the ADU continues to focus on large-scale demographic studies in which participation by amateurs is a vital element.
University of Cape Town Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology
http://web.uct.ac.za/depts/fitzpatrick/Welcome to The Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology on line! This web site provides an overview of what the Institute is about, study opportunities, including the Institute`s Conservation Biology Masters Programme, and current research themes and projects. You can also familiarise yourself with the staff and students of the Institute, and visit our hot links page for some useful and interesting websites.
Western Cape Raptor Research Programme
http://www.fitzpatrick.uct.ac.za/docs/raptor.htmlBirds of prey are generally rare, charismatic, top-of-the-food-chain predators, often suitable as indicators of environmental health, and ideal as icons for broader conservation initiatives. The Western Cape Raptor Research Programme is the administrative umbrella for a growing number of research projects focused on the biology and conservation of raptors and raptor habitats in the Western Cape Province...
Bontebok National Park
InformationSatellite View
The park is noteworthy as an excellent place to see Denham's (Stanley's) Bustard. Other large and visible species include Blue Crane, Spur-wing Goose, Secretarybird and Southern Black Korhaan. Malachite and Southern (Lesser) Double-collared Sunbird should be seen at the reception building, while the campsite attracts a number of species. Prominent amongst these are Fiscal Flycatcher, Klaas's Cuckoo (summer), Acacia Pied Barbet and Red-faced Mousebird. Pearl-breasted Swallow are regularly seen. Swee Waxbill frequents the dense riverine bush adjacent the Bree River, while Water Thick-knee are regular along the river's shoreline...
Cape Nature Conservation - Reserves
WebsiteReserves and conservation areas - accessible via a clickable map.
Namaqua National Park
InformationSatellite View
Birding in the park can still be explored more. Species to search for include Cinnamon-breasted Warbler, Cape Long-billed Lark, Karoo Lark, Black-headed Canary and Cape Bulbul. Black Harriers quarter the ground in search of rodents...
Rietvlei Wetland
WebsiteSatellite View
Rietvlei is a freshwater wetland located on the floodplain of the Diep River before it drains into Milnerton Lagoon and finally into Table Bay. There is a permanent freshwater lake, shallow seasonally inundated pans, extensive reedbeds, true riverine habitat and a tidal lagoon. With the gradual removal of alien vegetation, tracts of typical Strandveld flora and fauna are flourishing. The springtime wild flowers are a wonderful sight. Approximately 560 hectares in size, its location ensures that both freshwater and coastal birds are regularly seen. The wide diversity of habitats makes this wetland system particularly impressive, in both the variety of species to be found, and the sheer numbers of birds present...
Table Mountain National Park
Image CatalogueSatellite View
Although bird numbers are not always impressive (compared to the bird rich eastern and northern parts of South Africa), the Table Mountain National Park's cumulative bird list is a large one and there are several SA endemic species. The diversity of habitats present (ocean, shoreline, cliff-face, rocky highland, fynbos, forest and suburbia) contributes to the large species count, as does the geographical positioning at a continent's corner, which means many vagrants swell the list, due to weather conditions blowing stray birds or miscalculated flight journeys on the part of individual birds...
Tankwa Karoo National Park
InformationSatellite View
Just two southern African regions have been bestowed the honour of designation as Biodiversity Hotspots by Conservation International. One is of course the Cape Floral Kingdom, and the other the Succulent Karoo. For those whose image of the southwestern Karoo is a shimmering wasteland to be endured as briefly as possible en route to Cape Town or Johannesburg, this may come as a surprise...
West Coast National Park
InformationSatellite View
The park surrounds the Langebaan Lagoon, which is a world Ramsar site (site's deemed to be of global significance to wetland bird species). Many of the wader species are Palearctic migrants, so summer is the best time to visit the lagoon, particularly in September as species return fatigued from their transcontinental travel, and March when they congregate in large numbers to feed heavily prior to undertaking the reverse journey. In such times, the birds are often changing into or out of their Northern Hemisphere breeding plumage...
Wilderness National Park
WebsiteSatellite View
Wilderness National Park is situated in the heart of the Garden Route, and is a fascinating combination of rivers, lakes, estuaries and beaches, unfolding against the backdrop or lush forests and imposing mountains...
World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary
WebsiteSatellite View
Our beautiful bird park and sanctuary is nestled in the Hout Bay Valley, Cape Town, South Africa. The sanctuary provides a home for almost 3000 birds, many injured, living in the security of the aviaries. Others are endangered species, part of dedicated breeding projects. And some are visitors from other continents who have found a home with us.A walk through the large, landscaped aviaries leaves few untouched by the beauty and majesty of the birdlife kingdom.
Zandvlei Trust
WebsiteSatellite View
Zandvlei is a Wetland, River system and Estuary situated on the False Bay Coast, Muizenberg, Cape Town, Republic of South Africa...
This section sponsored by: 
2001 [April] - Trevor Hardaker - Pelagic trip
ReportOnce around Cape Point, we soon encountered Sooty Shearwaters and a Arctic Skua harrasing terns. About 2 miles offshore, we came across a large feeding frenzy comprising mostly gannets...
2001 [March] - Christoph Moning & Christian Wagner
ReportThis was our first trip to Africa. Therefore the trip-target was to see as many African species as possible. For this reason we did not plan our trip around certain key species (although everyone of us had several special 0birds in mind). We tried to visit the most characteristic and important habitats. As we had only three weeks time, we decided just to visit the Northern and Western Cape provinces...
2002 [December] - Tim Cleeves, Andre Farrar, Adrian Pitches, Roy Taylor, Colin Wells - and Glen Holland
ReportGlen devised an itinerary that concentrated on the endemics found in KwaZulu Natal but also included three days in the Cape. Our group trip total was exactly 450 species and we saw 47 mammal species, including the Big Five...
2002 [February] - Ron Hoff
ReportWhat a fun trip this was. The birds were great, the guides were great, and the scenery was phenomenal! Our trip was organized through Sugarbird-African Birding Tours. This bird tour company is operated by Christian Boix-Hinzen...
2003 [March] - Philip Pope - Cape Birding
ReportAfter an 11 hour flight from Heathrow with South African Airways we arrived around 09:30 at Cape Town. The literature had promised sun and high 20s centigrade, so it was somewhat disappointing to be greeted with leaden skies and a distinctly chilly feel to the air. Table Mountain could not be seen amongst the clouds...
2003 [November] - Ian Hodgson
Report...the heady mix of our first Red-winged Starlings, Anhingas and Sacred Ibises as we chatted to our obviously very personable guide, Brian Vanderwalt, put tiredness firmly into the background as we boarded our bus and headed off towards our first base at Simonstown...
2004 [January] - Wildwings
ReportBirding highlights: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: European Honey Buzzard, African Olive Pigeon (10), Burchell's Coucal (2), Spotted Eagle Owl (3), Sombre Greenbul (6), Olive Thrush (6), Cape Batis (2), Cape Sugarbird (15), Orange-breasted Sunbird (20)...
2005 [July] - Malcolm Fair
ReportWe met at Klein Boscheuwel at 7 am. The weather was just changing and what had been a calm night turned into a blustery Sunday morning. By the time we got out of the car at the Tokai parking lot, it was just light enough to get onto the birds, but a north wind had picked up dramatically, turning the raptor watching conditions from perfect, into fairly trying. We got some views of a pair of Forest Buzzard circling up out of the forest, one of which was being bombed by an unidentified accipiter. Soon we got onto some Chaffinch calling and with some patience and determination, managed to find one in the top of a pine tree. The same pine forest harboured a small troop of roosting baboons who seemed to be clinging on for dear life with the onset of the winds...
2005 [October] - Honeyguides
Report2005 [September] - Duan Biggs
ReportAfter picking up all at the airport, we headed straight to the scenic Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Here we got good first looks at many of the more common Fynbos species. These included Spotted Prinia, Cape Bulbul, Olive Thrush, Cape Robin Chat and gorgeous Malachite Sunbirds...
2006 [April] - David Winter
ReportA 7am start ensured we were at Rooi Els nice and early, and we were rewarded with great views of a 5-strong family group of Cape Rockjumpers, a single Ground Woodpecker, and interestingly a pair of Long-billed Pipits. The resident Black Eagle pair were actively adding to their eyrie, and Southern double-collared, Orange-breasted and Malachite Sunbirds were particularly active. We also had fleeting glimpses of a male Cape Sugarbird...
2006 [May] - Fraser Gear
ReportWith highlights including Pel’s Fishing Owl, African Broadbill, Swamp Nightjar, Kori Bustard, Wattled Crane, African Wild Dog, Aardvark, Serval, Black Rhino this was a tour to remember! With unbelievable regularity we scored on rare and elusive birds, mammals and experiences. A twenty-four day tour with the extra time allocated to the species rich, eastern reserves proved to be a great recipe for a diverse and rewarding trip. A dedicated group that birded, spotted and explored with boundless enthusiasm added greatly to the success of this tour...
2006 [November] - Michael Mills
ReportI was scarcely past Koeberg’s two cooling towers and a blue-and-white bullet shot low over the road. “Pearl-breasted Swallow!” I exclaimed, as I brought the bakkie to a rapid halt on the shoulder of the R27. It was 7am, and this is how our birding day started. After enjoying great views of two dainty swallows perched on a roadside fence, we were soon on our way again. A couple of kilometres on and black-and-white stealth-bomber cruised low over the road. “Black Harrier!” I exclaimed, as I again the brought the bakkie to another rapid halt, this time perhaps even more liberal with the breaks...
2006 [October] - Bo Beolens
ReportCape Town is an impressive Garden City and the Karoo an amazing arid plain, Agulhas is fecund and wet agricultural land and De Hoop an amazing Feinbos maritime area – the Cape is a remarkable place of great contrasts...
2006 [September] - Cuan Rush
ReportOur trip from Cape Town to Windhoek covered a wide variety of habitats ranging from the endemic-rich fynbos to the succulent and Nama Karoo’s, coastal Strandveld, arid Kalahari savanna, Acacia woodland and even the rich pelagic waters off the Cape...
2006 [September] - Sunbird
Report...Summer came early to the Cape this year and we enjoyed superb sunny weather for all of our time in Cape Town, apart from the last day. None more so than on the pelagic when the journey out and back was bathed in sunshine and the sea was the calmest I have ever seen it. These were perfect conditions to enjoy the Shy and Black-browed Albatrosses, White-chinned and Pintado Petrels, Sooty and Great Shearwaters, hordes of Cape Gannets, and Northern Giant Petrel...
2007 [November] - Honeyguide
Report...Our lunch was accompanied by Cape Canaries singing from the tree tops, Cape Wagtails, Cape Turtle Doves and Laughing Doves watching from the roof tops. We discovered later that we were having our picnic lunch not more than a few metres away from the Cape Wagtails’ nest...
2007 [November] - Lawson's Birding and Wildlife Tours - Western Cape & Namibia
ReportWe spent the entire morning birding the bird-rich Walvis Bay Lagoon. Our method of driving, stopping, scoping and scanning paid off and we had super views of most of the waders found here. This lagoon is one of the top three in Africa for waders, and we could see why!
2008 [August] - Oscar Campbell
Report...a side-trip to Cape Agulhas in between and spent some 4-5 hours scouring the adjacent Overburg farmlands. Many fynbos, wetland and farmland species are common here. Black Harrier and Southern Tchagra both fell...
2009 [March] - Japle Claassen
ReportThe trip started in Cape Town and looped through De Hoop, Grootvadersbosch, Wilderness, Red stone Hills and Karoo National Park before returning back to Cape Town...
2011 [April] - Per Holmen - Kgalagadi
ReportMy daughter Emma (now almost 4) and I just finished our first trip to Kgalagadi. We booked quite late and did not manage to get accommodation at Mata Mata, and were limited to the Twee Rivieren and Nossob Camps...
2011 [October] – Honeyguide -South Western Cape
Report…Our before breakfast bird was an African Harrier-hawk feasting on a small bird in the trees of the Afton Grove Lodge. Not a bad way to start the day!
This section sponsored by:
Anne Albatross Cape Pelagics
Boat TripsSailing out of Simon's Town we go past Cape Point into the deep sea targeting fishing trawlers. In winter thousands of birds will be seen, comprising up to 25 species. The species differ from season to season. Albatrossess, Petrels, Shearwaters, Gannets, Prions, Storm Petrels, Giant Petrels, Fulmar & Phalarope are all out there actively feeding.
PO Box 5571, Helderberg, 7135 Somerset West, South Africa. For further info and bookings see website, E-mail: anne@annealbatross.org Tel:+27+21+532 3928, Fax: +27+21+532 3928, mobile: +27 83 311 1140
Birdlife International's Albatross Longlining Fund, and the Tygerberg Bird Club, will benefit from all the profits of Anne Albatross Pelagics.
Avian Leisure Tours
Tour OperatorEssentially our business is organising birding and wildlife tours throughout South Africa - tailored to individual interests and requirements: both fully guided and self drive trips or a combination of self drive & guides in certain places. Patrick has an in depth knowledge of the country and puts together itineraries that are optimised for an individual client's requirements - minimising distances required to travel in one day and using accommodation in or near to the best birding localities. We do not run set departure tours (unless on behalf of another tour operator). Our focus is on small groups (between 2 and 6 ideally). We also run a self catering birder friendly guest house in Cape Town which is a convenient place for birders to stay whilst in the Cape, but this does not necessarily have to be part of the birders itinerary...
Birding Africa
Tour OperatorBirding Africa is run by three Capetonian birders and naturalists, Callan Cohen, Claire Spottiswoode and Peter Ryan, all based at the University of Cape Town`s Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology. Callan and Claire are postgraduate research students, and have recently published an new birding site guide to Cape Town and beyond: Essential Birding - Western South Africa. Peter is a lecturer and researcher, and the author of numerous publications, most recently a new field guide to the birds of Afrotropics.
Birding Pal
InformationLocal birders willing to show visiting birders around their area...
Birdwatch Cape
Tour OperatorThe Western & Northern Cape Provinces cover much of the "dry west" of South Africa. The area extends north and east of the beautiful Cape Peninsula into a vast, sparsely populated semi desert known as the Karoo. Further north still lies the unique & mysterious Kalahari Desert. Our vegetation, climate and positioning on the African continent makes us home to 290 easily seen bird species including 70% of all Southern African endemics.
Brian's Birding Tours
Tour OperatorSpecialises in personalised Birdwatching tours in the Western and Northern Cape. We do Birding Day Trips and Overnight Tours from Cape Town, as far as the Kalahari National Park. We offer customised Birding, tailored to your birding wishes...
Cape Ecotours
Tour OperatorWelcome to Cape Eco-Tours, specialists in personalised day trips in and around Cape Town. About 350 bird species can be seen in the Western Cape South Africa making this region a hotspot for birdwatchers from all over the world...
Honeyguide Wildlife Holidays
Tour Operator...next planned trip 2011...
Rockjumper
Tour OperatorOur home country of South Africa is quite simply one of the most pleasurable destinations in which to bird and travel, offering exceptional value for money along with world-class infrastructure. In addition, South Africa boasts the most endemic bird species of any African country, while a rich seabird assemblage and vast numbers of more widespread, yet no less spectacular, African birds and large mammals occur. Add to this the rich botanical heritage, fine food and wines, friendly people and the scenic splendor of Africa’s most varied country, and it’s not hard to see why South Africa is our most popular destination...
SafariWise (South Africa)
Tour OperatorBirding Safaris are offered in the Western Cape to organised groups, family groups and specialist groups with an emphasis on the endemic birds of the region. Birding and general safaris are also offered for the rest of Southern Africa which include Namibia, Botswana and Mozambique.
Tropical Birding
Tour OperatorSouth Africa is a mega-diversity country. In the southwest, it contains two habitats found nowhere else in the world, the heath-like fynbos, and the semi-desert Karoo. Both these systems hold a host of endemic species; South Africa has 58 endemic and near-endemic birds, more than any other African country, most of which will be seen on our safari, making it an indispensable destination for birders...
Zest for Birds
Tour OperatorWe specialise in extended birding tours throughout South Africa as well as guided birding day trips in the Western Cape targeting all the endemic and near endemic species. These trips are designed either to maximise the number of species our client can see or to chase their specific target birds. All trips are led by highly experienced guides to ensure you get the most out of the time you have available.
Trevor Hardaker - Email: trevor@zestforbirds.co.za Telephone: +27+21+559-0590, Mobile: +27+82+780-0376
John Graham - Email: john@zestforbirds.co.za Telephone: +27+21+715-0933, Mobile: +27+83+632-4714
Afton Grove Country Retreat - Noordhoek - Cape Town
AccommodationBirdwatchers 1st choice - Quality Accommodation in an ideal location. Birder friendly BnB & self-catering accommodation owned and run by birders, catering for birders. Used regularily by more than 12 birding tour operators world-wide. Groups of up to 24 pax catered. 2 acre country garden (African Goshawk, Black Sparrowhawk, Spotted Dikkop, Fiery Necked Nightjar, Cape Batis & Cape Canary, among the garden list of 106 species seen to date). Wetland opposite. Ideal Cape base from which to explore all popular birding habitats, pelagics & endemics.Fatbirder recommended
Avian Leisure
AccommodationFor nature lovers and other tourists who want luxurious yet affordable self-catering accommodation in natural surroundings. Avian Leisure at number 88 Dorries Drive has a magnificent situation overlooking False Bay and is set amidst pristine Cape Fynbos - this means that birding and nature viewing starts on the verandah of the house!
De Zeekoe Guest Farm
AccommodationDe Zeekoe Guest Farm is a birdlover`s paradise.Come and explore this yourself and stay at our guest house. The farm is a working ostrich and alfalfa farm on 2000 hectares. In the Western Cape region in South Africa, the farm is situated 8km from the town Oudtshoorn between the Swartberg and Outeniqua mountains on the bank of the Olifantsriver. Oudtshoorn offers the world famous Cango Caves, Calitzdorp the port capital of the world, and of course the famous ostrich show farms. The town is easily accessible situated just 60km from George International Airport.
Farmstay
AccommodationExcellent birding opportunities on farms and in rural areas in South Africa - Click around and discover the wide variety of farmstays and activities on farms and in rural areas offering quality facilities in attractive yet unconventional surroundings and at tariffs you can afford - bed and breakfast, self-catering, game viewing, bird watching, hiking, biking, 4x4 routes, fly-fishing, horse riding, and many more...
Klein Bosheuwel Guest House
AccommodationThe Constantia Valley, one of the historical and cultural hearts of the metropolitan area of Cape Town and famous for centuries of fine wine making, spreads out below the gardens of Klein Bosheuwel. Wilderness areas, farms, forests, riverine corridors and scenic routes abound...
Langvlei Dunes
AccommodationLangvlei Dunes is just 3 km from the N2. The cottage is in a 1 hectare indigenous garden. It is a quiet and safe area...
Langvlei Dunes - Nr Sedgefield
AccommodationLangvlei Dunes is situated just off the N2 between Wilderness and Sedgefield in the beautiful Garden Route on the southern coast of South Africa . The renowned beaches, rivers and lakes are just minutes away. The area (within 20 km) has 5 distinctly different habitats each with its own set of birds. Ducks, Grebes, Moorhen, Coot, Crake, Rail, Heron, Cormorant and Fish Eagle can be found on the lakes...
Pumula Lodge B&B
AccommodationIn the heart of the Garden Route, nestled between the quaint town of Knysna and the famous Knysna Heads, lies Pumula Lodge – “the place of rest”. And that is exactly what the visitor will find when entering the gates of Pumula...
Swellendam Country Lodge
AccommodationSwellendam Country Lodge is a Guest House in the heart of the Overberg District of the Western Cape, South Africa. The Guesthouse is situated on the fringe of the town of Swellendam, it is a well-liked base for exploring this beautiful part of the country. Swellendam is a two hours drive from Cape Town, and bordering on the Garden Route and the Route 62. The guest rooms are situated in a beautiful landscaped garden where you will enjoy the wide range of birds, trees, fruit and flowers.
Cape Birdnet
Mailing ListTo post to list:capebirdnet@yahoogroups.com
List contact:capebirdnet-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:ccapebirdnet-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe:Subscribe
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CapeBirdNet is an email listserver that allows you to share information with other birders in the Cape safely over the internet. When a CapeBirdNet member (such as yourself) sends a message to capebirdnet@yahoogroups.com , the message is automatically sent to all other members of the group. We encourage messages relating to: local bird sightings and news from the Western and Northern Cape Provinces of South Africa - regular updates of national rarities in the area - reports of locally rare birds - reports from local birding trips - News from the Cape, Tygerberg, Somerset West and other local bird clubs, including notices of meetings and special outings - reports on local conservation issues relating to birds - debate on local birding issues
Pretoria Birdnet
Mailing ListTo post to list:pretoriabirds@yahoogroups.com
List contact:pretoriabirds-owner@yahoogroups.com
To subscribe to list:pretoriabirds-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
To unsubscribe:Subscribe
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For birding enthusiasts in the Pretoria area Also See: http://birding.co.za/pbc/ptanet.htm
Freddie Strauss Birding Blogs
BlogNomadic Birder - Ethan Kistler
BlogAn Ohio native, I currently live in Cape Town, South Africa where I'm attending the University of Cape Town and joining Tropical Birding as a guide...
Robben Island Penguin Tracks
BlogFeatures news of the African Penguin Spheniscus demersus logger research taking place on Robben Island...
Birdwatch Cape
WebsiteThe Western & Northern Cape Provinces cover much of the dry west of South Africa. The area extends north and east of the beautiful Cape Peninsula into a vast, sparsely populated semi desert known as the Karoo. Further north still lies the unique & mysterious Kalahari Desert. Our vegetation, climate and positioning on the African continent makes us home to 290 easily seen bird species including 70% of all Southern African endemics.
Capetown Pelagics
WebsiteThe aim of CapeTownPelagics.com is to promote sustainable ecotourism, not only by providing a wealth of seabird information and a facility to book a place on any pelagic trip off South Africa, but to put all the proceeds back into conservation. There is no extra charge involved in booking through this site, and all commissions earned from bookings and charters made through this site are donated to seabird research and conservation. Some donations in the past went to Wandering and Grey-headed Albatross satellite-tracking research at the Percy FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology at the University of Cape Town, and BirdLife International's Seabird Conservation Programme...
Endemic Birding in the Cape Town Area
WebsiteFifty-seven of the Southern Africa's endemic species and thirty two of the near endemic species are available on day trips from Cape Town, and most of these can be found reasonably easily with appropriate local knowledge. This amounts to a staggering Eighty-nine species, far greater than the endemic bird totals of most countries...
Stanford Birding
WebsiteStanford is central to the IBA that makes up the bulk of the Overberg in the Western Cape, South Africa. The annual Birding Photographic Competition is run through this website together with details of the annual Stanford Bird Fair. Where birds of a feather flock together…
Photographer - Trevor Hardaker
GalleryAs an avid birder living in Cape Town in South Africa, I spend quite a bit of time in the field. I often drag a camera along on my escapades and do occasionally get the opportunity to take a photo or two of the birds I am looking at. During my travels, I also get the opportunity to see a lot of other interesting creatures and I do take photos of these as well...
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This site was last updated on Monday, 29th April 2013.