Balule Nature Reserve offers great birding, with 250-plus species recorded (though the true figure is probably closer to the 500-plus species known from Kruger National Park). The perennial Olifants River attracts waders and other waterbirds, while fruit-eaters such as , , , and flock to the magnificent along its bank. The area is also excellent for . are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
- African green pigeon
- Bat hawk
- Black-collared barbet
- Black stork
- Crested barbet
- Eurasian hobby
- Gabar goshawk
- Harlequin quail
- Horus swift
- Kori bustard
- Lappet-faced vulture
- Little swift
- Montagu’s harrier
- Pallid harrier
- Plain martin
- Purple-crested turaco
- Red-capped robin-chat
- Sabota lark
- Steppe eagle
- Tawny eagle
- Trumpeter hornbill
- Wahlberg’s eagle
- White-headed lapwing
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in Balule is good all year round, but best during the prime summer months of November to April. This is partly because summer is when Eurasian and intra-African are present, but also because many species adopt a colorful breeding plumage at this time of year. Generally, wildlife viewing is best during the dry winter months, from May to September.