uMkhuze is the richest birding area for its size in the whole of South Africa. It has more than 420 species recorded, including several tropical species at the southern limit of their distribution. Guided bird walks are offered twice daily and can be booked at the main camp. Some of the sought-after specials include Pink-throated twinspot, Pel’s fishing-owl and Neergaard’s sunbird. Migratory birds are present from November to April.
Birding Specials Treats for Avid Birders
(NE) near-endemic = lives in South Africa and neighboring countries- African broadbill
- African grass owl
- African green pigeon
- African pygmy goose
- African yellow white-eye
- Black-winged lapwing
- Broad-billed roller
- Crested guineafowl
- Dwarf bittern
- Appert’s tetraka
- Half-collared kingfisher
- Jameson’s firefinch
- Livingstone’s turaco
- Narina trogon
- Neergaard’s sunbird
- Pel’s fishing-owl
- Pink-throated twinspot
- Purple-banded sunbird
- Rudd’s apalis
- Rufous-crowned roller
- Southern banded snake eagle
- Stierling’s wren-warbler
- Swee waxbill (NE)
- Western nicator
- Woodwards’ batis
Best Time for Bird Watching
Bird watching in uMkhuze is excellent the entire year, but November to April, when Eurasian and intra-African migrants are present, is considered the best time. General wildlife viewing is best during the drier months of June to September.