Birding at the De Mond Nature Reserve
Birding at De Mond itself is exceptional. But the approach roads also provide amazing birding.
Birding Routes
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve
The Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve offers several species associated with forest habitats.
Birding in the Bontebok National Park
The Swellendam area in the Overberg region of the Western Cape is highly underrated as a bird-watching destination. The flagship birding destination in the area is the Bontebok National Park.
Rooiels – in search of the Cape Rockjumper
The “Cape Rockjumper site” at Rooiels is probably the best place on earth to find this hugely sought-after endemic species and BirdLife Overberg’s logo bird.
African Penguins and Cormorants at Stony Point
The Stony Point Penguin Colony is one of only two mainland breeding colonies of the African Penguin and the wooden boardwalks allow visitors to get really close to the penguins and a variety of other coastal birds.
Harold Porter National Botanical Garden
The Harold Porter National Botanical Garden is situated right on the R44 and allows birders easy access to Fynbos, forest and mountain associated habitats. This is casual birding at its best as a section of the garden is wheelchair-friendly.
Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and Kleinmond
There are several interesting birding opportunities when travelling along the R44 from Betty’s Bay to Kleinmond.
Rooisand along the Bot River Estuary
The Rooisand Nature Reserve forms part of the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve and managed by CapeNature. It is generally accepted that Rooisand is the best spot along the Cape Whale Coast to look for waders.
Fisherhaven & the Hawston Sewage Works
The estuary is internationally recognised as the Botrivier and Kleinmond Estuary Important Bird and Biodiversity Area.
Vermont Salt Pan
A great diversity of birds associated with water habitats is available and in spring and early summer it is often possible to see up to forty species during an hour’s visit to the salt pan. The pan’s water level tends to drop considerably towards the end of summer and during dryer spells.