Lee and I decided to have a mini break before the ‘Christmas rush’ engulfed us, so we booked into one of the riverside chalets at Bontebok National Park for a few days. We are no strangers to this local beautiful reserve, and always find the trails and walks relaxing and well maintained.
Trip report: Bontebok National Park in December 2025 Read More »
The Big Day finally arrived, and the teams and individuals set about covering the Overberg in search of as many bird species they could record in a 24 hour period. The challenge was centred on either a 6km radius or, for the more adventurous, a 50km radius.
Birding Big Day December 2025 in the Overberg Read More »
It was going to be a windy morning on the river. Regardless, the enthusiasm was high. All the birders were on the boat thirty minutes before the planned departure time. The skipper had not yet arrived, and the boat still needed fuelling! Despite the blustery conditions, all the birders appeared to be in a good mood after an outstanding outing.
Trip report: Klein River on the Lady Stanford Read More »
It was with trepidation that twelve birders in four vehicles left the Eastcliff SPAR parking area en route to the African Marsh Harrier trail on the Zoetendal Vinyards & River Estate. The weather forecast was for strong winds with the possibility of rain. Despite the inclement weather, everyone agreed that it was a very enjoyable outing to a stunning venue. A total of 77 birds were logged on the day.
Trip report: Zoetendal Vineyard Read More »
We stayed at Gamkaberg NR and then at Marloth NR All in all this was a very pleasant trip.
Trip report: Gamkaberg Reserve and Marloth Nature Reserve Read More »
Where’s the bird? That became the phrase of the morning. The canopy is alive with birds, and we were privileged to hear … and see… a Tambourine Dove, an African Dusky Flycatcher, an African Paradise Flycatcher and a Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher.
Trip report: A canopy of sound Read More »
Tucked away in the wetlands between Elim and the Black Oystercatcher restaurant is a delightful winery called Zoetendal. Not only do they have a beautiful stoep overlooking the vines, but the food is delicious and the wine is award winning – reason enough to visit I would say!
Trip report: Zoetendal Winery Trail Read More »
Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, 10 birders in 3 vehicles left the Onrus OK parking area at 7:30 am in high spirits, destination the “van der Stel pass”. The final bird species count of 82 was encouraging given the unfavorable birding conditions.
Trip report: van der Stel Pass Read More »
There is an extensive network of gravel roads north-east of Stanford, in the area between Caledon, Riviersonderend, and Napier. The route I took starts on the R316, heading north towards Jongensklip and then east towards the Rietpol silos. This is a road well worth exploring and I see it becoming a regular outing for me.
Trip report: A morning out near Jongensklip Read More »
So, at the end of our stay at Augrabies Falls, Lee and I drove the 400km to the Kgalagadi National Frontier Park to start the second part of our adventure. This was the first time we had visited the park in the winter months and were intrigued to see the place in a different season.
Farther afield: Kgalagadi in winter Read More »
