Bird Watching sights in Africa
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Nata Bird Sanctuary
The 230-sq-km community-run Nata Bird Sanctuary was proposed in 1988 by the Nata Conservation Committee and established four years later with the help of several local and international nongovernmental organisations (NGOs). Local people voluntarily relocated 3500 cattle and established a network of tracks throughout the northeastern end of Sowa Pan.
Although the sanctuary protects antelopes, zebras, jackals, foxes, monkeys and squirrels, the principal draw is the large population of water birds. Over 165 species of birds have been recorded here, including pied kingfishers, carmine and blue-cheeked bee-eaters, martial and black-breasted eagles, and secretary and kori…
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Aswan Botanical Gardens
To the west of Elephantine Island is Aswan Botanical Gardens, still often referred to by its old name, Kitchener’s Island. The island was given to Lord Horatio Kitchener in the 1890s when he was commander of the Egyptian army. Indulging his passion for beautiful palms and plants, Kitchener turned the entire island into a stunning botanical garden, importing plants from the Far East, India and parts of Africa. Covering 6.8 hectares, it is filled with birds as well as hundreds of species of flora. The garden may have lost some of its former glory, but its majestic palm trees are still a stunning sight, particularly just before sunset when the light is softer and the scent…
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Bird-watching
There is excellent bird-watching throughout Kruger National Park, with the far north (from Punda Maria Gate up past Pafuri Gate) arguably one of the best birding areas on the continent. There are a handful of hides scattered throughout the park; see the birding pages on the website for SAN Parks (www.parks-sa.co.za) for a listing of their locations. Several of the bushveld camps also have their own hides, and some of the larger camps run bird-watching excursions on request.
There is also an annual 24-hour Birding Big Day in January. For information on this, and other birding activities in the park, contact SAN Parks Honorary Rangers.
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B
Loro Parque
Where else can you see 3000 parrots (the world's largest collection) all in one place? Loro Parque is home to 340 species of parrots along with other exotic animals, including tigers, gorillas and chimpanzees. Unless you object in principle to wild animals in captivity, the park is quite impressive. Don't miss the dolphin and whale shows, the subterranean aquarium with the world's longest submarine tunnel and the vast 'penguinarium'.
You could walk here from town, but it's much easier to hop on the free train that leaves every 20 minutes from outside McDonalds on Plaza Reyes Católicos.
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World of Birds
Everything from barbets to weavers via flamingos and ostriches is found here among the 3000 different birds and small mammals covering some 400 different species. A real effort has been made to make the aviaries, which are South Africa’s largest, as natural-looking as possible with the use of lots of tropical landscaping. In the monkey jungle you can interact with the cheeky squirrel monkeys.
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Nata Delta
During the rainy season (November to May), huge flocks of water birds congregate at the Nata Delta, which is formed when the Nata River flows into the northern end of the Sowa Pan. When the rains are at their heaviest (December to February), the pan is covered with a thin film of water that reflects the sky and obliterates the horizon. Access is via a 4WD track from the village of Nata.
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Kisumu Bird Sanctuary
The Kisumu Bird Sanctuary, 8km southeast of town, covers a large area of swampland and is an important breeding ground for herons, storks, cormorants and egrets. The best time to visit is in April or May. Transport is easy along the A1, but you will have a 3km walk from the turn-off. Visitor fees may be implemented in the near future.
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Umgeni River Bird Park
Umgeni River Bird Park, on the Umgeni River, makes for a relaxing escape from the throng. You can see many African bird species in lush vegetation and aviaries. Look out for the chicks in the ‘baby room’.
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C
Vallée des Oiseaux
Near the Musée du Patrimoine Amazigh is the Vallée des Oiseaux, a shaded children’s playground, with an aviary and small zoo, created in the dry riverbed that runs down from Blvd Hassan II south to Blvd du 20 Août.
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Falconry
Malindi's falconry, near the town centre, has a number of caged birds of prey and a late-opening bar-restaurant. The displays can be dramatic, but the drab atmosphere's a bit depressing.
reviewed
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