The Garden Route is famous for its birds. Due to the diverse habitat in Nature’s Valley, one can watch sea birds and rocky-cliff water birds such as the Cape Gannet and Rock Kestrel. The lagoon attracts estuary and freshwater birds such as the African Fish Eagle, Kingfishers, African Darter and Egyptian Goose. Along the forest paths of Nature’s Valley village you can spot Hoopoes, Paradise Flycatchers, the Red-chested Cuckoo or Piet-my-vrou, and the Knysna Loerie (also known as Knysna Turaco), the latter a frequent visitor to Nectar Cottage.
Remember, a penguin in Plett or Nature’s Valley is a penguin in need. Don’t leave it on the beach but cover it with a towel, pick it up gently and keep it dark, warm and dry. Call + 27 44 534 8170 or + 27 82 486 1515 or bring it to Tenikwa Rehabilitation Centre, Forest Hall Road, the Crags.
Bird tours and centres
- Birds of Eden is an award-winning bird sanctuary which provides a forever home where previously caged birds can live a life of free-flight in a habitat which spans a gorge of indigenous forest. Its 80 ton structure with its 1.2km of walkways, 200 seater amphitheatre, and walk-behind waterfall, is jaw dropping.
Open from 8am to 5pm every day, Birds of Eden is about 10 km from Nature’s Valley near Monkeyland. If you purchase a combo ticket you can access both Monkeyland and Birds of Eden. For further information, please visit www.birdsofeden.co.za or e-mail info@birdsofeden.co.za.
Phone: +27 44 534 8906 Cell: +27 82 979 5683 Fax: + 27 86 7608605 - info@monkeyland.co.za
- Bokmakierietours provide personlised and private sightseeing birding tours along the Garden Route to Port Elizabeth and surrounds. All tours are conducted in the comfort of an airconditioned, 10 seater Microbus.or call + 27 82 4636 701 or + 27 21-933 7352.
- For bird tours contact Bitou Bird Adventures on + 27 44-535 9843 or + 27 44-533 3701.
- Radical Raptors is a non-profit birds of prey rehabilitation and awareness centre near The Heath in Plettenberg Bay that aims at community awareness, and the rescue, rehabilitation and release of birds of prey. Daily flying displays at 11.00, 13.00 and 15.00. Contact + 27 44 532 7537. For birds of prey rescue call + 27 83 561 0973.
tania@radicalraptors.co.za
info@radicalraptors.co.za
Birds of Eden