Birding

The Cape Whale Coast in the Western Cape Province of South Africa is internationally renowned as a tourist destination – think of the Cape Floral Kingdom, spectacular land- and seascapes, acclaimed wines, whale-watching, diverse people and the list goes on.

One of the region’s greatest assets relates to the diversity of bird species found in the region: it hosts a range of often sought after endemic bird species, such as the Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird, Victorin’s Warbler, Protea Seedeater, Cape Siskin, African Black Oystercatcher and many more.

Further to this, several underutilised and ecologically varied birding destinations such as the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, the Fernkloof and Salmonsdam Nature Reserves, the Vermont Salt Pan, the estuaries at Botrivier, Onrus, Kleinrivier and Uilenkraalsmond need to be properly exposed to a rapidly growing bird-watching fraternity.
Many exciting birding products already exist: The “Cape Rock-jumper site” at Rooiels is world renowned, the African Penguin colony at Stony Point needs no introduction and the migratory waders visiting the Danger Point Peninsula and the Botrivier estuary are legendary.

Many visitors to the Western Cape Province are attracted to the Cape Whale Coast by some birds associated with the Cape Floral Kingdom. This “kingdom” with 9 000 plant species (almost 70% of which are endemic), ranks among the wonders of the natural world. Several exciting and endemic bird species are attracted to this habitat type and can be found relatively easily in several different localities spread around the Cape Whale Coast. Most of these birding destinations are readily accessible and often feature dramatic mountain landscapes. Top destinations include the Rooiels site, the Harold Porter Botanical Garden at Betty’s Bay (partially wheelchair friendly), the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve at Kleinmond, the Fernkloof Nature Reserve and Rotary Drive in Hermanus and a variety of sites at Stanford, Pearly Beach and  aardskeerdersbos.

Entrance to these destinations is free or at a minimal cost.

Further information on birding along the Cape Whale Coast can be obtained from:
birding@overberg.co.za
Tel: +27 (0)82 550 3347 or +27 (0)82 455 8402
www.westerncapebirding.co.za

Further to this, several underutilised and ecologically varied birding destinations such as the Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, the Fernkloof and Salmonsdam Nature Reserves, the Vermont Salt Pan, the estuaries at Botrivier, Onrus, Kleinrivier and Uilenkraalsmond need to be properly exposed to a rapidly growing bird-watching fraternity.
Many exciting birding products already exist: The “Cape Rock-jumper site” at Rooiels is world renowned, the African Penguin colony at Stony Point needs no introduction and the migratory waders visiting the Danger Point Peninsula and the Botrivier estuary are legendary.