Malachite Bird Hide Wilderness Hot

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The Malachite bird hide is located on the northern shore of the Bo-Langvlei in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. Bo-Langvlei is one of a series of lakes connected by the Touw River (Eilandvlei, Langvlei and Rondevlei) and hosts a variety of aquatic species and is an internationally proclaimed Ramsar site.

Major concentrations of Great Crested and Blacknecked Grebe are present on Rondevlei and Bo Langvlei. Grey and Purple Heron, Little Egret, African Spoonbill, Little Bittern and Redknobbed Coot are prominent. Wildfowl are prolific including Yellowbilled, Macoa and Whitebacked Duck, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard and Cape, Redbilled and Hottentot Teal.

The Kingfishers are also abundant and can be photographed fishing from various perches. The forested hillsides that surround the area are home to several raptors, including: Cuckoo Hawk, Crowned Eagle, Forest Buzzard, Black and Rufous-chested (Red-breasted) Sparrowhawk and African Goshawk.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

The hides are good at both sunrise and late afternoon. Check the water levels of the Lake's as it will determine how close the birds will come to the hides.

Type of Photography

Birding

Best Time of Year

All year round

Recommended Gear

Take a solid bean bag. A flash with a flash extender works well from the hid.

Highlights

Site Highlights

Apart from the abundant waterfowl species, this spot is an ideal location for photographing the various species of kingfisher. Keep an eye out for the raptors too.

Top Species

Footnotes

Season and Weather

The climate is a mild & temperate, which holds the possibility of rain throughout the year, with most of it falling at night. Summer is general hot.

Habitats

Other Activities

Bird Watching
Mountain Biking
Birding
Walking

Location

Closest Town

Wilderness

Getting There

Exit out the northern exit of the Ebb and Flow camp, turn right onto the gravel road. Travel along this road for about 7kms. The Malachite Hide parking area is on the right. Follow the board walk down to the hide.

Address

Garden Route National Park, Wilderness

Map

Swap Start/End Start Address

End

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Author: Arne PurvesWebsite: http://www.arnepurves.co.zaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About

Arne's passion for the environment, wildlife and conservation was instilled from an early age, leading to a career in nature conservation, first as a game ranger in the Natal Parks Board, a conservation officer with CapeNature and today in the City of Cape Town's Environmental Compliance Department. Photography is his creative medium of choice.

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