KwaZulu Natal Maputoland Ndumo Game Reserve

Ndumo Game Reserve

September 26, 2011

With over 400 recorded bird species, Ndumo has to be one of the countries top birding destinations and always features highly in the annual Birdlife South Africa Big Birding Days. The reserve may well be situated in the far northern corner of Zululand, several hours from Durban, but is definitely worth the effort to get to, especially with the newly tarred road that takes one through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Location

Address

Ndumo

Closest Town

Mbazwana

Getting There

Follow the N2 freeway from Durban to Hluhluwe and turn off onto the R22, driving through Hluhluwe town and on to Mbazwana and the Kwangwanase traffic circle. At the circle turn left driving past the entrance to Thembe elephant Park. The turnoff to Ndumo is well indicated just after crossing over the Phongola River.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Early mornings and evenings are best for driving around to search for photographic subjects, but it is worth spending the whole day at the hides or wandering the camp gardens for birds

Type of Photography

Landscape
Wildlife General
Birds

Best Time of Year

Winter

Photographic Tips

Winter months provide the best times for photography as the veld is dry and open. This also means that birds and animals concentrate around the numerous waterholes with accompanying hides. Summer brings numerous migrant bird species.

Recommended Gear

A solid beanbag is a must for photographing at the hides. Telephoto lenses are a priority for bird and animal photography.
Mosquito and insect repellent.

Footnotes

Season and Weather

Summer months are extremely hot and humid and afternoon thundershowers can be expected. Winter weather is very pleasant with cooler temperatures and more stable weather patterns. Ndumo falls within the endemic malaria area and visitors are urged to take the necessary precautions against malaria.

Habitats

Wetlands
Acacia Savannah
Riverine Forests
Sandveld Forest

Other Activities

Bird Watching
Game Viewing
Night Drives
Guided Walks

Guide/s Available

Zululand Birding Route has an experienced network of local guides who can help in finding those special and elusive species. They can be contacted via www.zbr.co.za or Tel: 035 7535644 or email: guides@zbr.co.za

Highlights

Site Highlights

Throughout the camp, there are numerous bird baths which attract a constant flurry of birds throughout the day
Driving throughout the network of roads provides a wide variety of bird watching opportunities
Ezulweni Bird Hide on Nyamithi Pan
Red Cliffs
Vulture Restaurant

Top Species