The awe of the Drakensberg mountains is truly undeniable. Montusi guests are often lulled into the relaxing pastime of simply sitting down in peace and quiet, staring at the giant walls and towers of basalt and sandstone which define this incredible landscape, and taking a moment to soak in all the beauty.
But what one finds if one zooms in on that landscape amplifies the beauty even further. For in those mountains, there are valleys. In those valleys, there are streams and forests and grasslands. And in those streams, forests, and grasslands, life is abundant.
There is simply so much to look for and marvel at that it can be difficult to decide what to train your eyes and ears on. A fantastic starting point is birds. The Drakensberg is a paradise for birders, boasting over 250 species, many of which are extremely rare to see.
Here are five of what we think are some of the most special birds in the area to try and tick off your life list.
Gurney’s Sugarbird
This endemic bird has a long, narrow, and slightly curved bill, which it uses to pluck nectar out of the flowers of plants. What stands out even more than the bill, however, are the gorgeous contrasting colours on its body, from a russet breast to a pale white belly, to a spot of yellow at the base of its long tail.
Look for this bird in the gardens of the lodge, where it can be found feeding on a variety of plant life, including Protea, Aloe, Leonotis, Strelitzia and Watsonia.
Greater Double-collared Sunbird
While you’re searching for the Gurney’s Sugarbird, this is another endemic nectar-eater to be on the lookout for. Although it also has a long, curved bill, the colours on this bird are different from the Gurney’s, and perhaps even more beautiful.
Its green head is met at the top of the breast with a narrow band of purple and then a much wider band of red, all of which are stunningly iridescent when the sunlight catches them.
Look for this bird in the gardens too, as well as along the forest margin between the lodge and the bass dam near the stables.
Half-collared Kingfisher
If you find yourself taking a stroll along the edge of a fast-flowing stream on the property, keep a lookout for this striking little bird. The blue-green head and wings, black bill, white collar, and golden-brown breast are key features of this near-threatened bird.
If you’re especially lucky, you may see it swoop down into the water to try to catch smaller fish, which form the bulk of its diet.
Sentinel Rock Thrush
Sharing a name with the gigantic peak that watches over Montusi from the upper escarpment, this endemic bird breeds in high-altitude habitats and then moves further down the mountains to lower altitudes in winter. Its blue-grey colouration covers the head and wings, and extends down towards the breast, where it is met with a rufous-orange.
If you’re visiting in the summer, look for the Sentinel Rock Thrush on a hike up Montusi mountain, where it can be found in the alpine and montane rocky grasslands. If you’re here in the winter, keep a lookout on the rocky fringes of firebreaks.
- Click here to view an image of the Sentinel Rock Thrush
Southern Ground Hornbill
It is always special to see any endangered animal, and the Southern Ground Hornbill is no exception. Much larger than any other Hornbill species, this unusual-looking bird has an unmistakable patch of red skin which covers the eye and extends down into its bulging throat. Fun fact: the red skin on the upper neck is inflatable!
These birds are typically seen waddling slowly through open savanna in small flocks. A much fiercer predator than any of the other birds on our list, the Southern Ground Hornbill will eat just about anything it can overpower, including lizards, snakes, hares, and other smaller birds.
If you fancy an early morning walk, and hear a deep, booming, dudu dudu dududu sound, this is likely the Southern Ground Hornbill. But don’t be fooled – the call can be heard up to 4km away!
- Birding is just one of the activities you can enjoy on your Montusi getaway. Browse our extensive list of activities.
