West Coast – Birding in the Western Cape, South Africa.
Birdwatching on the West Coast of South Africa is possible at many birding hotspots. Travelling from Cape Town, ensure that you spend a few days at Cape Point and Tale Mountain. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden is a definite and any birder and nature lover should spend at least a day here. Many spots on the Sout Rivier can be very rewarding to find a variety of gulls, waders an many other species. Just North of Milnerton anoher day or at least a morning can be well spent at Rietvlei Nature Reserve where Greater Flamingo, African Spoonbill and Great White Pelican can be found most of the time.
Please visit our blog for more info on birdwatching. West Coast Birding with Birdwatcher
As you travel from Rietvlei to the West Coast, take the route via the West Coast National Park which host more than 250 bird species. Animals and birds that can commonly be seen here includes, African black oystercatcher, Bat-eared Fox, Bontebok, Cape cobra, Caracal, Common duiker, Dung beetle, Eland, Lesser flamingo, Gemsbok, Cape Grey Mongoose, Black Harrier, Molesnake, African ostrich, Great White Pelican, Puff adder, Red hartebeest, Steenbok, Angulate tortoise, Cape mountain zebra. A quick stop at Geelbek bird hide will be worth the while.
Other great options are the many farm roads between the smaller coast towns like Jacobsbaai, Velddrift etc.
Contact BIRDWATCHER for more information if you are interested in a guided birding or nature tour. BIRDWATCHER also list recommended accommodation and restaurants on their website.
Also visit our partner www.outdoorheartbeat.com a registered tour operator and member of Birdlife SA.
West coast birding with Birdwatcher.
Towards the Garden Route we can expect more indigenous forests and therefor other species of birds as the habitat changes. The GArden Route is easy accessible from Cape Town and the West Coast