Limpopo Birding Routes

The Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route includes the northern section of the Kruger National Park, Mapungubwe National Park, Venda and the Soutpansberg mountain range. An abundance of birds can be seen all through the year due to the high number of resident species. A visit at any time is sure to be productive in this rewarding birding destination with some very special birds.

The mighty Limpopo River forms a geographical embrace around South Africa’s most northerly boundary with Botswana and Zimbabwe. Lemon-breasted Canary, Pel's Fishing Owl and White-fronted Plover can be seen in the lowland river systems.

The Baobab country in the north is home to the Mottled Spinetail, with the Sagole Big Tree reputed to be the biggest baobab in the country. The Arid Mountain Bushveld vegetation north of the Soutpansberg Mountain is home to Pink-throated Twinspot and Crowned Hornbill. This region also has the only known patch of Brachystegia (Miombo) woodland in South Africa, where Southern Hyliota can be seen.

The Soutpansberg Mountain has tracts of indigenous mistbelt forest where Blue-spotted Wood-Dove, African Broadbill, Eastern Nicator, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike, Orange Ground-Thrush, Crested Guineafowl and Crowned Eagle can be found. Get in touch with local bird guide, conservationist and researcher Samson Mulaudzi to help you find these specials as well as Bat Hawk, African Finfoot and African Skimmer. Take a sunrise or sunset cruise on the Albasini Dam while listening to the calls of African Fish Eagle.

The Soutpansberg provides a dramatic backdrop to this land of legend, where history, ancient customs and rituals create a fascinating experience. Take a cultural tour of the hallowed Lake Fundudzi and the sacred forest of Thathe Vondo; or connect with artists, crafters and musicians through authentic tours and hands-on experiences at Open Africa’s Ribola Art Route.

The scenic Blouberg and unique Makgabeng Plateau lie west of the Soutpansberg. Rising 200m above the bushveld, the Makgabeng stretches for 250 square kilometres, most of which is uninhabited. Discover towering ochre cliffs, strange rock formations and over 800 San and Sotho rock-art sites which have been undisturbed for centuries.

The dry western part of the region towards the Mogalakwena River provides an ideal habitat for species such as Southern Pied Babbler, Kori Bustard, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater and Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk.

Useful Contacts:

Soutpansberg Bird Club: 083 457 1501
Friends of Blouberg: www.friendsofblouberg.org.za