Miombo (Brachystegia) woodland is common in Zimbabwe and countries further north, but this is the only known patch in South Africa. Special bird associated with Miombo woodland that have been seen here are White-breasted Cuckooshrike and Southern Hyliota, Pink-throated Twinspot is frequently seen and you might find Blue-spotted Wood Dove. There are unconfirmed reports of Red-throated Twinspot and Spotted Creeper. There is a community campsite with a basic ablution block at the entrance, and a marked trail into the woodland.
Directions from the south: Travel east from Louis Trichardt / Makhado on the R524, drive through Thohoyandou to Sibasa and to then to the T-junction indicating Donald Fraser Hospital (left) and Masisi (right).Turn right towards Masisi, continue for 12 km, then turn left towards Thengwe. Continue for 5.1km, then turn right towards Mutale. Continue for 21 km until you see a signboard and turn-off to Gundani to the right, after 3km you will arrive at the campsite. Travelling time from Thohoyandou is around 45minutes.
Directions from the north: Travel from Pafuri / Musina on the R525, then turn left to Sagole Spa and the Big Tree. West of the Big Tree is a road to the south marked ´Sibasa´. Take this road, pass Shakadza, then see the start of the tar road. Continue on the tar road until you see the signboard and turn-off to Gundani on the left.
| 076 302 9383 |
Golwe Picnic and Campsite is a large shady site situated in a secluded valley in Venda off the Masisi Road. There is good bird watching in and around the campsite; African Broadbill can be heard calling at dawn. Other special birds are Pink-throated Twinspot, Scaly-throated Honeyguide and Crowned Hornbill. Marked circular trails lead from the campsite up the valley and to a waterfall. The campsite offers a convenient base from which to visit Mpaphuli Cycad Reserve, Makuya Nature Reserve and the Gundani Brachystegia Woodland. We recommend that you book local bird guide Christopher Nethonzhe to guide you along the trails; he can be contacted at 076 302 9383. Golwe is owned and run by members of the Vhurivhuri community; all proceeds go towards the development of the community. The campsite has four campsites, ablution facilities with hot and cold water and flushing toilets, braai stands and picnic tables; firewood is for sale. The site is accessible to 2-wheel drive vehicles and caravans.
Directions from the south: Travel east from Louis Trichardt / Makhado on the R524, drive through Thohoyandou to Sibasa and then to the T-junction indicating Donald Fraser Hospital (left) and Masisi (right). Turn right towards Masisi, continue for 37 km, then turn right towards Lambani / Gunda and follow the signboards to the site for another 1.8 km.
Directions from the north: Travel from Pafuri / Musina on the R525, turn off towards Tshikondeni Mine at Masisi. Do not take the left turn to the mine but continue straight towards Sibasa / Thohoyandou for another 25km; then see the sign to the site on the right.
Makuya Nature Reserve is situated near Pafuri Gate of the Kruger National Park. This 16,000 hectare conservation area on the Luvuvhu River is open to Kruger’s Nyalaland Wilderness Area; big game roams freely and Makuya is known for its impressive buffalo herds. There are many varied and unique plant species; major habitats in the reserve include sandstone outcrops, riparian woodland, Lebombo Ironwood thickets, Mopane woodland and Baobab ridge communities. Birdlife is abundant with over 370 species recorded in the area, including some ‘specials’ such as Böhm’s and Mottled Spinetails, Meves’s Starling, Black-throated Wattle-eye, Mosque Swallow, Grey-headed Parrot, African Yellow White-eye and Tropical Boubou.
The scenic Singo Camp provides fully-equipped tented accommodation; there are 4 tents accommodating 2 people and 2 ‘family unit’ tents accommodating 4 people; all with en-suite toilet and shower. The family units have their own kitchen facilities; there is also a large communal kitchen, dining, lounge and deck area with a stunning view over the Luvuvhu River and Kruger Park; as well as a braai area and swimming pool. There is a separate campsite for campers.
Directions: Travel on the R525 to Tshipise, continue to Masisi; or travel on the R524 through Thohoyandou to Sibasa, then to Masisi. At Masisi turn right to Tshikondeni Mine; then follow the signs to Makuya Nature Reserve.
| 015 293 3792 | rathlanes@gmail.com | rathogwatg@gmail.com | www.ledet.gov.za/lwr |
Xisaka (which means nest) is in a suburb of Giyani and provides a convenient base from which to explore this area. Nsami dam is about 10km from Xisaka and is one of the best sites for summer waders in the Soutpansberg-Limpopo Birding Route. The riverine vegetation along the Letaba River running through Giyani can also provide interesting birding. Birds which can be seen in the gardens of the Guest House include Red-headed Weaver, Klaas’s Cuckoo, African Green Pigeon and Jameson’s Firefinch. Xisaka has nine en-suite rooms, all named after birds in Xitsonga. Breakfasts and traditional Tsonga dinners are served in a large thatched lapa.
| 015 812 3986 | 083 283 0515 | xisaka@exclusivemail.co.za | www.xisaka.co.za |
