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BIRDING SAFARIS
Province: Zululand
Route: Mgundlovu Cultural Site
Situated in the Makhosini Valley (Valley of the Kings), this spot is well
worth a visit for picking up good bushveld species. The Cultural Site
provides a centre for visits to uMgungundlovu, the historical residency of
the Zulu King Dingane. Typical vegetation consists of Acacia and Aloe
species, with scattered Coral Trees and Corkwoods.
DIRECTIONS
Situated off the R34, north of Melmoth travel for about 25km , past the
Ulundi turn-off, and turn left at the sign "Mgungundlovu".
Proceed with this road for about 5km to the Cultural Site, where you can
park your vehicle and walk around. The road surface is gravel, but easily
reached with sedan vehicles.
ACCOMMODATION
None, but all types are available in Melmoth or Babanango, which are close
by.
BIRDING SPECIALS
The woodlands are home to about 200 species of birds, including Natal
Francolin, Golden-tailed and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Greater Honeyguide,
Crested Barbet, Crowned Hornbill, Green Woodhoopoe, Brown-hooded
Kingfisher, Little Bee-eater, Black-headed Oriole, Brubru, Black-crowned
and Brown-crowned Tchagras, Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, White-crested
Helmet-Shrike, Ground-scraper Thrush, Emerald-spotted Dove, White-browed
Robin-Chat, White-browed Scrub Robin, Cape Glossy Starling, Grey Penduline
Tit, Rattling Cisticola, Yellow-breasted Apalis, Arrow-marked Babbler,
Yellow-throated Petronia, Bushveld Pipit and Southern Boubou. In June and
July many species of birds can be seen feeding off the flowering Mountain
Aloes. Look out for Scarlet-chested, Amethyst and White-bellied Sunbirds
as well as drongos, orioles and weavers with orange-stained heads.
Raptors that can be seen include the numerous Yellow-billed Kites in
summer, Wahlberg's Eagle, Little-banded Goshawk and African Hawk Eagle.
OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
The Cultural Museum portrays interesting insights into the lives of the
Zulus, and guided tours are available to the old traditional
homestead.
by Duncan McKenzie
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IN THE AREA:
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATION
RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES
RECOMMENDED ATTRACTIONS
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
RECOMMENDED BIRDING GUIDES
RECOMMENDED TOUR OPERATORS OFFERING BIRDING SAFARIS
RECOMMENDED BIRDING BOOKS
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