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BIRDING SAFARIS
Province: Zululand
Route: Phongola Nature Reserve

Although two different places, these two localities are treated in one write-up as the birdlife is similar and the two areas lie adjacent to each other.

Phongola Nature Reserve was the first proclaimed reserve in Africa, though it was deproclaimed and then reproclaimed again. It surrounds the Jozini Dam, a large impoundment of water on the Phongola River. These reserves are unique in a sense that they protect a stretch of Arid Lowveld, a vegetation type occurring widely in the Kruger National Park. The Lebombo Mountain Range forms the eastern boundary of the reserve, and contains forest patches and steep cliffs. Zululand Thornveld occurs over much of the reserve as well. 

KZN Wildlife owns the Nature Reserve, and the Game Reserve is privately owned.

DIRECTIONS
To access the Game Reserve: travel up the N2 from Durban. Pass the "Mkhuze" turnoff, as well as the "Jozini" one. About 35km further north, on the right hand side of the road, lies the well-signposted entrance to the Game Reserve. Travel a further 5km, turn right at the sign "Golela", drive into the small town and follow the signs to the Nature Reserve.

Arriving from the north (Piet Retief or Johannesburg) drive through the town of Phongola on the N2 and turn left to Golela after about 25km to access the Nature Reserve, or proceed for another 5km and turn left to the Game Reserve. 

ACCOMMODATION
Lodges and bushcamps have been built in the Game Reserve and the Nature Reserve has a campsite.

SPECIALS FOR THE AREA
Due to the presence of Arid Lowveld vegetation, as well as the water, a number of rare and special species occur in the reserves. Species that occur at or near their southernmost limit in Africa include Bennett's Woodpecker, Burchell's Starling, Red-billed Buffalo Weaver, Magpie Shrike, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Red-headed Weaver, Brown-headed Parrot, Grey and Red-billed Hornbills, Levaillant's Cuckoo and Purple Roller. Other specials occurring in the dry bushveld include Grey Go-away-bird, Arrow-marked Babbler, Burnt-necked Eremomela, Red-crested Korhaan, Jameson's Firefinch, Marico Sunbird, Flappet Lark and Grey Penduline Tit.

Patches of thicker bush, especially along the shoreline and along drainage lines are home to White-throated, White-browed and Red-capped Robin-Chats, Purple-crested Turaco, Tambourine Dove, Bearded Scrub-Robin, Rudd's Apalis, Grey, Scarlet-chested and Neergard's Sunbirds, Gorgeous Bush-Shrike and Pink-throated Twinspot.

Summer visitors include Red-backed Shrike, African Pygmy Kingfisher, African Cuckoo, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Violet-backed Starling and Red-breasted Swallow.

Phongola is also one of the better places in Zululand for raptor watching. Large raptors such as Martial, African Crowned, Tawny, African Fish, Bateleur, Steppe, Brown Snake- and Wahlberg's Eagles are regularly recorded, and up to 100 White-backed Vultures and a good few Lappet-faced can be seen at the vulture restaurant in Phongola Game Reserve. Smaller raptors include Gabar Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Shikra and, in summer, Pallid Harrier.

Nocturnal species that can be seen or heard include White-faced, Pearl-spotted and Spotted Eagle Owls, as well as Square-tailed and Fiery-necked Nightjars. Bronze-winged Coursers are occasionally seen on night drives.

Open grassland areas provide habitat for Lilac-breasted Roller, Yellow-throated Longclaw and less commonly, Lemon-breasted canary.

Waterbird numbers and species composition fluctuate according to water levels. African Jacana, large flocks of White-faced Duck, Goliath Heron and Water Thick-knee are resident, and a breeding colony of Yellow-billed Stork have made the Nature Reserve one of the few places in South Africa where they do so. Flooded grassland can produce exciting species; Black Coucal, Lesser Moorhen, Rufous-bellied Heron and Greater Painted-snipe. Pink-backed Pelican used to breed at the dam, but no longer do so. Pel's Fishing Owl has been recorded from the forests overhanging the eastern edge of the dam.

OTHER POINTS OF INTEREST
A variety of large and small mammal species occur in the reserves. Hippo and crocodile occur in the dam, and White Rhino, Elephant, Leopard, Giraffe, Zebra, Nyala, Spotted Hyaena and Kudu occur as well. 

Boat trips on the dam are a recommended way of seeing many birds and game.

Annual fishing competitions are held at this popular fishing venue, with Tiger Fish being the most popular catch.

By Duncan McKenzie