Durban Birdwatching Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Pigeon Valley is a little 10 hectare nature reserve in the center of Durban is named for the Eastern Bronze-naped (Delegorgue's) Pigeon, which was originally gathered here and documented by Delegorgue in 1847. It is considered to be one of KwaZulu-Natal's top birdwatching locations. A small portion of the once-vast Stella bush, which formerly covered a significant portion of the Berea, is preserved in the reserve. The vegetation is typical of climax coastal lowland forest, with several spectacular tree species—especially the uncommon Natal Elm, for which the reserve was first established—representing the forest. Look for Spotted Ground Thrush, Buff-spotted Flufftail, Green Malkoha, Green Twinspot.

   2 h

2. The Durban National Botanical Gardens, spanning more than 50 hectares, is situated at the foot of Berea, sandwiched between St Thomas and Sydenham Roads. Its park-like grounds are home to an array of fascinating species from all across South Africa and beyond. The tranquility and beauty of these gardens, which feature large trees, bright grass, and vibrant flora in a rich forest environment, are noteworthy. A little lake surrounded by fascinating vegetation, such as papyrus, decorative bananas, and raffia palms, is an added feature. Look for Black Sparrowhawk, Pink-backed Pelican, Red-backed Mannikin, Red-capped Robin-chat, White-eared Barbet, Purple-crested Turaco.

   2 h

3. Located just north of Durban center, near the northern tip of Umhlanga Rocks, is the comparatively pristine estuary known as the Umhlanga River. A short trail offers an easy and enjoyable stroll while passing through the preserved dune forest and crossing the lagoon. The track covers a variety of habitats and the key species to look for are Green Malkoha, Spotted Ground-thrush, Olive Woodpecker, Crested Guineafowl.

   2 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 2 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Durban

• Its from-price is 44% below the median of the 90 day trips we list in Durban.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 43 of 90.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Durban

Durban is South Africa's warm Indian Ocean port, a city of golden beaches, Zulu and Indian culture, curry and the hills of KwaZulu-Natal.

Durban sits on a natural bay on the Indian Ocean in KwaZulu-Natal, and its port is one of the busiest in Africa. The Golden Mile, a promenade backed by hotels and lined with sand, runs along the beachfront, and the Moses Mabhida Stadium, built for the 2010 World Cup, has a great arch that visitors can climb or ride up. The city has a subtropical climate with warm sea water all year.

Top-ranked sights in Durban: Sani Pass, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Victoria Street Market.

See all 361 experiences in Durban