Zululand Birding RouteLocation: South Africa » Kwazulu Natal » ZululandZululand Birding Route - A highlight for birding enthuisiastsThe Zululand Birding Route soon became apparent, however, that of the 70 "birding spots" identified along the route there was a very real threat that many of them would not exist in 20 years time, and essentially the "product" would be undermined. There was a need to add direct economic value to birds and their habitats to ensure their long term conservation.
Birds are beautiful, inspirational and they are also excellent flagships species and vital environmental indicators. By focusing on birds and the sites and habitats on which they depend, BirdLife South Africa is working to improve the quality of life for birds, for other wildlife (biodiversity), and for people. The Zululand Birding Route (ZBR) was one of BirdLife South Africa´s first "Avitourism" products. It laid the foundation for Avitourism developments in South Africa, primarily by its successful ability to engage a wide network of stakeholders from local government to corporate levels. Because of avitourism´s ability to address social, economic and environmental issues it has become a very attractive model that appeals to a broad base of supporters.
Zululand has a spectacular 605 bird species and a wonderful range of destinations where they occur. It is a treasure trove of "specials" such as Green Barbet, Pel´s Fishing Owl, Pink-throated Twinspot, Neergard´s Sunbird and Palmnut Vulture. The ZBR promotes the area and ensures that these jewels of the region are accessible by birders. The ZBR has proved time and time again that tourism can have enormous conservation benefits as well as generating much needed income by local communities and other stakeholders. In this way, birding tourism adds real economic value to the wild birds and the habitats and provides tangible reasons to conserve natural habitats and the birds that occur in them. One of the aims of the ZBR is to create awareness about Important Bird Areas (IBA´s) and bring visitors to them. Some typical examples of these IBA´s include sites like Dlinza and Ongoye Forests, Muzi Pan and Richards Bay´s Southern Sanctuary.
The ZBR is helping create important career paths for black South Africans, by training them up as bird guides. They attend a month-long training course which is followed up by ongoing mentorship which sharpens and assesses their skills to ensure that they are accredited as birding guides. There are currently about 40 guides in the Zululand area, earning an income from their new found skill as bird guides.
BirdLife South Africa Travel works in conjunction with the Zululand Birding Route to formulate customized birding itineraries, incorporating the many facets of the route including the infrastructure such as bird hides and board walks, birder friendly accommodation and guides.Accommodation in and around Zululand Leopard Mountain Game Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Winner of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Hall of Fame for 2004 and 2005 in the AA Travel Guides Accommodation awards for Game & Nature ReservesLeopard Mountain Game Lodge is the ideal getaway where everybody from the old to young will enjoy a fascin... More
 Bayete Zulu Game Lodge accommodation in Zululand
“Bayete” There is a place where special things happen. Being one of the most densely stocked reserves in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, a drive with one of our knowledgeable field drivers is guaranteed to be a... More
 White Elephant Safari Lodge accommodation in Zululand
At the foot of the majestic Lebombo mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, you will find a special destination called White Elephant Safari Lodge. It is a place with magic and soul inspired by a dream and created with passion. Classic coloni... More
 Thula Thula Private Game Reserve and Safari Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Welcome to the oldest Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal! Thula Thula, family owned and operated, is situated in Zululand, only 40 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, 45 min from Umfolosi game reserve - Cengeni Gate and less than 2 hour... More
 Pakamisa Private Game Reserve accommodation in Zululand
Pakamisa - the name in Zulu means "to lift up" and we assure our guests that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La. We offer discerning v... More
 White Elephant Bush Camp accommodation in Zululand
Life is a journey, a safari made up of a myriad of small, precious moments. In today s hurried, stressed world, most of us overlook these little moments along the way. It is these moments that make life happy and worthwhile. We need to re-adjust our ... More
 Makakatana Bay Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Makakatana Bay Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable KwaZulu Natal wildlife safari experience with its luxury game viewing rooms and excellent service. Guests are accommodated in 6 bright and spacious rooms. Three luxury game viewing rooms are se... More
 Shayamoya Tiger Fishing and Game Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Shayamoya is a true gem offering genuine hospitality, unique settings with stunning panoramic views across the Pongolapoort Lake, Lebombo Mountains, and the Phongolo Nature Reserve.Our speciality is the challenging sport of tiger fishing where the re... More
 Bushlands Game Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Within 300 acres of bush and game and 300,000 acres of National Parks, you will find Bushlands Game Lodge. Bushlands offers fully air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation that blend seamlessly with the African Bush and is connected by raised wooden w... More
 Toad Tree Game Lodge accommodation in Zululand
Self catering, fully equipped lodges situated within a private game reserve. Lodges are constructed from wood and glass, with all rooms having sliding doors opening onto private decks. Game viewing can be done from the comfort of your bed ... More
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