About Hlatikulu Vlei

Hlatikulu Vlei lies 32 km west of Mooi River in the foothills of the Drakensberg, between the Kamberg and Giant's Castle Nature Reserves. It is bounded on one side by Highmoor, whilst its other borders adjoin private land.

Did you know? The cranes that frequent the area have found their natural environment severely compromised by ridge and furrow agriculture. They naturally live in grasslands, particularly wetlands, often threatened by agriculture.

The South African Crane Foundation has its headquarters at the vlei, unsurprisingly as all three of the crane species found in southern Africa make the vlei their home. Three pairs of the globally threatened wattled crane base themselves at Hlatikulu, whilst a flock of about 30 individuals are often seen in the area. Breeding blue crane, grey crowned crane and a small colony of southern bald ibis also make the vlei their home.

Wattled cranes:
Critically endangered in South Africa, only about 245wattled cranes survive in the wild, and they are totally dependent on wetlands for breeding. More info here: Wattled Crane

Blue cranes:
South Africa's national bird is endangered; some of its range has suffered a 90% population drop. More info here: Blue Crane

Crowned cranes:
The most adaptable, living in farmland, parkland, gardens and golf courses. More info here: grey crowned crane

Hlatikulu is managed as a sanctuary for waterfowl and grassland birds. Its series of grasslands and wetlands make it a prime birding spot. It thus forms part of the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route.

Best walks for bird spotting include: the trail that heads up Mount Lebanon, the extensive reedbeds on the larger dam, the other side of the dam (for wattled crane), the large mistbelt forest on Hlatikulu Mountain, and at night look out for African wood owls and freckled nightjars.

The habitual passage of water through the upper reaches of the vlei has been interfered with, including the construction of numerous dams. Many of the cranes have thus moved to Hlatikulu as a retreat when not breeding and the vlei has had to build rehabilitation facilities and breeding pens to cope. All the birds here are rescued or injured cranes and none are held illegally.

Need to Know

WhereHlatikulu Valley, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours

OvernightStay in Hlatikulu Valley Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Drakensberg

Things to do in the area

Accommodation convenient to Hlatikulu Vlei

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Hlatikulu Valley Accommodation

Hlatikulu Valley as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Hlatikulu Valley property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.