Birding in Wild Mountain Country in Barky East, Eastern Cape

The Barkly East and Rhodes area of the Southern Drakensberg has prolific birdlife with over 230 species recorded. Wild Mountain Adventures can help you discover our many ‘specials’ including the Bearded Vulture (Lammergeier), Cape Vulture, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Bald Ibis, Grey Crowned Crane and the Black Harrier.

Climb to the top of high peaks to get an eye to eye view of the numerous raptors, or scour the rocks for Woodpeckers, Rock-jumpers and Rock-thrushes. Mountain streams and thickets attract Tit-babblers, Flycatchers and Warblers, This is one of the few places in South Africa where 8 species of chat can be found. The lucky few may be able to see a rare colony of Bald Ibis.

To aid our guests in identifying as many species as possible we provide checklists and reference books, including the computerised Roberts Guide to assist in identifying calls. Our gardens have feeders to ensure that birding can be combined with breakfast or sundowner drinks on the terrace.

Wild Mountain Adventures can give advice on day tours encompassing montane grasslands, rocky cliffs, riverside meadows and forest to provide maximum sighting opportunities. To complement your birding holiday we offer a wide range of optional activities including fly-fishing, hiking, horse riding, skiing at Tiffindell Resort, river rafting, overnight camping trips and 4x4 trails.