About Mondplaas Ponds
Just across the Gamtoos River, roughly 50 km west of Port Elizabeth and 30 km from Humansdorp, are Mondplaas ponds – one of the highest rated birding sites for waders in the province. The ponds are high on the list alongside other birding spot greats like the Alexandria Forest, Dwesa Nature Reserve and Mbotyi on the Wild Coast.
Did you know? In summer, Barn Swallows fill the skies and are often accompanied by the lovely White-throated Swallow.
As the name suggests, the ponds are a series of fresh water pans on the floodplain of the Gamtoos River and, when it comes to water birds, one of the best places for bird spotting. It is also easy to access, although don't go expecting facilities such as bird hides or toilets.
You should be able to see a great many birds from the barrier on the first left turn on the gravel road that takes you to the ponds, but if you want to wander the pans then apply to the farm for permission.
Look for African Rail in the reed beds, and you can be assured of spotting the African jacana, black crake and Hottentot teal. Even the black-crowned night heron is a permanent resident.
In summer there are barn swallows, white-throated swallows and other migrants like the wood sandpiper, occasional common sandpiper, whiskered tern and even an osprey (recorded only once).
Otherwise the air is filled with the cries of red bishops, Cape weavers, ducks of many description and even the odd Baillon's Crake.
Need to Know
WhereMondplaas Ponds, Just across the Gamtoos River, +/- 50 km west of Port Elizabeth and 30 km from Humansdorp, Sunshine Coast, Eastern Cape, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours.
OvernightStay in Humansdorp Accommodation, Eastern Cape
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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Humansdorp
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Sunshine Coast
BushBuck Farm Eco-Retreat
Bushbuck Farm offers a blend of peaceful farm life and easy access to nearby attractions, located beside the serene Krom River making and offers ...
Humansdorp Hotel
The Humansdorp Hotel has 20 newly built rooms, a lovely sports bar and a beautifully renovated ladies bar made from the original oregan pine floo...
Jemimas Hospitality Guest Lodge
Experience the distinctive ambience of the Jemimas Hospitality Guest Lodge where luxury finishes and modern facilities are combined to create a u...
Jeffreys Bay Luxury Apartments
Jeffreys Bay Luxury Apartments presents an exceptional choice for accommodation just 400 meters from Lower Point Beach in Jeffreys Bay. These ups...
Umnenga Lodge
Situated just 6km from Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve, Umnenga Lodge has 15 twin rooms, three double rooms, one Honeymoon Suite and six single ...
34 On Bonza Guest House
34 on Bonza offers accommodation in East London, a convenient five minute drive from the N2 highway and 16kms from the East London Airport. The g...
Alfred View Guest House
Alfred View Guest House is situated in Port Alfred and offers Sunshine Coast accommodation to suit the needs of the individual, couple or small g...
The House Quarters
The House Quarters offers comfortable accommodation in a number of units in Kenton on Sea. All units have a kitchenette, a TV with DStv and Wi-Fi...
Eland Place
Eland Place is situated 6.8km from Nahoon Beach and offers Sunshine Coast self catering in a lovely guest house in Beacon Bay North in East Londo...
Things to do in the area
Gamtoos River Mouth
The Gamtoos River winds its way through the Eastern Cape bushveld, providing warm, calm waters in which to swim, frolic and fish. It is a fabulou...
Oudebosch Farmstall
On the doorstep of much of the accommodation in Port Elizabeth is a world of adventure. And, when it comes to celebrating all things local, there...
Brakkeduine 4x4 Trail
A few kilometres inland from Jeffrey's Bay, St Francis and Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape Province is the beautiful Brakkeduine Dam, and the gorg...
Stinkhoutkloof Hike
Start: Bloukrans Forest Station, Tsitsikamma forest, between Plettenberg Bay and HumansdorpFinish: Bloukrans Forest Station, Tsitsikamma forestDu...
Accommodation convenient to Mondplaas Ponds
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Humansdorp Accommodation