About Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route
The Lower Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route is a sub-section of the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route, which boasts not only all three of the country's crane species (blue, grey crowned, and wattled) but also includes the rare blue swallow, the crowned eagle, bearded vulture, mangrove kingfisher and the southern bald ibis. And a lot more besides.
Did you know? This is one of two major birding routes of the province. The other is the Zululand Birding Route.
The Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route is extensive, incorporating beaches, forests, the Lowveld and the Drakensberg Mountains - a terrain of such extensive variety that it is not surprising to learn that it holds in excess of 550 bird species.
Which is why the route is subdivided into five shorter routes, making it easier for bird lovers to follow and to easily divide up to suit itineraries.
The heart of the Lower Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route lies in the lowlands below Sani Pass filled with nature reserves and huge tracts of mist belt forest and grassland alive with birds.
Highlights include
• Marutswa Forest boardwalk, on the outskirts of Bulwer, for an array of endemic species
• Gqumeni Forest - a spectacular mist belt forest with intact yellowwoods; look out for Knysna turaco, Cape parrot, narina trogon and African crowned eagle
• Ntsikeni Vlei and wetland, a breeding site for wattled crane and Eurasian bittern, amongst other specials
• Franklin Vlei in the south-west corner of KZN with over 5 000 hectares of wetlands that host specials like white-winged flufftail, African rail, black-crowned night heron.
Need to Know
WhereDrakensberg Foothills Birding Route, Lower Drakensberg, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
OvernightStay in Underberg 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If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email.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.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested inAttractions near Underberg
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Underberg

Fairways 162
We offer accommodation in a six sleeper self-catering thatch cottage at The Fairways, a Gold Crown resort, situated within the Drakensberg Garden...

Valley Lakes
Valley Lakes is situated approximately 30kms from Underberg, nestled in the Ndawana Valley, and the lake is fed by the pristine waters of the Nda...

Cedar Garden
Cedar Garden is a spacious, well-appointed home set in a large cared for garden in the popular village of Underberg. Our centrally situated upmar...

Hlogoma Mountain Lodge
Hlogoma Mountain Lodge offers Underberg self catering and is close to the Hlogoma Mountain and overlooks the dams and farm fields. Close to calve...

Stoney Hall Farm
Stoneyhall Farm is situated at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg where the rolling green hills and clear mountain air invite you to unwind and...

Moya Cottage
Offering self catering accommodation, Moya Cottage is a cosy cottage situated in the peaceful Underberg village, in the heart of the Southern Dra...

Pin Oak Cottage
Pin Oak Cottage is a self catering holiday house in Underberg in the Drakensberg. The house sleeps ten guests in four bedrooms. The main house ha...

Penwarn Farm Lodge
Rustic yet modern, Penwarn Farm Lodge can be found just 25km from the quaint, little town of Underberg in South Africa. As you drive down the Khy...

Malachite Manor
Malachite Manor is a luxury Guest Lodge situated on the outskirts of Underberg. It is an ideal getaway for discerning Guests wanting to get away ...

Over The Edge Cottages
Offering luxury self catering accommodation, Over The Edge Cottages overlook the Umzimkulu Valley and Drakensberg Mountains. These quaint stone c...

Stoney Way Cottage
Stoney Way Cottage is a two bedroom, one bathroom cottage set in a large garden behind the main house just outside the village of Underberg. The ...

House at Glengariff
Situated on a working farm 20kms from Underberg, House at Glengariff is a gracious sandstone farmhouse available for accommodation for up to 12 g...

Fairways Drakensberg
Experience the beauty of the Drakensberg while relaxing in the comfort of a modern self catering cottage. The resort has a number of six sleeper ...

Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa Resort
Nestled in the heart of the Southern Drakensberg, on a scenic 860 acre World Heritage site, rests the magnificent Drakensberg Gardens Golf & Spa ...

Haycroft Lodge
The spacious Haycroft Lodge is located on Stoneyhall Farm and is set on the banks of a tranquil lake that reflects the panoramic views of the Dra...

Douglas Drift
Douglas Drift is a real country getaway, situated 4.5km outside of Underberg town with magnificent views of the Umzimkulu River. Enjoy fresh air ...

Blackbrook Cottages
Blackbrook Cottages is a 74ha working farm, situated just outside of Underberg on the Bushmans Nek Road. Choose from three spacious self-catering...


Pennygum Country Cottages
Pennygum Country Cottages offers four beautiful cottages with stunning ‘picture postcard’ views of the Southern Drakensberg Mountains just 6km fr...

Fairways Heartwood Mountain Cottage
Fairways - Heartwood Mountain Cottage offers comfortable accommodation at the Drakensberg Gardens Resort and is just 30km from Underberg. The res...

Shepherd's Cottage
Shepherd’s Cottage is located in Underberg and is one of two cottages offering accommodation on the 90 hectare Farraway Farm (the other is Hillto...

Elgin Guest House
Elgin Guest House offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation on private sections of a working dairy farm. Each room has its own entrance ...

The Fairways Gold Crown Resort
Besides boasting a magnificent backyard, Fairways is renowned for its superb self catering units available in four and six sleeper units, as well...

Hilltop Cottage
Perched on the top of a hill overlooking the breathtakingly picturesque Bushmans Nek valley with unsurpassed views of the Southern Drakensberg Mo...

Country Comfort
Country Comfort is a house in a secure private estate offering bed & breakfast accommodation in two rooms. From this great spot in the Southern D...

Meadow Lane Country Cottages
Meadow Lane Country Cottages offer tranquil accommodation in a park-like setting. Five self catering cottages are surrounded by gorgeous old tree...

Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve
Giants Cup Wilderness Reserve, the premier wild-trout fly fishing destination in Southern Africa, is a registered site of Conservation Significan...

Umzimkulu River Lodge
Umzimkulu River Lodge offers serviced Bed & Breakfast or Self Catering accommodation on one of the most beautiful bends of the Umzimkulu River in...

Hlogoma Cottage
Hlogoma Cottage offers Drakensberg self catering accommodation with a garden and is situated in the Underberg, within 12km of Bonsma Dam and 9km ...

Valley View Cottage
Situated in the small town of Underberg in the southern Drakensberg, Valley View Cottage offers self catering accommodation for four guests. Boas...

The Old Hatchery
Welcome to an affordable B&B and self-catering trout farm, set in a tranquil country setting just 10km from Underberg in the Southern Drakensberg...

Birches Cottages
In a quiet corner of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Park, with the cascading Umzimkulu river bounding one side and blue mountain sky t...

The Shed Guest Room
Boasting magnificent views, The Shed is a guest room created from a converted shed. The Shed is a spacious room with a double bed and bunk beds, ...

Nguni Moon Tepee Camp
Nguni Moon Tepee Camp offers a unique holiday experience where you get the opportunity to sleep in a teepee for the night. The accommodation is c...

Graceland Farm
Graceland Farm is situated near the town of Underberg and offers quality Drakensberg accommodation for a family or group of friends. It boasts be...

Sani Window
Sani Window in Underberg is set on a large property facing onto the golf course with magnificent views of the Drakensberg Mountains. The house ha...

Under The Berg B&B
Bed & Breakfast and Backpackers Accommodation is available at Under the Berg B&B in Underberg, in the Southern Drakensberg. If you've come to the...

Cairn Grace
Valley View Farm offers comfortable accommodation in a serene setting. We are situated just 2km from the town of Underberg and are close to shops...



Amazian Mountain River Lodge
Amazian Mountain River Lodge situated in the Southern Drakensberg just outside Underberg and only 18km away from the Sani Pass. Enjoy a de-stress...
Things to do in the area

Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Drakensberg accommodation is always special because it promises a place to stay in some of South Africa’s most spectacular countryside. The area ...

Fly Fishing at Penwarn
Imagine the early morning mist lifting off a berg river, the trout rising. Penwarn is a premier fishing location with seven dams (one is two kilo...

Khotso Horse Trails
Horse riding trails take off at 9.00am daily for either a full day, or 1 to 3 hours, into the foothills of the Drakensberg. We schedule rides acc...

Visit The Underberg Studio
The Underberg Studio is situated in the picturesque farming village of Himeville at the foot of the Southern Drakensberg. Here you will find the ...

The Old Hatchery Restaurant
You have chosen to come to the most beautiful part of the Drakensberg in KwaZulu Natal. There is nothing quite like Southern Berg hospitality. Ou...

Pucketty Farm Stall
Pucketty Farm Stall, up a short dirt road before you reach Underberg, sells a variety of preserves, rusks, wholesome homemade bread, clothing and...

Sani Pass Birding
Birding Tours up the Sani Pass or in the surrounding Forest Mist belt areas for specials such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskins, Cap...

Sani Spoors
Sani Spoors is mountain biking heaven. Situated in the foothills of the Southern Drakensberg, only 4km from the country village of Underberg, the...

Sani Pass 4x4 Trail
The Drakensberg Mountain Range is nothing short of spectacular, and is undoubtedly best enjoyed at a restful pace. The Sani Pass 4 x 4 Trail is a...
Accommodation convenient to Drakensberg Foothills Birding Route
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Underberg Accommodation