About Swartkops Estuary
It might be right in the heart of urban living but the Swartkops Estuary, 8 km north of Port Elizabeth, and its adjacent salt pans are a highlight for any bird fundi intent on sighting estuarine waders and terns.
Did you know? The Swartkops Estuary forms part of the Zwartkops Conservancy that includes the Swartkops Valley (on the estuary's north bank)and Aloe nature reserve, protecting succulent thicket.
Over 10 000 waterbirds summer here. As such Swartkops is regarded as one of the best birding venues in Port Elizabeth, and certainly one of the most important estuaries for waterbirds in the province. It also has the third largest area of salt marsh in the country.
The estuary has IBA status (a globally important bird area) and 18 South African Red Data species occur here, 10 of which you should be able to see on a daily basis.
Go at low tide (essential) and allow at least three hours' viewing to spot birds. Migrants are resident during summer (from Russia and even Siberia), and include grey plover, curlew sandpiper and wimbrel.
Not only is the estuary the most important natural area in the Nelson Mandela Bay, it is also one of the most important estuaries in the country. The reason for this, strangely enough, is not the birds - although over 200 species make the estuary their home, depending on the time of year – but the huge number and variety of invertebrates, also known as bait species. These are a source of food for the many fish in the inter-tidal mud banks.
There are not only salt pans, but fresh water pans as well. These are also attractive to water birds attracting further numbers to the estuary, so that in certain years the total number of birds in the area has numbered 20 000 or more. The estuary also acts as an important fish nursery, with a permanently open tidal inlet connecting it to Algoa Bay.
To reach Swartkops Estuary travel east on the N2 from Port Elizabeth towards Grahamstown and look out for Swartkops and Bluewater Bay signs.
Need to Know
WhereSwartkops Estuary, Redhouse, Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa
Telephone+27 (0) 41 582 2575
OvernightStay in Port Elizabeth 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 reserve, 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 inGame & Nature Reserves in Eastern Cape
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Port Elizabeth

Rivers Edge Guesthouse
An ideal home-away-from-home for corporate executives, leisure tourists and family holidays right on the river's edge. Rivers Edge Guesthouse off...

Dolphin Dance Self Catering
Dolphin Dance offers guests comfortable holiday apartments in Bluewater Bay, Port Elizabeth. When staying at Dolphin Dance you are just 1km away ...

@ 47 Guest House
@ 47 Guest House is situated in a tranquil, upmarket part of Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth and offers quality, spacious and private accommodation ...

Island Way Villa
Island Way Villa is set on the highest ridge in Port Elizabeth with 180 degree sea view and spectacular night tranquillity. Guests are afforded t...

Beachwalk Bed & Breakfast
Beachwalk B&B is situated only 60m from popular beaches. This heritage building has been stylishly renovated and offers beautifully appointed roo...

Valley Guest House
Valley Guest House offers accommodation centrally situated on the Baakens River Valley, overlooking Settlers Park Nature reserve and within walki...

Mongoose Manor
Conveniently located close to the N2, Mongoose Manor is a colonial homestead offering five en-suite bedrooms with private entrances. The extensiv...

Beacon Lodge
Beacon Lodge combines quality accommodation and a fine location close to Port Elizabeth's best beaches, hospitality and entertainment attractions...

Algoa Guest House
Located in the beautiful seaside suburb of Summerstrand, only 200 metres from the beach, Algoa Guest House offers 8 comfortable double suites (on...
Things to do in the area

Swartkops Beach
On the outskirts of the industrial area of Port Elizabeth, heading towards the world-renowned Addo Elephant National Park, is the tiny sandy stre...
Noteworthy attractions

Donkin Heritage Trail
The Donkin Heritage Trail is named after the Acting Governor of the Cape Colony at the time, Sir Rufane Donkin. South Africans are well acquainte...

Fort Frederick
Like many national monuments, Fort Frederick first appears as little more than a few brick walls, albeit old walls that seem to hold little signi...

St Georges Park Cricket Ground
The oldest park in Port Elizabeth and the site of the second oldest cricket club in the country, St George’s Park lies in the heart of Port Eliza...

Humewood Golf Club
One of South Africa’s top-rated golf clubs, Humewood is a true Links course which has hosted numerous PGA events, including the South African Ope...

Bayworld Museum Complex
The Main Museum of Bayworld blends cultural and natural history. Embark on an exciting journey through time and through the fascinating world aro...

Eastern Cape Beaches
The Eastern Cape in South Africa boasts some of the world’s best beaches and 800 km of unspoilt picturesque coastlines where blue oceans tumble o...

Port Elizabeth Golf Club
Port Elizabeth Golf Club, which is commonly known as "The Hill", was founded in 1890 and is one of South Africa's oldest golf clubs. Today the pl...

Walmer Country Club
Walmer Country Club with its warm and friendly atmosphere, is 54 years old. It has grown from strength to strength and has over 550 members. Walm...

Cape Recife Nature Reserve
Cape Recife Nature Reserve is one of the best bird-watching locations in Port Elizabeth. The Cape Recife Nature Reserve offers beautiful beach, n...
Accommodation near Swartkops Estuary
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / Eastern Cape Accommodation / Sunshine Coast Accommodation / Port Elizabeth Accommodation