More about the Mammals
The Maloti Drakensberg Park is not a game reserve like Kruger Park or Hluhluwe, but nevertheless conserves a number of mammal species which could enrich your visit. Keep your eyes peeled as you hike the paths of the park or drive up the Sani Pass and you may be rewarded by one of the many antelope species frequenting different habitats. Eland, Grey Rhebok, Mountain Reedbuck, Klipspringer and Oribi can be seen at higher altitudes, with Southern Reedbuck, Grey Duiker and the occasional Bushbuck at lower levels. An abundance of small predators such as caracal, serval, jackal, cape clawless otter and a variety of mongoose species make the Drakensberg their home, as do numerous baboon troops.
POSTERS:
Sani Wildlife has produced a set of posters of the mammals, Birds, reptiles and Flowers of the area. These are on display at the Good Hope Heritage Site at the foot of Sani Pass and at Himeville Nature Reserve. A4 and poster sizes are available from Sani Wildlife and can be freighted to you.
More about the birds
Grab your binoculars and join the popular activity of bird watching!
The Southern Drakensberg has a number of unique species that birders come from all over South Africa and abroad to see. Spot the majestic raptors, vultures, cranes and bustards in our diverse habitat. The most sought-after species in the Southern Drakensberg Mountains and Lesotho are the Drakensberg Siskin, Drakensberg Rockjumper, Mountain Pipit, Bearded Vulture, Gurneys Sugarbird and Ground Woodpecker. In the mist-belt forests and mist-belt grasslands of Ixopo, Donnybrook and Bulwer, the most charismatic species are Cape Parrot, Orange Ground Thrush and the nearing local extinction, Blue Swallow. In the upland grasslands look for Wattled, Blue and Grey-crowned Cranes, Denham’s Bustard and Secretary Bird. Several other interesting grassland birds such as the frustratingly difficult Striped Flufftail can be found here.
The region is well supplied with roads and you can explore it on your own or use a registered bird tour guide to make sure all the specials on your wish list can be ticked off!
MZIMKULU VULTURE HIDE
Launched in early 2024, the vulture hide was created to support endangered Vulture conservation through a Vulture Safe Feeding Zone. The hide is a hub of activity and a bird-lover’s paradise. Located in the heart of the southern Drakensberg, the Mzimkulu Vulture Hide is fitted with one-way glass designed for clear photography and allows up to six guests to comfortably view and photograph endangered Vultures, as well other birds, for a good cause. Exquisite mountainous backdrops, comfortable seating, darkened windows and a few electrical plug points for recharging camera batteries and phones, make for an enjoyable experience. The Hide is also equipped with educational material to ensure visitors leave having learnt more about conservation and wildlife in the region.
POSTERS:
Sani Wildlife has produced a set of posters of the mammals, Birds, reptiles and Flowers of the area. These are on display at the Good Hope Heritage Site at the foot of Sani Pass and at Himeville Nature Reserve. A4 and poster sizes are available from Sani Wildlife and can be freighted to you.
more about the plants
“The peace of the hills and mountains is best sought in the company of flowers. The rarefied but pure air of the Drakensberg stimulates all the senses, breeding a lazy contentment that enables the mind to attune itself to beauty. The smallest flower in the smallest cranny is as much a part of the unique Berg experience as the achievement of its tallest peaks.”
“The dramatic landscape of the Drakensberg and the harsh climate of the highlands of Lesotho account for the remarkable diverse plant life with about 2200 species and almost 400 endemics (plants found only in this area and nowhere else in the world), leading to the area’s recognition as one of the world’s “hotspots”, a centre of plant diversity of global importance.”
Being such a special place, make sure you gain enjoyment of the area’s flora during your hike or drive into the Park. Something is flowering somewhere at almost any time of the year, but spring is best at the lower altitudes and the higher you climb, the later that the flowers are at their peak.
Sani Wildlife branch of WESSA (The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa) run the annual Sani Pass Flower Walk which gives access to the best the Berg has to offer in the company of expert botanists at the peak time of the year for the flowers. Elsa Pooley, the doyen of botanists often leads these hikes which bring enthusiasts back year after year.
POSTERS:
Sani Wildlife has produced a set of posters of the mammals, Birds, reptiles and Flowers of the area. These are on display at the Good Hope Heritage Site at the foot of Sani Pass and at Himeville Nature Reserve. A4 and poster sizes are available from Sani Wildlife and can be freighted to you.