Published: 24-Dec-2019
Birding Accommodation in Wilderness
Treedom Villas is located in the heart of the Garden Route, and is the ideal base for you to discover the remarkable birds that are found here and nowhere else in the world. Bring your binoculars, camera and zoom lens and experience the amazing endemic birdlife of South Africa whilst enjoying your holiday in the magnificent treehouse luxury villa at Treedom.
Endemic species of bird found in the Garden Route
Wilderness protects three major zones of indigenous forest, four types of Fynbos (wild shrubs), lakes and winding waterways. This wooded and subtropical region is home to an abundance of colourful birds. There are approximately 32 endemic species of bird found in the Garden Route.
Best lakes for birding in the Wilderness
Rondevlei, Langvlei, Eilandvlei and Serpentine wetlands forms part of an internationally proclaimed RAMSAR site and an abundance of wetland birds can be seen at the Rondevlei Bird Hide. There are also bird hides at Langvlei (the Malachite Kingfisher bird hide) and along the Touw River (the Gallinule Bird hide).
These hides are excellent places to search for secretive, wetland birds such as Red-chested Flufftail and African Rail.
Commonly seen birds are Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe (Dabchick), Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, Reed Cormorant, Purple Heron, African Fish Eagle and the Malachite Kingfisher, to name a few.
Forest birding in Wilderness
The Wilderness National Park offers several tranquil paths through the forest with easy access to an excellent selection of forest birds, including the beautiful Knysna Lourie (Turaco). The most conspicuous species in the forest are Bar-throated Apalis and Green-backed Bleating Warblers. Familiarise yourself with the calls of canopy bird species. Listen and patiently wait and you will see the Black-headed Oriole, Narina Trogon, Grey Cuckooshrike, Scaly-throated Honeyguide, Black-bellied Starling, Knysna Lourie and Red-billed Woodhoopoe.
Excellent forest birding can also be enjoyed in Woodville Forest. All the birds listed for the Wilderness forests occur here, including the Starred Robin, Knysna Woodpecker and Knysna Warbler. At the edges of the forest look our for Forest Canary, Swee Waxbill and Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Click here for a list of all the Birds of Wilderness National Park.
References
Back to Things to do when holidaying in Wilderness
Useful links: A Luxury Villa on the Garden Route; Treehouse villa in Wilderness; Rates for our Treehouse Villa; Things to do in Wilderness; About Treedom; Visit Treedom