What is your favorite bird species?
My favorite bird species is the Drakensberg Rockjumper. It is a special bird of our high mountains, very beautiful and active. I enjoy showing visitors this species because it represents the unique biodiversity of our alpine grasslands.
What is your name, and where do you live?
My name is Mokamoli Motlomelo, and I live near Sehlabathebe National Park in Lesotho. This area is part of the Maloti highlands and is one of the most important birding regions in southern Africa.
What are the main regions or locations you cover as a bird guide?
I guide mainly in Sehlabathebe National Park and the surrounding highland areas, which are part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park. I also guide in nearby grasslands, wetlands, and mountain slopes where many endemic and special bird species can be found.
How long have you been a bird guide?
I have been working as a bird guide for twenty years. During this time, I have gained strong experience in identifying local species and helping visitors enjoy the birds and landscapes of our region.
How did you get into bird guiding?
I became interested in birds while growing up in this area. I spent a lot of time outdoors and noticed many different species. Later, I received training and developed my knowledge, and guiding became my profession and passion.
Ground Woodpecker
What are the aspects of being a bird guide that you like best? Which aspects do you dislike most?
I enjoy meeting people from different countries and sharing knowledge about our birds and environment. It makes me proud to help visitors see rare and special species. The most difficult aspect is sometimes the weather in the mountains, which can change quickly and make guiding challenging.
What are the top 5–10 birds in your region that are the most interesting for visiting birders?
Some of the most interesting birds in my region include:
- Drakensberg Rockjumper
- Mountain Pipit
- Bearded Vulture
- Cape Vulture
- Sentinel Rock Thrush
- Malachite Sunbird
- African Stone Chat
- Southern Bald Ibis
- Blue Crane
- Ground Woodpecker
These species attract many international birders because some are endemic or difficult to see elsewhere.
Malachite Sunbird
Can you outline at least one typical birdwatching trip in your area?
A typical birdwatching trip starts early in the morning in Sehlabathebe National Park. We walk through alpine grasslands and rocky slopes to look for species such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Mountain Pipit, and Buff-streaked Chat. Later, we visit cliffs where vultures such as Bearded Vulture and Cape Vulture can be seen. We may also visit wetlands to look for waterbirds. A typical trip lasts about half a day or a full day, depending on the visitor’s interest.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in your area?
Birders should bring warm clothing because the mountain weather can be cold, even in summer. Good walking shoes, binoculars, and a camera are important. The best seasons are spring and summer, when bird activity is highest, and many species are breeding.
If any readers of 10,000 Birds are interested in birding with you, how can they best contact you?
They can contact me through WhatsApp (+266 58185575), birdlifelesotho.org, or community guiding groups in Sehlabathebe. I am always happy to guide visitors and help them find special birds.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Sehlabathebe is a unique and beautiful place with special birds and landscapes. Visiting this area not only gives great birding opportunities but also supports local communities and conservation. Visitors are always welcome.
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