Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge (please only name one species)?
Knysna Turaco, Tauraco corythaix (Afrikaans: Knysnaloerie)
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Birders Haven, working closely together with Pabala Nature Reserve and Venue. Started June 2024.
How best to travel to your lodge?
Best by road. There are two options :
- Report to the Lodge at Pabala Nature reserve and Venue (Tar Road to the front gate of the lodge reception), https://www.pabala.co.za
- Drive directly to the Birder Havens lodge. (This will, however, entail a 3km gravel road). https://maps.app.goo.gl/1qAMkwmYfg2astos5?g_st=ipc
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
There is a daily guided drive when booked at the lodge with a 4 x 4 game viewer. Some of the roads can be a bit challenging with your own vehicles, and access will be limited to some of the valleys and indigenous flora areas.
What makes your lodge special?
Nestled in the breathtaking rolling hills of Lorrie’s Nature Valleys, Birders Haven is a true paradise for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
With both spectacular sunrises and sunsets surrounded by diverse biospheres, vibrant flora, including an abundance of Fynbos and various Proteas species, to mention a few, our lodge offers a unique experience along the scenic Gamtoos River. Highlighting its rich history, the reserve features natural water channels dating back to the Anglo-Boer War, creating ideal habitats for a variety of birds. Visitors can enjoy daily sightings of raptors such as Jackal Buzzards, Black-winged Kites, Ravens, Common Buzzards, Black Harriers, and many more, of which some nest on the reserve.
Birders Haven is a captivating destination where nature’s beauty and avian wonders come together in perfect harmony.
What are the 10 – 20 most interesting birds that your lodge offers good chances to see?
- Cape Sugarbird (Promerops cafer), Afrikaans: Kaapse Suikervoël
- Knysna Turaco (Tauraco corythaix), Afrikaans: Knysnaloerie
- Malachite Sunbird (Nectarinia famosa), Afrikaans: Jangroentjie
- Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina), Afrikaans: Swartsuikerbekkie
- Greater Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris afer), Afrikaans: Groot-rooibandsuikerbekkie
- Southern Double-collared Sunbird (Cinnyris chalybeus), Afrikaans: Klein-rooibandsuikerbekkie
- Collared Sunbird (Hedydipna collaris), Afrikaans: Kortbeksuikerbekkie
- Cardinal Woodpecker (Dendropicos fuscescens), Afrikaans: Kardinaalspeg
- Olive Woodpecker (Dendropicos griseocephalus), Afrikaans: Gryskopspeg
- Knysna Woodpecker (Campethera notata), Afrikaans: Knysnaspeg
- Lesser Honeyguide (Indicator minor), Afrikaans: Kleinheuningwyser
- Greater Honeyguide (Indicator indicator), Afrikaans: Grootheuningwyser
- White-necked Raven (Corvus albicollis), Afrikaans: Withalskraai
- Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus), Afrikaans: Rooiborsjakkalsvoël
- Common (Steppe) Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Afrikaans: Bruinjakkalsvoël
- Black-winged Kite (Elanus caeruleus), Afrikaans: Blouvalk
- Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Afrikaans: Swartwou
- Little Sparrowhawk (Accipiter minullus), Afrikaans: Kleinsperwer
- Black-headed Oriole (Oriolus larvatus), Afrikaans: Swartkopwielewaal
- Bar-throated Apalis (Apalis thoracica), Afrikaans: Bandkeelkleinjantjie
- Yellow-breasted Apalis (Apalis flavida), Afrikaans: Geelborskleinjantjie
- African Firefinch (Lagonosticta rubricata), Afrikaans: Kaapse Vuurvinkie
- Bokmakierie (Telophorus zeylonus), Afrikaans: Bokmakierie
- Crowned Hornbill (Lophoceros alboterminatus), Afrikaans: Gekroonde Neushoringvoël
- African Fish Eagle (Icthyophaga vocifer), Afrikaans: Visarend
- Brown-hooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris), Afrikaans: Bruinkopvisvanger
- Long-crested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis), Afrikaans: Langkuifarend
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
Due to the many habitats, Birders Haven is an awesome lodge to visit throughout the year.
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts? If yes, please describe them.
Located on Pabala Nature Reserve, the Adopt a Hive project plays a vital role in bee conservation and raising awareness about the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Through proactive efforts, we demonstrate that instead of eradicating swarms, we can establish hives to protect and secure the future of these essential pollinators. In today’s world, where bee populations face numerous threats, this initiative offers a sustainable solution that benefits both the environment and society, helping to preserve the vital role bees play in maintaining healthy ecosystems and food security.
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Pabala Nature Reserve offers vast open spaces perfect for exploring on foot, as well as scheduled game and bird drives that reveal the stunning diversity of our area. To make the most of your visit, here are some helpful suggestions on what to bring and do:
- Comfortable Footwear & Support: Bring sturdy walking boots and a walking stick to comfortably navigate the loose, rocky roads and uneven tracks.
- Sun Protection: The open landscape means plenty of sun exposure. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, cap, and sun protection lotion to stay comfortable during your adventures.
- Stay Hydrated: The remote location makes it essential to carry enough water for both on-foot and vehicle excursions.
- Photography & Birding Gear: A comfortable camera or binoculars with a good strap are ideal. A telephoto lens with excellent reach will greatly enhance your birding experience.
- Using Birding ID apps, ensure they have offline capability or revert to good birding books.
- Layered Clothing: Mornings and late afternoons can be quite chilly, especially in winter. Pack warm gloves, socks, a beanie, and a jacket to stay cozy during early morning and late afternoon drives.
- Evening & Nighttime: As the day winds down, the clear skies offer incredible opportunities for astrophotography. Don’t forget to bring your star-gazing gear and enjoy the breathtaking night skies.
- Additional Essentials: A small backpack for your gear, insect repellent, and a notebook for bird sightings can also enhance your experience.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, and you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of Pabala’s stunning landscapes and vibrant birdlife. We look forward to welcoming passionate birders and nature lovers alike!
Do you have activities for non-birders? If so, please describe.
- Honey Tasting
- Bee Experience – Participate in or explore this fascinating adventure that is a daily activity on the reserve
- Gin Tasting
- Hiking routes
- Restaurant
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
https://www.pabala.co.za
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
The first bird hide is in action at Pabala Nature Reserve. Initiated by Birders Haven – an awesome place to visit as part of your visit to Birders Haven.
Leave a Comment