The AmaJuba Birding Meander

The Amajuba Birding Meander offers a wide range of activities for the birding enthusiast, particularly for species where "grassveld meets the berg".  A whole range of species, normally associated with grassveld, bushveld and mountain habitats, are to be found in this region.

Besides the obvious advantages of having a wide variety of birds in the region, several other activities are offered.  These include visits to several significant battlefield sites, hiking horse riding and 4x4 trails.  The Amajuba Birding Meander region is also a significant bass and trout fishing area.

Several significant bird watching destinations are described on this website.  These include the Newcastle Sewerage Works, Chelmsford Nature Reserve, Moorfield, The Balele Reserve at Utrecht, Botha's, Muller's and Normandien passes, Seekoeivlei at Memel and of course, Wakkerstroom.  Close to 400 species of birds have been identified within the Amajuba Birding Meander and this is growing continually.

According to the 2000 Eskom Red Data Book, the area has 3 critically endangered species, 13 vulnerable species and 18 near threatened species.  Some of the special birds of the area include the Ground Woodpecker, Blue Korhaan, Botha's and Rudd's Lark, all three of the Cranes, Buffstreaked Chat, Bush Blackcap, Yellowbreasted Pipit, Palecrowned Cisticola, the Black Egret, all five of the Harriers and most of the Kestrels.

The Meander has been developed to give birdwatchers easier access to most of the wonderful birds to be found in the region.  BirdLife Northern Natal can facilitate access to a variety of types of accommodation an dedicated tour guides can be organized.

Amajuba Birding Specials include Blue Crane, Bush Blackcap, Little Bittern, Eastern Redfooted Kestrel, Greywinged Francolin, Rudd's Lark, Buffstreaked Chat, Bothas Lark, Blacknecked Grebe, Yellow breasted Pipit, Bald Ibis and Wattled Cranes.