One of the many things the Garden Route is renowned for is its natural wonder. Forests seemingly at every corner, wetlands, kilometres of pristine beaches, and a rugged landscape make Plettenberg Bay a gem amongst holidaygoers.
But Plett has a little something extra to provide visitors, especially those who love sweet songs and the sound of fluttering wings.
Plettenberg Bay is a favourite among bird-watching enthusiasts, thanks to its diverse habitats that support a wide variety of bird species. South Africa’s national bird, the blue crane, has been spotted stalking the wetlands. While the Knysna Turacos has captured the attention of regular bird watchers.
If you’re thinking of visiting Plett, don’t forget to bring your binoculars.
Why Plettenberg Bay is Perfect for Birdwatching
Plettenberg Bay is often referred to as the “Jewel of the Garden Route,” and for birders, that’s exactly the case. Plettenberg Bay offers incredible biodiversity, with wetlands and estuaries like the Keurbooms River and Bitou Lagoon host to waders, herons, kingfishers, and African Fish Eagles. When exploring the area’s indigenous fauna, you’ll hear the sweet melodies of the Knysna Turacos, Narina Trogons, and Cape Batis, which thrive in these shaded environments. Fynbos-covered hills are home to the mesmerising sunbird, sugarbird, and small passerines, making the colourful fynbos blooms even more captivating.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced birder, Plettenberg Bay offers easy walking trails, elevated boardwalks, and guided tours for an immersive experience. Bird lovers might enjoy a sundowner at a local hangout and spot a Knysna Turaco, or spend the day at Robberg Nature Reserve watching Cape Oystercatchers and sunbirds in their natural habitat. The possibilities are endless!
Tips for Successful Birdwatching Experience
Whether you’re a seasoned birder or a casual enthusiast, a little preparation goes a long way to making your birdwatching trips in Plettenberg Bay more rewarding.
Go Early or Late: Birds are most active in the early morning and late afternoon, making it the perfect time for a peaceful and abundant experience.
Bring the Right Gear: Binoculars are essential for spotting birds in trees, cliffs, or across estuaries. If you’re a photographer, a camera with a zoom lens is great for capturing colourful birds and those elusive species.
Dress Appropriately: No one enjoys getting heatstroke or shivering in the cold! Wear comfortable shoes for trails and broadwalks, a hat and sunscreen for those sweltering summer days, and some insect repellant for longer excursions – it always comes in handy!
Be Patient: This is possibly the most important part of birdwatching! Birds can be shy or hide in foliage, so be quiet, patient and observant.
Respect Nature: Keep a safe distance from birds and wildlife. Avoid loud noises and sudden movements to prevent disturbing them.
Birdwatching Spots in Plettenberg Bay
Robberg Nature Reserve
Robberg Nature Reserve combines dramatic cliffs and indigenous fynbos with spectacular ocean views. It’s a wonderful destination for hikers of all ages and fitness levels searching for scenic and safe hiking trails, but especially great for birdwatching. The area is home to a protected breeding colony of kelp gulls, known as the ‘Robberg Seagull Nursery,’ a must-see for anyone exploring the reserve’s trails.
Robberg’s indigenous fauna and flora also attract a few fynbos-loving creatures, such as the Sunbird and the Karoo Prinia. Along with these exquisite birds, there are a variety of seabirds that have been known to frequent the area, including the white-breasted cormorant and the rare African Black Oystercatcher, which both use this area as a breeding ground. While birds may be the goal, don’t forget to check out the Cape Fur Seal colony, which calls this area home.
Birds of Eden
Birds of Eden is the world’s first free flight aviary with over 3500 birds from over 220 species. The aviary spans roughly 2.3 hectares with about 1.2 kilometres of walkways, much of it elevated through the forest canopy. Many of the birds that call this sanctuary home were caged or kept as pets, but now are able to live freely in a vast and natural habitat. This is a great experience for families with children, or for those who want to enjoy wildlife while supporting conservation efforts. Get up close and personal with species you may not easily spot in the wild while enjoying a relaxed, educational experience.
Bitouvlei Birding Route in the Wittedrift Valley
The Bitouvlei Birding Route, set in the scenic Wittedrift Valley just outside Plettenberg Bay, is a hidden gem for birdwatchers of all levels. This birding route consists of four distinct biospheres that form habitats for a large number of seasonal and local birds. Birdlife here includes waterfowl and waders such as Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Common Greenshank and Little Egret, especially when the panda holds shallow water. Early mornings and late afternoons are both great times to spot some of the locals as they’re most active during this time.
Fynbos Ridge Nature Reserve
Nestled between rugged mountain ranges and indigenous fynbos lies Fynbos Ridge. Our Plettenberg Bay accommodation offers a rustic, natural environment with scenic vistas and the perfect indigenous habitat for local birds. Guests can listen to the flutter of bird wings from our accommodation’s balcony and verandas, or hit the trails armed with your camera and birdbooks. This is a great location for amateur photographers as many of the birds that you’ll spot around Fynbos Ridge are partially habituated. The Turaco (Knysna Loerie), Cape Sugarbird, Cape Weavers, Forest Canaries, and Double Collared Sunbird have all been spotted in the garden. There have even been sightings of Fish Eagles! Fynbos Ridge is a great destination if you’re looking for birding opportunities a little closer to your home-away-from home.
Plettenberg Bay is a paradise for bird lovers of all ages. With so many habitats and species waiting to be discovered, there’s no better time to explore the skies, forests, and estuaries of the Garden Route.
Book your stay at Fynbos Ridge and enjoy a comfortable Plett accommodation with the natural wonders of nature right outside.
