This blog was written by Adam Cruickshank on 9 May 2025.
I stood gazing into the treetops. Just a few meters away, I could hear the gruff call again and again. Despite their bold coloration, Narina Trogons are masters of concealment. When they turn their backs on you, they seem to vanish into their surroundings. That is why, even though the species is relatively common in the right habitat, it remains high on many birders’ wish lists. The call was so close that I did not need to lift my binoculars. Eventually, I spotted the bird, just a few meters away. I was standing almost eye to eye with one of the region’s most beautiful species.
It was not the first time I had seen a Narina Trogon, but seeing it at eye level is an experience you do not forget. It is a privilege that not every birder gets to enjoy.
Although many who visit South Africa choose destinations like Cape Town and Kruger National Park, KwaZulu-Natal is a region every serious birder should visit.
KwaZulu-Natal’s remarkable birdlife, with more than 650 recorded species, is a result of its incredible habitat diversity and location along South Africa’s eastern seaboard. Within a single province, you will find everything from mangrove-lined estuaries and sweeping coastal dunes to mistbelt forests, high-altitude grasslands, and the rugged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains. Zululand’s rich savanna and wetlands further cement the region as one of Africa’s top birding destinations.
While many birders opt for multi-day tours around the province, time constraints mean others look for day trips. KwaZulu-Natal delivers on that front, offering some of the best birdwatching near Durban, with many birding day trips in KwaZulu-Natal producing over 100 species in a single outing. In this article, I will share what I consider the seven top birding spots in South Africa for a day trip, specifically focusing on birding day trips in KwaZulu-Natal. Of course, a “day trip” can mean different things to different people, as some are happy to travel much farther than others. For context, all of the destinations I mention are within a two-hour drive from King Shaka International Airport, located just north of Durban.
1. Dlinza Forest Boardwalk
Dlinza Forest is not only one of the most beautiful forests to explore, but it’s also one of the best birdwatching destinations near Durban, popular with birders looking for rewarding day trips from the city. Situated just one and a half hours from King Shaka International Airport, it is considered one of KwaZulu-Natal’s best-kept secrets, although it’s hard to keep that secret once you’ve experienced it for yourself.
The Dlinza Forest Boardwalk is a 410-foot (125-meter) walkway located in Dlinza Forest in Eshowe. The boardwalk is elevated 32 feet (10 meters) above the forest floor and leads to a 65-foot-high (20-meter-high) steel tower, offering spectacular views over the forest canopy and the surrounding landscape. Many local photographers know this as one of the best places in South Africa to get eye-level shots of species that are typically seen only by craning your neck skyward.
The forest itself is a 620-acre (250-hectare) indigenous scarp forest and is considered one of the most important in southern Africa in terms of unique biodiversity.
As my story in the introduction shows, this is an incredible place to see species such as the exquisite Narina Trogon at eye level. But the bird list doesn’t stop there. The site has recorded nearly 100 species, including Knysna and Purple-crested Turacos, Olive Woodpecker, Trumpeter Hornbill, Crowned Eagle, and Eastern Bronze-naped Pigeon. With patience, you can get photos of these species that are hard to capture anywhere else.
The Dlinza Forest Boardwalk offers birders eye-level views of spectacular species like the Narina Trogon.
Two additional forest trails wind through the area, and along these paths, look out for species such as Spotted Ground Thrush, Olive Woodpecker, Chorister Robin-Chat, Green Twinspot, and African Wood Owl.
Eshowe itself offers fantastic birding, with notable species including White-backed Night Heron, Eastern Nicator, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, African Broadbill, African Finfoot, Southern Ground Hornbill, and, if you’re lucky, Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. While Dlinza Forest Boardwalk makes for a rewarding day trip, consider extending your visit to include nearby gems like Ongoye Forest, home to the range-restricted Green Barbet, and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. uMhlanga Nature Reserve
For those looking for easy-access birding day trips in KwaZulu-Natal, uMhlanga Nature Reserve offers diverse habitats and excellent birding opportunities close to Durban. This small coastal reserve is located just 25 minutes from King Shaka International Airport. The 1.2-mile (2-kilometre) trail winds through the 65-acre (26-hectare) reserve, passing through a wetland, a dune forest, and finally out onto the beach. A wooden boardwalk makes birding in the wetland area easy and accessible. This section is great for spotting Southern Brown-throated, Thick-billed, and Eastern Golden Weavers, as well as Red-headed Quelea. Often first detected by their calls, listen out for Common Reed and Lesser Swamp Warblers, along with a few of the less common warbler species.
The trail then leads into the forest, which is fantastic for birding. Listen for Marsh Warbler as you move through the first section. Further along, expect to hear the clicking calls of Green-backed Camaroptera and the beautiful, musical notes of Dark-backed Weaver. The forest is a good spot for both African Paradise Flycatcher and Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher—often best located by their calls before you spot them. Also, listen for the haunting call of the elusive Buff-spotted Flufftail.
The path eventually reaches the beach, where you can explore the Ohlanga River’s lagoon and mouth. This area is excellent for shorebirds in summer and even for spotting pelagic birds beyond the breakers. Look out for Common Greenshank, Common and Sandwich Terns, Grey Plover, Sanderling, Little Stint, African Oystercatcher, Ruddy Turnstone, Terek Sandpiper, Eurasian Whimbrel, and Tibetan Sand Plover. Scan the ocean beyond the breakers for pelagic species such as Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, Subantarctic Skua, and Cape Gannet. A spotting scope is highly recommended here to help you separate tricky tern and shorebird species.
3. Umbogavango Nature Reserve
Umbogavango is one of the best birding day trips near Durban and a hidden gem for birders visiting KwaZulu-Natal. Situated only one hour south of King Shaka International Airport, Umbogavango Nature Reserve is fast becoming one of Durban’s most popular nature reserves.
The reserve was created when both stormwater and AECI industrial wastewater canals were converted into a series of dams. It features well-maintained trails that wind through coastal forest and a small exotic tree plantation. One of the standout features is the three bird hides built along the water’s edge, allowing birders and photographers to enjoy close-up views of the birds attracted to these nutrient-rich waters.
Although the reserve is located alongside an industrial area, once you are on the trails, it’s easy to forget how close you are to the city. This is one of the best places in Durban to see the sought-after Magpie Mannikin. As you cross the bridges, keep an eye out for Mountain Wagtails on the rocks in the streams, and you might be lucky enough to spot Half-collared Kingfishers. The reedbeds are often alive with the sounds of various warbler species.
Other notable birds you can expect include Green Twinspot, Tambourine Dove, White-eared Barbet, Red-backed Mannikin, Crowned Eagle, and Black Sparrowhawk. In winter, the reserve is a reliable spot for Spotted Ground Thrush.
The reserve is access-controlled, so prior arrangements must be made before visiting. Contact the AECI Security offices on +27 31 949 2111 to arrange access.
Umbogavango Nature Reserve is one of the most reliable spots in the Durban area to see Spotted Ground Thrush.
The Amanzimtoti area, where the reserve is located, also offers several excellent estuaries for shorebirds. In summer, these often host large tern roosts. Look out for species such as Pink-backed Pelican, Giant Kingfisher, Grey Plover, Sandwich Tern, Caspian Tern, Greater Crested Tern, Goliath Heron, and both Reed and White-breasted Cormorants. An interesting fact is that the estuary at Illovo holds the only confirmed record of a Christmas Island Frigatebird on the African continent. You never know what might turn up!
4. Umdoni Park
Heading further south, Umdoni Park is just one and a half hours from King Shaka International Airport. The park is a 518-acre (210-hectare) conservation area nestled within the Umdoni Park Golf Course. The area is well maintained, with clear signage providing information about the species found here, allowing visitors to enjoy an interactive experience.
There is a wide network of paths throughout the reserve, offering routes of varying difficulty. This reserve is a good location for both Green Malkoha and Scaly-throated Honeyguide. Both species can often be located by listening for their calls as you make your way along the paths. Other species seen in the park include Narina Trogon, Brown Scrub Robin, Crowned Eagle, Knysna Turaco, Lemon Dove, and White-starred Robin in winter.
It is well worth spending time at the Conservation Centre, where Green Twinspot and Knysna Turaco are often seen. I have had some fantastic sightings of Spotted Ground Thrush along the path leading up to the Conservation Centre. Be sure to scan the trees around the center for African Green Pigeon and Trumpeter Hornbill. For those who are fitter, the paths along the top of the valley provide incredible views over the area. These spots are often great places to watch raptors soaring through the valley. The deck in front of the clubhouse can also be productive for seawatching, especially in winter. Look out for species such as Cape Gannet and Indian Yellow-nosed Albatross, which are sometimes seen flying over the sea.
For those with more time, consider booking a few extra days to visit Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve for Knysna Woodpecker. Birding around the Harding area in summer is also worthwhile for the endangered Blue Swallow, which nests on some of the farms in the region.
5. Thurlow Nature Reserve
This reserve is exactly two hours from King Shaka International Airport, but it is well worth the drive. Thurlow Nature Reserve is an inland reserve situated along the banks of Midmar Dam, a popular destination for fishermen and boating enthusiasts. The dam is also famous as the venue for the Midmar Mile swimming race. The good news is that Thurlow Nature Reserve is much quieter than the main Midmar Dam Resort. For birders, this is truly a destination worth visiting, with its abundance of drab and often tricky-to-identify cisticolas and pipits.
A main road winds through different areas of the dam, giving birders access to a variety of habitats where they can search for waterbirds as well as grassland species. Over the years, this has become one of my favorite places to bird, with many memorable sightings—including a large flock of Marsh Owls flushed out of the grass by a Secretarybird. When it comes to cisticolas, keep an eye out for Levaillant’s, Zitting, Pale–crowned, Croaking, and Wing-snapping Cisticola. Lucky birders have also spotted Cuckoo Finch in the reserve, often perched along the fence lines. It is possible to see all three of the region’s crane species here: Blue, Grey-crowned, and Wattled Crane. African Marsh Harrier is often seen gliding over the grasslands, while Black-winged Kite is frequently spotted hovering in place with its distinctive flight style. Be sure to scan carefully for Denham’s Bustard, too, which can be surprisingly difficult to spot despite its size.
The dam itself is excellent for waterbirds, with regular sightings of African Jacana, African Rail, Red-knobbed Coot, South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, African Darter, and Yellow-billed Duck.
For those looking to extend their trip and add even more species, consider heading up to Sani Pass. This breathtaking drive up the world-famous pass offers the chance to tick off species such as Drakensberg Rockjumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, and Bush Blackcap.
6. Mtunzini
The small southern Zululand town of Mtunzini is situated just over an hour from King Shaka International Airport. The town is a fantastic place to connect with some of the region’s most sought-after species. Palm-nut Vulture can usually be seen quite easily in town, with the Raphia Palm Monument being the best place to spot them. Take time to scan the trees along the top of the railway line for the highly sought-after Southern Banded Snake Eagle. The town is also a good location to see Spotted Ground Thrush in winter.
Umlalazi Nature Reserve, located in Mtunzini, is the best place in South Africa to see Mangrove Kingfisher, which is usually present between April and September. While exploring the reserve, be sure to scan the waterways that meander through the area, as this is a reliable spot for the secretive African Finfoot. In summer, the exposed mudflats are excellent for shorebirds. Look out for Sanderling, Little Stint, Three-banded Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Ruff, and Eurasian Whimbrel.
Umlalazi Nature Reserve is the best place in South Africa to see Mangrove Kingfisher during the winter months.
The reserve also offers excellent forest birding, with species such as White-eared Barbet, Purple-crested Turaco, Terrestrial Brownbul, Grey, Olive, and Purple-banded Sunbirds, Black-throated Wattle-eye, and Green Malkoha. The reedbeds in the reserve will add more species to your list, including Rufous-winged Cisticola, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, and Eastern Golden Weaver.
There are also productive birding areas just outside of town where species like White-backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, and Black Coucal can be seen. Mtunzini, with its good infrastructure including restaurants, accommodation, and shops, provides the perfect base from which to start exploring deeper into Zululand. (Read about birding in Zululand in this article)
7. Karkloof Conservation Centre
Situated just 20 minutes outside the popular town of Howick, you will find the Karkloof Conservation Centre. Howick is home to the famous Howick Falls, the second-highest waterfall in South Africa. The deck overlooking the waterfall is a great spot to watch for Alpine Swift and Peregrine Falcon.
Along with Dlinza Forest Boardwalk, this is probably one of the best places for bird photography within two hours of the airport. The conservancy was established by a group of local farmers, foresters, and landowners who wanted to protect the area’s biodiversity. One of the key species behind the foundation of the conservancy is the Wattled Crane. Early mornings and late afternoons are a great time to see this crane species, as well as Grey-crowned Crane and Blue Crane, all of which are possible at the center.
The Karkloof Conservancy is a prime location for photographing the endangered Wattled Crane.
What makes the conservancy such a worthwhile visit for both birders and photographers are the two well-maintained bird hides. The hides overlook the wetlands, giving you excellent views of the waterbirds that frequent the center. From the hides, look out for species such as White-faced Whistling Duck, South African Shelduck, Red-billed Teal, Black Crake, African and Lesser Jacanas, Reed and White-breasted Cormorants, African Black, Yellow-billed,and White-backed Ducks, African Swamphen, and African Darter.
Keep an eye on the power lines outside the center as you drive in during summer, as this is often a good place to see Amur Falcon and, if you are lucky, Red-footed Falcon. Listen for the call of the African Fish Eagle echoing over the wetlands.
If you have more time to explore, Benvie Gardens offers excellent birding. It is probably the best place in South Africa to see Orange Ground Thrush, along with species such as Lemon Dove, White-starred Robin, and Buff-spotted Flufftail. As you drive up to the gardens, watch for Forest Buzzard.
As you can see, the Durban area offers some of the best birdwatching in the country, with fantastic day trips that cater to every level of birder. These are just a few of the incredible spots you can explore, which is why we highly recommend booking a Birding Ecotours guide to help you make the most of your time. Our guides have expert local knowledge and know exactly where to find many of the more elusive species. If you only have a day available, let us help you maximize it by targeting the best locations and species for your interests.
Get in touch with us to arrange a guided trip to any of the places mentioned, or let us help you craft a personalized birding experience tailored to your goals. Contact us at [email protected] to start planning your adventure.
