Amanzimtoti – It is a cross between Durban’s Botanic Gardens and what the Japanese Gardens used to look like in its heyday.
It has a wetland ecosystem, and hilly terrain you think you would only find in a major nature reserve.
Such is the beauty of the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary – it’s a pity the municipality does not market this little green gem more.
I had expected to find a set up similar to the nearby Umgeni River Bird Park, but as field ranger Blessing Majoka points out, they don’t keep birds in captivity.
The sanctuary is made up of a small dam on a river that runs into aManzimtoti lagoon, a coastal forest, and a pretty lawn area with braai and picnic facilities.
“We are the perfect place for birds and for people to come and relax,” said Majoka.
The Ilongwe trail takes bird watchers on a path around the sanctuary, where you cross wooden bridges and walk under a canopy of trees. You almost forget you are a few metres away from the N2 freeway.
“Many people who live around the area don’t know we’re here. We would love to have more visitors to come and enjoy nature here.”
As there are no birds in captivity, you have to keep your ears open more than your eyes.
“You mostly hear the birds, rather than see them. They can be sitting at the top of a tree, but from its call a bird watcher will be able to tell you its species,” Majoka said.
While we were there, we spotted Egyptian geese making their way into the water, and a Malachite kingfisher flying low across the water looking for food.
Water birds such as Pink-backed pelicans and herons can be found near the dam, while forest birds stay close to the wild grape and fig trees.
“We also have a palm nut tree which attracts the palm nut vulture,” said Majoka.
He and his team are putting together a list of the species that can be found at the sanctuary, and it currently sits at 107.
“We are also working on a project this year to build a hide near the dam, so that birdwatchers can photograph them without being seen.”
On Wednesdays, volunteers from the Amanzimtoti Trauma Unit sell tea, coffee, cream scones and toasted sandwiches to raise funds. Entrance is free. For further information call 031 903 1203.
Sunday Tribune