Naudesnek Pass
At 2 587 m this is the second highest pass in South Africa and also one of the more spectacular. The two Naude brothers, Stefanus and Gabriel, pegged this pass on horses and a start was made on construction using picks, spades and Scotscart in 1896. It was completed under the direction of roads engineer, George Mandy in 1911.
Birds to look out when driving from Rhodes to the top are: Drakensberg Rockjumpers, Drakensberg Siskin, Drakensberg Prinia, Cape and Bearded Vultures, Black Harriers, Rock and Mountain Pipits, Ground Woodpeckers and Grey-winged Francolin.
Bearded Vultures – Barry Kurten
Grey-winged Francolin – Barry Kurten
When descending from the top to Maclear look out for Gurney’s Sugarbird in the Proteas next to the road.
Gurney’s Sugarbird – Corné Erasmus
Approximately 11 kms from Maclear on your right hand side, (when coming from Naudesnek), there is a vlei and a bit further on, a dam. Look out for Grey Crowned Cranes and if lucky, Wattled Cranes.
The pass is only suitable for vehicles with high ground clearance. Enquire at Maclear or Rhodes info centre (info@rhodesinfo.co.za ) as to the condition of the road. Allow at least 4 hours (rather more) if birding between Maclear and Rhodes.
Loch Ness
Loch Ness, a dam near the Tiffindell Ski Resort, on the Ben McDhui plateau at 2 555m above sea-level is the highest, self-sustaining, wild trout fishery and one of, if not the highest, dam in the country. It has a healthy population of water-fowl representative of the species in the area. Being at least 25 kms from the nearest still water, only the birds would know how they found it after it was constructed in 1997!
Other than the Naudesnek route, a birdwatching trip to the dam is an experience unlike many others in the area where Alpine flowers in abundance can be seen in the summer months. Bald ibis, Bearded vultures, Drakensberg Rockjumpers, Ground Woodpeckers, Egyptian Geese, Red-knobbed Coot, South African Shellduck, Yellowbill Duck, Grey Heron and Hadeda Ibis amongst others abound.
Drakensberg Rockjumper – Corné Erasmus
Accommodations in Rhodes:
Lundin’s Nek (Lundeansnek)
From Rhodes, drive towards Barkly East on the R396 for 25.8 kms. Turn right on the R393 and drive this scenic route while birding along the way. (±25.3 kms before you turn back on the same route.)
Birds to look out for: Verreaux’s Eagle, Mountain Pipit, Mountain Wheatear, Black Harrier, Black Duck, Prinias, African Grassbird, Cisticolas, Vultures.
Moshesh’s Ford Road (Rhodes to Elliot 95.5 kms)
From Rhodes follow the R396 road towards Barkly East. Just after the bridge over the Kraai River, turn left on the R393 (Moshesh’s Ford Road). Continue until this road joins with the tar road (R58) near the Mountain Shadows Hotel. Turn left to Elliot or right to Barkly East.
Birds along this road: Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Bald Ibis, Vultures, Grey Crowned Cranes, Black and African Marsh Harriers.