About 40 kms from Gqeberha on the N2 to Cape Town is this 450 ha reserve, where you can feel the freedom of a plateau covered with Fynbos and Proteas. The river at the bottom of the pass has a large tract of indigenous coastal forest where the hooting of the Narina Trogon has been heard in the summer months.
A large variety of Sunbirds may be seen in the Flower Reserve, while Cape Sugerbird may be seen frequenting the Proteas in the winter.
Birds that may been seen in the Van Staden’s Wildflower Reserve:
Amethyst, Greater Double-collared and Orange-breasted Sunbirds, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Rock-thrush, Bokmakierie and Victorin’s Warbler.
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Amethyst Sunbird – Greeg darling |
Greater Double-collared Sunbird – Keith Joubert |
Birds that may be seen in the Van Staden’s Pass:
The gorge/pass at the old bridge is excellent for birds. This is a fairly reliable stakeout for male Narina Trogon (not seen for a while after the big fires). Also Knysna Woodpecker, White-starred Robin, Yellow-throated Woodland Warbler, African Crowned Eagle, Dark-backed Weaver and Knysna Warbler. On the river at the bridge there is a resident pair of Half-collared Kingfishers – stunningly beautiful birds. Forest Canary, Narina Trogan, Knysna and Olive Woodpeckers, Yellow-throated Woodland-Warbler and Black-bellied Starling may also be seen.
Nerina Trogon – Godfrey Lodge
How to get there:
Reserve - Travel west from Gqeberha towards Jeffreys Bay for approximately 40 kms. Take the exit off the N2 towards Van Staden's Pass and Van Staden's Flower Reserve and turn left onto the old road (R102) towards Van Staden’s Pass. (Entrance to the Flower Reserve will be seen shortly on the right).
Pass - Continue along R102 into the gorge / pass and look out for forest birds, with specials at the picnic site.