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04-29-2011, 05:36 PM
Sani Pass need to rank as one of many best 10 birding spots in Southern Africa. As the only street running from east to west over the Drakensberg escarpment and into Lesotho, it offers a unique chance for wonderful birding in a broad assortment of escarpment and alpine habitats, along with magnificent scenery. Almost each and every bird encountered is definitely an endemic or a unique, like four species not identified elsewhere in southern Africa, specifically the Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Mountain Pipit along with the Bearded Vulture. These are birds of restricted distribution and this is the least difficult area to seek out them. A bonus is that Gurney's Sugarbird and Drakensberg Rock-jumper signify two bird people that are endemic to the region, although several endemic western species normally related with the drier karoo may also be located from the karoo-like vegetation that takes place correct towards the leading of the pass.
A journey up Sani Pass is most satisfying in summer time, once the proteas, aloes and flowers are in flower, as well as the summer season altitudinal migrants are existing. From the 200-odd species that take place from the area, about 40 are endemic, as well as a normal journey record is around sixty species.
Birding on Sani Pass is dictated through the border-gate occasions of 6am to 6pm, and one particular needs to be either with the bottom or prime with the pass outside of these several hours. An overnight keep within the vicinity of Sani Pass is recommended for an early commence, while a night time at the quaint Sani Leading Chalet affords the opportunity of pristine early early morning birding into Lesotho, and viewing the sun rise 'above the clouds'. For day trippers, the encounter of lunch plus a beer at Sani Leading Chalet overlooking the escarpment is encouraged. Be aware that a 4-wheel drive motor vehicle and passport are needed to move forward up the pass, and that guided tours can be found. Also observe that both the pass and Sani Leading Chalet can be very active, specially about lunch time.
EditSpecialsFrom the foot with the pass, specials are Bush Blackcap, Cape Grassbird, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Drakensberg Prinia, Cape Rock-Thrush, Gurney's Sugarbird, Floor Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat, Red-winged Francolin, Barratt's Warbler, Wailing Cisticola, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Sickle-winged Chat, Large-billed Lark, Southern Bald Ibis, Mountain Pipit, African Rock Pipit, and Grey-winged Francolin. Karoo Prinia, Fairy Flycatcher,Windows 7 Ultimate Key (http://www.office2007key.eu/windows-7-key), Yellow Canary and Grey Tit are typical, even though Black-headed Canary and Layard's Tit-Babbler are occasional. Raptors contain Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, Black Harrier, and Jackal Buzzard, although Cape Eagle-Owl can be a rare sighting.
EditHabitatsAt the foot from the pass one particular encounters riverine thicket, grass-covered slopes, sandstone cliffs as well as the Mkomazana river. As 1 progresses up the pass, this adjustments to protea savanna on rocky grass-covered slopes. The gradient steepens past the border-post,Office 2007 Enterprise (http://www.windows7-key.org/office-2007-key), the riverine gulleys are filled with leucosidia thicket, and the slopes coated in fynbos. Near the top you will find rocky screes and huge cliffs. In Lesotho, the vegetation modifications to greatly grazed alpine grassland and heath, with seasonal bogs and rocky mountainsides.
EditFacilitiesThese consist of the single street through the foot of Sani Pass over the escarpment and into Lesotho, a assortment of accommodation in the bottom, and rustic accommodation in the prime. Guided birding excursions can be found (see specifics under), in addition to general tourist 4x4 journeys that rush up and down the pass (not encouraged).
EditBirdingAs mentioned above, birding Sani Pass needs that you get account of your border-gate instances of 6am to 6pm. An overnight remain within the vicinity of Sani Pass is encouraged, as this permits an early commence for birding the reduce reaches of the pass just before reaching the border. Thereafter 1 can reach the prime of the pass by mid-morning, and keep on a further 20km into Lesotho to Black Mountain, just before returning. A picnic breakfast and lunch is advised for this journey. Make sure to leave Sani Leading by 3pm to obtain to your lower border post prior to 6pm. For the people overnighting at the top, far more time can be invested birding about the way up, the Black Mountain leg left for your afternoon, and day two for birding the Sani plateau prior to returning down the pass.
All birding is conducted from your single street up and down the pass. The primary 13km part past the Sani Pass Hotel is under reconstruction rather than a lot great for birding. Zero your journey meter while you pass the hotel and proceed previous the old investing store buildings, now a bus cease, and about the hill and in to the valley thicket.
1. From close to 3km after passing the hotel, via to the border publish at 14km, the valley thicket supports Bush Blackcap. Also listen for Cape Grassbird, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler and Drakensberg Prinia along this stretch. Note that Drakensberg Prinia is determined by it really is clear unmarked throat and yellowish wash under, and should be very carefully identified so as to prevent confusion with the really related Karoo Prinia that takes place further up the pass. A short stroll along the street will generate Bokmakierie, Cape Rock-Thrush, Larger Striped Swallow, Rock Martin, Diderick Cuckoo, Typical Waxbill, and Pin-tailed Whydah amongst other widespread species.
2. At around eight kms the street ascends steeply in to the protea savanna and rocky grassland hillsides for the up coming 5km. Gurney's Sugarbird and Malachite Sunbird happen around the flowering proteas in summer time. Ground Woodpecker reveal their existence with holes excavated in to the roadside cuttings, and Buff-streaked Chat are found inside the much more open grassland with large boulders. Yellow Bishop happen inside the rank grass and marshy areas, although Red-winged Francolin contact in the grassy slopes.
3. From 13km, by means of the border submit to about 15km, the roadside thicket is especially thick, and Barratt's Warbler happens commonly along this area. Despite the fact that one of the most difficult birds to see in southern Africa, it's tune is loud and distinctive, and judicious use of playback can occasionally coax him into see. Even more up the pass,Windows 7 Key (http://www.msoffice2010key.com/windows-7-key), the thicket is occasionally significantly less thick, along with the bird can sometimes be less complicated to find out.
4. At about 17km you'll find two view sites situated on two successive corners. Quit on the second one particular of these for a view down the pass. Scan the buttresses from the Twelve Apostles for raptors, including Jackal Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. Actually, these species are doable everywhere along the route. On this area Wailing Cisticola, Fairy Flycatcher and Karoo Prinia arise inside the mountainside heath. Note that Karoo Prinia features a marked throat and lacks the yellow wash below.
5. At 19km one reaches the switchbacks, a area of small steep climbs and tight corners since the road passes through the rocky screes towards the neck from the pass and into Lesotho. Near the best, pull over in a wider segment of road and glimpse for Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Cape Canary and Wailing Cisticola. African Black Swift and also the more substantial Alpine Swift swoop past at close quarters.
6. At 22km the street crests the best with the pass and enters Lesotho. Soon after checking via the border management, turn right and consider a break on the Sani Prime Chalet, exactly where at mid-morning the location is comparatively quiet sufficient to accomplish some birding. The lodge places out birdseed on the entrance, and Drakensberg Siskin is just about assured. Other species feeding here consist of Cape Sparrow, Cape Bunting, Speckled Pigeon and Sloggert's Ice Rat, a rodent species endemic to Lesotho. From the deck before the lodge, Drakensberg Rock-jumper are commonly sighted, whilst the aloes within the backyard assist Malachite Sunbird. In summer, Better Striped Swallow breed underneath the eaves. A short stroll round the lodge will make Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Sickle-winged Chat and White-necked Raven.
7. Set out from your chalet and head into Lesotho. The roadside birding is productive and almost all of the species are encountered frequently. Patches of quick green grass are frequented by a lot of species, including Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Mountain Pipit, Sickle-winged Chat, Cape Bunting, Cape Sparrow, Large-billed Lark, and Red-capped Lark. Flocks of Southern Bald Ibis forage throughout the grasslands, as do White Stork in summer time. Ground Woodpecker regular the aged stone kraals, Grey-winged Francolin occur within the heath, and Jackal Buzzard hunt the hillsides.
8. At 27km the grassy plains towards the proper really are a good locality for the summer season migrant to your Lesotho highlands,Office 2007 Serial (http://www.office2010-key.in/office-2007-key), the Mountain Pipit. Listen out for the show song, which can be a deeper slower observe than that of African Pipit. When in see, the Mountain Pipit has a well-marked breast, buffy outer tail feathers, and a pinkish base to your bill.
9. Move forward along the street, crossing more than the Sani river, and keep on previous the village and shearing sheds. The road now climbs steeply about Kotisephole Pass. Retain a look-out for for Ground Woodpecker, Fairy Flycatcher, Wailing Cisticola, and Grey-winged Francolin, whilst Yellow Canary, Grey Tit, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Black-headed Canary are all sighted sometimes. African Rock Pipit can often be heard calling within the distance.
10. Carry on down another side of the pass to about 42km (20km from Sani Prime) wherever there's an entrance to a quarry web site on the left, and also the cliffs of Black Mountain are around the correct. Stop right here and check the place for Bearded Vulture. From here head back again to Sani Top, holding a look-out for Black Harrier at the top of Kotisephole Pass.
EditGeneralThere can be a wide variety of accommodation obtainable within the Sani Pass location, which includes hotels, self-catering, bed and breakfast, and backpacker. The close by towns of Himeville and Underberg also have a very broad variety of accommodation, and are only a few minutes from your Sani Pass road.
Sani Leading Chalet: tel +27 (0)33 7021069; cell / ; info@sanitop.co.za; www.sanitopchalet.co.za.
Guided birding tours in 4x4 cars really are a entertaining way to expertise Sani Pass. Tour operators include;
Button Birding: tel +27-,Windows 7 Professional (http://www.msoffice2007key.net/windows-7-key), buttonbirding@futurenet.co.za, www.buttonbirding.com
Note: Border gate occasions are 6am to 6pm. A passport and 4x4 automobile are essential to ascend the pass.
Directions
Sani Pass is accessed from Underberg and Himeville in Southern KZN. In the N3 at Howick, consider exit 99 onto the R617 to Boston, Bulwer, and Underberg (110km about 1hr30). Be on the lookout for animals about the street, particularly during the night. From the centre of Underberg flip appropriate on the Shell garage to Himeville (5km). Pass by way of Himeville and following 2km cross a river (Pohlela) and flip left to Sani Pass. You are effectively entering IBA-SA064 at this turn.
Guy Gibbon 2008
A journey up Sani Pass is most satisfying in summer time, once the proteas, aloes and flowers are in flower, as well as the summer season altitudinal migrants are existing. From the 200-odd species that take place from the area, about 40 are endemic, as well as a normal journey record is around sixty species.
Birding on Sani Pass is dictated through the border-gate occasions of 6am to 6pm, and one particular needs to be either with the bottom or prime with the pass outside of these several hours. An overnight keep within the vicinity of Sani Pass is recommended for an early commence, while a night time at the quaint Sani Leading Chalet affords the opportunity of pristine early early morning birding into Lesotho, and viewing the sun rise 'above the clouds'. For day trippers, the encounter of lunch plus a beer at Sani Leading Chalet overlooking the escarpment is encouraged. Be aware that a 4-wheel drive motor vehicle and passport are needed to move forward up the pass, and that guided tours can be found. Also observe that both the pass and Sani Leading Chalet can be very active, specially about lunch time.
EditSpecialsFrom the foot with the pass, specials are Bush Blackcap, Cape Grassbird, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler, Drakensberg Prinia, Cape Rock-Thrush, Gurney's Sugarbird, Floor Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat, Red-winged Francolin, Barratt's Warbler, Wailing Cisticola, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Sickle-winged Chat, Large-billed Lark, Southern Bald Ibis, Mountain Pipit, African Rock Pipit, and Grey-winged Francolin. Karoo Prinia, Fairy Flycatcher,Windows 7 Ultimate Key (http://www.office2007key.eu/windows-7-key), Yellow Canary and Grey Tit are typical, even though Black-headed Canary and Layard's Tit-Babbler are occasional. Raptors contain Bearded Vulture, Cape Vulture, Black Harrier, and Jackal Buzzard, although Cape Eagle-Owl can be a rare sighting.
EditHabitatsAt the foot from the pass one particular encounters riverine thicket, grass-covered slopes, sandstone cliffs as well as the Mkomazana river. As 1 progresses up the pass, this adjustments to protea savanna on rocky grass-covered slopes. The gradient steepens past the border-post,Office 2007 Enterprise (http://www.windows7-key.org/office-2007-key), the riverine gulleys are filled with leucosidia thicket, and the slopes coated in fynbos. Near the top you will find rocky screes and huge cliffs. In Lesotho, the vegetation modifications to greatly grazed alpine grassland and heath, with seasonal bogs and rocky mountainsides.
EditFacilitiesThese consist of the single street through the foot of Sani Pass over the escarpment and into Lesotho, a assortment of accommodation in the bottom, and rustic accommodation in the prime. Guided birding excursions can be found (see specifics under), in addition to general tourist 4x4 journeys that rush up and down the pass (not encouraged).
EditBirdingAs mentioned above, birding Sani Pass needs that you get account of your border-gate instances of 6am to 6pm. An overnight remain within the vicinity of Sani Pass is encouraged, as this permits an early commence for birding the reduce reaches of the pass just before reaching the border. Thereafter 1 can reach the prime of the pass by mid-morning, and keep on a further 20km into Lesotho to Black Mountain, just before returning. A picnic breakfast and lunch is advised for this journey. Make sure to leave Sani Leading by 3pm to obtain to your lower border post prior to 6pm. For the people overnighting at the top, far more time can be invested birding about the way up, the Black Mountain leg left for your afternoon, and day two for birding the Sani plateau prior to returning down the pass.
All birding is conducted from your single street up and down the pass. The primary 13km part past the Sani Pass Hotel is under reconstruction rather than a lot great for birding. Zero your journey meter while you pass the hotel and proceed previous the old investing store buildings, now a bus cease, and about the hill and in to the valley thicket.
1. From close to 3km after passing the hotel, via to the border publish at 14km, the valley thicket supports Bush Blackcap. Also listen for Cape Grassbird, Dark-capped Yellow Warbler and Drakensberg Prinia along this stretch. Note that Drakensberg Prinia is determined by it really is clear unmarked throat and yellowish wash under, and should be very carefully identified so as to prevent confusion with the really related Karoo Prinia that takes place further up the pass. A short stroll along the street will generate Bokmakierie, Cape Rock-Thrush, Larger Striped Swallow, Rock Martin, Diderick Cuckoo, Typical Waxbill, and Pin-tailed Whydah amongst other widespread species.
2. At around eight kms the street ascends steeply in to the protea savanna and rocky grassland hillsides for the up coming 5km. Gurney's Sugarbird and Malachite Sunbird happen around the flowering proteas in summer time. Ground Woodpecker reveal their existence with holes excavated in to the roadside cuttings, and Buff-streaked Chat are found inside the much more open grassland with large boulders. Yellow Bishop happen inside the rank grass and marshy areas, although Red-winged Francolin contact in the grassy slopes.
3. From 13km, by means of the border submit to about 15km, the roadside thicket is especially thick, and Barratt's Warbler happens commonly along this area. Despite the fact that one of the most difficult birds to see in southern Africa, it's tune is loud and distinctive, and judicious use of playback can occasionally coax him into see. Even more up the pass,Windows 7 Key (http://www.msoffice2010key.com/windows-7-key), the thicket is occasionally significantly less thick, along with the bird can sometimes be less complicated to find out.
4. At about 17km you'll find two view sites situated on two successive corners. Quit on the second one particular of these for a view down the pass. Scan the buttresses from the Twelve Apostles for raptors, including Jackal Buzzard, Lanner Falcon, Cape Vulture and Bearded Vulture. Actually, these species are doable everywhere along the route. On this area Wailing Cisticola, Fairy Flycatcher and Karoo Prinia arise inside the mountainside heath. Note that Karoo Prinia features a marked throat and lacks the yellow wash below.
5. At 19km one reaches the switchbacks, a area of small steep climbs and tight corners since the road passes through the rocky screes towards the neck from the pass and into Lesotho. Near the best, pull over in a wider segment of road and glimpse for Drakensberg Rock-jumper, Drakensberg Siskin, Cape Canary and Wailing Cisticola. African Black Swift and also the more substantial Alpine Swift swoop past at close quarters.
6. At 22km the street crests the best with the pass and enters Lesotho. Soon after checking via the border management, turn right and consider a break on the Sani Prime Chalet, exactly where at mid-morning the location is comparatively quiet sufficient to accomplish some birding. The lodge places out birdseed on the entrance, and Drakensberg Siskin is just about assured. Other species feeding here consist of Cape Sparrow, Cape Bunting, Speckled Pigeon and Sloggert's Ice Rat, a rodent species endemic to Lesotho. From the deck before the lodge, Drakensberg Rock-jumper are commonly sighted, whilst the aloes within the backyard assist Malachite Sunbird. In summer, Better Striped Swallow breed underneath the eaves. A short stroll round the lodge will make Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Sickle-winged Chat and White-necked Raven.
7. Set out from your chalet and head into Lesotho. The roadside birding is productive and almost all of the species are encountered frequently. Patches of quick green grass are frequented by a lot of species, including Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Mountain Pipit, Sickle-winged Chat, Cape Bunting, Cape Sparrow, Large-billed Lark, and Red-capped Lark. Flocks of Southern Bald Ibis forage throughout the grasslands, as do White Stork in summer time. Ground Woodpecker regular the aged stone kraals, Grey-winged Francolin occur within the heath, and Jackal Buzzard hunt the hillsides.
8. At 27km the grassy plains towards the proper really are a good locality for the summer season migrant to your Lesotho highlands,Office 2007 Serial (http://www.office2010-key.in/office-2007-key), the Mountain Pipit. Listen out for the show song, which can be a deeper slower observe than that of African Pipit. When in see, the Mountain Pipit has a well-marked breast, buffy outer tail feathers, and a pinkish base to your bill.
9. Move forward along the street, crossing more than the Sani river, and keep on previous the village and shearing sheds. The road now climbs steeply about Kotisephole Pass. Retain a look-out for for Ground Woodpecker, Fairy Flycatcher, Wailing Cisticola, and Grey-winged Francolin, whilst Yellow Canary, Grey Tit, Layard's Tit-Babbler and Black-headed Canary are all sighted sometimes. African Rock Pipit can often be heard calling within the distance.
10. Carry on down another side of the pass to about 42km (20km from Sani Prime) wherever there's an entrance to a quarry web site on the left, and also the cliffs of Black Mountain are around the correct. Stop right here and check the place for Bearded Vulture. From here head back again to Sani Top, holding a look-out for Black Harrier at the top of Kotisephole Pass.
EditGeneralThere can be a wide variety of accommodation obtainable within the Sani Pass location, which includes hotels, self-catering, bed and breakfast, and backpacker. The close by towns of Himeville and Underberg also have a very broad variety of accommodation, and are only a few minutes from your Sani Pass road.
Sani Leading Chalet: tel +27 (0)33 7021069; cell / ; info@sanitop.co.za; www.sanitopchalet.co.za.
Guided birding tours in 4x4 cars really are a entertaining way to expertise Sani Pass. Tour operators include;
Button Birding: tel +27-,Windows 7 Professional (http://www.msoffice2007key.net/windows-7-key), buttonbirding@futurenet.co.za, www.buttonbirding.com
Note: Border gate occasions are 6am to 6pm. A passport and 4x4 automobile are essential to ascend the pass.
Directions
Sani Pass is accessed from Underberg and Himeville in Southern KZN. In the N3 at Howick, consider exit 99 onto the R617 to Boston, Bulwer, and Underberg (110km about 1hr30). Be on the lookout for animals about the street, particularly during the night. From the centre of Underberg flip appropriate on the Shell garage to Himeville (5km). Pass by way of Himeville and following 2km cross a river (Pohlela) and flip left to Sani Pass. You are effectively entering IBA-SA064 at this turn.
Guy Gibbon 2008