Voëlvlei floodplain and Gouritz birding tour

This birdwatching tour begins at Sedgefield or other towns of the Garden Route.

Voëlvlei Floodplain and Gouritz birding tour

Embark on a birdwatching adventure at Voëlvlei floodplain and Gouritz, departing from Sedgefield (anywhere on the Garden Route) bright and early, preferably one hour before sunrise. The scenic drive to the turnoff, situated well beyond Mossel Bay, takes approximately one hour, with the aim of reaching Voëlvlei right at sunrise. This magical time reveals the lively presence of larks, pipits, bokmakieries, canaries, and Cape longclaws, offering optimal conditions for capturing stunning photographs during the golden hour.

Navigating through pentads 3410_2155 and 3410_2150, we have various route options leading to the entrance of Voëlvlei. While the first road lacks continuous safe parking, there are observation points providing glimpses of Blue Crane, Yellow Canary, Cape Canary, Bokmakierie, Cape Longclaw, Capped Wheatear, Large-billed Lark, African Pipit, Nicholson’s Pipit, Cloud Cisticola, Denham’s Bustard, Rock Martin, Brown-throated Martin, and other intriguing bird species.

Voëlvlei, encompassing pentads 3415_2150 and 3415_2145, has long been hailed as a birding paradise, transforming into a desolate space during drier rain cycles. Presently, in November 2023, it has regained its status as a birding wonderland, teeming with avian life due to ample water.

During the summer season, anticipate sightings of Kittlitz’s Plover, Three-banded Plover, Common Ringed Plover, Black-winged Stilt, Spur-winged Goose, South African Shelduck, White-winged Tern, Cape Shoveler, Yellow-billed Duck, Red-billed Teal, Cape Teal, Grey Heron, various Sandpipers, Common Greenshank, Red-capped Lark, Karoo Scrub Robin, White-throated Canary and more.

Traversing the road through Voëlvlei requires respect for the rules and privacy of local farmers. Stay on designated tracks and be sure to close gates after passing through.

The subsequent leg of our birding journey involves a 12 km drive to Gouritz, with several captivating stops along the way. Keep an eye out for raptors such as the Black Harrier and African Fish Eagle. A brief walk toward the river mouth may yield sightings of White-fronted Plover, Whimbrel, and other summer visitors.

It’s essential to note that there are no facilities, including toilets or places to purchase refreshments, along this route. Therefore, please bring an ample supply of food, water, and drinks for the day. We’ll conclude our expedition by returning to Sedgefield before sunset.

Other: Expect the unexpected but remember “birds can fly.”