Birding | Enjoy an abundance of life in colour & song in this birding experience

A prime birding destination, home to over 440 bird species

Thonga’s abundant coastline and shady dune forests provide a haven for both birds and birdwatching alike. The diversity of flora attracts a wide variety of species with over 440 species listed for the area.

Thonga Beach Lodge is a twitcher’s paradise, and the area surrounding forms one of the most important refuges on the Southern African sub-continent for an array of beautiful birdlife. Estimates of the number of species of birds in the iSimangaliso park vary, but one thing we know for certain is that the different ecosystems allow for diverse birdlife, from terrestrial birds to sea birds, freshwater birds and forest species. Many species of migratory waterfowl and wetland birds also flock to our shores.The Maputaland region is home to 77 subspecies of birds that are endemic to the area. It is also one of the principal breeding areas in South Africa - 339 bird species are known to breed in the iSimangaliso Park.

Some of the species regularly seen in and around the lodge in the coastal forest canopy include Livingstone’s Turaco and Purple-crested Turaco, green twinspot, grey waxbill as well as the green Malkoha also known as the Green Coucal. A variety of waders and the palm-nut vulture are also regulars near lake Sibaya and the Rosy-throated Longclaw is often seen around the edges of the lake where we have a few resident pairs breeding in the open grassland in the summer months. Guided birding is available at no additional cost.

Highlights

✅Complimentary guided birding excursions

✅Rosy-throated longclaw resident in the area

✅Many speciality bird species in the area

✅Prolific birdlife around the lodge