The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve
Afrikaans name: Shongweni Dam
Photo © Steven Herbert
KwaZulu-Natal
Shongweni Dam is just inland from Durban. It is no more than 30 minutes drive away.
The surrounding bush is home to a variety of game including White Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Impala, Warthog, Blue Wildebeest and more. The Vervet Monkeys can be a real nuisance so make sure you don’t leave any food lying around in the picnic and campsites.
A wide variety of birds can be seen as well. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded. Here is a bird checklist.
Besides game-viewing other activities include fishing, canoeing, sailing, rock-climbing and walking.
There is a camp-site where you can bring your own camping equipment or you can book into the tented camp site offering comfortable tents right at the waters edge.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Photo © Steven Herbert
Above and below - Apparently Shongweni Dam wall has the largest Hydroplate Fuse Gate in the world which would be really fascinating if you knew what it was. If you are interested click here. The dam took 5 years to construct and was completed in 1927.
Photo © Steven Herbert
Checklist of some of the birds to be seen at Shongweni Dam
References and further reading
Wild Issue 3 - Author: - Published: 2008 - Page: 59Wild Issue 23 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 6
Wild Issue 25 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 89
Wild Issue 1 - Author: - Published: 2007 - Page: 52
Country Life - Issue 225 - Author: - Published: 2015 - Page: 89
Country Life - Issue 273 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 52
Hit the Road - 2nd Edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2018 - Page: 179
Southern African Birdfinder - Author: Cohen, Spottiswoode and Rossouw - Published: 2006 - Page: 123
Caravan & Outdoor Life - Issue 653 - Author: - Published: 2016 - Page: 29
Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Published: 1995 - Page: 24
Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 296
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 207
Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Published: 2007 - Page: 36
For more info: Shongweni Dam Game Reserve
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