Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary

Afrikaans name: Amanzimtoti Voel Reservaat

Photo © Steven Herbert

Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is about 4.5 hectares in size. It is situated in Umdoni Road, Amanzimtoti, on the inland side of the N2 Highway.

The reserve consists mainly of a small dam surrounded by coastal bush. There is some lawn where one can have a picnic or braai. It is also rather enjoyable sitting on one of the benches and watching the birds and other creatures.

Over time a checklist of approximately 150 species of birds has been built up at the sanctuary. The most obvious ones are the various ducks and other waterbirds on the dam.

Vervet Monkeys also call the Bird Sanctuary their home and you need to keep an eye on your food! It is not uncommon for a troop of these fun mammals to move through the picnic area causing some chaos on their way through.

There is a self-guided trail through the bush. The bridge across the dam is a good place to look for birds and brilliantly coloured dragonflies. When visiting this reserve I always enjoy looking amongst the vegetation at the waters edge for dragonflies and damsel flies.

Have you visited the Toti Bird Sanctuary? Would you recommend it?

Photo © Steven Herbert

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Some things to look out for:

Egyptian Goose

Spur-winged Goose

Malachite Kingfisher

Pied Kingfisher

Common Moorhen

African Darter

Reed Cormorant

Brown Pansy

Vervet Monkey

Fever Tree

Natal Mahogany

Lala Palm

References and further reading

Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of SA - 2nd edn - Author: Readers Digest - Published: 1991 - Page: 157

Wild Places of Natal - Author: Olive Shepherd - Published: 1989 - Page: 89

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