SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership | Ongoye Forest Birding Camp

Ongoye Forest Birding Camp
Articles

March 2010
Ongoye Forest Birding Camp Update

The Ongoye forest in southern Zululand is one of
the gems along the Zululand Birding Route,
especially due to the presence of the endemic
Green Barbet, Stactolaema olivacea, a highly
sought after species by most birders.

Ongoye Forest Reserve is managed by Ezemvelo
KZN Wildlife which comprises over 3 000ha of
rolling grasslands and forest set in the hills
between Mtunzini and Richards Bay in
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This Coastal Scarp
forest is recognized for its high biodiversity value, home to several endemics such as the Ngoye red squirrel Paraxerus palliates ornatus and Streptocarpus wendlandii, with many other interesting and special plants and invertebrates. The forest has remained largely underutilized by tourists and until recently only accessible to a select few tourists who own a 4x4. The neighbouring Mzimela community access the forest to collect and use natural resources such as fuel wood, timber harvesting, livestock grazing and the harvesting of medicinal plants.

The development of the Ongoye Forest Steering Committee, a joint venture between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, BirdLife South Africa’s Zululand Birding Route, Uthungulu District Municiplaity, the Mzimela Traditional Council and SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership have made excellent progress in
completing the concrete strip road, which
accesses the forest in the eastern
Amanzamnyama section.

The Ongoye Forest Birders’ Camp is tucked away
here, set in the heart of Ongoye forest, is an ideal
venue for small groups or families. The site is
simply breathtaking and would be quite feasible
to hear the Green Barbet or watch Crowned
Eagles soaring over the forest from your bed.
With 3 x bedrooms, each with twin beds, 1 x bathroom with bath, shower and toilet. Linen and towels are provided. Gas stove and fridge, cutlery and crockery all provided for up to 6 people and camping for extra people is allowed by prior arrangement. The camp is not electrified but gas is provided for the stove and geyser, and paraffin lamps for lighting. Cell phone coverage is limited. Open lounge, dining room and kitchen. Outside veranda and braai area.

Ongoye forest is surrounded by a very rural and poor community, many of whom are reliant on the natural resources harvested from the forest. In order for the forest to be recognized as an asset, it is essential that the forest
plays a role in the socio-economic development of
the people who live around the forest and who are
ultimately the most important stakeholders in
terms of protecting this magnificent area.

The development initiatives at Ongoye forest has
also opened the doors for future conservation
measures such as the fencing of the protected
area, removal of invasive alien plants and broad
community awareness and environmental
education projects – all of which will ultimately
ensure the long term survival of Ongoye forest as one of South Africa’s most spectacular natural assets.

Local bird guides trained at the SappiWWF Wakkerstroom Bird Guide Training Centre can arrange a variety of guiding trials and activities at Ongoye. Their knowledge of the forest, animals, birds and plants go back to their childhood. Using a guide is highly recommended to enhance your experience. From endless walks through the rolling grasslands, rock climbing, mountain biking, to swimming in forest streams or watching the sunrise over the Indian Ocean, Ongoye forest has a host of activities that anyone with a vague interest in nature must experience.
For Camp and Guide bookings contact Michael Blose, cell 072 734 0438 or email guides@zbr.co.za.

Ongoye Forest Reserve is about 150km north of Durban and close to Richards Bay, Eshowe and Mtunzini. The Camp is signposted from the Mtunzini on the R102 and 4x4 is not necessary to reach the Camp, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.