Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary - Serene Surroundings
Are you looking for an escape from the bustle of every-day life? Feel like getting back in touch with nature? Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, just 20 km from Durban city center, is the ideal haven for you. A lovely natural area dedicated to our feathered friends, Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is great for the entire family, couples and individuals seeking some alone time. Just picture yourself strolling calmly through the lush coastal vegetation, birds twittering in the trees – it is absolutely serene.
Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary encompasses a lovely piece of land measuring 4.5 hectares (11 acres) with a lovely pond, green lawns, verdant gardens and a stunning indigenous riverine forest. A fascinating self-guided trail will guide you through this lovely forest abounding in varied bird life. During this half-hour walk you can spot a wide selection of bird species, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary boasts about 150 species. Whilst relaxing in one of the 300 hides overlooking the open water area of the bird sanctuary you may spot spurwing geese, a giant kingfisher, a hamerkop, a white faced duck or a greenback heron amongst others. Enjoy a delicious snack at the tea garden which also looks out over the sparkling waters of the lake where you can catch a glimpse of even more waterbird species. Even those who have never engaged in bird watching before will have a wonderful time spotting brightly colored birds and listening to their entrancing calls. Avid bird watchers will have a ball identifying the various species of the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary. Whatever your interests, the entire family is sure to enjoy watching the birds flying over head, searching for food and splashing the the pond water.
Driving down Umdoni Road you will reach the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary with its welcoming Ilala palms. The sanctuary is open every day between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm and entrance is free. Nearby nature reserves that are also sure to impress include Empisini Nature Reserve, Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve, Umbogavango Nature Reserve and Illovo Lagoon Nature Reserve. Amanzimtoti offers visitors a scenic natural environment with diverse flora and fauna. Accommodation is affordable in Amanzimtoti and the rich cultural heritage is delightful. When visiting Kwazulu-Natal, book a room at one of Amanzimtoti's lodges for an amazing vacation.