Things to do near
Birdswood
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Richards Bay (6.1 km from Birdswood) Pappabeer Fishing Charters is a well-established company in Richard Bay. With our deep blue waters and variety of fish species, we promise you a fishing trip of a lifetime and an adventure you will never forget.
Our skipper and owner has years of experience in these waters; we create a safe environment for everyone. Don’t worry if you have never been out to sea, we will show you everything you'll need to know in landing your big catch for the day.
With bottom fishing, you can be guaranteed a catch, and trolling trips are done for those seeking a big tuna or marlyn. All fishing equipment and bait are supplied. If you're keen on capturing that perfect moment, DVD and photo coverage can be arranged.
Beaches
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Richards Bay (7.1 km from Birdswood) Alkantstrand is located in the little town of Richards Bay; a sub-tropical beach that provides warm water from the Indian Ocean making it perfect swimming temperature all year round.
Lifeguards are on duty throughout the year, and there are other amenities such as picnic tables, a grassy area, ablutions, parking, and a restaurant nearby. There are braai sites available too.
Beaches
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Mtunzini (41.9 km from Birdswood) Mtunzini Beach is a unique destination for nature lovers. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone searching for simple beauty, quietness and relaxation. Mtunzini offers amazing walks and has abundant birdlife. The dunes and beach seemingly stretch forever, and the river meanders through the forest and pristine mangroves.
Golf Courses
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South Africa (42.2 km from Birdswood) 9 hole golf course, also used as an 18 hole, with tennis courts and a squash court
Farms
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St Lucia (43.4 km from Birdswood) Take the kids to Chané Cheese Farm for a fun experience milking goats and an educational tour. Don’t miss sampling a variety of homemade organic cheeses. Kick back and enjoy the views and breakfast or a light lunch at the coffee shop. Delicious goat cheeses and quirky finds can be purchased at the gift shop.
Open 09:00 to 15:00 from Monday to Saturday.
Nature Reserves
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Mtunzini (45.6 km from Birdswood) Home to the incredibly rare Palmnut Vulture, Umlalazi Nature Reserve provides restricted access to beautiful beaches and a river. Amazing birding life and small animals, numerous walks and picnic spots, beach fishing and swimming makes it a paradise for nature lovers. There is limited waterskiing and canoeing on the lagoon – keep a lookout for the occasional crocodile and sharks.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (51.8 km from Birdswood) Check out winged beauties while supporting the local community at the Isiphaphalazi Butterfly Dome. Here you will see butterflies indigenous to the local Dukuduku coastal forest. Walk the interesting Rasta Trail or Community Trail and enjoy freshly baked treats at the tea garden afterwards.
Butterfly attracting plants are available for purchase from the indigenous nursery. Look out for the signs to Isiphaphalazi and the Manukelana organic nursery just outside Khula Village on the way to St Lucia.
Hiking Trail
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St Lucia (53.5 km from Birdswood) The circular Igwala Gwala Forest Trail leads through coastal forest next to the estuary. Igwala is the Zulu name for Purple Crested Turaco. Birders should check the ground, mid-stratum and canopy. You can expect White-eared Barbet, Yellow-rumped Tinkerbird, Goldentailed Woodpecker, Scalythroated Honeyguide,
Yellow breasted Apalis, Rudd's Apalis, Green Malkoha, Southern Boubou, Red-capped Robin-chat, Scrub Robin, Grey Waxbill, Green Twinspot and many more.
The trail is about 1.5km and suitable for all ages and fitness levels, even for mothers with prams.
Along with being a renowned birding spot, there are regular sightings of Red Duiker, Tree squirrels, the odd Bushbuck, Vervet Monkeys and even hippos who use the trail at night. The trial connects with a short path leading to the estuary where water birds can be seen.
The trail is open to all and no bookings required or fees payable. Should there be a problem KZN Ezemvelo must be contacted. Do watch out for the odd low hanging branch and berthing roots. Wear hats and proper shoes, also insect repellent. No bikes, motorcycles allowed and dogs must be on leashes to avoid being shot when they chase wild animals. This trail is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (54.4 km from Birdswood) Take a two-hour leisurely cruise on the St Lucia Cruise Estuary. Spot hippo, crocodile, fish eagles, kingfishers and herons galore. Or just relax and enjoy the ride.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (54.4 km from Birdswood) Bhangazi Horse Safaris offers an amazing experience in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Feel the sheer thrill of riding along untouched beaches and viewing wildlife.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (54.6 km from Birdswood) If you fancy an adventure that is more wild than mild, kit up and paddle on the St Lucia estuary with a guide. The two-and-a-half-hour cruise will get you floating along with the hippos and crocodiles while fish eagles fly overhead.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (54.9 km from Birdswood) Step into the heart of a working Zulu community where tradition meets contemporary Zulu society just outside St Lucia. Meet the Sangoma (traditional healer) and experience the timeless traditions of the Khula Village. On this cultural village tour you will be entertained with singing performances and daily life re-enactments.
Hiking Trail
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St Lucia (55 km from Birdswood) Explore the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on an adventurous walking safari over lake, forest and dunes. Feel the thrill of sighting hippo, buffalo or other wildlife while on foot. All walks are led by experienced professional guides and depart early in the morning or late afternoon.
Popular Attractions
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St Lucia (55.1 km from Birdswood) Experience the thrill of a surf launch and seeing incredible Humpback Whales on their migratory route from June to November. Watch whales breach, spy hop, tail slap, sail or sleep on this two-hour boat based whale watching excursion. Other marine life you may see include whale sharks, game fish, dolphins, turtles and numerous ocean birds.
Beaches
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St Lucia (55.4 km from Birdswood) The gorgeous golden sands of St Lucia Beach stretch as far as the eye can see in both directions.
This subtropical beach experiences around 300 days of sunshine a year. Not only that, the Indian Ocean is pleasantly warm. Take care when swimming here though as there are rip currents and it is advisable to stay close to shore and avoid rough surf.
Heading north on the landward side of the estuary is the beginning of the highest coastal dunes in the world – it’s impressive. To the south is a pleasant stroll to the estuary of the Imfolozi River. Shore-based fishing is very popular along this stretch, mostly for shad.