Wildlife

uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park

The Drakensberg has a diverse population of birds, mammals and reptiles. Common larger mammals include mountain reedbuck, grey rhebuck, grey duiker, eland, klipspringer, bushbuck and oribi.

Main predators include leopard (in small numbers), black-backed jackal, caracal, serval, African clawless and spotted necked otter, various mongoose and genet species. The Drakensberg is home to over 300 bird species, 32 of which are endemic to Southern Africa.

Birding in KZN

The birds of KwaZulu-Natal are probably the best known in Africa. KZN has about 470 species regularly recorded, plus another 200 less regularly. This diversity reflects the number of habitats in KZN.

The coastal plain is influenced by the warm Mozambique current, bringing sub-tropical species. KZN is at the crossroads of multiple avifaunas, making it exceptionally rich for birding.

Flora

KZN is home to over 6,000 vascular plant species and 1,258 genera (70% of genera in southern Africa). The region has almost two thirds of South Africa's tree species - over 750 species, 11 times as many as all of Europe.

Approximately 16% of the flora is endemic and 11% is rare and threatened.

Bats

In South Africa we have 56 of the world's 1,011 bat species, with 27 species found in KZN. Three KZN bats - the Trident bat, Large-eared free-tailed bat, and Rendall's serotine - are specially protected.

Insectivorous bats are the main predator of night-flying insects, each bat eating up to a third of its body weight nightly - about 2,000 mosquito-sized insects every night.

Fishing

Coastal Fishing

KZN's marine life is very rich, making sea-fishing popular along the entire coastline. Popular destinations include Cape Vidal, Kosi Bay, Maphelana, St Lucia Estuary and Sodwana Bay.

Inland Fishing

Flyfishing for brown and rainbow trout is popular at Kamberg Nature Reserve, Royal Natal, Lotheni, Injisuthi, Giants Castle, Cobham and Garden Castle. Trout season in rivers is September to May; dams are open year-round.