Birding
A treat awaits birding enthusiasts at Vultures View as the skies etch the graceful shapes of vultures floating on the updrafts.
The montane grassland of the central Drakensberg with its slopes covered in protea trees and pockets of evergreen forests, are inhabited by 300 species of birds, of which 32 are endemic.
You can be assured of adding a few birding gems to your life-list whilst staying at Vultures View.
For your convenience we made a list of some special and rare species that have been spotted at or near Vultures View. Feel free to print and tell us how many of these you have spotted.
Vulture Feeding Site - Unique Birding
The vulture feeding site which is within easy walking distance from Vultures View, offers a unique birding opportunity. See the "Bone eaters of the Drakensberg" - the endangered Bearded Vulture.
A 25% reduction in numbers of breeding pairs of the Bearded Vulture has been recorded in the last 25-30 years. There are only about 30 pairs of birds left in Kwazulu-Natal and at Vultures View birders will be rewarded with seeing this magnificent bird.
A vulture count is held annually in September at the Vulture feeding site to monitor the number of Bearded Vultures in the area. This is to ensure the long-term survival of this spectacular bird and create international awareness of both the Bearded and Cape vultures.
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Birding at Vultures View
Birding enthusiasts can expect to see the following special bird species:
• Bearded Vulture
• Southern Ground Hornbill
• Cape Vulture
• Gurney Sugarbird
• African Crowned Eagle
• Forest Canary
• Chorister Robin Chat
• White-Starred Robin
• Bush Blackcap
• Barratt's WarblerDownload your own bird checklist HERE
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Other Activities at or near Vultures View
- Vulture feeding site - ensure you are there early morning to watch them feast
- uKhalamba Drakensberg Park (World Heritage status in archaeology, vegetation and geology) for hiking, birding, wild flowers and San rock art
- Spectacular walks to the Fern Forest (2hrs), Barry's grave and Blue Grotto (3hrs), Cleo's Pools (1hr), Van Damm's Cascades (5-6 hrs), Steilberg (half a day), Stable cave (8hrs). Obtain permits at Drakensberg Sun
- Monk's Cowl for hiking to the top of the Little Berg, via Crystal Falls and the Sphinx (2hrs), Monk's Cowl and Zulu caves (10-12 hrs), Valley of pools (10-12 hrs), Gray's pass (12hrs). Obtain permits from Monk's Cowl Park Authority
- Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey centre
- Aloe spotting from June to August
- Drakensberg Boys Choir concerts: Wednesdays 15h30 and Fridays 18h30, Music in the Mountains Festival in April/May and Festival of Carols in December
- The Battlefields Route
- Spioenkop dam and Nature reserve
- Helicopter flights over scenic Drakensberg
- Horse riding
- Golf at Champagne Sports Resort - one of the most beautiful golf courses in the country, or at Monk's Cowl Country Club
- Hot air ballooning
- Bowls
- Tennis
- Squash
- Zipline (adults and children)
- Paragliding
- Rock climbing
- Abseiling and Kloofing
- Mountain biking
- River rafting
- Clay pigeon shooting
- Mini golf
- Archery
- Mountain boarding
- Paintball
- Flying trapeze and bungee jumping
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Restaurants near Vultures View
- Valley bakery and coffee shop
- Waffle Hut
- Thokozisa restaurant and deli
- Monk's Cowl Country Club
- The Pig and Plough farmshop/deli /café
- Dragon's Rest Restaurant
- Champagne Sports Resort golfing clubhouse restaurant
- Drakensberg Sun Hotel
- Champagne Castle Hotel
- The Nest Hotel
- Scrumpy Jacks
- Champagne Bistro Café
- Dragonview Lodge
- Champagne Brewery
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Shopping near Vultures View
- Kwazulu Weavers and Candles - 100% wool, leather and cotton rugs
- Scrumpy Jacks farm stall and coffee shop (famous honey baked cheesecake)
- The Pig and Plough farmshop/deli /café
- Deon's honey products - view bees behind glass making honey
- Handwoven Rugs
- Muska - clothing and gifts
- Zabu Crossing - clothing, cards, soft toys, jewellery
- Living Art Gems - stones, wall decor, African ornaments
- Soles for Africa - casual shoes, socks, hammocks
- Bijoux Fantasy - jewellery and scarves
- Farm Friends
- Senqu Outdoor Gear - clothing, shoes and hats for men and women
- Ugly Duckling - furniture, ornaments
- Cederwood Supermarket and filling station
- Cederwood Liquor Store
- Godfrey's Treasures - arts and curios
- John Deere - clothing store
- Valley Laundry
- The Oaks Supermarket
- Total Diesel and Petrol (at Dragons Peaks)
- Monk's Cowl Curio Shop and teagarden
