Bird watching in the Bergrivier
Bird watching in the Bergrivier region offers enthusiasts a captivating journey through diverse and ecologically rich landscapes teeming with avian life. From the fynbos-covered hillsides and wetlands to the lush banks of the Bergrivier River and the remarkable Berg River Estuary in Velddrif, this region is a haven for both resident and migratory bird species. Officially designated as a Ramsar Site in 2022, the Berg River Estuary spans 1,162 hectares and boasts over 210 recorded bird species, including five listed in South Africa’s Red Data Book. It is home to the third-largest saltmarsh on the Cape West Coast and features mudflats with the highest foraging densities of waders along the Atlantic seaboard. The broader region also supports iconic endemic species such as the Cape sugarbird, orange-breasted sunbird, and Cape rockjumper, while its location along key migration routes attracts flocks of waterfowl, raptors, and waders seasonally. Whether exploring coastal estuaries, riverbanks, or inland habitats, birders are treated to a symphony of calls and colors – making Bergrivier a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about ornithology and nature conservation.
