Glendower Birds and Forest Festival

The Magoebaskloof forests are known to have some of the most spectacular bird species in South Africa. Hundreds of avid bird watchers flock here each year to enjoy the beauty of the untouched forest and to wait patiently to view the elusive birds of this pristine region. To make the public more aware of the amazing variety of bird species that live in the Limpopo area, the Letaba Birding Route and Glendower host the Glendower Birds and Forest Festival annually.

This year, this spectacular event will take place between the 16th of November 2007 and the 18th of November 2007. Bird watchers and those who are just curious are invited to join many other participants for a weekend of natural wonder and an adventure of discovery. Guides are available at the Glendower Birds and Forest Festival, to take visitors deep into the heart of the forest where they will be able to view some of the breathtaking bird species of South Africa and the Limpopo region. On these tours participants will learn interesting facts about the birds and the forest habitat, and the guides will also be able to ensure that visitors see as many different species as possible. Visitors to the Glendower Birds and Forest Festival can look forward to seeing species such as the Cape Parrot, Green Twinspot and the Bat Hawk. Participants will also be taken to various other forests, which are located nearby and include the Debengeni Falls, Rooikoppies, the Lesodi Forest and the Black Forest.

The forest does not only have a diverse range of birds and vegetation, but shares its forest floor with many small mammals, frogs, reptiles and insects. Expert guests will also be at the festival to host lectures on all various aspects of a forest and the creatures that call it home. This year, visitors to the festival will be able to speak to people like Sonnette Krynauw, Les Minter, Cathy Dzerefos, Vincent Egan, Ben de Boer and Joe Grosel who specializes in the forest birds of Magoebaskloof.

The Glendower Birds and Forest Festival is a celebration of the rich diversity of the wildlife in South Africa. Even if it focuses on birds and the ecological systems of forests, it also brings to light the importance of balance within an ecological system and the role that each bird, mammal and insect plays. It is a rare opportunity to discover the beauty and magic of the Greater Limpopo landscapes.