Animals & Birds (& the odd snake)

Wildlife is reasonably abundant with regular sightings of bushbuck, reedbuck, bush pig, baboons, ant bear, brown hyena, impala, bush babies, civet and genet. We have seen leopard spoor on the odd occasion and twice found baboon carcasses amongst the trees higher up the valley.

Birding is particularly rewarding with many diverse species occurring in the valley, some of which are not typical to the area. Notable birds include the purple crested and Knysna loeries and the narina trogon. The relatively rare half collared kingfisher is a regular visitor to the pool on the river adjacent to the lodge.

A pair of crowned eagles is resident in the valley and can often be seen circling high above the lodge or perched in the trees further up the valley. Jackal buzzards, long-crested eagles and cape vultures are infrequent, though welcome visitors.

Snakes are not altogether uncommon, though we have never had any confrontational experiences. Most snakes encountered are harmless with the green river snake and brown house snake being seen occasionally. Please refrain from killing snakes and rather call Willie, the lodge manager, if in any doubt.

Malaria

The Mpumalanga escarpment at Waterval Onder is malaria free.