The venue
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Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage is a peaceful retreat nestled in the beautiful mountain forests of Limpopo.
Surrounded by lush indigenous vegetation, misty mountain scenery and the rich sounds of the forest, the
cottage offers a tranquil escape where birding and nature are right on your doorstep.
The setting provides an ideal opportunity to slow down and enjoy the incredible diversity of the Magoebaskloof area. Birdwatchers can spend hours exploring the surrounding gardens and forest edges, where a wonderful variety of forest and woodland species can be encountered, while the peaceful surroundings make it equally appealing for those simply wanting to relax.
For those looking to explore further, the cottage provides an excellent base from which to discover the many birding opportunities and scenic attractions of Magoebaskloof. Whether enjoying a quiet morning listening to the forest come alive or heading out to explore the surrounding area, Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage is a wonderful destination for birders, nature lovers and anyone seeking a peaceful mountain escape.
Accommodation
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Welcome to our fully equipped self-catering cottages. The kitchens feature a gas hob, electric oven,
microwave, and comprehensive utensils to cover all your culinary needs. All lights and plugs are powered by a
central solar battery system, while the oven and geyser utilize the main grid.
Hot water is always guaranteed via a wood-burning donkey geyser backup.
Fresh linen and towels are provided.
Trogon and Narina Cottages each have one bedroom with lounge, kitchen and bathroom. Robin Cottage has two bedrooms, lounge, kitchen and bathroom. All three cottages have outdoor baths and plunge pools. Step outside onto your private veranda to enjoy misty mornings, cook on the provided braai stand, or watch the vibrant birdlife drawn in by the native plants and feeding table.
Birding
Magoebaskloof is famous for its forest birding, and many of the area's most sought-after species are best located by listening for their calls and following active bird parties through the forest. Early morning is the best time for birding, when the forest comes alive and birds are most active.
Special Birds
The special birds to look for around Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage include Narina Trogon, Chorister Robin-Chat, Grey Cuckooshrike, Crowned Eagle (often seen soaring above the forests), Cape Parrot, White-starred Robin, African Wood Owl, Green Twinspot, Knysna Turaco and Purple-crested Turaco. Other forest and woodland species that may be encountered include Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Batis, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Forest Buzzard, Green-backed Camaroptera, African Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas's Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Tambourine Dove, Buff-spotted Flufftail (often heard rather than seen), Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, African Dusky Flycatcher, and Olive Woodpecker.
The cottage provides an excellent base from which to explore the indigenous forests, forest edges and mountain habitats of Magoebaskloof. Take time to listen for calling birds and watch for active bird parties moving through the vegetation. Early mornings are particularly rewarding, while quieter periods can be spent enjoying the garden and surrounding natural habitat. The mountain scenery, cool forest atmosphere and exceptional birdlife make Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage an ideal base for exploring one of Limpopo's premier forest birding areas.
The special birds to look for around Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage include Narina Trogon, Chorister Robin-Chat, Grey Cuckooshrike, Crowned Eagle (often seen soaring above the forests), Cape Parrot, White-starred Robin, African Wood Owl, Green Twinspot, Knysna Turaco and Purple-crested Turaco. Other forest and woodland species that may be encountered include Bar-throated Apalis, Cape Batis, Yellow-streaked Greenbul, Forest Buzzard, Green-backed Camaroptera, African Emerald Cuckoo, Klaas's Cuckoo, Red-chested Cuckoo, Tambourine Dove, Buff-spotted Flufftail (often heard rather than seen), Blue-mantled Crested Flycatcher, African Dusky Flycatcher, and Olive Woodpecker.
The cottage provides an excellent base from which to explore the indigenous forests, forest edges and mountain habitats of Magoebaskloof. Take time to listen for calling birds and watch for active bird parties moving through the vegetation. Early mornings are particularly rewarding, while quieter periods can be spent enjoying the garden and surrounding natural habitat. The mountain scenery, cool forest atmosphere and exceptional birdlife make Magoebaskloof Birders Cottage an ideal base for exploring one of Limpopo's premier forest birding areas.
Facilities and services
Rooms (double and twin)
Hiking
Restaurant across the road
Self catering
Off grid power
Hiking
Restaurant across the road
Self catering
Off grid power
Wi-fi
For the birder
Self drive
Birding walks
Local guides available
Self catering only
Birding walks
Local guides available
Self catering only
24 hour entry / exit
Birding from the patio
Birding from the patio
Top ticks
Bat Hawk
Narina Trogon
Black-fronted Bushshrike
Barratt's Warbler
Narina Trogon
Black-fronted Bushshrike
Barratt's Warbler
Forest Buzzard
White-starred Robin
Cape Parrot
Yellow-streaked Greenbul
White-starred Robin
Cape Parrot
Yellow-streaked Greenbul
Nearby hotspots
Woodbush road
New Agetha plantation
Polokwane game reserve
New Agetha plantation
Polokwane game reserve
Debengeni falls
Haenertsburg
Letaba Estates
Haenertsburg
Letaba Estates
There are good forest hikes on the property.
The many waterfalls throughout the forest add to the enchantment.
Wildlife is abundant and there is more than just birds to see.
Narina cottage.
Trogon cottage.
Robin cottage.
Narina Trogon is often considered mythical but does exist here.
Green Twinspot is tricky to locate due to their coloiur and soft high-pitched calls.
Orange Ground Thrusg is one of the more sought after ticks in the family.
No robin instills more excitement than seeing a White-starred Robin.
Tambourine Dove is one of tehj trickiest forest doves to see.