St.lucia Birds & Birding
St.lucia Birds & Birding
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About
We offer unique and surperb Birdwatching and hiking within ISimangaliso Wetland Park in the north eastern region of South Africa.Our tours can be on 4x4 Open Game safari vehicle or on your small sedan depending on the terrain to explore at a time. Tours can be accomponed by most expirienced Guides introduce you to many wonders of Nature,including mangrooves swamps,Wildlife,Highest vegetated Sand dunes,beaches Savannas and Lakes. Our birding trips range from 2-3hours -all the way to a multi-day outing. We pick up visitors from where they stay or arrange meeting points.We do all the Zululand north east coastal reserves from St.Lucia,Falsebay,Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park,Mkuze,Sodwana,Tembe Elephant Park,Ndumo and Kosi Bay
St Lucia, South Africa
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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St.lucia Birds & Birding
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
223 reviews
Excellent
201
Very good
15
Average
3
Poor
1
Terrible
3
Tim C
Baltimore, MD6 contributions
Jan 2020
I asked Themba if he could meet us at Zulu Nyala and show us a Lilac-breasted Roller, a bird I've wanted to see since I was a kid. Themba was supposed to meet us at 6am, but had car trouble the night before and asked if we could meet at 8am instead. I responded that this was fine. The following morning, he arrived at 6:30 anyway because he was concerned we might not have access to email at the lodge and didn't want us to think he forgot us. This was really above and beyond in terms of good customer service.
For the next four hours, we drove around seeing all kinds of incredible life birds. We didn't find the LB Roller but I found one the following day at our lodge, so no biggie. Themba was great at communicating with the locals, some of whom were suspicious of our motives, but became relaxed when he explained that we were just birding.
The trip cost R3000 for a half-day with 3 guests. The website claims R2000 for a full day but I think the increased cost was due to Themba's having to drive much farther than usual (he normally takes guests to St. Lucia, which is much closer to him). I would definitely recommend him as a birding guide for the area.
For the next four hours, we drove around seeing all kinds of incredible life birds. We didn't find the LB Roller but I found one the following day at our lodge, so no biggie. Themba was great at communicating with the locals, some of whom were suspicious of our motives, but became relaxed when he explained that we were just birding.
The trip cost R3000 for a half-day with 3 guests. The website claims R2000 for a full day but I think the increased cost was due to Themba's having to drive much farther than usual (he normally takes guests to St. Lucia, which is much closer to him). I would definitely recommend him as a birding guide for the area.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks somuch Tim for valuing this unique birding experience of our life-time. I really appreciate't!
These trips can be very private with a guests enjoying the privacy of themselves too.
Looking forward at taking you to quite a bit more different habitats in future such as Savana,Figforest,Dry and coastal forest, Lakes,rivers,Pans and Floodplains. I m sure after visiting these few habitats your mouth will not shut gain.
Thank your very much for choosing us at Themba Birding!
Written February 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Edgar M
1 contribution
Jan 2021 • Friends
What an incredible experience! Themba was an encyclopedia of knowledge. He really knows his game and imparts his knowledge very eloquently and with such excitable pattern. His ability to identify birds just by their chirp is remarkable. We highly recommend Themba as a bird guide for all levels of twitchers and birders. He has re-inspired our love of bird watching.
Written January 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks somuch Edgar for enjoying your trip with us.
Your company has been great too.
We really love to introduce you to such a wide variety of birding tours that we do e.g our birding on kayaks and safaris now.
Looking forward to host you in future again
Thank you
Written February 4, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Willow_Wanderer99
Durban, South Africa3 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We would rate 10 stars if we could.
Our tour was scheduled for 6am outside our lodgings and when we got there, Themba was ready and waiting. We climbed into the safari vehicle (exciting for us as we have never been in one before). The day was already heating up and he had some water bottles for us just in case.
His bird imitations are incredible, at times we weren't sure if it was him or the birds themselves! He knew their calls before seeing them and was able to find them with speed. His knowledge on the feathered creatures was outstanding. We got to see many birds that we've never seen before and some very exciting sightings: such as the juvenile goshawks.
The walk around St Lucia itself was so peaceful. Themba also pointed out interesting plants, other animals like the red duiker and squirrels as well as shared some insight into St Lucia life and some of the more tragic stories.
Overall a wonderful morning with a friendly, well-spoken, knowledgeable guide that we thoroughly enjoyed
Our tour was scheduled for 6am outside our lodgings and when we got there, Themba was ready and waiting. We climbed into the safari vehicle (exciting for us as we have never been in one before). The day was already heating up and he had some water bottles for us just in case.
His bird imitations are incredible, at times we weren't sure if it was him or the birds themselves! He knew their calls before seeing them and was able to find them with speed. His knowledge on the feathered creatures was outstanding. We got to see many birds that we've never seen before and some very exciting sightings: such as the juvenile goshawks.
The walk around St Lucia itself was so peaceful. Themba also pointed out interesting plants, other animals like the red duiker and squirrels as well as shared some insight into St Lucia life and some of the more tragic stories.
Overall a wonderful morning with a friendly, well-spoken, knowledgeable guide that we thoroughly enjoyed
Written October 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks somuch Joshua & Georgia.
Birding with you was quite amazing. Your interest to explore my Birdlife was really wonderful.
Looking forward to host you again in a much more different habitats.
Thank you
Written October 26, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alida Ungerer
Worcester, South Africa2 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
What a wonderful trip with Themba! Our family of 3 adults booked 5 days with Themba in/around isiMangaliso, Mkhuze and Ndumo Nature Reserves. It was an absolute priviledge to experience Themba's love, passion and enthusiasm for our family, his community and the beautiful birds of the region that he so enjoyed sharing with us. He made every effort to make sure we got maximum 'lifers' - even with a very long "shopping list" of lifers 😊. Themba is an amazing bird guide and we are forever grateful for his knowledge and our wonderful experiences birding with him. He is simply the best!!
Written November 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yes, it always feels great to see how much dedicated birders and connoisseur alike take interest in our exceptional birding tours. We always try to go extra mile in ensuring that Your experience becomes unforgettable. We will always be ready to give you the best we can ,next time You are in the area again.
All the best
Themba
Written November 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jen Cook
1 contribution
Mar 2021
Themba is not JUST an expert but an enthusiast. His excitement at our seeing the birds he had called and sighted was contagious. I have been bird watching my entire life and he enabled me to add 34 lifers to my list. Thank you Themba for a very special experience.
The cooks
The cooks
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Jen! This feels so Great!!
To have inspired you and upgrade list a bit,is my Joy. This is what I love to do. But without your cooperation and interest, all this wouldn't happen.
Also thank you Somuch for choosing me as your birdguide,while Supporting me to help make the ends meet during such trying times.
Looking forward to seeing you again doing much more diverse habitat types.
All the Best,
Written July 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
maarten b
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
This is the second time we have had the pleasure of Themba's company and wealth of knowledge and insight as we went birding with him. We were, in fact, extremely fortunate to have booked to go out with him four times in the week and frankly could quite easily have liked to be with him each day we were in the st Lucia area - his knowledge is so vast he never repeats himself and remains interesting all the time.
We were a party of five, I being the least informed and knowledgable so found everything fascinating and interesting, the others were all experienced birders and they too were learning and discovering little known facts.
Themba is Zululand born and bred, he has grown up there, knows every square inch of the area and explains beautifully how the whole system inter reacts. I found his explanations of the impacts of the silting up of the lagoon mouth, the effects of commercial agriculture both fascinating and interesting and hope that a lasting solution can be found to suit all parties. it is comforting to know that Themba is there and that the voice of conservation of nature and wild life will be heard and is in his safe hands.
If you are an extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable birder or, like me, an absolute novice and you are intending to go birding in the greater St Lucia area. you really need to contact Themba.
We wish him every success in the future and. are already penciling in our next trip to South Africa and will certainly be including a few days with him. Themba is as much part of our SA vacation as visiting Cape Town our hiking in the Drakensberg.
We were a party of five, I being the least informed and knowledgable so found everything fascinating and interesting, the others were all experienced birders and they too were learning and discovering little known facts.
Themba is Zululand born and bred, he has grown up there, knows every square inch of the area and explains beautifully how the whole system inter reacts. I found his explanations of the impacts of the silting up of the lagoon mouth, the effects of commercial agriculture both fascinating and interesting and hope that a lasting solution can be found to suit all parties. it is comforting to know that Themba is there and that the voice of conservation of nature and wild life will be heard and is in his safe hands.
If you are an extremely enthusiastic and knowledgable birder or, like me, an absolute novice and you are intending to go birding in the greater St Lucia area. you really need to contact Themba.
We wish him every success in the future and. are already penciling in our next trip to South Africa and will certainly be including a few days with him. Themba is as much part of our SA vacation as visiting Cape Town our hiking in the Drakensberg.
Written December 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much, Maarten. It's been really great repeating our birding experience with You, as well as your Team. Your company is always great, your love for Birds is surely unmistakable.
I'm always looking forward to ensure a lasting moment with every nature lover or birder visiting Zululand
Thanks once more again and looking forward to hosting you in future again.
Written December 10, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie Collis
South Africa1 contribution
May 2021 • Friends
The most incredible experience.
The day began with one of our vehicles getting stuck in the mud after some rainfall, Themba graciously came to our rescue.
He then proceeded to take us on a wonderful adventure, with unending knowledge of the birds, their calls and habitat. We saw more than we could have hoped for! He is an encyclopaedia!!
The day began with one of our vehicles getting stuck in the mud after some rainfall, Themba graciously came to our rescue.
He then proceeded to take us on a wonderful adventure, with unending knowledge of the birds, their calls and habitat. We saw more than we could have hoped for! He is an encyclopaedia!!
Written May 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow! So glad that You liked it. What came up to my surprise was your burning energy to still explore my Birdlife after that challenging exhausting morning with your sedan.
Thank you very much for trusting in me by affording me an opportunity to show you most of my lovely birds. Next time you are in the area, we will do more different bird-rich habitats again.
All the Best,until we meet again.
Thank you
Written July 11, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlie A
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Friends
Thimba’s guiding was superb. We went as a group of 5 to have a look at the local St Lucian birds and were able to see 31 species we had never seeing before. Thimba could emulate all the calls perfectly, so much so that we often were not sure if the calls were coming from him or the bird. He could identify species from the smallest amour of detail and was good at describing the exact location of birds we could not see. I would recommend this tour to any bird enthusiasts travelling in the area.
Written March 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's been really a great time! Well spent! Birds were more responsive while welcoming you in Kzn South Africa.
Next time,you come, as promised, I will take you out to much more advance different habitat type with more variety of birdlife.
Enjoy rest of your holiday, until we meet again in our beautiful African landscape
Written March 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Aaliyah Shah
1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Business
What an amazing trip with Themba and his team. Not only was it an incredible experience around iSimangaliso Wetland Park but Themba was beyond brilliant in engaging with our large group of 40+ students from across the country. He has certainly helped instil a wonder and love for the South African environment in young environmentalists. Thank you Themba - you are exceptional and incredible in what you do!
Written July 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks somuch Aaliya. I m glad that you and your Students really liked the experience. I hope to meet you and do much more advanced guided walk with you when you are possible back in future.
Thank you.
Written July 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maps30179261569
1 contribution
Sep 2023 • Solo
Initially I was a little concerned that I would taking a solo 2 day birding outing, but it turned out to be a blessing.
I had the undivided attention from my guide, Themba. He had so much information that I had difficulty taking it all in.
Themba is extremely knowledgeable, but his manner is totally relaxed and easy-going. I was particularly impressed by his knowledge of bird calls, many of which he was able to mimic beautifully.
The 2 days spent with Themba were a remarkable experience for me never to be forgotten.
I can highly recommend St Lucia Birds & Birding to any considering a birding safari in this area.
I had the undivided attention from my guide, Themba. He had so much information that I had difficulty taking it all in.
Themba is extremely knowledgeable, but his manner is totally relaxed and easy-going. I was particularly impressed by his knowledge of bird calls, many of which he was able to mimic beautifully.
The 2 days spent with Themba were a remarkable experience for me never to be forgotten.
I can highly recommend St Lucia Birds & Birding to any considering a birding safari in this area.
Written September 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks somuch for sharing your experience with Us.
Meeting and birding with You, was such a great pleasure. Your unfailed energy to explore with me even into those beautiful sometimes uneven terrains of the Wetlands really made it a great fun & memorable one.
Looking forward to host You in the future again. Regards Themba
Written September 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Themba, how do we get from Durban to San Lucia to do the birding trip?
Written November 21, 2016
Hi there, the easiest way is to rent a car at Durban airport and drive to St Lucia!
The roads are really good in SA, some of them you have to pay a few SA rand to get through. Cars and petrol is not that expensive in SA.
Good luck for your trip! Going on a birding tour with Themba is a fantastic experience!!!!
/ cheers Susanne
Written November 22, 2016
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