Viewing raptors

April 21, 2010, 12:51 PMBy: |6 Comments | Tags: birding, Giant, raptors
Bearded vulture Image courtesy of www.africangraphic.com

There are few places where you can see the elusive bearded vulture or a Verreaux's eagle soar past. The best place to do this, says Albert Froneman, is at the vulture hide in Giant's Castle.

The vulture hide at Giant's Castle game reserve provides first class opportunities to view and photograph a variety of birds of prey and vultures. It is an exhilarating experience to watch the elusive bearded vulture glide past in front of the hide tucked away at the top of a steep cliff. Various other raptors including jackal buzzards, Verreaux’s eagles and Cape vultures frequent the feeding station right in front of the hide. Several smaller bird species unique to the mountainous habitat can also be spotted from the hide. Cape rock-thrushes, buff-streaked chats, ground woodpeckers and Drakensberg prinias are regularly spotted. Winter is a good time to visit but remember to dress up for the cold weather as it can get very chilly in the hide – bookings can be made through the Giant's Castle camp reception.

Giant's Castle Tel:  036 353 3718

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Lieliebet van der Westhuizen says:I am from Phalaborwa, our aircons are still going at full speed. Thank you for the great picture and letting us know where we can see these beautiful creatures. I will definitely make a plan asap to visit the Game reserve, will have to buy some warm clothing first.
Posted on: May 5, 2010, 11:36 AM
 
Dudley Lee says:Thanks a lot! Going to the 'berg late June and will visit the hide for sure!
Posted on: May 5, 2010, 12:42 PM
 
Des Pienaar says:Do you need climbing experience to get to the hide. We are senior citizens and would love to go there.
Posted on: May 6, 2010, 7:53 PM
 
Marten Bootsma says:Can you perhaps tell me where I can find a photo of two eagles passing a stick from one to the other in mid-air?
Posted on: May 7, 2010, 8:52 PM
 
Your Name Here says:Sorry, I forgot to add my e=mail; marten. bootsma@telkomsa. net
Posted on: May 7, 2010, 8:58 PM
 
Wild Card team says:The vulture hide at Giant's Castle can be accessed by 4x4, so you don't have to be a mountaineer to get there. If you don't have an offroad vehicle, the staff will kindly give you a lift. Cost is R200 a person a day, minimum charge R600 for a party. Bookings open 1 November for the following year.
Posted on: May 12, 2010, 10:07 AM