About Hlatikulu Vlei
Hlatikulu Vlei lies 32 km west of Mooi River in the foothills of the Drakensberg, between the Kamberg and Giant's Castle Nature Reserves. It is bounded on one side by Highmoor, whilst its other borders adjoin private land.
Did you know? The cranes that frequent the area have found their natural environment severely compromised by ridge and furrow agriculture. They naturally live in grasslands, particularly wetlands, often threatened by agriculture.
The South African Crane Foundation has its headquarters at the vlei, unsurprisingly as all three of the crane species found in southern Africa make the vlei their home. Three pairs of the globally threatened wattled crane base themselves at Hlatikulu, whilst a flock of about 30 individuals are often seen in the area. Breeding blue crane, grey crowned crane and a small colony of southern bald ibis also make the vlei their home.
Wattled cranes:
Critically endangered in South Africa, only about 245wattled cranes survive in the wild, and they are totally dependent on wetlands for breeding. More info here: Wattled Crane
Blue cranes:
South Africa's national bird is endangered; some of its range has suffered a 90% population drop. More info here: Blue Crane
Crowned cranes:
The most adaptable, living in farmland, parkland, gardens and golf courses. More info here: grey crowned crane
Hlatikulu is managed as a sanctuary for waterfowl and grassland birds. Its series of grasslands and wetlands make it a prime birding spot. It thus forms part of the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route.
Best walks for bird spotting include: the trail that heads up Mount Lebanon, the extensive reedbeds on the larger dam, the other side of the dam (for wattled crane), the large mistbelt forest on Hlatikulu Mountain, and at night look out for African wood owls and freckled nightjars.
The habitual passage of water through the upper reaches of the vlei has been interfered with, including the construction of numerous dams. Many of the cranes have thus moved to Hlatikulu as a retreat when not breeding and the vlei has had to build rehabilitation facilities and breeding pens to cope. All the birds here are rescued or injured cranes and none are held illegally.
Need to Know
WhereHlatikulu Valley, Drakensberg, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenBest during daylight hours
OvernightStay in Hlatikulu Valley Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your attraction, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
- Best Places to Stay in the Drakensberg, South Africa's Epic Dragonback Mountains
- Everything You Need to Know to See the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park Properly
- Day Hikes of the Drakensberg
- South Africa pits itself against the world's major attractions and comes up tops
- 20 most beautiful natural places in South Africa
- 5 places to see San rock art in South Africa
Attractions near Hlatikulu Valley
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Drakensberg
Kwaggashoek Game Lodge
Kwaggashoek Game Lodge is known to offer guests an exquisite and memorable African wildlife experience not to be missed. Situated in the beautifu...
Thunzi Cottage
Thunzi Cottage is a thatched cottage offering Northern Drakensberg accommodation with beautiful Mountain views. We invite you to visit us so that...
ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest
Nestled below the Ingeli Mountains and surrounded by beautiful indigenous forests, Ingeli Forest Resort is the ideal place to unwind! Treat yours...
Drakensberg Bush Lodge and Backpackers
Situated on a farm 7km out of Winterton, this backpacker accommodation is budget orientated but features private bathroom facilities and no shari...
Cathedral Peak Hotel
A paradise of fresh mountain air and exquisite surroundings, Cathedral Peak is renowned for its natural beauty. The Cathedral Peak Hotel is set i...
Splashy Fen Cottage
Splashy Fen Cottage sleeps six people in three bedrooms, and an additional four people in a mezzanine loft room, above the lounge, accessed via a...
44 on Brownlee
Situated in a quiet and safe residential area of Kokstad, 44 on Brownlee provides accommodation for the discerning traveller. There are six spaci...
Dragon's Mist
Nestled beneath the captivating Drakensberg Mountains lies this luxurious three bedroom cottage perfect for a relaxing getaway whilst offering pl...
Qambathi Mountain Lodge
Looking for something different in the Drakensberg, visit Qambathi Mountain Lodge, situated on Qambathi Mountain Reserve, in the beautiful Kamber...
Things to do in the area
Mooi River Birding
If you are a bird lover then you will thoroughly enjoy a visit to the Mooi River at Giants Castle Game Reserve. With over 140 species to be seen,...
Giant's Castle Hikes
Giant's Castle refers both to the landmark rock massif in the central Drakensberg, where it rests in amongst the peaks of Champagne Castle and Ca...
Zulu Cave Hike
Start: Monk's Cowl / Mdedelelo Wilderness Area, northern DrakensbergFinish: Mdedelelo Wilderness AreaFitness: moderate to difficultOur tip: Cat c...
Accommodation convenient to Hlatikulu Vlei
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Drakensberg Accommodation / Hlatikulu Valley Accommodation