No under 13s
Bitou Birding Festival 2024
Fri Sep 27, 10:00 - Sun Oct 6, 12:00
Plettenberg Bay
ABOUT
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of birdlife of the Garen Route at the Bitou Birding Festival
27 September - 6 October 2024
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa
Calling all birding enthusiasts, from novices to seasoned twitchers! Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the rich diversity of birdlife across the varied habitats of the Garden Route. Nestled in the scenic coastal region of Bitou, encompassing Plettenberg Bay, Nature’s Valley, Wittedrift, and Keurboomstrand, the Bitou Birding Festival offers an unparalleled birding experience.
Highlights of the Festival:
- Engaging Expert Talks: Enjoy insightful presentations on birding-related topics from renowned experts.
- Guided Bird Walks: Participate in guided bird walks through diverse locations and habitats.
- Universal Access Birding Routes: Explore accessible guided birding paths in Plettenberg Bay and Nature’s Valley.
- Unique Birding Activities: Experience bird netting, ringing, and recording with Dr. Mark Brown.
- Birding Canoe Adventure: Embark on a canoeing journey along the Bitou or Keurbooms Rivers.
- Pelagic Birding Excursions: Join a pelagic birding trip along the breathtaking coastline.
- Birding-Centered Wellness activities: Blending morning wellness and meditation practice with birdwatching
- Art and Photography Exhibition: Admire stunning bird-inspired art and photography exhibition.
- Dinner Presentation at Belle Balance inside Plett Game Reserve: An informative presentation and dinner at Plett Game Reserve - Belle Balance. Come early and book a game drive.
- Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre Tour: Visit the Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation Centre for an informative tour and raptor display - learn about these magnificent birds and the crucial conservation efforts dedicated to their protection.
- Self-Drive Birding Route: Navigate at your own pace with a self-drive birding route through diverse habitats.
Explore Diverse Habitats:
- Wetlands, rivers, and estuaries
- Fynbos habitats
- Afromontane forest biomes
- Urban areas and grasslands
- Coastal areas and pelagic zones
ACTIVITIES
Exhibition Opening Night: Art exhibition opening at Kwendalo
Exhibition Opening Night: Art exhibition opening
Welcoming and registration
Launch of Self-Drive Birding Map
Venue: Kwendalo
Time: 17:00 for 17:30
Welcoming and registration
Launch of Self-Drive Birding Map
Venue: Kwendalo
Time: 17:00 for 17:30
Bird netting, ringing, recording and release - Bitou River Lodge
Bird netting, ringing, recording and release by Dr. Mark Brown
Venue: Bitou River Lodge
Time: 5:00 for 5:30
This activity offers a unique opportunity to witness bird netting, ringing, recording, and release firsthand.
Venue: Bitou River Lodge
Time: 5:00 for 5:30
This activity offers a unique opportunity to witness bird netting, ringing, recording, and release firsthand.
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Bitou River 1
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Bitou River 1
Venue: Launch from Bitou River Lodge - Exit Wetlands on the Bitou
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Coffee and light snacks at Wetlands on the Bitou are included.
Venue: Launch from Bitou River Lodge - Exit Wetlands on the Bitou
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Coffee and light snacks at Wetlands on the Bitou are included.
Pelagic Birding Expedition 1
A guided ocean pelagic birding trip with Conserve Eden. The trip will be guided by Cape Nature Senior Marine Ranger Chanel Visser, and ornithologist Dr. Mark Brown.
Venue: Plettenberg Bay - Central Beach - Launch from Ski Boat Club
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Chanel Visser - Cape Nature and ornithologist Dr Mark Brown - Conserve Eden
Venue: Plettenberg Bay - Central Beach - Launch from Ski Boat Club
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Chanel Visser - Cape Nature and ornithologist Dr Mark Brown - Conserve Eden
Guided Birding Kayak Experience - Keurbooms Rivier 1
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Keurbooms River 1
Venue: Launch from Cape Nature Keurbooms River Jetty
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Light snack after expedition included.
Venue: Launch from Cape Nature Keurbooms River Jetty
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Light snack after expedition included.
Raptor Rescue Tour and Display
Experience a captivating display, a guided tour of the facility, and interesting insights from Dr. Mark Brown. This is a unique opportunity to learn about these magnificent birds and the crucial conservation efforts dedicated to their protection.
Venue: Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre
Time: 11:30 for 12:00
Guides / Hosts: Dr. Mark Brown, Laura Fotheringham, Mark Robson
Venue: Raptor Rescue Rehabilitation and Awareness Centre
Time: 11:30 for 12:00
Guides / Hosts: Dr. Mark Brown, Laura Fotheringham, Mark Robson
Pelagic Birding Expedition 2
A guided ocean pelagic birding trip with Conserve Eden. The trip will be guided by Cape Nature Senior Marine Ranger Chanel Visser, and ornithologist Dr. Mark Brown.
Venue: Plettenberg Bay - Central Beach - Launch from Ski Boat Club
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Chanel Visser - Cape Nature and ornithologist Dr Mark Brown - Conserve Eden
Venue: Plettenberg Bay - Central Beach - Launch from Ski Boat Club
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Chanel Visser - Cape Nature and ornithologist Dr Mark Brown - Conserve Eden
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Bitou River 2
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Bitou River 2
Venue: Launch from Bitou River Lodge - Exit Wetlands on the Bitou
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Coffee and light snacks at Wetlands on the Bitou are included.
Venue: Launch from Bitou River Lodge - Exit Wetlands on the Bitou
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Coffee and light snacks at Wetlands on the Bitou are included.
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Keurbooms River 2
Guided Birding Canoe Experience - Keurbooms River 2
Venue: Launch from Cape Nature Keurbooms River Jetty
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Light snack after expedition included.
Venue: Launch from Cape Nature Keurbooms River Jetty
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Johnathan Tucker - Wild Compass Experiences - Birdlife SA Volunteer Guide
Light snack after expedition included.
Bird netting, ringing, recording and release - Kwendalo
Bird netting, ringing, recording and release by Dr. Mark Brown
Venue: Kwendalo
Time: 5:00 for 5:30
This activity offers a unique opportunity to witness bird netting, ringing, recording, and release firsthand.
Venue: Kwendalo
Time: 5:00 for 5:30
This activity offers a unique opportunity to witness bird netting, ringing, recording, and release firsthand.
WALKS
Guided Birding Walk - Bitou Vlei
Location: Bitou Vlei
Habitat: Vlei / Wetland
Time: 7:30 for 8:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Habitat: Vlei / Wetland
Time: 7:30 for 8:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Guided Birding Walk - Brackenburn Nature Reserve - Hide and Seek Project
Location: Brackenburn Nature Reserve - Hide and Seek Project
Habitat: Forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Brackenburn Guide and Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Brackenburn Guide and Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Guided Birding Walk - Hebron Nature Reserve
Location: Natures Valley - Hebron Nature Reserve
Habitat: Forest / Farmland
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Hosted by NVT - Sky Beveridge
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Habitat: Forest / Farmland
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Hosted by NVT - Sky Beveridge
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Guided Birding Walk - Garden of Eden SANParks - Universal Access Route
Location: Garden of Eden SANParks - Universal Access Route
Habitat: Afromontane forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
*Please note: SANParks Garden of Eden? charges a conservation entry fee additional to the ticket price upon entry. Wild Card members don’t pay this entry fee, depending on their membership status.
Habitat: Afromontane forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
*Please note: SANParks Garden of Eden? charges a conservation entry fee additional to the ticket price upon entry. Wild Card members don’t pay this entry fee, depending on their membership status.
Guided Birding Walk - Goose Marsh
Location: Goose Marsh
Habitat: Estuary / Wetland / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Please note: Parking at the estuary access point is limited so please park your vehicle mindfully and carpool together where possible.
Habitat: Estuary / Wetland / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Please note: Parking at the estuary access point is limited so please park your vehicle mindfully and carpool together where possible.
Guided Birding Walk - Cairnbrogie/Robberg Coastal Corridor
Location: Kranshoek
Habitat: Fynbos / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers - Chief Justin Bernado
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Habitat: Fynbos / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers - Chief Justin Bernado
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Guided Birding Walk - Groot Rivier Boardwalk SANParks - Universal Access Route
Location: Natures Valley - Groot Rivier Boardwalk - Universal Access Route
Habitat: Afromontane forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Hosted by NVT - Prof. Hendri Coetzee
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Habitat: Afromontane forest
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Hosted by NVT - Prof. Hendri Coetzee
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
Guided Birding Walk - Robberg Nature Reserve
Location: Robberg Nature Reserve
Habitat: Fynbos / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
*Please note: Robberg Nature Reserve charge a conservation entry fee additional to the ticket price upon entry. Wild Card members don’t pay this entry fee, depending on their membership status.
Habitat: Fynbos / Coastal
Time: 6:30 for 7:00
Guides: Birdlife Plettenberg Bay Volunteers
Duration: +/- 2 - 2,5 hours
*Please note: Robberg Nature Reserve charge a conservation entry fee additional to the ticket price upon entry. Wild Card members don’t pay this entry fee, depending on their membership status.
TALKS
Dinner and Talk / Presentation: Birds and Climate Change - Dr. Mark Brown
Birds and Climate Change - Dr. Mark Brown
Location: Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Mark Brown
Location: Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Mark Brown
Talk / Presentation - The Health Benefits of Birding - Dr. Matthew Zylstra
The Health Benefits of Birding - Dr. Matthew Zylstra
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Matthew Zylstra
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Matthew Zylstra
Talk / Presentation - Raptors of the Greater Plett Area - Dr. Mark Brown
Raptors of the Greater Plett Area - Dr. Mark Brown
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Mark Brown
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Dr. Mark Brown
Talk / Presentation - Density and Distribution of African Black Oystercatchers in the Southern Cape - Mark Dixon
Density and Distribution of African Black Oystercatchers in the Southern Cape
- Mark Dixon
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony CentreTime: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Mark Dixon
Talk / Presentation - Birds of the Bitou - Mike Bridgeford
Birds of the Bitou - Mike Bridgeford
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony CentreTime: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Mike Bridgeford
Talk / Presentation Conservation Projects and Success Stories of NVT - Prof. Hendri Coetzee
Conservation Projects and Success Stories of NVT - Prof. Hendri Coetzee
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Prof. Hendri Coetzee
Location: Kwendalo - The Harmony Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00
Speaker: Prof. Hendri Coetzee
DINNER
Birding and Dinner Presentation
Dinner Presentation by Dr. Mark Brown "Birds and climate change"
Location: Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve
Habitat: Grassland / Water
Meet at Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve from 17:30
Dinner and Presentation from 18:00
*Game drive available at 15:00 for 15:30 @ R470 p/p * Only 10 Spots available.
Location: Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve
Habitat: Grassland / Water
Meet at Belle Balance inside Plett Nature Reserve from 17:30
Dinner and Presentation from 18:00
*Game drive available at 15:00 for 15:30 @ R470 p/p * Only 10 Spots available.
DONATE
Donate to Raptor Rescue
Donate to Natures Valley Trust
