Sani Pass

17th June 2015
St Lucia to Underberg

18th June 2015
An early start was called for to enable us to check a few local birding sites out before heading to the road/track that runs through the Sani Pass into Leshoto.

On-route to the Sani Pass. The Drakensburg Mountains in the distance.

Red-billed Quelea
Despite being very numerous, this was the only sighting of this species during the two week trip. They certainly liked to cram together as can be seen below!

Lakes at the bottom of the Sani Pass.

Brown-backed Honeybird
Seen by one of the lakes at the bottom end of the Sani Pass.
A scarce bird that was not seen elsewhere.

This road is definitely for four wheel drive vehicles only!

Rock Hyrax - Several of these mammals were sunning themselves on the rocks.

Cape Rock Thrush - Only seen along the Sani Pass. An endemic species.

Cape Rock Thrush (photo NF)

Ground Woodpeckers
Another rock loving and endemic species. We missed it elsewhere but could not fail to see it in the Sani Pass as they seemed to be everywhere.


Gurney's Sugarbird - Only seen in the middle section of the pass, invariably feeding on Proteus plants.

Long-billed Pipit - Several Pipits were seen on the way up the pass.

Birding on the way up. Here looking for a Fairy Flycatcher, which we failed to find.

At the top. The immigration office in need of a lick of paint!

Sadly no time to get a beer!

View from the pub

Rockjumper territory
A Drakensburg Rockjumper is perched on the edge. An endemic species.

Drakensburg Rockjumper - female
This one was photographed from the pub balcony.

Sentinel Rock Thrush - Only seen on the top of the pass. An endemic species.

Sickle-winged Chat
Another bird only seen close to the top of the pass. An endemic species.

On the top
A vast area of grass and low vegetation.

A Shepherd with many dogs.

Keeping a distant watch on us.

Home?

Jackal Buzzard
A common species that we saw many times but few as close as this, taken from the vehicle.

Cape Bunting
An endemic species. Several were seen at the top of the pass. (photo NF)

Heading back down again. Stunning views


Frozen Waterfall

Wailing CisticolaThe Cisticolas all seem to have there own special habitat. We only saw this one along Sani Pass.

Gurney's SugarbirdI couldn't resist taking a few more photos on the way down. A smart bird.

Impressive backdrop!

Back into South Africa

Cape Sparrow This was perched on the border post fence. A near endemic species.

Swee Waxbills Also at the border post. The only sighting of this endemic species during our trip.

Bokmakierie
An endemic species, although apparently not uncommon, we only managed to see this species on our last days birding. Unfortunately it was not possible to get very close.