Seldom is an award-winning hotel and a birding hotspot found in the same place. Nestling among the mountains of the Drakensberg, near the beginnings of the great Tugela River, is a paradise for nature lovers called The Cavern. This family run hotel is conveniently situated half way between Gauteng and Durban and offers very affordable accommodation, excellent food and a wonderful friendly atmosphere. Birding enthusiasts from South Africa and overseas come here to enjoy the rich and varied birdlife. The Cavern boasts a bird list spiced with more than 20 endemics, some exciting rarities and a garden full of avian surprises.
Dates for 2025: Friday 19 – Sunday 21 September
About Your Guide – David Weaver
David has had a fascination with birds his entire life. This has led to extensive travel in southern Africa in pursuit of new species, and he has a passion for collecting and reading bird books.
He has seen 833 of the subregions birds but has foregone chasing new species in his quest to photograph all the species in Southern Africa. He has managed to photograph 653 Southern African species.
While teaching in Richards Bay, David had the honour of becoming good friends with Hugh Chittenden, Digby Cyrus, Athol Marchant and several other top birders. He was privileged to have learnt his field skills from these gentlemen and spent many a happy tour through the sub-region in their company. He spent his school holidays as a tour guide in Umfolosi/Hluhluwe, leading walking trails specifically for birders.
After moving to Harrismith, he has continued his passion for Bird Photography, travelling extensively in pursuit of new and better photographs. He has managed to accumulate a sound knowledge and great photos of “Berg specials” as well as many Grassland species.
David is committed to educating new birders and passing on his knowledge and inspiring people to become better birders, because, as he says, “Birders make the best conservationists”.
Proposed Programme
Friday
18h30 Meet in the Conference Room for an illustrated talk on “Berg Birds”.
Saturday
06h00 Meet on the lawn outside Reception for an informal bird walk around the garden.
08h00 Breakfast
09h30 Meet on the lawn outside reception to go on a birding walk.
12h30 Lunch
Afternoon at leisure or a time with David to chat about birds and birding photography
18h00 Meet again in the Conference Room for an illustrated talk; “Birding Essentials”.
Sunday
06h30 Optional bird walk to a different part of the garden.
08h00 Breakfast
09h30 Meet on the lawn for a bird walk in Protea grassland.
12h30 Lunch
Depart at your leisure after lunch and have a safe trip home.
Rates:
R4040 per person sharing in standard accommodation for the weekend (2 nights)
The rate includes accommodation, all meals, teas and guided walks and talks with David Weaver.