The fynbos and karoo covered Swartberg Mountain range is positioned 30km north of Oudtshoorn in the Klein Karoo. The best way to explore these mountains is by driving the Swartberg Pass. Although it is a dirt road, most 2-wheel drives pass it without too much of a struggle. I've summarized the birding that can be done on the pass as well as helpful general information.
The pass offers excellent birdwatching and is highly recommended when searching for Fynbos endemics and other rocky outcrop specialists. These birds include Protea Canary, (or Seedeater), Orange-breasted Sunbird, Cape Sugarbird, Cape Siskin, Victorin's Warbler, Cape Rockjumper and the enigmatic Fynbos Buttonquail
(featured in an earlier post). Other specials include the Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Verreaux's Eagle, Cape Eagle-Owl, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Cape Grassbird, Nicholson's Pipit, Black-headed Canary and others. All these birds can be found year-round and with relative ease. We visited the pass (January 2024) and found most of these birds within a morning and afternoon's birding. Staying near the pass is convenient so that it can be accessed without a long drive and makes it easier be on the pass at dusk or at dawn for the sought-after Cape Eagle-Owl. Birding can be done throughout the day, although birds might be less active as the day heats up. Birds such as Cape Siskin and Protea Canary is best seen from sunrise to 9am. The pass also has areas which is safe to park your vehicle and exit. Places include points at B, C and E which also serves as a good vantage point from which to scan far and wide.
Places to stay on Oudtshoorn's side of the mountain range include Swartberg Manor and De Hoek Mountain Resort and on Prince Albert's side include Oppieplaas Cottage and Bushman Valley. Prince Albert's surrounding areas produce excellent Karoo birding.
Making regular stops (when possible) along the pass is recommended to increase the chances of finding more birds. Even walking along the pass might proof helpful as well.
Below is a map of the pass where I've marked certain areas containing bird species which we've seen at the allocated area.
A: Fynbos Buttonquail, Cape Sugarbird, Orange-breasted Sunbird
B: Ground Woodpecker, Sentinel Rock Thrush, Verreaux's Eagle
C: Cape Rockjumper, Cape Siskin, Black-headed Canary, Fairy Flycatcher
D: Cape Sugarbird, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, Victorin's Warbler
E: Protea Canary, Victorin's Warbler, Black Harrier
Please feel free to contact me on any further details of the birding at the Swartberg Pass.
Written and designed by Ruven Schoeman
Where is Swartberg Pass?