Nauticans Abroad: Cranes, Kingfishers, and Kilometres in South Africa

South Africa is well known for its wildlife, but what often surprises first-time visitors is just how diverse its habitats are. From high-altitude grasslands and coastal forests to arid bushveld and urban green spaces, the country offers a remarkable range of ecological settings in a relatively small area.

In July, I travelled across Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, spending time with family and visiting a range of habitats along the way. One of the first stops was Dikhololo Game Reserve, a semi-arid bushveld area where early mornings around the waterholes were especially productive. Small flocks of birds came and went constantly, and antelope species arrived in the cooler hours to drink. A particularly memorable moment was watching a large sable antelope herd, including several youngsters and an imposing alpha male, moving cautiously through the thornveld towards the water.

Later in the trip, I spent a day at the Karkloof Conservancy in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. This region is one of the few places in the country where all three of South Africa’s crane species can be found. On a single outing, I was fortunate enough to see Blue, Grey Crowned and Wattled Cranes, the latter now just recently downlisted from critically endangered to vulnerable. Mist and winter grass gave the landscape an atmospheric feel, and the cranes moved quietly through the marshes in pairs and small groups.

Urban reserves also featured heavily on this trip. Protected green spaces like Palmiet Nature Reserve, Delta Park and the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens were surprisingly rich in birdlife. Among the species recorded were eagle owls, rare waterfowl and Orange Ground Thrush, alongside smaller residents like the Pearl-spotted Owlet, which gave excellent views at close range. These areas might be overlooked, but they provide important habitat for a wide range of species and valuable opportunities for public engagement with nature.

Seeing these ecosystems in action, even while on holiday, provides a useful reminder of the value of field-based conservation work. Whether in the Arabian Peninsula or southern Africa, protected areas of all sizes continue to play a key role in supporting biodiversity.

Malachite kingfisher perched up on some branches scanning the pond for some food.

Adult male sable antelope with its impressive long horns guarding the rear flank of its herd of female and juvenile sable.

One of many Pearl spotted owlets seen often throughout the evenings.