The low-lying Phongolo and Usuthu floodplains and associated pans are the reason why Ndumo is also known as Little Okavango. The reserve is the only formal protection of these systems in South Africa. The entire reserve is a RAMSAR site, since the saline pans, extensive wetlands and reed beds provide a significant feeding ground for large numbers of migratory and resident wader species.

The bird count (421 species, 60% of all bird species found in the country) is the highest in South Africa. Pel’s fishing owl is the most special sighting, people come here just for it.

Typical Ndumo visitors spend two or three days. It is a great park for relaxation and not at all busy, there is no noise, you can enjoy nature as it is. With so many attractions, where to go for the best sightings? Personally, my most special place in the reserve is Nyamithi Pan, early morning. This is a sight to behold, never to be forgotten. Golden shimmers reflected in the water, a backdrop of fever trees, and birds everywhere – mesmerising!

Some of the aquatic birds you can expect to see are Slaty egret, Black egret, Pygmy geese, White-faced duck, African jacana, Lesser jacana and many heron species. You might even spot an African finfoot on the Phongolo floodplain. Palm nut vultures are often seen at the vulture restaurant.

En route to the Red Cliffs Picnic Site, we were bowled over by the lushness of the vegetation, imposing Natal mahogany, Sycamore figs, fever trees. Impala, nyala and wildebeest proliferate. At Red Cliffs, the view of the Usuthu river and Mozambique on the other side is glorious. What a splendid site to spend an hour! The picnic and braai facilities are absolutely spotless.

Entomologists will be interested to hear that 66 species of mosquito have been identified here.

First appeared as a blog on www.wildcard.co.za