Mount Moreland’s Swallow Roost: South Africa’s largest roosting grounds

KwaZulu-Natal is home to some of the most amazing places of interest in South Africa.

It is home to Mount Moreland, South Africa’s largest roosting grounds for migrating Barn Swallows. It is located approximately 10km from Durban's King Shaka International Airport.

It is at Mount Moreland where you can witness migrating Barn Swallows.

Swallows are very interesting birds. There are around 83 species of swallows worldwide. They have a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours, and live in a wide range of habitats.

These birds eat and drink on their wings while flying thousands of kilometres across the globe during migration.

Barn swallows are also called Europese swael in Afrikaans; Ucelizapholo, Udlihashe in Xhosa, iNkojane in iSiZulu, Lekabelane in South Sotho, Inkonjane in Swazi, Nyengha in Tsonga, Peolwane in Northern Sotho, and Phetla in Setswana.

According to the South African National Biodiversity Institute, an estimated 22- to 44-million birds from west Europe and 44- to 88-million from east Europe and Asia enter Africa annually.

In South Africa, they mostly start to be seen around spring in September and by November, up to three million Barn Swallows can be seen every evening over the Lake Victoria wetland. This lasts until the month of April.

Head to Mount Moreland before sunset to see an extraordinary spectacle half an hour before sunset.

Nearby places of accommodation are Eden Hotel, La Ru, and Ocean Edge.

For more KZN Travels articles read below:

1. Babanango Game Reserve – the place to be for all nature enthusiasts
2. Moses Mabhida Stadium: Seven reasons to visit the People’s Park
   
3. Hillcrest Paintball - Durban’s finest paintball range
   
4. Adventure tourism - Ngodini Bunduz offers ‘out-of-the box’ outdoor experience
   
5. Matatane Camp – The ultimate family adventure experience

Image courtesy of iStock