Fauna and Flora on Mbona
With Mbona Reserve having a rich diversity of both open grasslands, rocky hills and indigenous forest areas, together with a system of natural stream run-off into a series of small to medium lakes, one can only imagine the splendour of our plant and tree life. Our breathtaking beautiful variety of both indigenous and exotic species offer interesting bursts of colour and muted shades through the changing seasons.
Birds & Insects
Our bird List comprises over two hundred and fifty forest and grassland species. Common birds of the moist forest areas include Narina Trogan, Black-headed Oriole, Olive Woodpecker, Lemon Dove and the rare Orange Ground Thrush to name a few. Malachite and Giant Kingfishers are often seen hovering above the dams, whilst the bullrushes and sedges provide a habitat for Bishop birds, Weavers, Cisticolas and the Drakensberg Prinia. During the summer months, Barn, White-throated and Greater-striped Swallows are often seen flying overhead.
Flowers and Trees
"Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature"
Gerard De Nerval
The protection of rare endemic species and conservation of key vegetation types, namely the critically endangered Midlands mistbelt Grassland and vulnerable Eastern Mistbelt Forest, is important to Mbona as a Reserve. Clivias are abundant and add a pop of bright orange colour when flowering in the moist shady forests. A steep walk in the heart of the Holbeck Forest will take you to the Valley of Giants where you will find giant Yellowwood, White stinkwood and other trees.
Wandering with the wild things
Wildlife at Mbona
An abundant variety of wildlife, big and small, thrive in the open grasslands and indigenous forests. Black Wildebeest, Zebras and a variety of buck are seen daily, whilst the many nocturnal creatures such as spotted genet, porcupine, bush-pig and white-tailed mongoose are evening visitors to the common areas and shareholders gardens. Caracal, serval and jackal are spotted too. Vervet and Samango monkeys are thriving residents in the forested areas.