This is Southern Africa’s red-letter forest – home to Woodward’s Barbet (Green Barbet) – found nowhere else in the world and there are only around 120 pairs left. Ongoye is also excellent for Delegorgue’s Pigeon, Yellow-streaked Bulbul, Spotted Ground Thrush and quite simply more forest species than any other South African forest.  You have simply got to get there.

Unfortunately it is also one of the most difficult forests to reach.  Firstly you have to contact the Eshowe office of KwaZulu Natal Nature Conservation (+27 354-42473) to fax you a permit (so plan ahead).  Next hurdle is finding it – it is totally un-signposted.

From Mtunzini take the R102 north.  After 8 kilometres you pass the Forest Inn Hotel and 4.5 kilometres further, turn left onto a dirt road at an abandoned petrol station (signposted P525).  Continue for 4.5 kilometres (ignore a fork to the right at milestone 18) and turn right at milestone 16 (another sign reads D1554) and over a small stream.

You pass Manzamnyama School on the left about 4.4. Kilometres on.  Turn right onto a track 200 metres beyond the school and before the road crosses a stream (do not take the track directly opposite the school),.  At the form 2.1 kilometres further, turn right and present your permit at the office close to a watchtower.  Return to the fork and proceed past some offices on the left. (to the right is a new ranger’s post) until the road enters the main forest.

Park, walk into the forest and start listening for the “chopping” call of the barbet. 

Note : If you don’t have a “car guard”, it is best to park at the new ranger’s post (if it is manned) and walk to the forest.  Do not leave anything of value in the car.