Cussonia Cottage

Eva Biebuyck (owner) is amazing - she kept in touch...provided really good info on where to eat nearby, and for us (as scientists) the best birding locations. So this info is for birders to the area [keeping in mind that we visited December 8-12 (2025) - birding may be quite different at different times of the year]: The Knysna Turacos (up to 15) are active near the cottages most mornings starting at sunrise - that is your best time to get photos. In the afternoons, you will see them in the trees about 100-150 meters away - so get up early. Sometimes they come down to the water bath at the main cottage (about a five minute walk)...but set up early to shoot them when they come to the almost dead tree just outside the cottage. These turacos did not respond to sound...(2) Narina Trogon - very shy! Will respond to calls by calling from a distance...but this is the only way to get this species to come closer (or at least give a clue to where it is). There seems to be 3-4 individuals in the area of the cottage (when using sound). We had much better looks/luck in Tanzania with this species. (3) at night if you use calls, there are African Wood Owls - we had to play the call for 20 minutes before one finally came in (10pm) and perched in the almost dead tree. We got some superb photos...(bring a color balanced torch/flashlight). As for other birds - yes they are there but shy...you will need many days to get all the listed birds! And you will need to do a lot of footwork (plan on only hearing the Flufftails at dusk...Comasche (caretaker - a great guy) has set up a table with old chairs for you to sit at dusk. Indeed Comasche is your best source of info - make sure to ask him - he knows the place and its birds/mammals 110% and is happy to share info. Overall we had a great time - hot water is wonderful...Internet is superb...Kitchen has everything you need. Our only suggestion would be to have fans in the cottage: if a sunny day, the cottage does heat up by day!

Nothing really...a word about restaurants in town: the BISTRO had consistently good food at very good prices. The Pancake House on the main road (and the nearby (across the road) Turkish restaurant (Habibi) are both owned by the same family. Food is OK and a little overpriced. Not worth it we thought...do as many meals at the Bistro as possible! Finally, there is a small supermarket in town - has basics (but not good yogurt or cheese). We highly recommend to shop at a Woolworths or SPAAR in a bigger town before arriving.

Very close to venue , clean and comfy

Nothing

Quiet, confortable and well equipped

Very friendly staff on hand and good communication with the owners. Very quite and peaceful area with some good walks and interesting birds. A supply of some basics like milk and coffee was a very nice touch.