Overview
Kurisa Moya Birding Estate
A close-to-nature forest lodge near Tzaneen-Limpopo.
Superb forest birding in Magoebaskloof forests.
Forest accommodation and scenic hiking trails.
For a close to nature encounter and forest birding near Tzaneen, Kurisa Moya offers forest accommodation in three different designs. Forest Lodge accommodation may be in log cabins built into the indigenous tree canopy, one of the private forest cottages or the original farm house set in a clearing in the forest with astounding views of the mountains and valleys in this beautiful part of Limpopo South Africa.
The birding venue Kurisa Moya is well known and the nature lodge and farm are listed as one of the top birding spots in South Africa.
The concept at Kurisa Moya is a close to nature experience staying in a private cottage or cabin in the forest from which to take long leisurely walks through indigenous forests, swim in the dams, fish for trout and add coveted species to your birding life list. The forest is home to bushbuck and duiker, small predators like civet and genet and other forest animals and the tree canopy home to vervet and samango monkeys. This superb birding venue boasts sightings of species like Narina Trogons, Buff Spotted Flufftail and Green Twinspot.
The two log cabins are ideal for bird watching with large windows and private deck looking directly into the tree canopy. You will gaze out onto century-old trees with moss-covered branches and forest streams surrounded by ferns, clivias and orchids. Here you can truly regain your spirit and get close to nature as you tune in to the sounds of the forest all around you. The Forest Log Cabins have a double bed and two singles in the loft and can comfortably sleep four. Each has a full equipped kitchen and bathroom with a view. Meals can be self catered or delivered in a hamper. Hurricane lanterns and solar provide lighting and the kitchen is fuelled by gas.
Thora Boloka Cottage is positioned with breathtaking views over the Kudu’s River Valley. The cottage is built with natural materials from Kurisa Moya Farm- rough cedar wood lintels from flood damaged trees and clay and stone from the valley so that the cottage takes on the character of the valley and hills. The interior is bright and airy but cosy in the winger with a central fire place and wood supplied every day. The Thora Boloka Cottage sleeps 6 guests in 1 double and 4 single beds. The open plan kitchen and living area in a convivial meeting place where family and friends can create forest feasts. Thora Boloka is electricity-free keeping it close to nature with a gas fridge and freezer and a 3-plate cooker and oven. An outdoor shower really gets you close to nature with incredible views over the valley while the indoor bathroom is a bohemian creation of hand moulded basin and vanity and wooden doors. The decor is African, rustic and comfortable, emphasising the mood of relaxation and peace, with all the comforts of home.
For forest accommodation there is also the option of The Dula a small private venue for two near the farm dam. It is a rustic charming venue with lots of creative touches and only accessible by 4 x 4 vehicle.
The original farm house stands on a cleared hilltop so it offers sweeping views over the valley and distant mountains. The rambling old house had 5 en suite bed rooms with individually decorated charm, a large living area and wide veranda wrapping two sides of the building. The building is cool in summer and cosy in winter with an indoor fire place. The well established garden attracts many birds and has a private plunge pool.
The Kurisa Moya property is 422 ha and the well laid out hiking trails wind through a variety of habitats. The River Rambal follows a forest stream over small bridges and into fragrant glades. Bushbuck and duiker browse in the undergrowth. The Umsenga Forest Walk visits the spectacular indigenous rain forests of Kurisa Moya with massive Cassonia Trees and Yellow Woods. The incredible vegetation and rare birds such as Yellow streaked Greenbuls and the rare Black fronted Bushshrike make this an awe-inspiring walk. There is the more strenuous mountain hike and also a walk that visits the two dam that are well stocked with trout. The various birding hikes are most productive and skirt the afro-montane forests that are frequented by a large variety of birds.