Soaring High: Kwendalo Unveils Avitourism Endeavor
Exciting news emerges as Kwendalo joins forces with BirdLife Plettenberg Bay and BirdLife South Africa to champion avitourism, promoting the appreciation of nature and well-being.
In a bid to deepen the local community’s bond with the natural world, Kwendalo and BirdLife partners have embarked on a series of avitourism initiatives. These include the collaborative construction of a bird hide, the establishment of dedicated birding trails, accreditation as a certified avitourism accommodation provider, and the integration of birding activities into educational programs with local schools.
A Sanctuary for Bird Watching and Wellness
As part of their commitment to fostering nature awareness and community engagement, Kwendalo and BirdLife Plettenberg Bay have jointly erected a bird hide within the estate. This sanctuary offers a tranquil space for BirdLife members, bird enthusiasts, Kwendalo’s guests, school groups, and the wider public to observe and appreciate the rich avian diversity of the area. Nestled by a serene vlei, the bird hide provides a unique urban-adjacent setting for people to immerse themselves in nature, known to promote health and well-being.
“Many are unaware of the myriad benefits birdwatching offers for health and well-being,” explains Dr. Matthew Zylstra, Program Director and conservation ecologist at the Kwendalo Institute. “Beyond the physical activity and outdoor exposure, birdwatching has been linked to improved mental health, creativity, and attention restoration.”
Dr. Zylstra, an expert in nature connectedness, emphasizes how birdwatching fosters a deep sense of connection with nature, mindfulness, sensory engagement, and social connection. Recognizing its therapeutic potential, Kwendalo is piloting the Nature Referrals (NRx) program with healthcare professionals, advocating for nature-based activities as a complementary lifestyle intervention.
Certified Avitourism Accommodation
In line with their commitment to transformative tourism, Kwendalo proudly announces its certification as a BirdLife recommended avitourism accommodation provider. This recognition underscores Kwendalo’s dedication to providing birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts with a supportive environment to explore the avian wonders of the estate.
“With nearly 90 bird species recorded at Kwendalo, including rarities, we look forward to visitors enriching our observations and experiences,” adds Dr. Zylstra, who recently completed BirdLife’s avitourism training. “BirdLife Plett members have been invaluable in reporting sightings, and we welcome their continued enjoyment of our bird hide and trails.”
The Harmony Project: Nature-Based Learning
Kwendalo advocates for nature-inspired education through its partnership with Bahia Formosa School. By integrating the national curriculum with the Harmony Project’s teaching methodology, the Kwendalo Institute aims to cultivate a renewed appreciation for biodiversity among students, fostering a lifelong connection with nature grounded in curiosity, compassion, and reverence.
For instance, Grade 2 students explored the question “Where do animals live?” through hands-on experiences aligned with the Harmony Project. Under the guidance of Kwendalo’s Harmony Project Coordinator, Tash Wilbert, students constructed bird feeders from recycled materials, integrating math and language skills while nurturing environmental stewardship.
Working alongside learning partners from the Nature’s Valley Trust, who generously shared birding expertise, students immersed themselves in the enchanting realm of avian life. They eagerly absorbed facts about local birds, meticulously labeling parts of a bird, and went on exploratory walks around the school in search of winged wonders. Among many observations, the sighting of a hoopoe sparked particular excitement.
“Many students handled binoculars for the first time, peering into details of a world previously unseen”, said ‘Teacher Tash’, as she is better known. “Such was their newfound enthusiasm, that their class teacher was needed to conduct their subsequent lessons with the curtains drawn as a sighting of a sparrow or crow would bring her class to a disruptive standstill! This feels like a testament to the profound impact of connecting with nature on young hearts and minds.” Teacher Tash is excited about the developments at Kwendalo, “The bird hide at Kwendalo promises to become a favoured – and perhaps favourite – destination for future Harmony Project excursions!”
ABOUT KWENDALO
Kwendalo stands as a haven for holistic well-being, nestled just beyond Plettenberg Bay on the Garden Route. Committed to regenerative agroecology and community engagement, our farm offers a nurturing environment for individuals seeking holistic health and connection with nature. The Kwendalo Institute, our research and education arm, is dedicated to exploring and enhancing human-nature relationships in both lifestyle and learning.
Originally Published on Plett Tourism