The popular bird watching destination of Richards Bay, provides birding enthusiasts with a slice of their own heaven, at the Thulsihleka Pan. The area features an expansive net of hiking trails, and a number of protected hides from which visitors can look forward to spotting a variety of over three hundred and fifty species.

The pan is considered to be probably the most reliable site for spotting Lesser Jacanas in South Africa, as well as enormous flocks of pelicans, Spoonbills and various unusual species such as Baillon's Crake, African Marsh Harrier and Brown Throated Weaver. Several species of waterbirds use the Thulasihleka Pan as a breeding site, and it is home to at least 15 Red Data waterbird species - such as goliath heron, lesser jacana and little bittern - and at least nine colonial breeding waterbird species. Guided walks through the area are also offered to visitors. For more information on birding at Thulasihleka Pan, contact the Zululand Birding Route on (035) 753 5644