Nestled amongst the Eastern Cape Highlands, closely situated to the Lesotho border, the small scenic village of Grahamstown is surrounded by pristine rivers and awesome mountain ranges, namely the Drakensberg, the Witteberg and the Malutis. This area, lying in the southern Drakensberg region has become known as an ideal location for birdwatching, and displays an abundant variety of over two hundred and thirty various species.

The area offers visitors the excellent opportunity to sight a number of birds which are endemic to the higher altitudes of the region, and are not commonly seen in the lower lying regions. These high altitude species include the Ground Woodpecker, Orangebreasted Rockjumper and Drakensberg Siskin, and are more commonly sighted on the Naudes Nek Pass, which is home to the highest dirt road in South Africa at an altitude of almost 3000 meters.

A number of special species are also seen frequenting the area, including the Cape Vulture, Drakensberg Rock-jumper, both Mountain and Yellow-breasted Pipit, Bald Ibis, Black Stork, Grey Crowned Crane, the Black Harrier and Bearded Vulture, also known as the Lammergeier, which are only found in these parts. The rocky terrain of the surrounding areas provide excellent habitats for Woodpeckers, Rock-jumpers and Rock-thrushes, while the mountain streams and thickets attract such species as Tit-babblers, Flycatchers and Warblers. An added bonus for keen birdwatchers is that the vicinity is one of the few locations in South Africa, where all eight species of chat can be viewed. Really lucky visitors may even see a rare colony of Bald Ibis.