The morning sun at The Retreat at Ngorongoro always brings the highlands to life, transforming the grounds into a vibrant sanctuary. Nestled in the fertile volcanic soil of the Ngorongoro highlands, the lodge boasts a lush microclimate of plants and mist-kissed air, providing seeds, nectar and shelter for local wildlife.
During my recent stay, I grabbed my binoculars and took a series of early morning walks through the gardens. What I discovered was an absolute avian haven. I was so captivated by the rich variety of birds right on our doorstep that I had to sit down and write this blog to share the magic with fellow bird lovers!
Here are the beautiful birds I watched right from the lodge pathways.
The Bronze Sunbird (Nectarinia kilimensis)
My walk began near the main lodge building, where a brilliant yellow trumpet vine leans gracefully against the brick-clad columns. Its golden, nectar-heavy blossoms are an irresistible magnet for one of my favourite resident pollinators: the Bronze Sunbird.
This particular bird was identified as a young male, with a dark chin. I watched in awe as its iridescent feathers caught the morning light while it fed from the trumpet-shaped flowers.
The African Pied Wagtail (Motacilla aguimp)
The most intimate and poignant discovery of my walk waited closer to the ground. Tucked into a quiet, sheltered nook of the lodge, I chanced upon the carefully woven home of an African Pied Wagtail.
I caught a glimpse of the bird attending its nest and finely speckled eggs. It was a moment to appreciate quietly, giving the bird space and avoiding any disturbance.
The nest was a beautiful reminder that the lodge gardens are more than a place for birds to visit. They also provide places where birds choose to raise their young.
Susan’s Birding Trail Map
To help you explore the places where I watched these birds, here is a quick guide to the property. These are places to look and listen, rather than a guarantee of a sighting.
- Main Lodge Building and Yellow Trumpet Vine:
Watch the flowers for visiting Bronze Sunbirds. - Low Garden Thickets:
Walk slowly and look close to the ground for a master of camouflage.
More about that encounter in the next blog. - Acacia Canopy:
Look up into the branches to spot and hear the active bulbuls. - Quiet Nooks and Eaves:
Watch for African Pied Wagtails around the sheltered lodge structures.
Observe from a distance and give nesting birds plenty of space.
