Pretty in pink: flamingos put on a colour display at False Bay
As winter sets in over Zululand, exquisitely painted skies of colour and crisp mornings are a reminder that this is a truly special time of year in Africa. And this year we have been exceptionally fortunate, with nature putting on a particularly memorable show for guests and staff at Falaza Game Park and Lodge.
A short five kilometres from Falaza lies False Bay Park – an extension of the famous iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This hidden gem has incredible birdlife, varied terrain and ecosystems, and beautiful landscapes without the hype. As such, a visit to False Bay Park yields a relatively intimate experience of this popular destination. Offering daily game drives to False Bay Park, we have been lucky enough to witness one of nature’s great love stories at play and – as is to be expected – it has been spectacular to observe.
Flamingo breeding seasons are irregular but, in False Bay, their feathers are getting pinker every day. This natural marvel is part of a courtship ritual it is a privilege to witness and all comes down to looking more attractive to a potential mate. Using oil from glands located near the tail, birds preen themselves with this oil to preserve their feathers and enhance waterproofing. In the flamingo, this oil is rich in a compound that intensifies their colour and they engage in this behaviour more frequently during the mating season. This is done by both males and females.
Flamingos are an outstanding species to observe and make for very exciting sightings. This is especially the case as their colour deepens – a rare privilege for those lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time. For guests embarking on an early morning sunrise game drive, it is a treasured gift to experience such a serene time of day in this sublime setting. The superb location of False Bay is a still and tranquil location from which to welcome in a new day; the elegance of the flamingos flocking in the shallows of the bay in the foreground.
A ten-minute drive from Falaza, False Bay Park is one of the lodge’s many nearby attractions. Offering a chance to see an array of birdlife, daily game drives and walks at False Bay Park are one of the many activities you can do to enrich your stay with us. A stone’s throw from Sodwana Bay Marine Reserve, St Lucia, and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, experience the best of Zululand with a full complement of nature-based activities including game drives, guided walks, boat cruises, and wildlife shows and interactions.
We look forward to welcoming you and sharing the wonders of the area with you during the course of your stay. Enquire now to find out more about the different activities on offer for the whole family and let’s make your stay at Falaza Game Park and Spa an unforgettable bush holiday.
Written by: Claire Fraser