Dlinza is visited by birdwatchers from all over the world hoping to catch a glimpse of rare bird species such as the spotted thrush or delegorgue’s pigeon. Early morning is the best time to visit when the forest echoes with the calls of trumpeter hornbills, purple-crested loeries and narina trogons. As the day warms up the distinct chorus of the cicada beetles reverberates through the forest. An alternative to walking the forest trails is to walk (or drive) the rotal drive, a rough track through the centre of the forest where visitors have a good chance of glimpsing a secretive blue duiker or bushbuck. Numerous tree markers along the trails provide interesting information and describe zulu medicinal uses of the various trees. Throughout the year, but especially in autumn, the butterflies are most impressive. As many as 70 species – including the gaudy commodore, mocker swallowtail and the mother of pearl – have been recorded in the 250-hectare forest.
