Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Free State · Best Mar to May
3 places
Go Birdingfrom Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)
South African Cliff Swallow
Petrochelidon spilodera
The South African cliff swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera), also known as the South African swallow, is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae native to central−western and southern Africa.
Species insights
When to visit
Most records Oct to Nov
When South African Cliff Swallow sightings peak, from open records. Outside these months it is seen less often, not never.
Best monthsOct to Nov
Recorded in Free State~55 records
Curve from 166 national iNaturalist observations, not from one property and not from this province. Single-month spikes are discarded as upload artefacts, and below 50 records we show no curve at all.
Where you'll find it
Free State and beyond
Provinces where South African Cliff Swallow is most recorded. Tap one to find places to stay.
166 records, iNaturalist
Parks where hosts record the South African Cliff Swallow
Stays that give back
Across the Free State
Golden Gate Hotel And Chalets
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 1,741a night
South African Cliff Swallow recorded here
Glen Reenen Rest Camp
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 339a night
South African Cliff Swallow recorded here
Highlands Mountain Retreat
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
From R 2,160a night
South African Cliff Swallow recorded here
More stays nearby
Mvemve GrootPoort Lodge
Memel
From R 1,800a night
Birder friendly
Adamsview
Gariep Dam
From R 1,000a night
Highland Quarters
Clarens
From R 1,390a night
Kasteelkop Guest Farm
Frankfort
From R 640a night
Birder friendly
Monte Bello Estate
Vaalbank, Bloemfontein
From R 1,850a night
Mont d'Or Clarens
Clarens
From R 1,100a night
Liedjiesbos Urban Olive Farm
Bloemfontein
From R 1,700a night
Birder friendly
Camelroc Guest Farm
Caledonspoort, Fouriesburg
From R 1,000a night
Merino Guest Farm
Clarens
From R 900a night
The Midlands
Next stop
Rolling green hills, dairy farms, and pottery studios
See places that give backPlanning a trip
When and where to find the South African Cliff Swallow
Hosts have recorded the South African Cliff Swallow at stays in or beside Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
Best hours of the day
- The first hours after sunrise, and late afternoon. Birds call and feed most in the cool.
- Midday. Quieter, especially in summer heat.
Ways to look
Drive yourself
Your own vehicle and pace, on the park's roads.
Where hosts record it
IUCN Red List
Least Concern
Species
Petrochelidon spilodera
Records
166
iNaturalist observations
Every booking on Spekboom supports conservation.
Questions travellers ask
A record means a host has seen the South African Cliff Swallow on the property or nearby. It is never a guarantee of a sighting.
Which parks and reserves are best for the South African Cliff Swallow in Free State?
Hosts on Spekboom have recorded the South African Cliff Swallow at stays in or beside Golden Gate Highlands National Park. A record means a host has seen it on the property or nearby, which makes these the places to base yourself; it is never a guarantee of a sighting on any given day.
Where can you see the South African Cliff Swallow in South Africa?
The South African Cliff Swallow is most recorded in Free State (33% of records), Mpumalanga (24% of records), North West (13% of records), based on 166 iNaturalist observations. 3 places to stay on Spekboom in Free State have recorded the South African Cliff Swallow on site or nearby.
When is the best time to see the South African Cliff Swallow?
Sightings of the South African Cliff Swallow peak from Oct to Nov, based on 166 iNaturalist records. You may still see it outside those months, sightings are just less frequent.
What is the conservation status of the South African Cliff Swallow?
The South African Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
What is the South African Cliff Swallow?
The South African cliff swallow (Petrochelidon spilodera), also known as the South African swallow, is a species of bird in the family Hirundinidae native to central−western and southern Africa.