Pennington Conservancy Logo - Protecting KZN South Coast Nature

Nature's Cycle

A Biological Almanac of the KZN South Coast

Pennington does not sleep. Our subtropical climate drives a relentless cycle of life. From the thunderous arrival of the Sardine Run in winter to the delicate emergence of the Paintbrush Lilies in spring, every month offers a unique spectacle for the observant naturalist.

Summer

Dec - Feb

Mammals & Reptiles

  • The Nursery: Look for tiny, dark-furred babies in Vervet Monkey troops. Banded Mongoose pups also emerge from dens.
  • Reptiles: Snakes (Green Mambas, Night Adders) are most active in the heat. Monitor Lizards (Leguaans) are frequently seen basking near the river.

Flora

  • Forest Food: The Coastal Red Milkwood (Mimusops caffra) produces fleshy red berries, attracting flocks of fruit-eating birds.
  • The Fig Feast: Broom Cluster Figs (Ficus sur) bear heavy fruit loads on their trunks.

Insects

  • Butterfly Peak: The Nkomba trails are filled with Citrus Swallowtails and the spectacular Green-banded Swallowtail.
  • Dragonflies: Migratory Globe Wanderers appear in the wetland areas.

Autumn

Mar - May

The Golden Transition

  • The Icon Blooms: The magnificent Aloe thraskii (Dune Aloe), Pennington's signature plant, begins to send up its massive yellow/orange flower spikes.
  • Wildflowers: The grassland areas of Nkomba turn golden, and Leonotis (Wild Dagga) begins to flower, attracting Sunbirds.

Marine Life

  • Diving Season: As the summer rains cease, river runoff decreases, leading to crystal clear ocean visibility.
  • Dolphins: Large pods of Bottlenose Dolphins are frequently seen surfing the waves at Main Beach.

Birding

  • Departure: Summer migrants (Swallows, Cuckoos) gather in large flocks on telephone wires before heading north to Europe/Asia.

Winter

Jun - Aug

The Marine Spectacle

  • The Sardine Run: The "Greatest Shoal on Earth" passes our coast. Watch for diving Cape Gannets and "boiling" water as game fish attack the shoals.
  • Whales (Northbound): The first Humpback Whales are spotted heading north to Mozambique to breed. They are often energetic, breaching far out at sea.

Flora in Fire

  • Aloe Peak: The dunes are ablaze with the full orange bloom of Aloe thraskii.
  • Coral Trees: The Common Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon) sheds its leaves and erupts in scarlet flowers—a beacon for nectar-feeding birds.

Spring

Sep - Nov

The Great Return

  • Yellow-billed Kites: The first sign of spring. These raptors return to our skies in late August/September.
  • Migrants: Paradise Flycatchers and Diderick Cuckoos fill the forests with their calls.

Marine Life

  • Whale Highway (Southbound): Humpback Whales return south, often hugging the shoreline to protect their newborn calves. This is the best time for whale watching from the Beach Café deck.

Flora

  • Forest Floor: The spectacular Paintbrush Lily (Scadoxus puniceus) pushes its red flower heads through the leaf litter in coastal forests.