As part of our Women’s Month celebration, we’re speaking to some of South Africa’s most inspiring female bird guides. Lethukuthula Nxele is one of BirdLife South Africa’s Community Bird Guides based in northern KwaZulu-Natal. After qualify as a guide in 2016, Lethu based herself in Umlalazi Nature Reserve where she covers nearby birding sites including Amatigulu Nature Reserve, Ngoye Forest, and Dlinza Forest. Lethukuthula is passionate about her local birds and their conservation.
What made you interested in birds / what fascinates you about them? I love nature and believe deeply in conserving birds, as they are indicators of a healthy ecosystem and bring the world to life with their fascinating calls. My favourite bird is the Southern Ground Hornbill, known as Insingizi in isiZulu, a name that signifies heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. I’m especially captivated by their deep, booming calls — so powerful they can sound like a distant lion’s roar and carry up to five kilometers across the landscape.
What was the most memorable birding experience you have had? One of my most unforgettable experiences was spending a week at the Sabi Sands, on Djuma Private Game Reserve, filming for a WildEarth TV. It was truly a dream come true. During our time there, I had the chance to see a wonderful variety of bird species, along with other incredible wildlife, including my first-ever leopard, a female by the name of “Tlalamba” – moments that left me in awe of nature’s beauty and power.
What made the experience even more special was the opportunity to learn something new. Guiding has always been my passion, but presenting to the camera about wildlife is a whole different skill! Being part of the WildEarth production team for a week taught me how to share stories about birds and animals in a way that reaches people far beyond just exposing them to the bush. It gave me confidence in my skills, and my voice, and reminded me how important it is to connect people with nature, no matter where they are.
What was the most memorable birding experience you have had? If you’re planning to go birding in Mtunzini, I always recommend staying at Ngoye Lodge and Nguni Cottages. They offer affordable, comfortable accommodation and are perfectly situated for exploring the area’s warm climate, beautiful landscapes, and rich biodiversity. Mtunzini is one of those special birding destinations where you can encounter unique species like Palm-nut Vulture, as well as a wealth of forest, grassland, and coastal birds. From the mangroves to the rolling Ongoye Forest, every outing promises something new. Staying here not only gives you easy access to all these habitats but also a true sense of connection with nature.
What do you and your family do when you are not birding? When I’m not out guiding, I love spending time farming with my family. Working the land keeps me grounded and connected to the rhythms of nature in a different way. Just as birding teaches patience and observation, farming teaches care, responsibility, and the value of nurturing life. Whether it’s planting, harvesting, or simply being outdoors with my loved ones, I find joy in knowing we’re working together to provide for ourselves while staying closely connected to nature.
Where in the world do you want to travel to the most? One day, I hope to visit Marion Island, a place that feels almost magical to me. The idea of being in the vicinity of that remote outpost, surrounded by vast seas and extraordinary seabirds, fills me with excitement. It would be a chance not only to witness species that few people ever get to see, but also to connect with birders and researchers from across the world. For me, it would be more than just a trip; it would be an opportunity to learn, share, and grow as part of a global birding community.
If you could tell birders from abroad why they should travel to South Africa to do birding here, what would you say to them? I love telling people about the special birds of Ongoye Forest, a place close to my heart. One of the highlights is the Green Barbet, a species so unique that it can only be found in this very forest and nowhere else on Earth. Sharing stories about this bird and about the incredible diversity of species that can be seen in the area is always rewarding. It reminds me how fortunate we are in South Africa to have birds that draw interest from people all over the world. When I guide visitors, I don’t just point out the birds; I share the sense of wonder and pride that comes from knowing that these forests and landscapes are home to treasures found nowhere else.
How do you think we could use birds to educate the youth about conservation? I believe it’s so important to involve children in nature conservation from a young age. One of the best ways to do this is through community bird clubs, where children can learn not only how to identify birds but also why protecting them matters. When kids experience the joy of birding, they begin to see birds as more than just creatures in the sky; they understand their role in healthy ecosystems and the stories they carry in our cultures. By nurturing this curiosity early, we plant the seeds for future conservationists who will care for our natural heritage long after us.
How has BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project impacted your life? I feel very fortunate to have been offered the opportunity to train as a bird guide. BirdLife South Africa has supported me every step of the way, providing additional training, uniforms, and binoculars, which are all tools that have made my work as a guide much easier, professional, and more enjoyable. This support has not only helped me grow professionally but has also given me the confidence to share my passion for birds and conservation with every visitor I meet.
Connect with Lethu: Lethunxele123@gmail.com 📞 +27 (71) 160-0206 / ✅ Active on eBird
BirdLife South Africa’s Avitourism Project is proudly sponsored by Swarovski Optik and Whylo Distributors, and driven by VOLVO Car South Africa.
