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Hi Forumites,
I'll be staying at the Mountain Retreat at Golden Gate NP at the beginning of November and have read just about all the information available. What I do find most interesting is the Vulture Restaurant but very little info is to be had. Is it always supplied with a carcass or just upon occasion? Is it a long hike to reach? Nothing is for certain but if I had an outside chance to see a Bearded Vulture up close I'd gladly make the effort. Thanks for your help.

I'm also interested in this as I will be going in 2 weeks' time and also staying at the Mountain Retreat...

any takers?

We were by the vulture restaurant in September, there were lots of bones but we didn't see any fresh carcasses. Perhaps you should contact the Golden Gate staff.
We were lucky enough to to see a Bearded Vulture fly by though.

I would also like to know.
Any takers?
'K....... I suppose my number is up.

Hang on, I'll see if we can get some information.

excellent!

anyone know how far of a walk is it, and is it suitable for photography? (ie is there a hide, can I carry my lenses up there?)

The distance is minimal, just a few (20~30) meters from the road to the places where you can watch them.
The vertical distance however is about the same!
You can park your car in several places, and just slog up the ridge. It can be steep(ish) here and there, but even people with a cane can make it up if they choose their route well.

Now when you get on top continue a little to stay out of the wind and search for a good place to set up your tripod. You are going to need it, the distance is great!
You will need well over 400mm lenses, so bringing a teleconverter is really recommended.

As far as I know the carcasses are donated by the local butcher and a few donators.

Don't expect close-ups from the feeding birds. You can move down (love GG, you are allowed to walk anywhere! ) but I don't know how restless the birds are. When I was there there was no carcass, so the vultures were just wheeling around.
To your right will be a sort of ravine, looking out towards the Basotho village, that is possibly a way better stop for photography.

And mind you, keep your camera ready and at the right setting all the time! When we were crawling up the mountain to the Retreat a lammergeier flew right over the car, at low height!

The Vulture Restaurant is situated along the Oribi Loop (from which you gain access to the Highlands Retreat) it is on a hillside next to the road. I did not notice any hides.

Oops see Duco came up with more info. That's what happens when you work and post at the same time.

thanks DuQues and Davenjan...

Duco - I currently have a 1.4x TC with my 300 f2.8 on a 7D, giving me effectively 672mm focal length
I have been contemplating getting the new 2x TC-III which would make it 960mm effectively. Would you say I rather need the 2x?

Eish, Morkel777 and Highlands Mountain Retreat! Already looking forward to your photo's!!

Distancewise I would say that you could use it to good effect. And then pray they don't decide to fly over you...

I should have some photos from there, let me rummage in my drawers to see if I can find them.
Going to take a little while, I have reinstalled my machine, and need to still add Lightroom (and then create all the previews etc.)

Oh, hang on! I see my lovely wife is reading here.
She might find them for you, if you ask her nicely!

thanks!!

Guinea Pig - pretty please?

DuQues - I will probably have 3 bodies there, though I won't carry all 3.

I can have the 300 plus TC on 7D, then either 100-400 or 70-200 2.8 on the 40D for the close flybys?
Would you say they are already active in the morning or rather late afternoon? Want some golden light

Found some which were in JPEG format:



This is looking back towards the loop, and gives an indication of the slog:



300 on the 7D, and 100-400 on the 40D would be my setup indeed. The colours of the 7D are way better, and you have more pixels you can crop away to gain a closer view.
The 40D is less fast focusing, but with the zoom you are more versatile while still being able to bridge quite a gap.

Ah, I see DuQues already found some. I'll have to search through the photo's of that vacation to see if we have more of the Restaurant itself. There must be some.

For those who wonder what it says on the board, here is the text:



Birders: be on the lookout for the Bald ibis too!

@Guinea Pig - would love some photos of the vultures too if you have them

thanks for the additional info DuQues