On a gorgeous Saturday morning in September, we set off on The Flamingo Trail with staff and members from Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and The Zwartkops Conservancy. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism hosted various outings throughout the month of September : “Tourism Month”. The Zwartkops Conservancy is a non-profit organisation – all funds generated from membership fees and donations are used for conservancy work such as: monthly riverbank cleanup, pollution monitoring, environmental education and conservation. The Flamingo Trail runs along the banks of the Swartkops River and high up into the escarpment directly behind the riverbank. Hundreds of greater and lesser flamingoes were spotted in the distance on the river and salt pans, colourful sights to behold. The salt pan area is a very important breeding area for seabirds, including gulls, cormorants and terns. Much of the vegetation around the salt pan is salt marsh, with purple vygies adding colour. Below are some photos of the special morning enjoyed by all. My camera is basic so I was unable to capture the close-up beauty of the flamingoes, however, the ones of the views will make up for the lack of close-ups. Launch of Tourism Month September 2013, aboard “The Jester”: https://dempseys.co.za/gh/the-weather-was-perfect-for-launch-of-tourism-month-in-port-elizabeth/ Redhouse village and tow path, opposite side of Flamingo Trail, Swartkops River: https://dempseys.co.za/gh/a-stroll-along-the-towpath-at-redhouse-port-elizabeth/ Vygies: https://dempseys.co.za/gh/potent-colour-of-spring-vygies/ Jenny Rump: Zwartkops Conservancy Environmental Manager: Cell:082 853 0700 Tel: 041 466 1815 Zwartkops Conservancy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Zwartkops?fref=ts Zwartkops Conservancy website: http://www.zwartkopsconservancy.org/ 
