The Malachite bird hide has been destroyed in a fire. South African National Parks says the blaze destroyed the Malachite bird hide on the evening of 26 March 2026, in the Wilderness Section of the Garden Route National Park. SANParks Head of Communications and Spokesperson, JP Louw, says the cause of the fire is unknown.

The Malachite bird hide has been destroyed in a fire

He says SANParks rangers and the Wilderness Fire Brigade contained the fire. Louw added that no injuries were reported. He says the cause of the fire is under investigation. SANPARKS says the loss of the Malachite Bird Hide is a setback to the birding community. Lous says it offered a unique opportunity to observe a variety of bird species in their natural habitat.

A setback to the birding community

The Malachite bird hide will be closed for birding until further notice. SANParks encourages visitors to use alternative bird hides in the area, including Gallinule Bird Hide and Rondevlei Bird Hide.