Fundraising Dinner and Presentation at
Experience a Magical Evening at Belle Balance with Prof. Pierre Pistorius
Exclusive Dinner Evening at Belle Balance Bush Hideout
Friday, 24 October 2025
Belle Balance Bush Hideout, Plettenberg Bay Game Reserve
Step into the heart of the bush for an enchanting evening at one of the Garden Route’s most picturesque new venues. Tucked away on the edge of the valley, Belle Balance Bush Hideout offers a luxurious and serene setting — the perfect backdrop for this special dinner event.
Guests are invited to arrive from 16:00 for welcoming drinks in the Boma and an informal birding stroll through the lush Belle Balance gardens. The Boma Bar will be open on arrival, so you can enjoy a drink as you take in the tranquil surroundings. Guests are kindly asked to be seated by 17:45, with the official Welcome and Presentation beginning at 18:00.
We are thrilled to welcome Prof. Pierre Pistorius, acclaimed seabird ecologist and researcher at Nelson Mandela University, as our guest speaker for the evening. Prof. Pistorius will share captivating insights from his research on penguins, exploring their behaviour, ecology, and the urgent conservation challenges facing these charismatic seabirds.
Following the talk, guests will enjoy a flavourful curry dinner served in the beautiful Belle Balance dining area, with panoramic views of the Tsitsikamma Mountains and surrounding wilderness. A cash bar will be available to complement your meal.
This dinner evening also supports a meaningful cause. Part of the ticket sales will go towards fundraising for BirdLife Plettenberg Bay, a passionate local organisation that funds bird-related conservation projects across the region. We’ll also be holding a live auction on the night with a few exciting items up for grabs — all in support of local avian conservation.
This is more than just a dinner — it’s a celebration of birds, community, and shared purpose in nature. Whether you’re a birder, conservation enthusiast, or simply looking for a special night out, join us for what promises to be a memorable experience in the wild.
Spaces are limited — book now to secure your seat for this unforgettable evening.
R470
About the Speaker
Prof. Pierre Pistorius
Marine Apex Predator Unit, Coastal and Marine Research Institute, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Prof. Pierre Pistorius is a leading marine ecologist whose work focuses on the behaviour, ecology, and conservation of seabirds and other marine top predators. Based at Nelson Mandela University, he integrates cutting-edge biologging technology with conservation science to better understand how species like penguins, seals, and dolphins are responding to climate change and environmental pressures.
With field research spanning Marion Island, Aldabra Atoll, the Falkland Islands, and South Africa’s coastline, Pierre has dedicated his career to using seabirds as ecological indicators — helping us understand the health of our oceans and guiding marine conservation efforts. His work not only contributes to global research but also informs local conservation strategies, including the role of Marine Protected Areas along the Southern Cape.
Diving into the world of penguins- insights from penguin-borne cameras
Penguins are among the most charismatic species inhabiting our oceans. They are often also important indicators of environmental changes so can tell us lots about the world they live in. Pierre and his research group (https://mapru.mandela.ac.za/) have been deploying tracking devices and minituarized video cameras on a range of penguin species from South Africa through to Antarctica to study their behaviour and conservation challenges that these birds face. In this talk he will take us on a journey through the world of penguins, highlighting some of the more important research findings from studying penguins inhabiting these different environments. He will show some of the remarkable underwater footage captured by these penguin-born cameras demonstrating the value of being able to observe the underwater world like the penguins do. This in order to not only better understand the threats they face but also to demonstrate how beautifully they are adapted to the underwater environment.
Why not book your stay at Belle Balance?
Belle Balance comprises 10 beautiful and luxuriously decorated rooms, each with unique views of the mountains, dam, watering hole, and game reserve. Every room tells its own story and furnishings have been carefully selected to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
Choose the right room for you at Belle Balance Bush Hideout.
Please use “Bitou Birding Festival” as reference to qualify for a special festival rate.
