Jacana Dam

This little dam has produced Lesser Jacana. It is not clear if the birds are breeding on the site, nor how long they have been here, but it is worth the visit nonetheless since it would be on your way to Kruger or North Eastern Venda. Other birds seen here are African Pygmy Goose, Thick-billed Weaver, a number of Widow species and Common Moorhen (look out for Lesser Moorhen as it is sure to be found here too). Sometimes the vegetation between the road and dam can be quite thick making access to the edge of the water awkward. To get to the dam from Makhado (Louis Trichardt) take the road to Thohoyandou/Punda Maria. Pass the Entabeni turn off, pass three turn-offs to Levubu, 3.3km after the unexpected 4-way stop, turn right at the 4th sign to Levubu. This is a gravel road. Exactly 2 km down this road you will see the dam on your left. If you are coming form the east (Kruger or Thohoyandou) turn right at the first sign to Levubu, 3km past the sign ´Welcome to Makhado Municipal Area´. The dam will be 2km down this road on your left. If you are coming from Levubu, turn left at the ´Levubu Filling Station´ towards Thohoyandou. Drive for 1.6 km and turn right towards ´Hoewes´. The dam is 3.5 km down this road on the right. Take a look at Africa Birds & Birding Vol.6 No. 5 (Oct/Nov 2001). This issue has some wonderful photographs of Lesser Jacana, which will help you recognise the bird when you see it, as it can be easily confused with an immature African Jacana.