Limpopo Birding Routes

This 23,500 hectare reserve, near Dwaalboom in the south-western corner of Limpopo province, has a variety of habitats and a bird list of over 300 species. The Kalahari-type habitat is home to Kori Bustard, Red-crested and Black Korhaan, Secretarybird and Common (Harlequin) Quail. This is one of the few places outside the Kruger National Park where Bateleur have been known to breed and there is also a breeding population of White-backed Vulture. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse have been found close to the reserve; Double-Banded, Burchell's and Namaqua Sandgrouse are seen regularly. The reserve has a variety of game species, including black rhino, elephant and buffalo. There is a selection of self-catering accommodation options. 

Directions: the reserve is 160 km from Thabazimbi on the Oostermoed road, turn right in Dwaalboom.

 | 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

This 3,000 hectare reserve has a wide range of habitats: most of the area is covered with broadleaved woodland and there are a number of small streams and two perennial rivers with wetland areas that attract Blue Crane and Secretarybird, as well as Common Quail and a host of other grassland birds. The raptors are well represented with Lizard Buzzard, Little Sparrowhawk, Spotted Eagle Owl and Cape Vulture frequently seen. There is a hide at one of the small dams where Black Crake, Yellow-billed Duck and Moorhen are found. The reserve is also home to the rare Waterberg Copper butterfly. There are over 70 km of hiking trails on the farm as well as a variety of self-catering cottages.

| 014 013 0099 | 083 677 6999 | info@waterberg.co.za | www.waterberg.co.za |

This reserve is 8,000 hectare in size and is located 10km from Lephalale. It includes a small floodplain of the Tambotie River, Acacia thornveld and broadleaved woodland. In wet years, the floodplain attracts a host of water birds including Knob-billed Duck, Little Bittern, Lesser Moorhen and Painted Snipe. There are regular sightings of Double-banded Sandgrouse and occasional sightings of Burchell's Sandgrouse. Owls, cuckoos and kingfishers are all well represented; and six species of Bee-eater can be found, including Swallow-tailed Bee-eater.

The reserve offers fully equipped self-catering log cabins; there is a self-drive loop and two worthwhile wetland hides.

Directions: travel on the N1 North from Pretoria to Modimolle, then on the R33 to Vaalwater. Turn right at the Total garage and north to the entrance gate.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

The Waterberg-Nylsvley region is perfectly situated for day trips from Gauteng.

The Zaagkuilsdrift and Rust de Winter areas are just an hour’s drive away from Pretoria and can be birded for a morning.

The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is only an hour and a half from Gauteng, and with its mix of bushveld and floodplain habitats, it makes for an easily undertaken day trip.

Most of the other areas are best enjoyed with an overnight stay!

Dinonyane is situated 1km from the entrance gate to Nylsvley Nature Reserve. The lodge is situated in thornveld and the well-watered gardens with secluded ponds attract a host of bushveld bird, particularly in the dry periods. It is not unusual to see over 30 bird species in the gardens in a morning, including Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Violet-backed Starling and Pearl-spotted Owlet. The lodge can accommodate up to 40 guests in a range of accommodation options with some self-catering units; other facilities include a restaurant, bar, lapa, swimming pool and tennis court. Dinonyane offers excursions into Nylsvley Nature Reserve and catering for special events.

| 082 896 3159 | 083 751 1996 | info@dinonyane.co.za | www.dinonyane.co.za |

This large dam is in the foothills of the Waterberg between Mookgophong and Mokopane. There is a variety of habitats in the reserve with wooded hills, savanna bushveld, open plains, broadleaved woodland, the open water of the dam itself and its well-vegetated banks. Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle and African Fish Eagle all breed in the reserve. This is one of the few places in the country where Garganey has been recorded and Osprey is regularly seen in summer. Coqui and Shelley’s Francolin are also often seen and heard; Freckled Nightjar and Mocking Chat are found in the hills. More than twelve species of shrike occur there as well as Yellow-throated Petronia and Orange-breasted Waxbill. The reserve is home to various game species and walking is allowed; there is also a campsite.

Directions: Travel on the Sterk Rivier road off the R101 between Mookgophong and Mokopane; after 17km turn left onto a dirt road and travel a further 5km to the reserve.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

Izintaba is a 1,200 hectare reserve situated in the Waterberg near Vaalwater. There is a diversity of habitats including open plains, rocky kloofs, dam, seasonal rivers, waterfalls and wetland. There are over 200 bird species and 40 mammal species in the area; specials include Verreaux’s Eagle, Denham’s Bustard and Short-toed Rock Thrush. Guided drives in a 4x4 vehicle are offered, or you can do a private drive in your own car. There is no dangerous game on the property and there are various marked trails for walking or cycling. Accommodation is in 6 luxury fully-equipped self-catering thatched cottages, sleeping between 4 and 17 people. Each cottage has a patio with views over the bushveld, a private braai area and indoor fireplace. Breakfasts and dinners are offered in the dining room, there is also a pool and jungle gym.

| 082 705 7708 | info@izintabalodge.co.za | www.izintabalodge.co.za |

The 3,000 hectare private Palala River Reserve is situated in the Waterberg Biosphere and is bisected by the Palala River for 7km. The wide variety of habitats provides excellent birding. African Finfoot, White-Backed Night Heron, Little Bittern and Half-collared Kingfisher can be found along the river; the dense riverine vegetation is a good spot to look for Terrestrial Brownbul, Yellow-bellied Greenbul, White-throated Robin-Chat and African Firefinch. A spring-fed wetland in the north of the reserve is home to numerous local specials and an early morning visit will reveal White-backed Duck, Black Crake, African Jacana and African Snipe. Buff-spotted Flufftail is often heard calling from the reedbeds. The adjacent woodland is a good place to see Lizard Buzzard and Black Cuckooshrike. Bushveld birds are well represented in the rest of the reserve and Striped Kingfisher, Purple Roller, Grey Penduline Tit, Temminck’s Courser and Little Sparrowhawk can be seen. Kurrichane Buttonquail also occur in the area. There are various accommodation options in the reserve. Jembisa Bush Home comprises 5 en-suite bedrooms accommodating 10 adults and 4 children; there is a wooden deck overlooking the Palala River, swimming pool, floodlit tennis court and extensive library and resident chef.  Three self-catering Palala River Cottages are also situated on the reserve accommodating between 2 and 10 people per unit. A wide variety of bush experiences is offered on the reserve including guided walks, game drives, night drives, mountain biking, photographic safaris and camping-out under the stars.

| 082 570 8474 | reservations@jembisa.com | www.jembisa.com |

Kololo Game Reserve is in the heart of the Waterberg Biosphere next to Marakele National Park and Welgevonden Private Nature Reserve, approximately 39km from Vaalwater and halfway down the Bakkers Pass road. Habitats on the reserve include grassland, broadleaved woodland and mountain streams. Around 320 bird species occur in the area and more than 200 species have been seen on Kololo. A few of the special birds which can be seen include Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard, Secretary Bird, Ayres’s Hawk Eagle, Eurasian Hobby, African Green Pigeon, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Grey-headed and Half-collared Kingfisher, Greater Honeyguide, Dusky Lark, Black Cuckooshrike, Olive-tree Warbler and White backed Vulture. Kololo offers guided game drives and there are various walking trails. The gardens around the lodge provide great bird watching and raptors are often seen from the two lookout decks which have fantastic views over the plains of Welgevonden. The lodge can accommodate 47 guests in 12 fully-equipped self-catering chalets of different size and rates; there is also a double-volume restaurant, a bar and swimming pool.

| 014 721 0920 | 079 694 0410 | info@kololo.co.za | www.kololo.co.za |

Lindani is a 3,000 hectare private game farm situated near Vaalwater. Varied habitats include bushveld savanna, mountains and valleys, dams, wetlands and sandstone cliffs. Over 240 species of birds may be seen, including Knob-billed Duck, African Black Duck, African Snipe, Temminck’s Courser, Denham’s Bustard, Shelley’s Francolin, African Hawk-Eagle, Bat Hawk, Jacobin Cuckoo, Ant-eating Chat, GreyTit-Flycatcher, Ashy Flycatcher, Fan-tailed Widowbird, Fish Eagle and Verreaux’s Eagle, and various Larks and Pipits. Guided game drives are offered and guests also have the freedom to explore Lindani on foot, bicycle or in their own vehicles. Mountain bikers will particularly enjoy the 50km of single track trails! There are 8 generously equipped self-catering lodges accommodating 4 to 8 people each and an 8-bedded tented camp; these are all set far apart and booked to a single group to ensure privacy. Guests can also order a selection of freshly prepared meals from the farm kitchen.

| 083 631 5579 | info@lindani.co.za | www.lindani.co.za |

This National Park covers 45,000 hectares of the Southern Waterberg; the entrance is 30km north-east of Thabazimbi. Only parts of this huge area are accessible to the public, but these areas are home to a great variety of birds. South Africa’s largest Cape Vulture breeding colony is found on the cliffs at Kransberg, the highest peak in the Park. Gurney's Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Buff-streaked Chat, Striped Pipit and other high-altitude specialists can also be seen in this area, which is accessible to sedan vehicles via a concrete road. The rest of the park is dominated by bushveld and patches of broadleaved woodland and riverine habitats. Many raptors are found in the Park, including Booted Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Cuckoo Hawk. Pied Babbler, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Red-crested Korhaan, Kori Bustard and Secretary Bird can be seen at Kwagga’s Vlakte - a separate portion of the park where the tented camp and campsite are situated. The banks of the Matlabas and Sterkstroom Rivers and the dams in the park have a variety of waterbirds; Half-collared Kingfisher, African Darter and Red-faced Cisticola can be seen in these habitats. There are elephant, black and white rhino and other general game in the park, so walking is not permitted without an armed guide. The park has a variety of accommodation options, from camping to tented and bush camps. Detailed maps, general information and information about accommodation options can be found at the park gate and on the SANParks website.

 | www.sanparks.org |

Matamba is situated on a 400 hectare game farm within the Waterberg Biosphere. Habitats include Terminalia bushveld and open plains with rocky outcrops; there are over 60km of walking and mountain biking trails with spectacular views of the Welgevonden Game Reserve. Matamba has 4 waterholes, a thatched hide and raised viewing deck. There is relaxed plains game in the reserve and the birdlife is prolific:  Bushveld Pipit, Lizard Buzzard and Black-chested Snake Eagle are frequently seen. Matamba offers two different bush campsites. Mara’s Camp, nestled under Wild Syringa trees in thick woodland, is a private camp for one group only. Tau Camp has 4 individual campsites set 200m apart in open woodland with communal bathrooms and kitchenette. Both camps are unfenced allowing the game to wander freely.

Directions: Matamba is located on the R33 between Vaalwater and Lephalale.

| 083 653 1287 | 081 021 2522 | matambabushcamp@gmail.com | www.matambabushcamp.com |

This RAMSAR site is the largest and most intact seasonal floodplain in the country. The area has over 365 bird species recorded, with 104 of these being water birds. The floodplain is inundated every few years and when it floods, several rare and endangered waterbirds breed there. All three of the Bittern species occur and breed there and all of the southern African Herons have been recorded there, including the country’s largest recorded breeding concentrations of Great Egret, Black Heron, Squacco Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron. Striped Crake, Lesser Moorhen and Allen’s Gallinule breed there; Streaky-breasted Flufftail have been recorded there. Pygmy Goose, White-backed and Knob-billed Duck are some of the 15 Duck and Goose species that occur at Nylsvley in the wet years. The wetland is surrounded by typical bushveld savanna, in the dry years the area is still a prime birding destination for bushveld birding. Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler and Tinkling Cisticola can be seen. There is a large concentration of Pearl-spotted Owlet along with 7 other Owl species. There is accommodation and a campsite in the reserve, as well as a variety of birder friendly accommodation around the reserve and in Modimolle and Mookgophong, less than a thirty minute drive away.

Directions: Travel on the R101 between Modimolle and Mookgophong, then turn towards Boekenhout. Continue 8km on this road, the reserve gate is on the left just after the railway line.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

Shondoro Mountain Retreat is a 185 hectare bushveld farm in the Waterberg Biosphere near Vaalwater. Around 190 bird species have been seen on the property, including Lazy Cisticola, Shelley’s Francolin and Cape Vulture. There are walking and mountain biking trails and a natural swimming pool overlooking the mountains. There are 3 stone and thatch cottages each with a fully-equipped outside kitchen and private braai area. There is also a communal braai area at the swimming pool. Guided birding weekends and tree identification courses can be arranged on request.

| 014 721 0927 | 082 809 2228 | yvettemuldoon@gmail.com | www.shondoro.com |

This bush camp is situated on a cattle and game farm near Pienaarsrivier. The Kalahari thornveld, open grassland and riparian habitats in this area are home to Tinkling Cisticola, Pied babbler and Crimson-breasted Shrike. This area is also well known for the variety of warblers in the summer months. There is a good range of birdlife in the area and up to fifty species can be seen in a morning session. The Kgomo kgomo floodplain, one of the best spots in the country for spotting a variety of water birds, is within easy reach from the bush camp (7 km on the Zaagkuildrift road) and there is also a nearby bird sanctuary. The whole property can be explored on foot and there are also several dirt roads on the farm suitable for sedan vehicles. The bush camp is situated in a private area some distance from the main gravel road. It can accommodate 12 people in a single group and comprises separate buildings surrounding a central braai area. There are five bedrooms, four of which are en-suite, and a fully-equipped rustic kitchen. All pets are welcome. The camp is comfortable with basic amenities, as well as electricity, it is serviced daily, and is great for birders who want to be out in the bush. There is a bird bath at the camp and various water points around the farm.

| 073 303 1568 | opperman.dje@gmail.com | kosie44@gmail.com | http://wolfhuiskraal.simplesite.com |

This 4,500 hectare community reserve in the far north-eastern part of the Waterberg has dramatic scenery with a spectacular escarpment of red sandstone cliffs and several lone-standing mesas. The vegetation is mainly deciduous broadleaved woodland. Raptors are the main birding attraction with Verreaux's Eagles breeding on the cliffs; African Hawk Eagle, African Harrier-Hawk, Lanner Falcon, Rock Kestrel, Lizard Buzzard, Brown and Black-chested Snake Eagles can also be seen. Other interesting species found there include Retz's Helmet-Shrike, Grey Tit-Flycatcher and Short-toed Rock Thrush. There is an African Ivory Route camp in the reserve.

Directions: travel on the R11 north from Mokopane; after 90 km turn left to Segole on a gravel road; after 20 km turn left to Masebe. The entrance gate is 2km further on the left. Alternatively the reserve can be reached from the R518 between Melkrivier and Marken. 

This RAMSAR site is the largest and most intact seasonal floodplain in the country. The area has over 365 bird species recorded, with 104 of these being water birds. The floodplain is inundated every few years and when it floods, several rare and endangered waterbirds breed there. All three of the Bittern species occur and breed there and all of the southern African Herons have been recorded there, including the country’s largest recorded breeding concentrations of Great Egret, Black Heron, Squacco Heron and Black-crowned Night Heron. Striped Crake, Lesser Moorhen and Allen’s Gallinule breed there; Streaky-breasted Flufftail have been recorded there. Pygmy Goose, White-backed and Knob-billed Duck are some of the 15 Duck and Goose species that occur at Nylsvley in the wet years. The wetland is surrounded by typical bushveld savanna, in the dry years the area is still a prime birding destination for bushveld birding. Common Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Olive-tree Warbler and Tinkling Cisticola can be seen. There is a large concentration of Pearl-spotted Owlet along with 7 other Owl species. There is accommodation and a campsite in the reserve, as well as a variety of birder friendly accommodation around the reserve and in Modimolle and Mookgophong, less than a thirty minute drive away.

Directions: Travel on the R101 between Modimolle and Mookgophong, then turn towards Boekenhout. Continue 8km on this road, the reserve gate is on the left just after the railway line.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

This area is mainly montane grassland and is the over-wintering area of 40 - 60 Blue Cranes which gather on private farms and are monitored by provincial officials.  Denham’s Bustard, White-bellied Korhaan, Short-toed Rock Thrush, Buff-streaked Chat and Wailing Cisticola can also be seen. You can travel through the area on the public dirt roads and enjoy great roadside birding. Please note that these roads are not always well-maintained, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended; 4x4 may be needed after heavy rain. Joseph Heymans, the District Biodiversity Monitor, can tell you where the Blue Cranes are between May and August; he may also be able to organise an outing to the private farms lands where the cranes are gathered. Phone him on 082 807 6741.

Directions: The recommended route is to travel on the R33 from Modimolle to Vaalwater; and turn left at the second Alma turn-off, just after a small school. Follow this road for around 10km to a T junction, turn left to Alma and continue through Alma to Rankin’s Pass. Just before the Police Station in Rankin’s Pass turn right towards the mountain, this road will take you back to Alma through some good birding spots. Around 7km along this road is the farm of Jan de Beer, who will allow access onto his property with prior arrangement.

| 014 721 0833 | 082 903 2483 |

The farm roads around Koedoeskop between the R510 and the R511 to Thabazimbi offer some excellent birding. Yellow-throated Sandgrouse can be seen on the black clay soils in this area. Also look out for White and Abdim´s Storks, African Quail Finch, Amur Falcon, Brown-crowned Tchagra and Grey-headed Kingfisher. During summer, listen for the calls of Red-chested, Striped, Jacobin and Diederik Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher and European Bee-eater. Extensive reed beds along the river have good numbers of White-winged Widow and Southern Red and Yellow Bishop. A series of irrigation dams to the right of the road are home to Lesser Swamp-Warblers and Levaillant’s Cisticola. The dams are surrounded by cultivated fields which attract species such as Knob-billed and White-faced Duck and Spur-winged Goose.

Directions: Take the R510 from Thabazimbi towards Rustenburg; after a few kilometres turn left to Koedoeskop. Scan the agricultural fields along this road especially those found on black clay soils. This road eventually takes you to Koedoeskop village and on to the R511 between Thabazimbi and Brits. 

To make the most of the Waterberg-Nylsvley area it is advisable that you spend a night on the floodplain area and a second night on the Waterberg Plateau. Another option is to base your stay around Marakele National Park and its surroundings. The Vaalwater area would also be a good base for the Waterberg Plateau and Fringes.

This small dam, just north of Mookgophong, is covered with water-lilies and provides a perfect habitat for Pygmy Goose which has been recorded here several times. There are two bridges and some  reed beds that host a number of Swallow, Swift and Martin species; other birds to be seen include White-backed Duck, African Fish Eagle, Purple Heron, African Swamphen, Giant Kingfisher, Great Crested Grebe and Zitting Cisticola. 

Directions: From Mookgophong take the R520 north, turn left at the northern-most traffic light in town. Travel 11km then turn left at the T-junction; after less than 1km turn right on the Marken road, then see the dam on the right, just before the road crosses the Sterk River.

If you have a full week to visit this region, the following itinerary is suggested which will give you the greatest diversity of habitats possible within the area and hopefully provide a good cross-section of birds of the area.

Day 1: Zaagkuilsdrift and Rust de Winter
Day 2: Nylsvley and Doorndraai Dam
Day 3: Vaalwater and Melkrivier area
Day 4: Marakele National Park
Day 5: Lephalale and western Limpopo River area
Day 6: Dwaalboom area
Day 7: Atherstone area

The Palala River has well-vegetated banks, and is fringed by spectacular sandstone cliffs in some parts of the Palala Valley. The river is dammed by a weir to the west of the bridge and is home to a resident pod of hippos. Please note that hippos can be very dangerous and you should only walk around if accompanied by an experienced guide. Sunrise and early morning is the best time to bird in this area, especially if looking for African Finfoot and Little Bittern. The rare African Pygmy Goose has also been recorded at this site. Scanning the sandbanks should reveal a resident group of Water Thick-knee and African Wattled Lapwing; Green-backed Heron might be found within the adjoining reed beds. Look out for Black Crake as they dash across the sandbanks from one side of the river to the other. This is also a good place to see African Fish Eagle and Giant Kingfisher. The adjacent woodland towards the south of the bridge is home to a variety of typical bushveld species; walk back along the road to look for African Pygmy Kingfisher, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, Orange-breasted and Grey-headed Bush-Shrike, Grey Tit-Flycatcher, African Firefinch and Little Sparrowhawk. During the summer months look for Long-tailed Paradise and Pin-tailed Whydah as well as Purple Indigobird. Scanning the wooded bank to the east of the bridge might produce Black Sparrowhawk, especially in the late afternoon.

Directions: Travel from Vaalwater towards Melkrivier and follow the road for 40 km; turn left onto a dirt road at the Melkrivier School and Rhino Museum signboards. Follow this road for 5.9 km then turn right, still following the Rhino Museum signs. Continue for 5.7 km beyond the Rhino Museum until you reach the bridge.

The Telekishi community, close to Masebe, offer a three-hour trail that traverses the escarpment and takes in various archaeological sites. The trail starts in the floodplain area of the Matlabas River and winds up the escarpment to the broadleaved woodland on the top of the Waterberg Plateau. There is a Verreaux's Eagle nest along the trail; African Hawk Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Spotted Eagle-Owl, Barn Owl, and Pearl-spotted Owlet can also be seen. This is a good option for birders who enjoy a walk, like to interact with and support the local communities, and learn about the culture and history of the area while birding. For further information and bookings contact Malesela Chokwe.

| 083 612 7845 |

This large dam is in the foothills of the Waterberg between Mookgophong and Mokopane. There is a variety of habitats in the reserve with wooded hills, savanna bushveld, open plains, broadleaved woodland, the open water of the dam itself and its well-vegetated banks. Martial Eagle, African Hawk Eagle and African Fish Eagle all breed in the reserve. This is one of the few places in the country where Garganey has been recorded and Osprey is regularly seen in summer. Coqui and Shelley’s Francolin are also often seen and heard; Freckled Nightjar and Mocking Chat are found in the hills. More than twelve species of shrike occur there as well as Yellow-throated Petronia and Orange-breasted Waxbill. The reserve is home to various game species and walking is allowed; there is also a campsite.

Directions: Travel on the Sterk Rivier road off the R101 between Mookgophong and Mokopane; after 17km turn left onto a dirt road and travel a further 5km to the reserve.

 | 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

The 4,600 hectare Mokolo Dam Nature Reserve is situated on the northern slops of the Waterberg Mountains, just north-east of Marakele National Park and is part of the Waterberg Biosphere. The Mokolo River flows into the dam creating almost 8km of waterfront. This is home to a great variety of waterbirds including White-backed Night Heron. The surrounding vegetation is comprised of open savanna and dense bushveld. Fishing and boating is allowed on the dam and there is a basic campsite.

Directions: travel on the R510 from Lephalale towards Thabazimbi; turn left after 45km towards Mokolo Dam and follow the gravel road for around 18km to the entrance gate.

| 015 293 3611 | info@golimpopo.com | www.golimpopo.com |

This private cattle farm, mainly covered by tall montane grassland, is the breeding site of a pair of Blue Cranes, which are on the property from September to March. Other birds to see include Denham’s Bustard, White-bellied Korhaan, Common Quail, 3 species of Pipit and 5 species of Cisticola. The farm owner, John Malovich, allows birders on his farm with prior arrangement; he will either give directions or send someone to show you around. There are two strict rules on the farm: “no smoking”, because of the fire danger; and “if a gate is closed, close it behind you; if it is open, leave it open”.

Directions: The farm is at the top of the Bokpoort pass near the source of the Palala River, John will provide detailed directions.

| 083 661 8823 |

This 3,000 hectare reserve has a wide range of habitats: most of the area is covered with broadleaved woodland and there are a number of small streams and two perennial rivers with wetland areas that attract Blue Crane and Secretarybird, as well as Common Quail and a host of other grassland birds. The raptors are well represented with Lizard Buzzard, Little Sparrowhawk, Spotted Eagle Owl and Cape Vulture frequently seen. There is a hide at one of the small dams where Black Crake, Yellow-billed Duck and Moorhen are found. The reserve is also home to the rare Waterberg Copper butterfly. There are over 70 km of hiking trails on the farm as well as a variety of self-catering cottages.

 | 014 013 0099 | 083 677 6999 | info@waterberg.co.za | www.waterberg.co.za |

This farm is 40km from Nylsvley on the banks of Nyl River near Mokopane. A large dam provides permanent water along the Nyl floodplain and there are reeded riverbank and marshland habitats. Even in a dry season, the dam is home to Red-billed Teal, Yellow-billed, Knob-billed, White-faced and Maccoa Duck; Spur-winged Goose, Spoonbill, Sacred Ibis, African Fish Eagle; and a host of Sandpipers; Plovers, Coots, Herons, Warblers and Cisticolas along the floodplain. The thornveld woodland around the dam is good for Chestnut-vented Tit Babbler, Barred Wren-Warbler and Crimson-breasted Shrike. Please phone in advance to organise a visit to this amazing dam.

 | 015 491 9400 | 082 920 1741 | 

This project was initiated at Mabula Game Reserve in 1999 to support conservation of the charismatic Southern Ground-Hornbill. The numbers of these endangered birds have declined considerably outside protected areas and it is estimated that there are currently only around 1500 individuals in the whole country. They live in small co-operative breeding groups of two to nine birds, with only one pair in each group breeding. Two chicks usually hatch, but the second-hatched chicks usually die of starvation. On average, only one chick is raised to adulthood every nine years. Factors affecting the decline of the population include loss of habitat and suitable nesting trees, persecution, poisoning and electrocution.

The Mabula Ground-Hornbill Project is working to slow this decline by harvesting and hand-rearing second-hatched chicks and reintroducing them into suitable areas; and providing artificial nests for wild groups where this is a lack of suitable nesting trees. The Project is also involved in Ground-Hornbill research and education campaigns to further promote their conservation and help to ensure their survival in the wild.

| 083 289 8610 | project@ground-hornbill.org.za | www.ground-hornbill.org.za |

This route provides many birding opportunities, starting with possible sightings of African Green Pigeons amongst the large trees around Bela-Bela. The ubiquitous Magpie Shrike can be seen along the first section of this route; after approximately 20km Burchell’s Starling can also be seen. Other specials to look out for are Purple Roller and Red-breasted Swallow. Various raptors are also present and Lizard Buzzard may be seen perched on the telephone lines. The chance of seeing larger raptors such as Black-chested and Brown Snake-Eagle and African Hawk-Eagle improves as you travel westwards. After 60km is a turn-off signposted Leeupoort Residence; turn right and continue for 500m, turn right, and then right again at the primary school. Continue until you reach a cul-de-sac and look out for Bronze-winged Courser along the road verge. After 70km you will reach the small town of Leeupoort (look out for the Leeukrans sign). Verreaux’s Eagle may be seen around some rocky hills to the right of the road opposite Leeupoort. Long-tailed Paradise Whydah are fairly common on the section of road between Leeupoort and the T-junction at Koedoeskop.

This small ‘suburb’ of Thabazimbi is 40 km from town, located in the bushveld and surrounded by a game reserve. It is freely accessible to the public through a manned gate. A network of roads can be explored, getting you off the main road and into bushveld habitat for some good birding. Orange-breasted Bush-Shrike, Arrow-marked Babbler, Lizard Buzzard and Shikra are often seen. This convenient refreshment stop offers a birding hotspot in the garden of the Leeukrans Restaurant. It is especially good for photographers who are able to get close to their subjects. African Paradise Flycatcher and Amethyst Sunbird nest in the garden during summer; African Scops Owl can be heard calling around the restaurant area in the evenings. 

This dam is only 90km from Pretoria and offers good bushveld and broadleaved woodland birding as well as a wide variety of waterbirds. Goliath and Black Heron, Knob-billed and White-backed Duck can be seen on the dam; as well as a host of waders including Wood and Common Sandpipers. The Acacia woodland is home to Barred Wren-Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher and Cape Penduline Tit. Look out for Coqui Francolin, Great Sparrow and Flappet Lark in the broadleaved woodland. Various rarities have been found there as well, including Great Frigatebird and Golden Pipit.

Directions: travel on the N1 North from Pretoria; take the Hammanskraal off-ramp and follow the signs to Rust de Winter.

This dirt road follows the Pienaars River for about 15km and ends at the Kgomo Kgomo floodplain where the Pienaars, Plat and Tshwane Rivers meet. The habitat along the road is mostly Acacia woodland with patches of grassland. This area is renowned for its great variety of warblers, including Barred Wren, Olive-tree, Marsh, Great-reed, Icterine Warblers, Common White-throat, River Warbler and even Thrush Nightingale. Tinkling Cisticola, Pied Babbler and Crimson-breasted Shrike can also be seen. Look out for Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Kittlitz's Plover, Chestnut-backed Sparrow Lark and African Quail-finch in the grassland around Kgomo Kgomo. When the floodplain inundates it attracts Black, Goliath and Purple Heron as well as Yellow-billed Stork, Allen's Gallinule, Lesser Moorhen and Corn, Baillon's and African Crake.

Directions: travel north from Pretoria on the N1, take the Rust de Winter / Pienaarsrivier off-ramp and drive west. Continue to the T-junction with the R101 and turn right; after 1 km turn left onto a dirt road to Zaagkuilsdrift. In very wet years the roads around the flood plain may be inundated and impassable for a week or two.