To many travellers, the Free State, situated in the centre of South Africa’s highveld plateau, is perhaps regarded as an inconvenience – the quicker those long stretches of seemingly featureless countryside through which the main N1 and N3 routes can be traveled, the better. Venturing off the beaten track however can be rewarding! Not only does the rural Free State offer some spectacular scenery and home-from-home hospitality, but there are also numerous surprises for birders.
Close to 470 bird species have been recorded in the Free State, including more than 100 southern African endemics and near-endemics. While conservation areas (such as Golden Gate Highlands National Park, Willem Pretorius Game Reserve, Sandveld Nature Reserve, Soetdoring Nature Reserve and Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve) scattered throughout the province offer excellent birding opportunities, good birding is also possible along many of the roads in rural areas.
Magnificent scenery and exceptional birding in high-altitude grassland, mountain, wetland and forest habitats are on offer close to the escarpment in the north-eastern Free State. This area includes some of the most important areas in southern Africa for certain endangered, restricted-range species such as Southern Bald Ibis, Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark and Yellow-breasted Pipit, found in high- altitude grasslands. Pristine upland wetlands are host to small numbers of Wattled Crane, as well as White-winged Flufftail. African Rock Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat and Mountain Wheatear are found in rocky valleys.
The high peaks of the Drakensberg and Maluti mountains tower over the striking sandstone cliffs and buttresses of the eastern Free State, providing refuge for Bearded and Cape Vulture. Clumps of flowering proteas woodland in sheltered valleys host endemic Gurney’s Sugarbird and various sunbirds, while Ground Woodpecker is common on boulder-strewn hillsides.
Extensive, gently undulating grassy plains in the central areas of the province are host to Orange River Francolin, Blue and Northern Black Korhaan, various larks, pipits and cisticolas; a number of these species are endemic. Areas of open grassland are punctuated by rivers, often feeding large dams. The various habitats associated with these systems include open water, exposed shorelines, dense riparian bush and thickets, each with a great variety of birds to enjoy.
Mining activities centred on Welkom in the north-western Free State produce extensive stretches of permanent water, providing ideal habitat for a variety of waterbirds, especially Greater & Lesser Flamingo. Also characteristic of the western & north-western Free State are natural pan systems; these represent important sources of water in otherwise largely waterless, semi-arid areas.
Major rivers form the geographic boundaries of the Free State in the north-west and west (Vaal River), the east (Caledon River) and south (Orange River). Rivers generally flow during the summer rainy season only, but most retain at least some water throughout the year, providing water for birds in otherwise dry areas.
Extensive areas of semi-arid Kalahari Thornveld found in the western Free State contribute an interesting array of dry-country species including Sociable Weaver and Kalahari Scrub-Robin. Tinkling Cisticola is found in areas of thornveld bordering on open grassland.
The southern and south-western Free State is characterised by semi-arid Karoo vegetation, with dramatic topography including sparsely vegetated grassy plains and hills / koppies with rock-strewn slopes, where calling African Rock Pipits are frequently heard, especially in summer. This is real ‘big-sky’ country, with bright night skies a treat to experience.
The birding potential of many parts of the Free State still remains to be discovered. Certain rural areas such as those surrounding the small hamlet of Memel near the north-eastern escarpment have already established a reputation as outstanding birding and tourism venues. Others such as the small town of Smithfield in the southern Free State are well on their way to becoming recognized as excellent birding, eco- and heritage tourism destinations.
The Free State offers spectacular scenery and exceptional birding in a variety of habitats from high-altitude grassland, mountains, wetlands and forests to semi-arid Kalahari Thornveld and Karoo vegetation. Close to 470 bird species have been recorded in the area which has been divided up into a variety of sub-routes, detailed below. So don’t just pass through the Free State as quickly as possible, but take some time to travel the back roads and discover what this diverse area really has to offer.
The Philippolis area in the southern Free State is characterized by typical karoo habitat and associated karoo bird species (a number of which are endemic). These areas include Acacia- and karee (Rhus spp.) – dominated drainage lines in grassland or karoo veld, as well as isolated hilly areas with dominant olive (Olea) and other trees species (such as Rhus spp.).
Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit, Brown-crowned Tchagra and Common Scimitarbill are common in the wooded drainage lines. Dusky Sunbirds are attracted to flowering Nicotiana glauca while Black-headed and White-throated Canaries and other seedeaters are attracted to water. Roadside birds include Blue Crane, Ludwig’s Bustard and Secretarybird. The extensive, flat plains with grassland areas are home to several lark and species such as Large-billed, Spike-heeled, Red-capped, Pink-billed and Melodious Larks, while both Buffy and Plain-backed Pipits are common. Both Grey-backed and Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark are common at certain times, often forming large flocks.
The hilly areas with rocks, stacked boulders and scattered trees are the preferred habitat of Grey-backed Cisticola, Grey Tit, African Rock and Long-billed Pipits, Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Eastern Long-billed Lark and Short-toed Rock Thrush. Pale-winged Starling is also present, especially in areas closer to the Orange River. Small pans and farm dams attract Black-winged Stilt, Avocet, South African Shelduck and occasionally flamingos, while calling flocks of Namaqua Sandgrouse coming in to drink are one of the avian spectacles of this area. Closer to the Orange River and at smaller watercourses with reedbed vegetation, Namaqua Warbler may be encountered. African Pied Wagtail is common in rocky areas along the Orange River.
Directions
Philippolis can be reached traveling from Bloemfontein via Jagersfontein (R706) on the “Philippolis Road” or from the N1 at Trompsburg on the R717. Farms to be visited at Philippolis include Otterspoort and Klein Waaihoek (see contact details) along the tarred R717 just south of the town. Most of the farmers welcome visitors and will allow birders to stroll on their properties.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Philippolis town | 30°15’52.14″ S | 25°16’27.04″ E |
| Otterspoort farm entrance | 30°20’19.62″S | 25°16’43.87″E |
| Orange River | 30°30’10.25″S | 25°12’3.59″E |
Additional information
The town of Philippolis – the oldest settlement in the Free State – includes a number of interesting places to visit, including the Van der Post Museum.
Contact Die Groenhuis Guest House (diegroenhuis@gmail.com; +27(0)51 773 0073), or go to http://philippolis.co.za/phshorizon.html for further information.
Facilities
The area is mainly private property and access to farms must be arranged beforehand (see “Contact details”). Accommodation is available in Philippolis at Die Groenhuis & Die Stal Guest Houses (diegroenhuis@gmail.com; +27(0)51 773 0073; +27(0)83 290 4269), the Old Jail (+27(0)82 550 4421) or at Kanon Overnight Accommodation (+27(0)51 773 0088 or +27(0)82 371 4524).
Contact details
André Jacobs (+27(0)51 773 0025), owner of the farm Otterspoort can be contacted to arrange access to his farm and others in the area.
Alternatively, contact Dawie de Swardt (+27(0)51 447 9609(w); +27(0)83 638 1604) for assistance in arranging access.
Compiled by Dawie de Swardt (dawie@nasmus.co.za); October 2010
Situated on the N6 between Reddersburg to the north and Rouxville and Aliwal North to the south, the small town of Smithfield is as yet relatively unknown as a birding destination. However, a combination of diverse habitats (for this part of the country), some special birds, a growing tourism industry with a range of accommodation and hospitable townsfolk and landowners in the surrounding countryside all bode well for avitourism in this area. Habitats include extensive grassland areas, mountains with rocky, vegetated slopes, deeply incised, wooded valleys, dams and the banks of the Caledon River, to the east of Smithfield. A day trip to the Tussen-die-Riviere Game Reserve, between the Caledon and Orange Rivers to the south-west of Smithfield is also an option. While the birding potential of the Smithfield district is still being established, visits to the areas below are proposed; each area should be relatively easy to cover in either a morning or an afternoon.
**Please note however that most of these areas include privately-owned land and visits must be arranged beforehand by contacting Lynden Lund (+27(0)83 263 0613) or Carmel Rickard (+27(0)82 551 3293), who will assist with the necessary arrangements to access private property.
Smithfield Mountain & town dam: This area is accessed by travelling north out of Smithfield on the N6, and turning left onto the S119 (GPS cords 30°11’20.12″S; 26°30’55.98″E), just after passing the town dam (on the right). Immediately after turning left, the gate on the left leads to a track through grassland and sparsely vegetated, bushy flatlands. Birds to look out for in the flat areas include Blue Crane, Ludwig’s Bustard, Blue and Northern Black Korhaan, Melodious, Eastern Clapper, Spike-heeled, Large-billed and Red-capped Lark, African, Buffy and Plain-backed Pipit and Anteating Chat. Rufous-eared Warbler is frequently encountered in the areas with small bushes. A grove of Eucalyptus trees over to the right (GPS cords 30°11’20.65″S; 26°29’51.51″E) usually hosts a sometimes spectacular roost of migrant Lesser Kestrels in summer; sundowners watching the spectacle of thousands of these kestrels coming in to roost at sunset is an experience not to be forgotten! The more vegetated, lower slopes of Smithfield Mountain to the left provide good habitat for Mountain Wheatear, Fiscal and Fairy Flycatcher, Grey Tit, Layard’s Tit-babbler, Grey-backed Cisticola, Yellow and White-throated Canary. Hamerkop may nest on rock outcrops along wooded streams in small valleys here as well.
The town dam, accessible directly from the N6, usually produces a feast of waterbirds and others associating with this habitat and the dam shoreline. All three species of grebe (Great Crested, Black-necked and Little) occur if the shallow dam holds sufficient water, and most of the waterfowl found in the Free State (including South African Shelduck, Cape Shoveler, Cape Teal and Maccoa Duck) may also be found here. Both Greater and Lesser Flamingo may be present, as well as African Spoonbill and Yellow-billed Stork. Shorebirds and waders include Kittlitz’s, Common Ringed and Three-banded Plover, Avocet, Common Greenshank, Marsh Sandpiper and usually good numbers of Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper and Little Stint. Fly pasts by African Fish-Eagles may cause the many waterbirds to take flight before settling again. The open shoreline provides an ideal opportunity for birders to observe a diverse array of birds with relative ease in a short period of time; a spotting scope is useful here.
Vaalkop mountain: This area is on private property; please arrange for the necessary permission before trying to gain access; a high clearance vehicle is recommended. Take the N6 north out of Smithfield and turn right onto the R701 (signposted to Wepener) soon after leaving town (GPS cords 30°12’7.17″S; 26°32’8.90″E). An extensive stand of exotic Eucalyptus trees in the area immediately after crossing the bridge just after the turn-off holds African Harrier-Hawk and Black Sparrowhawk; park off the road near the golf course fence and walk into the trees on the left, looking out for these two species. In summer, vocal flocks of European Bee-eaters may use dead branches overhead as perches from which to hawk passing insects. Continue with the R701, passing one or two dams close to the road offering good birding, until reaching the turn-off to Vaalkop (GPS cords 30°07’59.73″S; 26°36’18.61″E), where a key will be needed to unlock the gate. This area includes habitat and birds similar to that of Smithfield Mountain, but has less of the bushy, scrub habitat of the latter. Listen out for calling Desert and Cloud Cisticolas in the grassland areas leading to Vaalkop mountain. When approaching the higher-lying areas, listen out for the characteristic whistled song of African Rock Pipit, which has been found on the hill (GPS cords 30°09’25.53″S; 26°37’06.03″E) just to the left of the concrete road up to the Telkom tower, and on the hillside area just below and south-east of the tower (GPS cords 30°09’55.59″S; 26°37’17.03″E). The lower slopes of this hillside may also be approached by high-clearance vehicle on a track to the south of Vaalkop mountain; this is recommended. The bushy slopes are host to Grey-winged Francolin, Pririt Batis, Fairy Flycatcher, Grey Tit, Grey-backed Cisticola and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. Rufous-cheeked Nightjar has been flushed from its daytime roost beneath bushes in the gully lower down the slope, and Karoo Scrub-Robin also occurs here. The lower slopes of the mountain / hill level out onto a rock-strewn flat area, which may produce various pipits, including Buffy, Long-billed and Kimberley Pipit. Don’t forget to take in the views to the east from the top of Vaalkop mountain and also from the lower slopes!
The “Cliff Swallow” ravine, Beersheba Farm and Caledon River: The various sites mentioned here are accessed from Smithfield as for Vaalkop mountain, but the route then continues north-east along the R701, before turning first right (GPS cords 30°07’50.28″S; 26°36’26.74″E) onto the S396. A short distance further on, keep a lookout for Blue Korhaan and Ludwig’s Bustard in the short grassland on the left of the road. Continue along the S396 until a deepish ravine / kloof is visible close to the road on the left hand side (GPS cords 30°07’47.13″S; 26°42’44.56″E). Park at the roadside, climb through the fence (again – please make prior arrangements for accessing this private property) and climb down into the river valley. Giant Kingfisher may be seen along the small river, and both Red-winged and Pale-winged Starling occur along the cliffs skirting the valley. Levaillant’s Cisticola occurs in the Phragmites reeds and Black-chested Prinia on the bushy slopes. Find and follow a path downstream, keeping an eye out for a small South African Cliff-Swallow nesting colony situated on a cliff on the left side of the valley (approx. GPS cords 30°07’26.98″S; 26°42’36.08″E), one of very few cliff nesting sites of this species known to the author. Whether this colony is used on a regular basis is uncertain; there may only be the remains of a few nests if disused (as was the case previously), or perhaps an active colony will be present (if visited in summer). Rock Kestrel is also usually seen in the valley.
Continue along the S396, which drops down towards the Caledon River in the east and turn in to Beersheba Farm on the left (GPS cords 30°07’51.23″S; 26°43’30.15″E). The road crosses the wall of a sizeable dam, from where the diminutive Malachite Kingfisher may be seen. Various herons, egrets and African Spoonbill have been seen foraging along the dam shoreline. The Beersheba farmhouse (GPS cords 30°07’09.97″S; 26°44’20.73″E) is set among tall trees and lush vegetation due to the abundant natural water supply, and has an interesting history. Spend some time listening and looking for birds such as Crested Barbet, Karoo Thrush, Cape White-eye and Cape Canary near the farmhouse; this is a cool retreat on a hot summer’s day.
Return to the S396, turning left and heading again in the direction of the Caledon River. After a short distance, turn left again at Diepkloof Farm (GPS cords 30°08’26.21″S; 26°43’25.08″E) and continue along this road, which follows close to the western bank of the Caledon River. Stop occasionally (e.g. GPS cords 30°07’20.85″S; 26°45’37.94″E) to listen for the characteristic call of the endemic Namaqua Warbler, found in riverside vegetation. Both Cape and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting should be found here, particularly in rocky areas. Seedeaters (including weavers, queleas, sparrows, waxbills and canaries) occur in good numbers alongside cultivated lands irrigated from the Caledon River. Continue to a stand of poplar trees growing on both sides of the road (GPS cords 30°06’23.60″S; 26°46’06.07″E) and look out for African Paradise Flycatcher, a rare summer breeding visitor to these parts. Return to the S396 and return to Smithfield either by turning right or by turning left and travelling via the S396 on a longer circular route.
Directions
Smithfield is situated on the N6, about 135 km south of Bloemfontein.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Smithfield town | S 30° 12′ 42.45″ | E 26° 31′ 49.84″ |
Facilities
Various types of accommodation, with fully catered guest houses, B&Bs, rustic self-catering and camping available. For further details, contact Carmel Rickard (+27(0)51 683 0423; +27(0)82 551 3293) or Lynden Lund (+27(0)83 263 0613).
Additional Information
Smithfield has developed into somewhat of a tourist hub in this part of the Southern Free State, boasting a thriving small community of artists and associated art studios and galleries, as well as fascinating cultural history and a variety of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. The third oldest town in the Free State, Smithfield prides itself as an example of the best in modern hospitality, offering exceptionally comfortable guesthouses and restaurants serving excellent food and setting new standards in caring for the needs of visitors. The town also has a well-maintained 100+ year-old nine-hole golf course. Topping all of this is the vibrant hospitality of the townsfolk of Smithfield, making a visit to this country gem truly worthwhile.
Compiled by Rick Nuttall; May 2010
A great birding site in the Lesotho Highlands is the Mafika Lisui/Bokong Nature Reserve. The tarred Mafika Lisiu Pass is on the main northern access route from the western lowlands of Lesotho to the Katse Dam deep in the highlands of the Maluti Mountains. From the summit of this spectacular Pass, the road traverses the 1970 ha Bokong Nature Reserve before dropping steeply to the east to the village of Ha Lejone. At more than 3000 metres a.s.l., the Reserve is one of the highest in Africa. An impressive visitor centre perches on the edge of the Lepoqua valley and offers spectacular views of the nearby Lepoqua Falls, and of the valley below all the way down to the Malibamatso River valley and the upper reaches of the Katse Dam in the distance.
Habitats near the summit include Afro-alpine grasslands, rocky cliffs and scree slopes, as well as spongy wetland catchments of the Bokong and Lepoqua rivers. Ascending the Pass, the road winds in and out of spectacular valleys with fynbos/macchia-type vegetation.
Numerous streams may flow strongly following afternoon thunderstorms in summer; this is the best time to visit the area, both for birding and for scenery, and comments below relate to this time of year. Brief stops on the ascent to the summit provide opportunities for close-up views of Horus Swift, which breeds in the road cuttings. The vegetated slopes close to the road also produce Drakensberg Siskin, Cape Bunting, Cape Grassbird and Cape Rock Thrush, while Barratt’s Warbler may be heard calling from the lower slopes and riverine Leucosidea thickets.
A parking area and view site at the summit of the Mafika Lisiu Pass (GPS cords 29°03’51.40″S; 28°24’20.76″E), at an altitude of 3090 m, provide spectacular views west towards Pitseng. Be warned, however; even on a summer’s day, warm sunshine can change very quickly to thick mist and cold conditions; be prepared for all weather conditions! Bird species commonly encountered here include family groups of Drakensberg Rockjumpers, Sickle-winged Chat, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, small flocks of Drakensberg Siskins, Large-billed Lark, Cape Bunting and White-necked Raven. A pair of Bearded Vultures nests on nearby cliffs, and these majestic birds – often both adults and juveniles – should be seen during most visits. Cape Vultures are also frequently seen soaring close to the view site; Verreauxs’ Eagle is less common in the area. Mountain Pipit is the commonest pipit here in summer, with African Pipit occurring in grassy areas lower down the mountain slopes and in the valleys. Lanner Falcons are also common, often seen perched on nearby electricity pylons, while Jackal Buzzards are the most numerous raptors at this altitude, their high numbers probably due to the super-abundance of prey in the form of endemic Sloggett’s ice rats in the spongy alpine meadows. Black Stork may also be seen in this area, and coveys of Grey-winged Francolin also occur, their shrill, yet evocative calling adding to the wonderful atmosphere of the highlands.
The Bokong Nature Reserve visitor centre on the left of the A25 a short distance further provides excellent views of swallows and swifts flying close to the cliffs below. On the grassy hillside slope opposite and directly south-east of the centre is an ossuary – an area of large slabs of flat rock – used by Bearded Vultures in flight to drop and break large bones, after which the birds land and feed on pieces of bone and on exposed bone marrow. It is fascinating to experience this behaviour, with birds often retrieving unbroken bones, soaring to a height and dropping these repeatedly over a period of time.
Continuing due south from the visitor centre and then east, the A25 soon drops steeply down to the village of Ha Lejone, overlooking the upper reaches of the Malibamatso section of the Katse Dam. Look out for Drakensberg Siskin and Grey Tit in streamside vegetation close to the road and dazzling Malachite Sunbirds at flowering patches of red-hot pokers (Kniphofia) while taking a break on the way down the Pass. At Ha Lejone village, take the first gravel road to the left (GPS cords 29°06’32.31″S; 28°29’28.96″E), which hugs the Malibamatso valley of the Katse Dam. Look out for Ground Woodpecker on the rocky slopes and road cuttings and scan the dam on the right for waterfowl (African Black Duck is quite common in open water close to the bases of cliffs) and cormorants. Rocky slopes may also produce Mountain Wheatear and African Rock Pipit, while hillside scrub may host Layard’s Tit-babbler, Fairy Flycatcher and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting. Inspect overhead powerlines in summer for groups of Common House Martins, with flocks of 300 and more birds seen in this area at times. Continue for a few kilometres to the bridge spanning a tributary of the Malibamatso River flowing in from a westerly direction (GPS cords 29°05’01.28″S; 28°30’11.78″E) and scan the cliffs around the dam for Southern Bald Ibis, which may roost and nest here. Turn left after the bridge and travel a short distance upstream (a high clearance vehicle is recommended) to find a delightful spot for a lunch break next to the rapids of this clear mountain river. Various widowbirds (Long-tailed, Red-collared) as well as Southern Red- and Yellow Bishops display in the surrounding areas in summer.
Directions
Enter Lesotho at the Ficksburg/Maputsoe border post and proceed through Maputsoe to the T-junction at the A1. Turn left, heading to Hlotse/Leribe; after 15 km turn right onto the A25, signposted to Pitseng/Katse. The road meanders through rural villages and farmland before the start of the Mafika Lisiu Pass; thereafter the ascent is steep and the view site at the top of the Pass is reached after about 50 km. After a few kilometres at this high altitude, the road descends steeply to Ha Lejone village, from where it continues to Katse.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Mafika Lisiu car park & view site | S 29° 03’51.40″ | E 28°24’20.76″ |
| Ha Lejone village / turn-off to Malibamatso valley | S 29°06’32.31″ | E 28°29’28.96″ |
| Bridge spanning a tributary of the Malibamatso River | S 29°05’01.28″ | E 28°30’11.78″ |
Facilities
Public toilets are available at the Bokong Nature Reserve visitor centre, where limited refreshments (e.g. cold drinks) may also be available (but don’t rely on this!). Limited camping and hiking facilities are available in the Reserve close to the visitor centre, which also has a picnic site and interpretative trail to the top of the Lepaqoa Falls, as well as guides and horses for hire. For bookings of facilities and further information about the Bokong Nature Reserve, contact The Booking Officer, LHDA Nature Reserves, P.O. Box 333, Butha-Buthe 400, Lesotho (tel. +266 22913206 or +266 22460723; fax +266 22461226; email:nature@lhda.org.ls).
It is recommended that vehicles are refueled at Ficksburg, before entering Lesotho, as fuel supplies in the Mountain Kingdom, especially in the highlands, may be erratic.
Additional Information
A passport is required to enter Lesotho, but the formalities at both the South African and Lesotho border posts shouldn’t be too taxing. It is possible to see most of the highland “specials” during a single day’s visit from an overnight base in neighbouring South Africa. For those wanting to extend their stay, good accommodation is however available at the Orion Katse Lodge (for bookings and information, contact the Central Reservations Office, Tel. 0861 276 237; Int. Tel. +27 51 924 0585; Fax: 086 684 1011) in Katse town, but take note that the 80 km from the Bokong Nature Reserve to Katse takes considerable time, as the trip includes a number of steep and winding mountain passes! Some sound advice for driving these steep mountain passes: If you need to travel in 2nd gear on the way up, use the same gear on the way down!
For further information, contact Rick Nuttall (+27(0)51 447 9609 (w); +27(0)72 133 7627 or email ornito@nasmus.co.za).
Compiled by Rick Nuttall; May 2010
The Free State National Botanical Gardens (FSNBG) represent one of South Africa’s botanical gardens managed under the auspices of the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI), with the primary aim to conserve a unique habitat and to cultivate indigenous plant species. The Gardens include three main habitats: the cultivated gardens with bush clumps including various epiphytes and creepers separated by grass lawns; the northern hilly areas of indigenous vegetation, dominated by wild olive Olea, karee Rhus and sagewood Buddleja trees; the drainage line including a large dam and a smaller dam along a stream, which separates from natural hilly areas from the cultivated garden. This stream also drains part of the Valley of Seven Dams Conservancy to the east and south-east, bordering the suburbs of Pentagon Park and Hillsboro.
The FSNBG checklist includes 145 bird species and between 40–50 species can be recorded during a 1–2 hour visit, especially during summer and when the dams are filled with water and thus attract numerous waterfowl species. Malachite and White-bellied Sunbirds are resident, being attracted not only to flowering wild dagga Leonotis clumps during autumn (which may also attract Dusky Sunbirds later in winter), but also to flowering Aloe species on the hills and other flowering species in the gardens. Karoo Scrub-Robin, Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Long-billed Crombec, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Grey-backed Cisticola and Fairy Flycatcher may be seen from the well laid-out paths in the hilly areas. Ashy Tit and Common Scimitarbill are also occasionally encountered.
Waterbirds recorded at the dams and along the stream include Goliath Heron (occasionally observed on the small island in the larger dam), Purple Heron (in reeds), White-faced and Yellow-billed Duck and Little Grebe. Levaillant’s Cisticola, African Reed-Warbler, Common Waxbill and bishops are common in the reedbeds and long grass. African Paradise-Flycatcher may be found near the hide and Icterine Warbler may be heard singing in bush clumps in cultivated garden in late summer.
Directions
The Gardens are situated on the northern outskirts of Bloemfontein and are accessed via Rayton Road; directions are well signposted.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Free State National Botanical Gardens (entrance) | S 29°03’16.38″ | E 26°12’39.04″ |
Facilities
A privately-owned restaurant in the Gardens is open daily. Ablution blocks and a nursery area, where indigenous plants are for sale, are located at the upgraded entrance area. A bird hide overlooks the main dam in the Gardens and a number of well signposted walks are laid out in both the cultivated sections and the naturally vegetated parts of the Gardens.
Additional information
An entrance fee is payable at the main entrance near the parking area. Arrangements have however been made with the Curator to provide free access to BirdLife South Africa (BirdLife Free State) members on showing their membership cards. Similar arrangements can also be made for other bird clubs.
Contact
The Curator of FSNBG can be contacted for further information at
Telephone +27(0)51 436 3530
Fax +27(0)51 436 4101
Email: FSNBG@sanbi.org.za
SANBI website: www.sanbi.org
Compiled by Dawie de Swardt; May 2010
In the Hagesdam and Tafelkop areas, situated 60-70 km south-west of Bloemfontein, mainly cattle and sheep farming are practiced, with limited areas under cultivation. Accessed from Bloemfontein by taking the R706 towards Jagersfontein, the area is also the centre of several routes on which large terrestrial birds are counted six-monthly (in late January & July) for the Coordinated Avifaunal Roadcounts (CAR) project of the University of Cape Town’s Animal Demography Unit (ADU).
A brief stop at the “Klein Kaalspruit” bridge (GPS cords 29°17’37.26″S; 25°57’49.23″E) en route in summer provides views of South African Cliff Swallows, Little and White-rumped Swifts breeding under the bridge. A Spotted Eagle Owl may also be seen roosting near the bridge. Continue along the R706 and take the next turn to the right (S284) (GPS cords 29°19’24.97″S; 25°55’15.01″E), signposted “Hagesdam / Steunmekaar”. Just after a left-hand bend in the road a few hundred metres further on, stop and listen for the repetitive, jumbled song of Fawn-coloured Lark, with calling males often perching on roadside bushes. Cultivated lands on the right a little further on may produce flocks of both Chestnut-backed and Grey-backed Sparrowlark in summer, while displaying Melodious Larks may also be encountered over areas of grassland in the vicinity. Good numbers of migrant Lesser Kestrels and Amur Falcons often perch on roadside poles and powerlines in between bouts of foraging over the grassland. Following this gravel road until reaching the entrance to the farm Hagesdam on the left (signposted “Hagesdam – George Fourie”) (GPS cords 29°21’28.00″S; 25°46’47.69″E).
The main habitats are isolated bush-covered hills, or series of such hills, dominated by olive Olea and sagewood Buddleja trees, in otherwise grassland areas. Low, Karoo-scrub bush areas with extensive bare patches of ground are also found in the area. A number of dams, which may hold water for varying periods of time (depending on seasonal rainfall), provide suitable habitat for numerous waterfowl and wader species.
African Rock Pipits are common on rocky hillsides and the distinctive phrases of calling males are most frequently heard in early mornings during summer, when birds may be seen perched on a prominent rock or bush. During winter, birds are less vocal and thus more difficult to find. Be careful not to confuse Long-billed or Plain-backed Pipits with African Rock Pipits, which share the same habitat. Other species found in the hilly areas include Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Short-toed Rock Thrush and Grey-backed Cisticola. Fairy Flycatcher, Namaqua Dove, Cape and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, as well as Ashy Tit are also common. Grey Tit has also been observed in the area, as has Eastern Long-billed Larks – listen for the characteristic descending whistled call of this species.
In grassland and areas with low karroid shrubs search for Sickle-winged Chat (winter months), Spike-heeled, Red-capped and Large-billed Lark as well as Double-banded, Temminck’s and Burchell’s Courser. In some areas with sandy red soils, Fawn-coloured Lark and Kalahari Scrub-Robin are common. Lark-like Bunting and Black-headed Canary is present from time to time, attracted mainly to water troughs and reservoirs with seeping water – if lucky White-throated Canary may also be seen at water points. Raptors such as Secretarybird (breeding), Jackal Buzzard and Black Harrier are common. Rare sightings have been obtained of Verreauxs’ and Martial Eagle and Black-chested Snake-Eagle.
Birding along the gravel S581 en route to Tafelkop is highly recommended, as most of the pipits, larks and other species of interest are observed mostly from the roadside. A stop at a slight bend in the stretch of road (GPS cords 29°19’37.35″S; 25°38’57.45″E) directly opposite Tafelkop often produces a pair of Blue Cranes in short grassland just to the east of the road, while Blue and Northern Black Korhaan are resident here. Temminck’s and Burchell’s Courser are usually encountered. Pink-billed Lark is also frequently seen and heard along this stretch, with birds often taking off from the road only to land a short distance further along. Yellow-bellied Eremomela may be found foraging in small roadside bushes, where this species has also been found breeding.
Directions
The Hagesdam and Tafelkop areas can be reached from Bloemfontein traveling on the Jagersfontein road (R706) in a south westerly direction. To reach Tafelkop, proceed from Hagesdam Farm along the gravel S284, taking the first turn to the right, onto the S581 (GPS cords 29°24’13.71″S; 25°38’49.22″E). Continue north and after cresting a rise, the distinctive flat-topped landmark of Tafelkop can be seen in the distance to the north-west.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn-off to “Hagesdam / Steunmekaar” gravel road | S 29°19’24.97″ | E 25°55’15.01″ |
| Entrance to Hagesdam Farm | S 29°21’28.00″ | E 25°46’47.69″ |
| Tafelkop mountain | S 29°20’03.95″ | E 25°37’47.69″ |
Facilities
No public facilities are available. The entire area is private farmland and access must be pre-arranged.
Additional information
Birding along the well maintained gravel roads (which however may be slippery following rain) is productive, convenient and safe; a local farmer may stop, asking about your presence and may offer birders to opportunity to visit other farms in the area.
Contact
To obtain access to private property, contact Mr George Fourie (Hagesdam; +27(0)51 575 0692) or Mr Schalk van der Merwe (Tafelkop; +27(0)82 577 1939).
Compiled by Dawie de Swardt and Rick Nuttall, May 2010.
Kloofeind is situated next to the N8 about 20 km west of Bloemfontein’s city centre. The steep rocky hillsides and extensive plateaus are dominated by Olive trees, Sagewood (Buddleja spp) and several other shrub species. The surrounding areas comprise mainly Themeda grassland with eroded areas with small karroid shrubs. An area known as Linden, dominated by acacia trees as well as two small dams is also present at Kloofeind.
***Please note that Kloofeind is privately-owned land and permission for access must be arranged beforehand by contacting the owners: Mr Kruger (+27(0)82 770 5317), Dr Meyer (+27(0)82 859 5826) or Mr Van Heerden (+27(0)83 406 0672). Alternatively Dawie de Swardt (+27(0)51 447 9609 (w); +27(0)83 638 1604) will assist with the necessary arrangements to access Kloofeind.
The main attraction at Kloofeind is undoubtedly the presence of African Rock Pipits – this is the closest locality to Bloemfontein for this species, and it is quite easy to hear and see this sought-after endemic here. Other species to be found include Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Fairy Flycatcher, Grey-backed Cisticola and Short-toed Rock Thrush. Cape Penduline Tit, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Long-billed Pipit and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting are common. Both Ashy and (Southern) Grey Tits have been observed on the hillsides and in thornveld. Klaas’s Cuckoo and Ground Woodpecker have been rarely recorded in the past and birders are encouraged to be on the lookout for these species – the Ground Woodpecker was observed during winter (the closest locality is about 80 km to the east, in the Thaba Nchu area!).
Pink-billed, Melodious, Eastern Clapper and Rufous-naped Larks are common in the surrounding grassland areas, with birds calling and displaying in summer. Blue Korhaans are frequently heard calling from grassland areas just west of Kloofeind. Both Common Quail and Kurrichane Buttonquail have been observed in both grassland and in grassy patches in thornveld. In the thornveld areas, reached by following the Kloofeind farm gravel road from the main tarred N8 (going through two farm gates), Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Namaqua Dove and Pririt Batis may be encountered. Other species recorded include Golden-breasted Bunting, Black-faced and Violet-eared Waxbill, Cardinal Woodpecker, Red-throated Wryneck and Jacobin Cuckoo (during summer). Secretarybirds breed at Kloofeind and two nestlings were fitted with patagial tags in 2010. Other raptors to be seen include Booted Eagle, Lanner Falcon and Black-shouldered Kite. Both Barn Owl and Spotted Eagle-Owl have been seen on the hillsides.
Directions
Kloofeind is easily reached from the N8, about 20 km west of Bloemfontein. When traveling west, travel past the turn off (left) to the tarred road sign-posted “Kloofeind” and continue on the N8 just past the Lockshoek Farm School on the left hand side; the gravel turn-off to Kloofeind farm is soon after the school on the left hand side of the N8. Use the entrance over the cattle grid. The large hill of Kloofeind is clearly visible on the left hand side of the farm road / track.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn off (south) to the tarred road sign-posted “Kloofeind” | 29°9’33.94″S | 26° 2’57.95″E |
| Lockshoek Farm School | 29° 9’35.06″S | 26° 2’40.22″E |
| Entrance road / track to Kloofeind farm | 29° 9’35.37″S | 26° 2’32.10″E |
| Good area for African Rock Pipits | 29° 9’51.37″S | 26° 2’32.51″E |
| Thornveld area on Kloofeind farm | 29°10’57.39″S | 26° 1’54.40″E |
Facilities
There are no facilities available for visitors to Kloofeind. The area is on private property and access must be arranged beforehand. All types of accommodation are available in nearby Bloemfontein.
*Compiled by Dawie de Swardt (dawie[at]nasmus.co.za); October 2010
Situated in the highveld region of the northern Free State, this 3400 ha reserve comprises mainly mixed grassland with dense acacia thickets, together with willow trees along the Renoster River. The reserve boasts a checklist of about 250 bird species, approximately 160 of which are common or regularly seen. Koppies Dam itself provides suitable habitat for a number of different waterbird species, including White-breasted Cormorant and Reed Cormorant, African Darter, various herons, Glossy Ibis, African Spoonbill, White-faced Duck, South African Shelduck, African Black Duck, Cape Teal, Cape Shoveler and Comb Duck. Blue Korhaan and Secretarybird can be found in the grasslands, which should also produce various larks, pipits and cisticolas. Birds frequenting the acacia thickets include Ashy Tit, African Red-eyed Bulbul, White-backed Mousebird and Red-faced Mousebird, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Black-chested Prinia and Bokmakierie.
Directions
The town of Koppies lies 55 km north of Kroonstad, just off the N1 between Kroonstad and Sasolburg. The nature reserve is 16 km east of the town. The roads are well marked.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Koppies Dam Nature Reserve | S 27°15′.27.54″ | E 27°40’25.62″ |
Facilities
Camping facilities are provided, and an entry fee is payable. Neat ablution facilities with hot and cold water are available although there is no electricity. There are no shops and visitors must bring their own provisions. For further information contact the Principal Nature Conservator Tel. +27 (0)56 722 5210).
Additional Information
An entrance fee is payable.
Compiled by Rick Nuttall 2010
This reserve qualifies as one of the top birding spots in the Free State. Situated in the central Free State, it surrounds the Allemanskraal Dam, and has a range of habitats, most of which are easily accessible. A two to three day stay is recommended. The reserve itself covers some 12 005ha with a great variety of game and bird species. The reserve checklist totals about 250 species, of which about 200 are common or regularly seen. Habitats include open water, shoreline, reedbeds, acacia savanna, grassland, wooded valleys and rocky hills with bush-covered slopes.
Specials include Martial Eagle, Black Harrier, Orange River Francolin, Blue Crane, Blue Korhaan, Double-banded Courser, Ground Woodpecker (uncommon), Melodious Lark and Pink-billed Lark, Sickle-winged Chat, Karoo Robin and Kalahari Robin, Pririt Batis, Fairy Flycatcher, Violet-eared Waxbill, Black-cheeked Waxbill and Yellow Canary.
In the acacia savanna areas species such as Scimitar-billed Wood-hoopoe, Acacia Pied Barbet, White-backed Mousebird, Cape Robin and Kalahari Robin, Ashy Tit, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Black-chested Prinia, Pririt Batis and Three-streaked Tchagra may be found. This habitat also boasts a number of small seedeaters, including Scaly-feathered Finch and Melba Finch, Blue Waxbill, Violet-eared Waxbill and Black-cheeked Waxbill, whydahs, Yellow Canary and Black-throated Canary. Look out for Red-billed Wood-hoopoe and Red-throated Wryneck in the poplar trees in the picnic site just before entering the reserve to the north of the dam.
Take a short walk from the road to the viewing point on top of the koppie. From here you will have a wonderful panoramic view over the reserve below, and across Allemanskraal Dam. Look out for swifts and swallows; Alpine Swift, Black Swift, Little Swift and White-rumped Swift may be seen feeding together. This is also a good spot to search for game in the thornveld and grasslands below.
The dam environment is host to many waterbirds. A heronry is usually present during the summer months on the island near the two resorts; more than ten species of large birds, including herons, egrets, ibis, cormorants and Darter. Small waders may be found along exposed stretches of shoreline, and waterfowl, including South African Shelduck, Spur-winged Goose and Egyptian Goose, Cape Shoveller and Southern Pochard are also present. Listen for the call of the African Fish Eagle.
Reedbeds bordering the narrow eastern parts of the dam will produce Red Bishop and various skulking warbler species. In the more lush vegetation of the wooded valleys, Plum-coloured Starling, Martial Eagle and Gabar Goshawk can be found. Larger mammals include White Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland, Black Wildebeest (one of the largest populations in South Africa); Red Hartebeest, Common Reedbuck and Burchell’s Zebra.
Open grassland habitats in the southern section of the reserve provide habitat for Northern Black & Blue Korhaan, Double-banded Courser, Melodious, Pink-billed, Spike-heeled and Red-capped Lark and various cisticolas. Other birds to look out for here include Secretarybird, Black Harrier and Orange River Francolin. In acacia savannah Scimitar-billed Wood-hoopoe, Acacia Pied Barbet, White-backed Mousebird, Cape & Kalahari Robin, Ashy Tit, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Black-chested Prinia, Pririt Batis and Three-streaked Tchagra occur. The vegetation changes quite dramatically in the wooded kloofs, where impressive white stinkwood trees dominate. Martial Eagles and Gabar Goshawks breed here and many other interesting species are present. Plum-coloured Starling is an occasional visitor.
Directions
Access is via the N1 motorway, about 30km south of Ventersburg and 150km north of Bloemfontein. The reserve is well signposted.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Willem Pretorius Game Reserve | S 28°18´03.53″ | E 27°15´22.32″ |
Facilities
Facilities include a good network of roads with a few strategically placed view sites. A picturesque bush camp is available in the reserve. It sleeps 16 people, and has separate kitchen and ablution facilities.
Contact
Reservations
Tel: +27 (0)57 651 4003
Fax: +27 (0)57 651 4005
Additional Information
An entrance fee is payable.
Compiled by Rick Nuttall 2010
Benfontein is a De Beers’ property located c. 10 km south-east of Kimberley. The property is 11,300 ha in size (28o50′; 24o50′). The Northern Cape – Free State provincial boundary runs through the property. There is a complex network of roads on Benfontein, but the visitor is unlikely to get lost as the homestead and surrounds are visible from most parts of the farm. Although the roads are regularly graded they become impassable after even a few millimetres of rain. Three major vegetation biomes converge in the Kimberley area, with elements of these occurring on Benfontein, including mixed grassland, Kalahari thornveld (now known as Kimberley Thorn Bushveld) and Karoo (Eastern Mixed Nama Karoo).
Benfontein is perhaps one of the prime birding localities in the western Free State. This is partly due to the large diversity of bird species that frequent the property as a result of the diverse habitat types, but also because of the knowledge that has been gained through several ornithological research projects about the property’s avifauna. Thus far 260 bird species have been recorded on Benfontein. Over the years the property has become well known for its larks, and 12 species have been recorded, including Monotonous Lark, Pink-billed Lark and Black-eared Sparrowlark. Pipits too are not uncommon, with five species being recorded. The Kimberley and Long-tailed Pipits, two species that were described by Dr Richard Liversidge from specimens collected in the Kimberley area, have also been recorded on Benfontein.
It is however perhaps the Kalahari and Nama Karoo endemics that are the property’s main attraction, particularly for overseas bird-watchers who occasionally visit Benfontein. These include: Orange River Francolin, Bradfield’s Swift, Ludwig’s Bustard, Blue Korhaan, Burchell’s and Namaqua Sandgrouse, Burchell’s Courser, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cape Penduline-Tit, Fairy Flycatcher, Rufous-eared Warbler, Eastern Clapper Lark, Marico Flycatcher, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Mountain Wheatear, Violet-eared Waxbill, Cape Longclaw and Kimberley Pipit. There are at least 40 Sociable Weaver colonies in camel thorn trees in the south-eastern areas of the property. Associated with these nests are other typical Kalahari bird species, such as Pygmy Falcon, Acacia Pied Barbet, Ashy Tit and Red-headed Finch.
There is a population of c. 20 pairs of African White-backed Vultures that breed on top of Acacia erioloba trees. Cape Vultures and Lappet-faced Vultures are also occasionally observed roosting on the powerline that traverses the eastern section of the property, or at wild animal carcasses. The greater Kimberley area in fact supports a breeding population of more than 250 pairs of White-backed Vultures. These have been the focus of intensive research during the past 13 years, with more than 500 birds being ringed. Please record the combination of colour-rings on ringed birds and send the details to the Northern Cape Department of Tourism, Environment & Conservation. Several others species of raptors breed on the farm, including Tawny Eagle, Secretarybird, Greater Kestrel, and Verreaux’s Eagle-Owl. Less frequent visitors are Red-footed and Amur Falcon, Montagu’s and Pallid Harrier, and African Grass-Owl.
The world’s largest bird, the Common Ostrich, is common on Benfontein and these birds are most well-known for their genetic integrity. In other words these southern Ostriches Struthio camelus australis have not hybridized with Ostriches introduced to South Africa from other parts of the African continent. Other large birds, which are sometimes encountered on Benfontein, include Blue Cranes (which breed during the summer months) as well as several species of bustard, most notably Ludwig’s Bustard, Northern Black Korhaan and Red-crested Korhaan. The dolerite hills on the southern and western extremities of the property provide habitat for a unique suite of birds, including African Rock Pipit, Long-billed Pipit, Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Grey-backed Cisticola, and Short-toed Rock-Thrush.
The large ephemeral pan in the low-lying northern end of the property can support a plethora of interesting waterbirds. After inundation in 1988, the pan held water for more than three years. After the subsequent inundation event in March 2003, the population of waterbirds that frequented this wetland was monitored, with the results of this interesting study being published in Ostrich (Herrmann et al. 2004). Some interesting waterbirds which have been recorded at the pan include: Black-necked Grebe, Purple Heron, Greater and Lesser Flamingo, Hottentot Teal, Southern Pochard, Greater Painted-Snipe, and various species of waders, including Common Greenshank and Pied Avocet. The homestead, picnic site, and farm dam support an interesting suite of birds, including Barn Owl, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Green Wood-hoopoe, Crested Barbet, Lesser and Greater Honeyguide, Familiar Chat, and White-bellied Sunbird.
Directions
The entrance to Benfontein is about 8 km from Kimberley’s Honoured Dead Memorial (or 5 km from the airport turnoff), on the western side of the Kimberley–Bloemfontein N8 road, with the entrance at the provincial border.
Facilities
There are camping facilities at Benfontein. Research facilities are available in an historic Victorian-style house, but this is only for bona fide research projects. Excellent accommodation is available at a variety of establishments in Kimberley, from bed and breakfasts to hotels.
Contact
Lisinda Groenewald
E-mail: Lisinda.Groenewald@debeersgroup.com
Tel. +27(0)53 839 4362
Fax: +27(0)53 839 4366
Additional Information
Benfontein has an interesting diversity of large ungulates that are typical of the Free State and Northern Cape. These include Steenbok, Grey Duiker, Springbok, Mountain Reedbuck, Kudu, Blesbok, and Black Wildebeest. The latter two species are of conservation importance as they are genetically pure, having never seen the closely-related Bontebok and Blue Wildebeest. Surplus ungulates captured on Benfontein have been used to re-establish populations of these species on other properties throughout the country. The farm is also well known for its diversity of nocturnal animals and a night time drive can be particularly rewarding with frequent observations of Aardwolves, Aardvark, Black-footed Cat, Hedgehog, Cape Fox, Bat-eared Fox, Black-backed Jackal, Small-spotted Genet, Springhare, and Cape Porcupine. Even some of the smaller rodents, such as the Large-eared Mouse Malacothrix typica, are of interest.
A large diversity of plants is found on Benfontein, with a few unusual and threatened plants, including one member of the Mesembryanthemaceae, Nananthus species, amaryllids namely vleilelie Nerine laticoma, gifbol Ammocharis coranica, seeroogbol Boophone disticha and the poisonous iris, bloutulp Moraea polystachya. As a result of its biological and cultural importance, Benfontein Game Farm was designated as a Natural Heritage Site in the mid-1980s. It is also listed as an Important Bird Area, with 16 endemic and near-endemic bird species occurring on the property.
The Paleohydrology, geology and archaeology of Benfontein have been the focus of several studies. Although kimberlite pipes are found on the farm, the deposits are small and thus not economically viable and consequently diamonds have not been mined.
The margins of the Alexandersfontein Pan are renowned in the annals of archaeology for the rich spreads to be found there of Stone Age and palaeoenvironmental traces. There is evidence of a palaeolake of substantial proportions, and numerous sites with Middle Stone Age artefacts have been documented. Later Stone Age rock engravings occur in the hills to the north of the pan. In 1858 conflict flared up when Khousop, a local KhoeSan leader, said to have resided at Wildebeest Kuil, attacked white settlers at Benfontein farm.
Compiled by Mark D. Anderson, Eric Herrmann and Tania A. Anderson
Sandveld Nature Reserve is arguably one of the best birding sites in the Free State province. Habitats include open water, shoreline, marshy areas, grassland, savanna (mostly Kalahari Thornveld, but also sweet-thorn) and karoo scrub, most of which are easily accessible in a sedan vehicle. With a checklist of 295 bird species, lists of 70-80 bird species are easily achievable in the reserve; up to 150 species may be seen during a two- to three-day stay in late summer.
The main camp and surrounding areas produce excellent birding opportunities, with birds such as Marico Flycatcher, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Groundscraper Thrush and Scaly-feathered Finch becoming quite tame. Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit and Cape Penduline Tit are also found here. Thickets are excellent for warblers, particularly in late summer, with Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, African Reed-Warbler, Marsh Warbler and Icterine Warbler recorded. Rattling Cisticola, an uncommon species in the Free State, is also found here and in similar thickets elsewhere in the reserve, always close to the shoreline of the dam. The Fairy Flycatcher is a common winter visitor.
Waterfowl species, including Fulvous and White-faced Duck, Cape Shoveler, Cape Teal, Southern Pochard, South African Shelduck and Knob-billed Duck may be seen in good numbers at times, depending on the water level of the dam. Heronries including as many as 12 different species of heron, egret, ibis and cormorant are present during seasons of good rainfall. Goliath Heron is commonly seen along the shore of the dam, while Great Crested Grebe is encountered on the open water. Good numbers of Caspian Terns are regularly seen and migrant White-winged Terns are abundant in summer. Lesser Black-backed Gull is occasionally seen during summer and has been known to overwinter.
The road heading north from the main camp along the shoreline of the dam is excellent for waterbirds and waders; Yellow-billed Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron and occasionally Black Heron may be seen feeding in the shallows, particularly where there is emergent vegetation. Exposed sand or mud should produce a number of small waders, including Kittlitz’s Plover and Three-banded Plover, with Common Ringed Plovers usually present in low numbers in summer. Other summer visitors include Common, Wood, Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Ruff and Little Stint. During the summer months the main bridge crossing the dam here is a hive of activity, with many hundreds of South African Cliff Swallows and Little Swifts breeding under the bridge in large colonies. Grey Herons perch on the concrete supports beneath the bridge and prey on unsuspecting swifts and swallows by snatching birds in flight, or flying out short distances to retrieve birds downed in the water.
Open grassland areas produce Eastern Clapper and Rufous-naped Lark, Northern Black Korhaan, Ant-eating Chat and Desert Cisticola. Listen for calling Orange River Francolin, particularly in the early morning. Woodland and savanna habitats provide a wealth of species, including Common Scimitarbill, Lesser Honeyguide, Acacia Pied Barbet, Crested Barbet, Cape Penduline Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Long-billed Crombec, Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit, Brubru and Crimson-breasted Shrike. Magpie Shrike and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill are present in low numbers. Red-crested Korhaan is more often heard than seen. Waxbills and finches are well represented, with Blue, Black-faced and Violet-eared Waxbill, Melba Finch and Red-billed Firefinch common residents, while Jameson’s Firefinch is more rarely encountered. Fawn-coloured and Sabota Lark are common in thornveld habitat. The characteristic calls of Tinkling Cisticola are heard in savanna areas bordering open grassland. White-backed Vultures nest at times in camelthorn trees, and Giant Eagle Owl may also be encountered, often nesting on top of large Sociable Weaver nests, a number of which are situated in camelthorn trees close to the tourist roads.
Directions
Sandveld Nature Reserve is situated on the R34 between Hoopstad (Free State) and Bloemhof (North West Province), +/-35km from Hoopstad and 10km from Bloemhof. The reserve surrounds the Vaal River and Vet River confluence sections of the Bloemhof Dam, in the Free State province.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Entrance to Sandveld Nature Reserve on the R34 | S 27°38’18.85″ | E 25°41’16.72″ |
| Main camp | S 27°40’25.18″ | E 25°41’04.40″ |
Facilities
The reserve has a good network of unsurfaced/gravel roads. A small entrance fee is payable. Self-catering chalet accommodation and camping sites (with and without electricity points) are available; for bookings and further information, call +27(0)53 433 1702/3. Alternative accommodation is available in nearby Bloemhof (10km from the reserve).
Additional Information
Larger mammals present include White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland, Roan and Sable Antelope, Gemsbok, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Tsessebe, Blue Wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Steenbok and Black-backed Jackal. Aardwolf is occasionally encountered and Slender Mongoose, Yellow Mongoose and Springhare are common. Snakes include Cape Cobra, Puffadder and some impressive Boomslang specimens.
For further information, contact Rick Nuttall +27(0)51 447 9609 (w); +27(0)72 133 7627or email: ornito@nasmus.co.za).
Compiled by Rick Nuttall; May 2010
Sandveld Nature Reserve is arguably one of the best birding sites in the Free State province. Habitats include open water, shoreline, marshy areas, grassland, savanna (mostly Kalahari Thornveld, but also sweet-thorn) and karoo scrub, most of which are easily accessible in a sedan vehicle. With a checklist of 295 bird species, lists of 70-80 bird species are easily achievable in the reserve; up to 150 species may be seen during a two- to three-day stay in late summer.
The main camp and surrounding areas produce excellent birding opportunities, with birds such as Marico Flycatcher, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Groundscraper Thrush and Scaly-feathered Finch becoming quite tame. Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit and Cape Penduline Tit are also found here. Thickets are excellent for warblers, particularly in late summer, with Garden Warbler, Willow Warbler, African Reed-Warbler, Marsh Warbler and Icterine Warbler recorded. Rattling Cisticola, an uncommon species in the Free State, is also found here and in similar thickets elsewhere in the reserve, always close to the shoreline of the dam. The Fairy Flycatcher is a common winter visitor.
Waterfowl species, including Fulvous and White-faced Duck, Cape Shoveler, Cape Teal, Southern Pochard, South African Shelduck and Knob-billed Duck may be seen in good numbers at times, depending on the water level of the dam. Heronries including as many as 12 different species of heron, egret, ibis and cormorant are present during seasons of good rainfall. Goliath Heron is commonly seen along the shore of the dam, while Great Crested Grebe is encountered on the open water. Good numbers of Caspian Terns are regularly seen and migrant White-winged Terns are abundant in summer. Lesser Black-backed Gull is occasionally seen during summer and has been known to overwinter.
The road heading north from the main camp along the shoreline of the dam is excellent for waterbirds and waders; Yellow-billed Egret, Little Egret, Squacco Heron and occasionally Black Heron may be seen feeding in the shallows, particularly where there is emergent vegetation. Exposed sand or mud should produce a number of small waders, including Kittlitz’s Plover and Three-banded Plover, with Common Ringed Plovers usually present in low numbers in summer. Other summer visitors include Common, Wood, Marsh and Curlew Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Ruff and Little Stint. During the summer months the main bridge crossing the dam here is a hive of activity, with many hundreds of South African Cliff Swallows and Little Swifts breeding under the bridge in large colonies. Grey Herons perch on the concrete supports beneath the bridge and prey on unsuspecting swifts and swallows by snatching birds in flight, or flying out short distances to retrieve birds downed in the water.
Open grassland areas produce Eastern Clapper and Rufous-naped Lark, Northern Black Korhaan, Ant-eating Chat and Desert Cisticola. Listen for calling Orange River Francolin, particularly in the early morning. Woodland and savanna habitats provide a wealth of species, including Common Scimitarbill, Lesser Honeyguide, Acacia Pied Barbet, Crested Barbet, Cape Penduline Tit, Barred Wren-Warbler, Yellow-bellied Eremomela, Long-billed Crombec, Pririt Batis, Ashy Tit, Brubru and Crimson-breasted Shrike. Magpie Shrike and Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill are present in low numbers. Red-crested Korhaan is more often heard than seen. Waxbills and finches are well represented, with Blue, Black-faced and Violet-eared Waxbill, Melba Finch and Red-billed Firefinch common residents, while Jameson’s Firefinch is more rarely encountered. Fawn-coloured and Sabota Lark are common in thornveld habitat. The characteristic calls of Tinkling Cisticola are heard in savanna areas bordering open grassland. White-backed Vultures nest at times in camelthorn trees, and Giant Eagle Owl may also be encountered, often nesting on top of large Sociable Weaver nests, a number of which are situated in camelthorn trees close to the tourist roads.
Directions
Sandveld Nature Reserve is situated on the R34 between Hoopstad (Free State) and Bloemhof (North West Province), +/-35km from Hoopstad and 10km from Bloemhof. The reserve surrounds the Vaal River and Vet River confluence sections of the Bloemhof Dam, in the Free State province.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Entrance to Sandveld Nature Reserve on the R34 | S 27°38’18.85″ | E 25°41’16.72″ |
| Main camp | S 27°40’25.18″ | E 25°41’04.40″ |
Facilities
The reserve has a good network of unsurfaced/gravel roads. A small entrance fee is payable. Self-catering chalet accommodation and camping sites (with and without electricity points) are available; for bookings and further information, call +27(0)53 433 1702/3. Alternative accommodation is available in nearby Bloemhof (10km from the reserve).
Additional Information
Larger mammals present include White and Black Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Eland, Roan and Sable Antelope, Gemsbok, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Tsessebe, Blue Wildebeest, Burchell’s Zebra, Springbok, Steenbok and Black-backed Jackal. Aardwolf is occasionally encountered and Slender Mongoose, Yellow Mongoose and Springhare are common. Snakes include Cape Cobra, Puffadder and some impressive Boomslang specimens.
For further information, contact Rick Nuttall +27(0)51 447 9609 (w); +27(0)72 133 7627or email: ornito@nasmus.co.za).
Compiled by Rick Nuttall; May 2010
Harrismith lies equidistant from Johannesburg and Durban along the N3 highway. One of the larger towns in the region, Harrismith is a great stepping stone from which to explore the highland areas of the Drakensberg escarpment; Sterkfontein Dam NR, Qwa-Qwa NP, Golden Gate Highlands NP and Royal Natal NP. The landscape around Harrismith is dominated by gently undulating grassland, much of which is now under agriculture, interspersed with flat-topped hills showing sandstone cliffs ie. Platberg, the mesa overlooking the town. From Harrismith there are a number of gravel roads radiating out, and a drive along any of these should reveal a good selection of highland birds. Birds to look out for in the surrounding countryside include Blue & Grey-crowned crane, Blue & Barrow’s korhaan, Ludwig’s bustard (occasionally), Southern bald ibis, Ant-eating chat and Pied starling.
Facilities
There are a number of accommodation options available in the town – see www.drakensberg-tourism.com/harrismith.html
Directions
Harrismith lies just off the N3 halfway between Johannesburg (215km JHB – Harrismith) and Durban (214 km DBN – Harrismith).
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Harrismith | 28° 15′ 32.19″S | 29° 07′ 03.94″E |
The main birding habitats in the Memel area are extensive high-altitude plateau grasslands, particularly to the south and south-west of Memel, wetlands, including the extensive Seekoeivlei wetland (immediately to the north of Memel) and others, particularly along the Klip River to the south. Rocky hillsides and cliffs are also present and are host to a number of interesting bird species. Small patches of mistbelt forest are found near Normandien Pass and elsewhere along the Drakensberg escarpment south of Memel. The area offers spectacular scenery and quality birding.
Specials
Specials found in the area include Cape Vulture, Black Harrier (mainly in autumn & winter), Southern Bald Ibis, Denham’s Bustard, Blue Korhaan, Burchell’s & Temminck’s Courser, Ground Woodpecker, Eastern Long-billed, Rudd’s & Botha’s Lark, Yellow-breasted & African Rock Pipit, Buff-streaked Chat, Sentinel Rock Thrush and Bush Blackcap. Wattled, Grey Crowned and Blue Crane also occur and breed in the area. Western Marsh-Harrier has been recorded over the Seekoeivlei wetland in summer.
Bird hides
(Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
The reserve has three beautiful hides built from recycled plastic material. The walkways and hides itself is fully accessible. The hides overlook the wetland and open water where many waterbird species can be observed. During wet season some of the hides might not be accessible as the roads are flooded. The different hides are: Moorhen (27°36’44.73″S 29°35’11.62″E); Coot (27°35’29.89″S 29°35’30.07″E) and Mvubu (Hippo) (27°35’12.30″S 29°35’16.60″E).
Directions
Memel is situated in the north-eastern Free State, where it borders Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal, close to the Drakensberg Escarpment. Memel is on the tarred R34, between Vrede (Free State) and Newcastle (KwaZulu-Natal), about 250 km from Johannesburg.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Memel village | S 27°40´49.98″ | E 29°33´52.34″ |
| Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve (entrance to Waterval) | S 27°38´32.63″ | E 29°33´33.61″ |
Additional Information
The area boasts approximately 250 bird species. A two to three day stay in the pleasant surroundings is highly recommended, particularly during summer (late October to late February), when many of the “specials” of the area are more conspicuous as they display and vocalize.
A robust, high clearance vehicle is recommended, as a number of the gravel roads are quite bumpy and rocky in places. Caution is also necessary on these roads when wet, when they may become very slippery. For general information on the area, details of access to specific sites (a number of which are on private farmland) and where to find specific bird species, please contact Mahem Country House (tel. +27(0)58 924 0034; cell +27(0)82 565 8939; fax. +27(0)58 924 0536), which also offers excellent B&B and self-catering accommodation.
Compiled by Nikki McCartney & Rick Nuttall; May 2010.
Durban, Van Reenen provides birders with the perfect opportunity for a rest and some highveld birding! The steep, rocky cliffs of the Drakensberg provide excellent nest sites for cliff nesting birds such as Bald ibis, Cape vulture, Peregrine falcon, Rock kestrel, Jackal buzzard and White-necked raven. A number of swift species also utilise cliffs for breeding, so in summer keep an eye in the sky for African black, Alpine, White-rumped and Little swifts. Pied and Red-winged starlings are regularly seen on the roadside or near human habitation.
Facilities
There are a number of accommodation options available in the village – see http://www.vanreenentourism.co.za
Directions
Van Reenen lies on the N3 between the towns of Harrismith and Ladysmith. The village is 30 km’s south of Harrismith.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Van Reenen | 28° 22′ 23.91″S | 29° 22′ 36.20″E |
The small country village of Verkykerskop lies nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg escarpment between the towns of Memel and Harrismith. The area is typified by numerous sandstone hills rising prominently above gently undulating grassland. These sandstone hills/koppies, together with streams and creeks, harbour trees and shrubs providing an alternative habitat to the high-altitude grasslands that dominate the landscape. Although large parts of the Verkykerskop area is used for agriculture, it is primarily cattle ranching and as such the grasslands still support an impressive suite of bird species. Add to this the perennial pan and the man-made dams, and you have the making for a rewarding days birding.
Facilities
There are a number of accommodation options available in the village – see www.verkykerskop.com
Directions
From Harrismith
Take the N3 north towards Warden/Villiers. On the outskirts of Harrismith turn right off the N3 onto the R722 to Verkykerskop. The village is 45 km’s from Harrismith.
From Warden
Travel into Warden and look for signs to Verkykerskop (S789). The village of Verkykerskop lies 45 km’s along this gravel road. After approx. 42 km’s you’ll reach a T-junction of the S789 and the S57, turn right onto the S57 towards Verkykerskop.
*If there have been heavy rains, it is advisable to take the tarred R722 from Harrismith.*
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Verkykerskop | 27° 55′ 16.25″S | 29° 16′ 46.45″E |
Witsieshoek is situated high up in the Drakensberg Mountains close to the Lesotho border. The road from Phuthaditjhaba to Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is mostly through rural townships, but as you climb in elevation you escape human habitation for vast vistas of sandstone hills and montane grassland – keep a look out for Grey-wing francolin on this stretch. A stop at Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge is worthwhile as the lodge maintains a vulture ‘restaurant’ which regularly attracts Bearded vulture. Other regulars at the ‘restaurant’ include Cape vulture, White-necked raven and Lanner falcon. The gravel road from Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge to the Sentinel car park offers an excellent opportunity for seeing high altitude Drakensberg specials without having to use a 4X4 vehicle. The spectacular drive up to the viewpoint at the Sentinel often rewards one with White-necked ravens, Wailing cisticola, Drakensberg siskin, Long-billed pipit, Jackal buzzard and Rock kestrel. But by far the highlight of this drive is the chance to see the endemic Drakensberg rock-jumper in the rock-strewn slopes around the car park.
Facilities
Witsieshoek Mountain Lodge offers B&B accommodation from around R390 pppn – see www.witsieshoek.co.za
Directions
Witsieshoek is easily accessible via Harrismith. Take the N5 out of Harrismith to Kestell/Bethlehem. After 4 km’s take a left onto the R712 to Phuthaditjhaba and follow the R712 for ±50 km’s. Pass through Phuthaditjhaba and look for signs to Fika Patso Dam and Witsieshoek. The road is tar until the last 10-15km before the Sentinel car park.
GPS Coordinates
| Description | Latitude | Longitude |
| Sentinel car park | 28° 43′ 38.88″S | 28° 53′ 27.47″E |
First-time visitors to the greater Sasolburg area can be excused for not being overly enthusiastic about its birding potential. However, once they start exploring, they will be pleasantly surprised by the variety of habitats and their associated avifauna. Habitats in this extreme northern corner of the Free State include the Vaal River and its riverine woodland, grassland, agricultural pastureland, acacia savanna, broadleaved woodland, urban gardens, ephemeral and permanent wetlands, industrial purification reservoirs and a mosaic of protected areas, including the well-known Eco Park and the Riemland Bird Sanctuary. This variety accounts for the more than 300 bird species recorded in the area, of which most are resident. A day’s dedicated birding within a 20km radius of Sasolburg will yield 120 to 150 species in summer and a typical winter list would be 80 to 100 species.
There are a number of sites close to Sasolburg with access to the Vaal River and associated wetlands and tributaries, where visitors can expect good birds such as Goliath Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Giant Kingfisher, Tawny-flanked Prinia, African Jacana, Black Crake, Thick-billed Weaver, Squacco Heron and Great Crested Grebe. African Black Duck is resident on the river and the full suite of highveld ducks and geese, including Hottentot Teal, can be ticked during a summer visit. African Rail is regularly recorded and the Vaal Park wetland, between the suburb of Vaal Park and the river, has turned up surprises like African Crake, Lesser Moorhen, Dwarf Bittern and Little Bittern. There are at least two breeding pairs of African Fish-Eagle and even a record of Osprey on this stretch of river.
More unusual raptor records include Gabar Goshawk, Ovambo- and Little Sparrowhawk, Greater Kestrel, Martial Eagle, Brown Snake-Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and even a few substantiated records of European Honey-Buzzard. It is, however, the resident Black Sparrowhawks around Vaal Park that cause most excitement to birders lucky enough to see this rapacious predator. Industrial purification reservoirs, like the Sasol-owned and run Metsi Matle lapa area, situated in some degraded habitat, offer surprisingly good birding. Avocet, Grey-headed Gull, Black-necked Grebe, Cape Teal, African Purple Swamphen and waders are regular, especially when the water-levels are low, exposing mudbanks.
Good Highveld grassland birding can be had around town and the gravel road to the Wolwehoek silo and abattoir, which traverses some pristine grassland, wetlands and game farms with a number of man-made dams is a good example. This area yields pipits, canaries, bishops, weavers and specials such Orange River Francolin, Blue Korhaan and Pink-billed Larks are not unusual. Other larks found in the area include Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark (normally much more common in winter), Red-capped Lark, Spike-heeled Lark (also more conspicuous in winter), Eastern Long-billed and Eastern Clapper Larks. Recently two very exciting separate sightings of a very special bird for this area, namely BOTHA’S LARK, were had close to Sasolburg on the R82 to Koppies. Moist grasslands afford regular sightings of Black-winged Pratincole and African Marsh-Harrier. Although much scarcer, both Montagu’s and Pallid Harriers have also been recorded.
The acacia savanna around the exclusive Boschenvaal development and the suburb of Vaal Park provides a different habitat and associated birds. Specials and unexpected species include Golden-tailed and Bearded Woodpecker, Orange River White-eye, Natal Spurfowl, White-fronted and European Bee-eater, Pied Starling, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Red-collared Widowbird, African Firefinch, Dusky- and Village Indigobirds, Long-tailed Paradise-Whydah, Rattling Cisticola, Long-billed Crombec, Brown-backed Honeybird and Black-faced Waxbill.
Double-banded Courser is a scarce resident in the area around Sasolburg and there are recent vagrant records of both Temminck’s and Bronze-winged Courser. A number of more exciting summer visitors like Violet-backed Starling, Blue-cheeked Bee-eater, Garden, Great Reed and Icterine Warbler, Jacobin Cuckoo, Woodland Kingfisher and even Thrush Nightingale also feature on the list for this area. The area made birding headlines in November 2008 when a Eurasian Reed-Warbler was caught and ringed here.
Directions
Sasolburg is located on close to the Vaal River, east of the N1, from which it may be reached on the R59.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Sasolburg | 26°49’09.30″S | 27°50’26.23″E |
Additional information
The area has an extensive network of good country roads begging for exploration.
Facilities
The greater Sasolburg area offers fine accommodation, restaurants, malls, service stations and close proximity to Parys, the Vredefort Dome, Marievale Bird Sanctuary, Koppies Dam, Suikerbosrand and Klipriviersberg Nature Reserves.
Compiled by Dawie Kleynhans (+27(0)82 807 3661); May 2010
Bethlehem is nestled in the eastern Free State between the Loch Athlone and Sol Plaatjies dams. The town itself and surrounding areas offer great birding, mostly on tarred roads. Apart from the open water and fringing habitats of dams and rivers in the area, other habitats include typical sandstone koppies and cliffs of the eastern Free State, sheltered kloofs / valleys with indigenous vegetation and wide open grasslands.
The Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve (GPS coords 28°16’24.66″S; 28°16’50.87″E), just past Loch Athlone Dam on the R26 heading south to Fouriesburg, also holds many avian treasures. Some of the elusive raptors like African Harrier Hawk, Rufous-chested and Black Sparrowhawk, Peregrine and Lanner Falcon, Jackal Buzzard, Verreauxs’ Eagle, Long-crested, and African Fish-Eagle can be seen here on a regular basis. The grassed, rocky slopes of the sandstone koppie opposite the reserve’s dam offer Wailing Cisticola, Mocking Cliff-chat, Ant-eating and Buff-streaked Chat, Sentinel Rock-Thrush and Mountain Wheatear as well as four endemic canaries -(Cape, Yellow, White-throated and Forest Canary – the last being rare in stands of taller trees in the area. Swee Waxbill and Red-headed Finch are often seen foraging alongside Cape White-eye in the stands flowering aloes on top of the koppie, while Secretarybird patrols the grasslands alongside the endemic Southern Bald Ibis and an icon of the Free State grasslands, the Long-tailed Widowbird. Long-billed, African, African Rock, Plain-backed and Buffy Pipits also occur here, together with the endemic Cape Longclaw and Orange River Francolin.
11 km outside town on the R711 to Clarens lies Houtkop, the large sandstone koppie to the west of the road (GPS coords 28°19’45.11″S; 28°21’37.71″E). Here mature stands of white stinkwood and wild olive trees, as well as boulder-strewn slopes provide ideal habitat for Red-throated Wryneck, Black-collared Barbet, Mocking Cliff-Chat and Fairy Flycatcher. With three endemic prinias – Black-chested, Karoo and Drakensberg – occurring alongside Ground Woodpecker, Buff-streaked Chat and Swee Waxbill, this is a must visit place to see at least 11 endemic species within an hour. As this is private property, it is essential to first obtain permission from the owner (contact Herman Kleynhans +27(0)82 335 9436 for details) to enter. The three large dams in the greater Bethlehem area offer many waterbirds such as African Black and Fulvous ducks and Black and Goliath Herons. This is an area with easily accessible birding sites providing visitors with opportunities to find numerous otherwise difficult-to-see birds with relative ease.
Directions
Bethlehem is located along the N5, between Paul Roux and Kestell.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Bethlehem town | 28°13’59.57″S | 28°18’35.85″E |
| Loch Athlone Dam | 28°15’29.75″S | 28°18’40.22″E |
| Wolhuterskop Nature Reserve | 28°16’24.66″S | 28°16’50.87″E |
| Houtkop | 28°19’45.11″S | 28°21’37.71″E |
Facilities
Various types of accommodation are available in Bethlehem, from where all the sites mentioned are easily accessible.
Compiled by Herman Kleynhans (+27(0)82 335 9436), May 2010
Fouriesburg is nestled in the sandstone mountains of the eastern Free State. The town environs and surrounding areas offer great birding, mostly on tarred roads, the best of which is certainly to be found in Meiringskloof. This site is accessible from town and is situated in a picturesque valley bounded by impressive sandstone cliffs and dominated by ouhout Leucosidea sericea bush.
Mountain Wheatear and Ground Woodpecker greet visitors at the entrance to the kloof and a pair of African Harrier-Hawks has bred here successfully for years. Other raptors include Lanner Falcon, Jackal Buzzard, Verreauxs’ Eagle and Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk. Black and Red-chested Cuckoos call in summer and African Paradise and Fairy Flycatchers are seen alongside Greater Double-collared Sunbird. Swee Waxbill is frequently encountered, while Cape Grassbird and Karoo Prinia are also conspicuous. The real specials for this wonderful place must include Buff-spotted Flufftail, African Olive-Pigeon, Southern Bald Ibis and Barratt’s Warbler, with the latter easily seen during the day in bushy thickets in the Meiringskloof Resort. The grasslands and dams in the areas surrounding Fouriesburg offer good birding with Southern Bald Ibis and the occasional Bearded Vulture the most notable attractions.
Directions
Fouriesburg is close to the intersection of the R26 (Bethlehem to Ficksburg) and the R771 (Fouriesburg to Clarens). After entering Fouriesburg from the R771, directions to Meiringskloof, 1.7 km from town, are well sign-posted.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Fouriesburg | 28°37’15.18″S | 28°12’23.84″E |
| Meiringskloof Resort | 28°36’11.59″S | 28°13’29.70″E |
Additional information
The best time to visit Fouriesburg and Meiringskloof is during spring and summer.
Facilities
Camping and comfortable self-catering accommodation are available in attractive surroundings. Meiringskloof Resort can be contacted at tel. & fax. +27 (0)58 223 0067; email meiringlt@telkomsa.net.
Compiled by Herman Kleynhans (+27(0)82 335 9436), May 2010
The Gumtree area is situated between Clocolan and Ficksburg in the eastern Free State. The area is characterized by flat-topped, sandstone outcrops so typical of this area, with wooded hillsides and more densely vegetated valleys. Extensive grassland areas are confined mainly to lower-lying areas and the flat-topped plateaus. Much of the area has been converted to cultivated lands.
Birds associated with the bushy, boulder-strewn hillsides include Mocking Cliff-Chat, Cape Rock Thrush, Ground Woodpecker (which nests in holes in banks of erosion gulleys), African Olive Pigeon, Layard’s Tit-Babbler, Cape Batis, Swee Waxbill and Streaky-headed Seedeater, while it is not unusual to encounter Rufous-chested Sparrowhawk where taller trees occur. Wailing Cisticola, Karoo Prinia, and Cape Grassbird prefer rank grassy areas on the slopes. Red-throated Wryneck, Black-collared Barbet and Red-winged Starling are common. Bush Blackcaps have also been observed in densely wooded valleys.
Raptors include mainly African Harrier Hawk, Lanner Falcon, Jackal Buzzard Black-shouldered Kite, Lesser Kestrel and Amur Falcon (these two species in summer), while both European Honey-Buzzard and Brown Snake-Eagle have been observed on occasion. On the farm Kirklington, large clumps of cultivated Aloe arborescens and other flowering species (e.g. watsonias and red-hot pokers) provide an all year nectar source for Malachite Sunbird (with numbers increasing in winter). Amethyst and Greater Double-collared Sunbird are also common during the year. On the surrounding hillsides, indigenous aloe species also provide an additional source of nectar for Malachite Sunbirds during summer. Rufous-eared Warbler and Northern Black Korhaan may be found in isolated areas where previously cultivated lands have been taken over by karroid scrub.
Directions
Gumtree is accessed via the R26 between Clocolan and Ficksburg. The turn-off to Kirklington farm is along the gravel road a few km north-west of Gumtree.
Additional information
Nearby Ficksburg borders on Lesotho, with a busy border crossing on the outskirts of town. Ficksburg is an excellent place to launch trips into Lesotho, particularly in search of the high altitude “specials” (Refer to the Mafika Lisiu/Bokong Nature Reserve write-up in the Lesotho
Highlands section).
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Turn off to Gumtree on the R26 | 28°53’30.99″S | 27°43’29.89″E |
| Gumtree “village” | 28°52’2.94″S | 27°42’39.39″E |
| Entrance to Kirklington farm | 28°50’36.51″S | 27°41’46.09″E |
| Ficksburg | 28°52’28.17″S | 27°52’32.54″E |
| Clocolan | 28°54’30.37″S | 27°34’25.08″E |
Facilities
No visitor facilities are available in the area, but all types of accommodation are available about 20 km away in Ficksburg and to a lesser extent in Clocolan (±20 km). The area is mainly private property and access to farms must be arranged beforehand. Contact Dawie de Swardt (+27(0)51 447 9609 (w); +27(0)83 638 1604) for assistance with the necessary arrangements for access.
Compiled by Dawie de Swardt (dawie@nasmus.co.za); October 2010
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