The wider Gauteng birding region is situated at between 1000 and 1800m above sea level. Gauteng has a range of different biomes all within comfortable driving distance (1.5 hrs from the city centres) which enable one to pick up in excess of 200 species in a mornings birding.
The once extensive grassland biome has been transformed but there are still a number of good patches including Suikerbosrand which is in the Southern parts of the province. During the summer this area teems with birds and one can pick up specials such as Orange River Francolin, African Grass Owl and Tinkling Cisticola not to mention a number of Highveld species.
Moving away from grasslands one will encounter numerous wetlands offering a diverse range of water birds as well as specials such as Greater Painted Snipe, Baillon’s crake, Red chested Flufftail, and Greater Flamingo. Rarities that have pitched up in Gauteng include Slaty Egret, Spotted Crake, Western Marsh harrier and South Africa’s first record of an Asiatic Dowitcher.
Within the cities there are a number of botanical gardens as well as nature reserves that offer extremely good birding opportunities. Acacia thornveld in northern Gauteng and the adjacent Limpopo and North West provinces offer the highest diversity of bird species and a trip to site such as Zaagkuildrift, Borakalalo and Vaalkop Dam can produce over 150 species in a day.
The bustling province of Gauteng incorporates South Africa’s political and commercial capital cities namely Pretoria and Johannesburg which are world class cities. There is a wide range of accommodation, fantastic restaurants and world class birding. Gauteng also has a number of well experienced bird tour operators who provide a fantastic service to visiting birders. This coupled with an extensive infrastructure and accommodation system provides the visiting birder with an ideal birding destination as well as a platform for a birding holiday.
The majority of people view Gauteng as the financial capital of South Africa and not worth anything more than a quick visit on their way to some of South Africa’s more well known destinations. Despite the province being one of the smaller and more densely populated provinces few people realize that Gauteng is one of South Africa’s premier birding areas. There are approximately 400 species in the region, including 60 southern African endemics. Gauteng has the largest number of birders as well as contributors to the South African Bird Atlas Projects. The popularity of birding in Gauteng has recently seen the launch of a book dedicated to birding in the province.
The Gauteng region has been divided into five areas.
The eastern part of the Witwatersrand, known as the East Rand, and extends from Germiston in the west to Springs in the east, and south down to Nigel, and includes the towns of Boksburg, Benoni, Brakpan, Kempton Park, Edenvale, and Bedfordview. The natural vegetation of this region consists of Highveld grassland on gently rolling terrain. It also includes the catchment of several rivers, seasonal wetlands and permanent pans which ensure a high diversity of waterbirds.
The Grootvaly Wetland Reserve is part of the Blesbokspruit system and forms the northern section of the Blesbokspruit Ramsar Site. The reserve site covers 350 hectares and is a high altitude wetland consisting ofopen water, reedbeds and marshy areas with grasses and sedges which are sometimes flooded. There are areas of short grass attracting Capped Wheatears in winter.
Water birds and waders are the main attraction depending on water levels and the reserve is a good area for duck species including White-faced, Fulvous and Yellow-billed as well as Hottentot Teal and Cape Shoveler. Winter visitors include Sentinel Rock-Thrush and Capped Wheatear and South African Shelduck are occasional visitors. In the grassy areas a variety of bishops and widows occur as well as finches and waxbills such as African Firefinch, Red-headed Finch, Orange-breasted and Violet-eared Waxbills. The information pamphlet produced for this reserve and adjoining Marievale Bird Sanctuary lists 267 species.
Mine water discharged into the Blesbokspruit constitutes a threat to the wetland as it raises water levels particularly in the dry season and contains pollutants. There is an environmental centre used by schools. The centre is also available for conferences. There are two hides and three lapa’s where visitors can braai or picnic. Early summer and summer are the best times to visit the site. However more saline conditions prevail during winter when species such as Pied Avocet and Cape Teal may be present.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
Sensory Trail Hide – SAPPI Hide (Grade 2) is a beautiful hide overlooking some open spaces in the Blesbokspruit. A number of waterbirds and swallows can be seen from this hide. This hide has been developed with the aim of making it universally accessible. To get to the hide you must use a short board walk providing an opportunity to see some warblers and weavers in the reeds flanking the board walk. A great feature of this hide is the way the benches have been designed to make provision for both wheelchair users and non-wheelchair users. This is done by providing benches with hinges that can be lifted up when a wheel chair user wants to use the hide.
Raised Hide (Grade 4) is a new hide has recently been built at the reserve. The hide has been raised quite high to provide a view over the Blesbokspruit. From here the vlei area can be viewed. The steps leading up to the hide are extremely steep and care must be taken climbing up and down the steps. The benches inside the hide are fixed.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 13′ 09S 28˚28′ 59E
Directions
From OR Tambo International Airport take the R21 south then the N12 Witbank freeway towards Springs. Take exit 457 marked Springs/Etwatwa, turn right at the intersection and proceed south towards Springs for 6,7 kilometres. The entrance to the reserve is sign posted Grootvaly/Blesbokspruit at the gate on the left side of the road. The site is approximately 40 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
Additional Information
Gate opening and closing times
Summer: 06H00 19H00
Winter: 07H00 17H00
Korsman Bird Sanctuary is approximately 4 ha in extent, and comprises a large dam bordered by margins of grassland and reedbeds and dotted with a number of reedbed islands. The Sanctuary is completely enclosed but can be safely overlooked from the 2 kilometers of road that circle the site and from the two hides accessed from the road. Despite its urban location the birdlife is prolific and large numbers of Grey Heron, Black-headed Heron, African Sacred Ibis, Glossy Ibis and African Spoonbill breed in the reedbeds.
Water levels fluctuate and this can change the dynamics of the Sanctuary with low water levels exposing large areas of mud to attract waders at the right time of year. Regular visitors include Greater Flamingo, Goliath Heron and Great Crested Grebe whilst African Purple Swamphen is resident. Water birds include large numbers of Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe and Yellow-billed Duck with fairly regular visits by Southern Pochard, Maccoa Duck and White-backed Duck.
When water levels are low and the season is right the banks should be checked for waders including Wood Sandpiper, Marsh Sandpiper, Ruff and Black-winged Stilt. The small rocky islet on the western side normally holds a small population of African Darter, White-breasted and Reed Cormorants. During the summer months African Reed-, Lesser Swamp- and Little Rush- Warblers call from the reedbeds and large numbers of swifts and swallows hawk for insects over the dam. If you are very fortunate you may see the illusive Little Bittern or even an occasional visiting African Marsh-Harrier.
Directions
From Johannesburg Airport take the R21 South towards Boksburg. After approximately 5 kilometres exit left onto the N12 Witbank road and proceed for a further 4 kilometers to the M43 Atlas Road off ramp. Turn right onto Atlas Road and after four kilometers left onto Race Course Road which has a Total petrol station on the corner. Proceed through the security boom, keep right on Sunnyside Avenue and after 2 kilometers turn left onto Pan Road. Pan Road leads onto the The Drive which circles the Bird Sanctuary. Approximate travelling time from the airport 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Pan Road Entrance | S 26° 11′ 42.60″ | E 28° 17′ 44.00″ |
Facilities
The Bird Sanctuary has no ablution facilities. There are two hides over-looking the pan.
Additional Information
Korsman Bird Sanctuary is maintained and overseen by the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality and the Friends of Korsman Group. Access is from public roads and the Sanctuary can therefore be viewed at any time.
Entrance Fees: None
Marievale Bird Sanctuary is approximately 1 000 ha in extent, is located at the southern end of the Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site and is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA SA021). The reserve is accessed by approximately 12 kilometers of rough dirt roads that can become impassable during long periods of wet weather. The reserve consists of large expanses of marsh with extensive reedbeds interspersed with open patches of water and mudflats during drier periods. There are areas of natural grassland and farmland surrounding the wetlands. Waterbirds are the main attraction with large populations of Reed Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot and Yellow-billed Duck. It is probably the best location in Gauteng to see Goliath, Black, Squacco and Purple Herons alongside the commoner Grey and Black-headed. African Spoonbill and African Darter are relatively common and Greater and Lesser
Flamingos occur from time to time. Ducks include Cape Shovelor, White-faced, Red-billed Teal, Hottentot Teal, Southern Pochard and even the occasional Cape Teal, Fulvous Duck, South African Shelduck and White-backed Duck. During migration and low water levels waders include large numbers of Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, African Snipe, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Little Stint. Wood and Marsh Sandpipers occur regularly. During summer months the reedbeds are alive with Lesser Swamp, Little Rush and African Reed Warblers with the occasional Greater Reed and Sedge. African Purple Swamphen and Black Crake are fairly commonly seen but the African Rail is more difficult to locate. Little Bittern are regularly seen from the Otter and Flamingo hides. African Marsh Harriers are frequent and Western Marsh Harriers turn up from time to time. In winter Marsh Owls can be seen quartering the nearby farmland and grasslands. Marievale is renowned for the rarities than turn up on occasion, these include in recent years Slaty Egret, Baird’s Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail. The best time to visit is early summer when the grass is short and the birds are breeding and during migration for the waders, but the reserve is always worth visiting at any time of the year.
Directions
From Johannesburg Airport take the R24 towards Johannesburg. Shortly after the R24 merges with the N12, branch left off onto the N3 south towards Heidelberg and Durban. Continue along the N3 for approximately 35 kilometers and take the R550 (R554) Nigel / Lenasia offramp, turning left towards Nigel at the offramp intersection. Continue along this road for approximately 20 kilometers until reaching the T-junction with the M63 where you turn right towards Nigel. Proceed through Nigel (the road becomes the R42 after the traffic light intersection with this road) and just after the Vorsterkroon industrial area turn left onto a side road signposted Marievale Bird Sanctuary (Union Carriage & Wagon Works are on the corner). After approximately 5 kilometers at a fork in the road, take the right gravel road and the reserve entrance is reached after a further 1 kilometer and a sharp bend to the right.
A second entrance to the reserve can be reached by continuing along the R42 towards Delmas. After crossing the Blesbokspruit River and passing several large pans on the left the entrance to the reserve is signposted to the left. Approximate travelling time from the airport 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Main Entrance | S 26°21’47” | E 28°30’22” |
| Secondary Entrance | S 26°23’06” | E 28°30’61” |
Facilities
The reserve contains a picnic spot with braai and ablution facilities. There are five hides over-looking the pans four of which have chemical toilets nearby.
Overnight accommodation is available at either Goldfields Lodge Hotel in Nigel or at the 2 chalets on the reserve, which can be booked through Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
Duiker Hide (Grade 2) is the first hide you will reach after entering the gate to the northern part of the reserve. It overlooks an area that in previous years had many mud banks suitable for waders and deeper water for stilts and other waterbirds. Unfortunately, due to the high water levels, this has now become more of a dam than a vlei and very few birds can be seen. Even so, it is a beautiful hide and with improved conditions the birds will quickly return to the area. The surface of the hide is cement based and smooth. Benches are not fixed and can be moved to make provision for wheelchair users. The viewing slots and shelves are at an acceptable height.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 20′ 43S 28˚ 30′ 52E
Flamingo Hide (Grade 2) is located at the picnic spot and overlooks a vlei/dam where a number of waterbirds can be seen, as well as weavers, waders and swallows. Due to reed encroachment and high water levels, much of the habitat for waders has been lost. The floor of the hide consists of cement. Benches are fixed and the space between the benches is too narrow for a wheelchair. On the one side of the hide there are viewing slots with no benches and this can be used by a person in a wheelchair. Unfortunately from this viewpoint you will not be able to see the whole water body. There is no leg clearance.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 21′ 25S 28˚ 30′ 55E
Hadeda Hide (Grade 1) is the first hide you reach after entering through the main gate. The hide has a wonderful view over a large area of water and many hours can be spend here watching waterbirds, weavers, warblers and sometimes even flamingos and elusive crakes. The parking area is on grass and a cement pathway leads to the hide making it easily accessible. The benches are fixed, but there is a space between the benches for a wheelchair but with very little leg space. The floor consists of cement and is smooth.
Otter Hide (Grade 3) is located on the main cause way that runs through the reserve. It is a smallish hide overlooking a body of water with lots of water birds, waders and other species. There is no parking area and cars need to park on the causeway that is also used by heavy vehicles like trucks. This is not ideal at all and can even be dangerous. A pathway consisting of paving leads to the hide which might create difficulties for people who are mobility impaired. The floor of the hide consists of cement and is level without hindrances. The benches are bolted to the cement floor and cannot be moved.
Shelduck Hide (Grade 3) is the last hide that you will find on the road travelling through the reserve. Just as the Duiker Hide, it overlooks a large dam area with a low number of birds. This is also due to rising water levels. From the parking area a long pathway consists of gravel/stones leads to the hide. Due to rising water levels, the pathway is also becoming damp. This might change if water levels recede. The construction of the hide is the same as for this hides described above.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 20′ 17S 28˚ 30′ 21E
Additional Information
Gate times:
Summer: 05H30 19H30
Winter: 06H30 18H00
Entrance Fees: None
Rondebult Nature Reserve is located near Germiston. The reserve consists of a number of pans and vleis. The reserve mostly hosts waterbirds that can be viewed from the available hides. Unfortunately the condition of this reserve has deteriorated considerably during the last few years. This is mostly due to impacts from outside of the reserve, such as urbanisation, but also due to a lack of management. There is, for example, no control of exotic plant species at this reserve.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
On the positive side, the local municipality has upgraded the pathways in the reserve to paving and the parking area has also been upgraded. The pathways now link most of the seven hides (Grade 2) that’s located along the northern and eastern boundaries of the sanctuary. The hides are easily reached on foot from the parking area. Shortly after the pedestrian gate the path splits – three hides lie to the right and four hides lie to the left. Due to security problems at the reserve, security gates have been installed inside the doors and the keys to the hides must however be obtained from the caretaker as all hides are locked.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 17′ 44S 28˚12′ 39E
Additional information
Directions
Travel south on the N3 from Johannesburg to Durban. Take the R554/R103 Heidelberg road (98 Germiston) offramp and turn left at the crossroads. Continue east towards Brakpan. Cross a railway bridge and turn right at the traffic light at the R53 towards Vosloorus. Immediately turn right onto a dirt road to reach the entrance.
Johannesburg is located in the eastern plateau area of South Africa known as the Highveld, at an elevation of 1,753 metres. Johannesburg is located on the south side of the prominent ridge called the Witwatersrand and the terrain falls to the north and south. The Witwatersrand marks the watershed between the Limpopo and Vaal rivers as the northern part of the city is drained by the Jukskei River and the southern part of the city, including most of the CBD, is drained by the Klip River. The north and west of the city has undulating hills while the eastern parts are flatter. The city boundary stretch from Orange Farm in the south to Midrand in the north and includes Diepsloot, Randburg and Roodepoort. This area was predominantly a grassland region but large quantity of planted trees in the suburbs of Johannesburg has permitted many woodland birds to move into the city during the last few decades. The remaining natural areas on the outskirts of the city host a number of birds that are endemic to this region.
The Cumberland Bird Sanctuary is approximately 5.2 hectares in size and is a “Protected Area” with the entrance situated on Cumberland Avenue between Angus Rd and Moray Drive in Bryanston, Johannesburg. The reserve is managed by Johannesburg City Parks and can unfortunately only be visited by people with a key for the reserve gate. Although this sanctuary contains lots of exotic trees, it does contain a surprisingly high number of bird species (82) and is also well known for a breeding pair of Black Sparrow-hawks. There is a bird hide overlooking a small dam in the centre piece of the reserve. Paths have been laid out and there are some picnic tables and benches. It is a peaceful haven where the whole family can enjoy a walk or picnic. No fires are allowed and in the interest of the bird life, no dogs are allowed.
Bird Hide (Grade 2)
(Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
To get to the hide you need to travel over grass and there is no clear path which would make it difficult for people who are mobility impaired to reach the hide. The shelf and viewing space is high enough from the ground but there is no knee space provided below the shelves.
Co-ordinates: 26′ 03″22.1S 22′ 00″08.3E
The reserve is managed by Johannesburg City Parks and is 110 hectares in size consisting of typical Highveld/ Bankenveld rocky ridges, shale hill sides, river systems and has well maintained paths. Facilities on site include a dam, bird hide and picnic facilities. Specials at the site include Black sparrow hawk, Verreaux’s eagles, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Peregrine Falcon, Spotted eagle Owl, Barn Owl and Wailing Cisticola. Other bird species that can be seen at the site include Red throated wryneck, Black-collared and crested barbets, Klaas’s cuckoo, Diedericks cuckoo, Black Cuckooshrike, Bokmakierie, Fairy flycatcher, Pintailed Whydah, Greater & lesser striped swallows, African black duck, little grebes, blacksmith & crowned plovers, Greenbacked heron and Hamerkop. Any time of the year, but of course there are more birds during the summer months when all the migrating birds are back The reserve is set within the City of Johannesburg and is very accessible to the public. The reserve is fully fenced with a security guard on duty at the entrance every day.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
The hide (Grade 4) is unfortunately located far from the main gate and is not universally accessible due to the long one track gravel pathway. It would also be impossible to improve the pathway due to the distance to the hide from the main entrance and the difficult terrain which the pathway covers.
Directions
Take road towards Johannesburg (R24); turn north on the N3 towards Pretoria and follow the ring road; turning South towards Roodepoort on the N1; exit at 14th Avenue and turn right at the 14th Avenue off-ramp just before the road climbs up the Witwatersrand ridge; turn right under the M1 and turn right again at Hendrik Potgieter; after about 3 km, turn left and up on a slip road at Christiaan de Wet; turn 2nd traffic light right at Wilgerood Road and second traffic light left at Topaz; almost immediately right into Galena. The entrance to the reserve is at the bottom of the hill on your left. You may collect a map of the reserve from the security guard at the gate. Travel up to the parking area on the left of the road. Approximate travelling time from OR Tambo International Airport is 45 minutes.
GPS Co-oridnates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Kloofendal Nature Reserve | S 26° 7′ 38.58″ | E 27° 52′ 50.46″ |
The first gold mine on the Witwatersrand is situated in the reserve. Fred and Harry Struben mined the Confidence Reef from 1884 to 1886. This led in large part to the discovery of the fabulous Witwatersrand gold deposits less than 10 km away.
For more information or guided walks into the Confidence Reef, please contact the Roodepoort Museum at +27 (0)11 761 0226
Gate opening and closing times
Open: 06H00 06H00
Close: 18H00 18H00
Contact
General inquiries, Joburg City Parks: Tel: +27 (0)11 712 6600
Joburg City Parks for hiring braai lapa or Ecological Centre: Tel: +27 (0)11 712 6658
Guided Nature Walks, Karin Spottiswoode from Friends of Kloofendal: Tel: +27 (0)11 674 2980
This 2500ha reserve has become one of Gauteng’s most visited reserves with more than 270 species recorded. The reserve has a wide variety of habitats including some grassland, reedbeds, agricultural fields, cattle kraals and lots of wetland areas consisting of dams and irrigation canals. The Juskei river runs along the western boundary of the reserve.
The reserve has a number of reasonably well-maintained dirt roads suitable for sedan motors. The dams and irrigation canals are the main attraction of the reserve and birders have the opportunity to view, study or photograph numerous waterbirds for example Great Crested Grebe, African Purple Swamphen, Common Moorhen, African Black Duck, Comb Duck, Egyptian Goose, White-faced Duck, Yellow-billed Duck, Hottentot Teal, Red-billed Teal, Cape Teal, Spur-winged Goose, Cape Shoveler, Southern Pochard, Red-knobbed Coot and Little Grebe. Herons, cormorants and egrets are also extremely common and this is a good place to see the massive Goliath Heron. Always listen for warblers and flufftails in the reedbeds. Lesser Swamp-Warbler, Little Rush-Warbler, Great Reed-Warbler and Sedge Warbler are all possible as well as Red-chested Flufftail.
Northern Farm is well-known for the number of raptor species that occur here for example African Fish-Eagle (breeding), Long-crested Eagle, Ovambo Sparrowhawk, Black Sparrowhawk (breeding), African Grass-Owl, Marsh Owl, Amur Falcon, Steppe Buzzard, Lesser Kestrel, Greater Kestrel, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Lanner Falcon and Yellow-billed Kite.
Yellow-wagtail is an uncommon summer visitor to the Gauteng area but year after year they come to Northern Farm and can be found in the cattle kraals or the short grass surrounding the cattle kraals. Other interesting species that you can hope to find include Black-crowned Night-Heron, Little Bittern, Cape Longclaw, Red-capped Lark, Green-backed Heron, African Spoonbill, African Stonechat, Cape White-eye, Cape Grassbird, Arrow-marked Babbler, Kurrichane Thrush, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Orange-breasted Waxbill and a number of kingfishers including Giant Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher and the beautiful Half-collared Kingfisher. Lapwings are very common and Blacksmith Lapwing, African Wattled Lapwing and Crowned Lapwings occur in the area. Also look out for swallows and swifts including Sand Martin.
Directions
From Johannesburg Airport take the R21 towards Pretoria. Before reaching Centurion take the N14 towards Krugersdorp. Continue on the N14 till you reach the R511William Nicol turnoff and turn left onto the R511 at the bottom of the off-ramp. Pass under the freeway and immediately turn left onto the R114 Muldersdrift road. Travel on this road to the Northern
Farm entrance (+- 5.4km).
GPS Co-oridnates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Northern Farm Nature Reserve | S 25° 56′ 15.00″ | E 27° 59′ 2.00″ |
Additional Information
Facilities:
There is one hide in the reserve, ablution facilities and an education centre.
Gate times:
The Farm is ONLY open on Weekends and Public holidays from:
6:30am – 5:30pm (1 May – 31 August)
6:00am – 6:00pm (1 Sep – 30 April)
Tickets can either be purchased on-line or directly at the farm entrance from 06:00 to 15:00 on weekends and public holidays.
Current ticket price:
1. R30/person for once off entry;
2. R200 for a multiple access card that can be used for 10 entries for more than one person (i.e. R20/entry);
3. R300 for a multiple access card that can be used for 20 entries for more than one person (i.e. R15/entry).
For more information about this site see: http://www.northernfarm.co.za/
The Sanctuary is a flagship park belonging to Johannesburg City Parks, which is managed and maintained together with City Parks by BirdLife President Ridge Bird Club. The sanctuary has in excess of 200 indigenous trees and a dam and covers an area of 2.875Ha. The Sanctuary is fully fenced and surrounded by housing making it a safe and secure environment to visit. The Sanctuary consists of a fairly shallow dam split almost in half by a long strip of Willow trees on an island on which there is a heronry. A bird hide, which is wheelchair friendly and can be accessed by a wheelchair path from the gate, overlooks the dam. Bridges straddle the spruit and it is possible to walk right around the Sanctuary. The heronry has breeding Blackheaded Herons, Grey Herons, Cattle Egrets, Little Egrets, Reed Cormorants and Darters. On the surrounding mud banks there are Egyptian Geese, Blacksmith Lapwings, Moorhens and Red-knobbed Coots whilst the occasional Green-backed Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Black Heron are seen. Kingfishers include Malachite, Pied, Half-collared, Woodland and sometimes Giant. Yellow-billed and Black Ducks visit on a regular basis. Southern Red Bishops, Southern Masked, Cape and Thick-billed Weavers all nest in the surrounding reeds and Willow trees. Warblers include Lesser Swamp-, Little Rush- and in summer Great Reed-, African Reed- and Willow. Also to be seen during summer are Diederik, Red-chested, Klaas’s and Jacobin Cuckoos. The sanctuary is used extensively by bird photographers. Birding is good all year round. Facilities include a bird hide, wheelchair path and benches throughout the Sanctuary.
From the airport take the road towards Johannesburg (R24), turn north onto the N3 towards Pretoria and follow the ring road turning west towards Roodepoort on the N1; exit at Malibongwe Drive / Lanseria and turn left at the exit traffic lights. Continue south along Malibongwe Drive going through 9 traffic lights. At the 10th traffic light (Cross Street) take the slip road to the left. At the next traffic light (approximately 200m) turn right into Malcolm Road. Travel about 0,5kms until an open park on the left. Turn left into the parking area. Entrance is via a pedestrian gate. Approximate travelling time from OR Tambo International is from 45 mins to an hour.
GPS Co-oridnates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| President Ridge Bird Sanctuary | S 26° 6′ | E 27° 59′ |
Facilities
The reserve has a bird hide adapted for the physically challenged. There are no ablution facilities or overnight accommodation.
Bird hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
The hide (Grade 1) was originally built with funding obtained from SASOL, and the hide is maintained by the President Ridge Bird Club. The reserve is only open on weekends and public holidays. A well maintained pathway takes visitors from the parking area all the way to the hide. The hide has been constructed with accessibility in mind and leg space for wheel chair users has been provided. The floor is made of cement and is smooth and the wood benches can be moved.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 06′ 31S 27˚59′ 36E
Additional information
Sanctuary is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays (except Christmas Day).
Gate opening and closing times
Summer: 06H00 – 17H00 (Oct-Mar)
Winter: 08H00 – 16H00 (Apr-Sep)
Contact
Tel: +27(0)11 787 1557 or +27(0)11 462 9682
Delta Park is a large 104 ha suburban park which incorporates the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary. Habitats include open lawns; areas of Hyparrhenia hirta grassland, several small dams; and also areas of exotic woodland. The Braamfontein Spruit runs along the eastern boundary of the Park and serves as a movement corridor for bird, mammal, and also probably reptile species.
Apart from the normal array of bird species typical of the surrounding gardens, Delta is known for its raptors with both Ovambo-, and Little Sparrowhawks having been recorded nesting in the Park, and Black Sparrowhawk hunt in the Park on a fairly regular basis. Up to four (depending on rodent numbers) Steppe Buzzards are usually present in the Park during summer and a variety of other raptors most recently Sooty Falcon, have been recorded as irregular visitors or vagrants. Listen out for the alarm Kwe…kwe…kwe calls of the Grey Go-away-birds, coupled with the panicked flight of the doves to detect any raptors moving in the Park.
Another major draw card is the pair of Spotted Eagle Owls which nest annually in a nest box on the Delta Environmental Centre building. The nest box is located on the western side of the office tower and the best position from which to view it is from the raised mound to the north of the Centre building. The owls usually nested in spring, but in recent years they have started nesting much earlier even in June, and it is worth checking for activity from this time.
Other attractions are the large flock of European Bee-eaters that are usually found hunting over the bottom of the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary and along the Braamfontein Spruit during the summer months (October to April), as well as a variety of weavers, bishops, canaries and waxbills. All three of the local Lapwing species Crowned-; Blacksmith- and African Wattled- occur, as well as a small population of Spotted Thick-knees. The exotic Rose-ringed Parakeet has nested and is regularly sighted.
Small mammals are represented by the nocturnal Large Spotted Genet (occasionally seen around the Centre building) and Slender Mongoose. Rinkhals are also fairly common, and are usually detected by the behaviour of the Hadeda Ibis, Dark-capped Bulbuls, Common Fiscals and Common Mynas that often follow these snakes on the ground particularly towards the end of summer. Although venomous (and also able to spray or ‘spit’ their venom), no incidents have been reported. Rinkhals will however ‘play dead’ when cornered and it is wise to give any apparently ‘dead’ snake a wide berth!
The best way to explore the Park is to undertake a circular walk through the area. Starting in the carpark next to the Delta Environmental Centre, explore the SASOL Sensory Trail and WaterWise Garden and then head south-west towards the top end of the Park. Your route will take you past three small dams which offer a variety of waterfowl, plus the odd kingfisher or Green-backed Heron. From the top dam head north towards the Standard Drive carpark, scanning the lawns for Red-throated Wryneck, and then continue on along the track below the Delta School. Lesser Honeyguide has a regular call site in the large Black Wattle on the bank below the school and further along, seeding Guinea Grass (Panicum maximum) attracts large numbers of seedeaters during mid-summer.
Now turn eastwards, heading down-slope through an area of natural veld grasses which is good for Common Stonechat and both Zitting-, and Levaillant’s Cisticolas (summer). The stand of tall Eucalyptus trees on your right has been used for nesting by both Little- and Ovambo Sparrowhawks and is worth checking out particularly in late spring. Head south-east towards the observation mound overlooking the main dam in the bird sanctuary and spend some time scanning the water and reeds for a variety of waterfowl, rails, herons etc. before heading left towards the lower hide. Depending on season/water levels the reedbeds of the lower dam play host to large numbers of nesting Southern Red Bishops as well as small numbers of Thick-billed Weavers a recent addition. Continue on towards the bottom of the sanctuary and then turn right (east), heading towards the Braamfontein Spruit. Continue in a southerly direction checking the river and also the powerlines overhead for anything new before taking the narrow track between the bird sanctuary and the Girl Guide camp (Trefoil Park) to reach the second hide – which overlooks the main sanctuary dam. Complete the circuit by continuing along the sanctuary fence, over the water inflow and back up to the carpark next to the Centre.
Directions
From the center of Johannesburg, head north on Jan Smuts Avenue, turning left into Empire Road below the University of the Witwatersrand. After passing the Yale Road entrance to the campus, keep left and take the fly-over leading to Emmarentia/ Barry Herzog Ave. Continue north on Barry Herzog Ave. [Route M71] until you find an open area with powerlines on your left. Barry Herzog Ave. becomes (briefly) Rustenburg Road at this point. Continue on Rustenburg Road over a small bridge located on a left-hand bend and up the hill to the second set of traffic lights (at the Engen Garage). Turn right here into Road No. 3 and continue for 850 meters to the main entrance (directly opposite the end of Road No. 3). Once inside the Park, turn left to the Delta Environmental Centre carpark,
GPS Co-oridnates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Main Entrance | S 26° 7′ 40.00″ | E 28° 0′ 36.00″ |
| Standard Drive entrance (off Pitcairn Rd.) | S 26° 7′ 33.00″ | E 28° 0′ 13.00″ |
Facilities
Two bird hides plus an observation mound which overlook the two dams within the Florence Bloom Bird Sanctuary. A public toilet situated close to the Centre carpark is open between 08:00 and 17:00 each day.
Bird hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
The first hide (Grade 1) is reached from the main entrance. A pathway from the parking area makes it easy for people in wheelchairs to reach the hide. The hide itself is different to other more traditional hides in the sense that it is open at the back and there is therefore no door to enter through. Although this unique aspect of the hide makes the hide accessible, it does not provide a lot of protection from the weather. The floor of the hide is cement based. The benches are made of recycled material and both the benches and the viewing slots are at a perfect height and have lots of the leg room.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 27′ 31.76S 28˚ 00′ 47.26E
The second hide (Grade 4) is basically the same in structure and materials used as the hide described above. The hide however had been vandalised as some of the benches and shelves have been removed. The hide overlooks an artificial dam with reeds and at the time when this hide was audited very few bird species could be seen.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 27′ 24″S 28˚ 00′ 45″E
Additional Information
The park gates do not close at night and access is therefore 24/7. Although the Park is patrolled regularly by outside security and there have been no recent problems, sensible precautions against muggings etc. are still advised particularly at night or very early in the mornings.
Please report any interesting/ unusual sightings to the Delta Environmental Centre (office hours) or via email to geofrey@iafrica.com
The Northern Gauteng birding area consists of 6,368 square kilometres and stretch from Centurion in the south to Hammanskraal in the north and Bronkhorstspruit in the east. The area is representative of two Biomes: Savanna towards the north and grassland to the south. The vegetation varies from a dense, short bushveld to a rather open tree savanna. The advantage of the geographic is that the area offers more than 400 birds species. Birding is good year round: during the drier winter months the area host bushveld species from the north, while the summer brings the arrival of migrants.
The following birding sites can be visited in Northern Gauteng.
Austin Roberts Bird Sanctuary is situated in Mucleneuk in Pretoria and was named after the well-known ornithologist, Austin Roberts (1883 – 1948). The Sanctuary was established during 1958 and visitors can walk around the sanctuary at any time. Guided walks within the Sanctuary can be organised for groups of 6 or more people. Despite the fact that the sanctuary is totally surrounded by suburbs and busy streets, it hosts some interesting bird species for example Little Bittern, Green-backed Heron and various ducks. Unfortunately some of the birds are not indigenous to South Africa and are on a regular basis released at the sanctuary.
Directions
From the N1, take the R21/ Nelson Mandela Drive. Travel north towards the Fountains Interchange then turn on the M7/ George Storrar Drive (UNISA is to the left). Travel east towards Brooklyn. After crossing M9/Florence Ribeiro Road (George Storrar is now Middel Street), Austin Roberts will be on your left hand side. At the robot at Dey road turns left and then left at the stop street into Boshoff Street. Continue until you get to the Sasol Hadeda Hide.
Bird Hide – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
Birds can be observed from the upper deck from the Blue Crane Restaurant or from the Sasol Hadeda Hide (Grade 2). Cars need to park on the pavement in the street when visiting the hide. From there the pathway that leads to the hide is quite wide and, despite the fact that the surface changes from cement to wood, it is very accessible. The hide itself appears neat with fixed benches.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 46′ 11S 28˚13′ 40E
Contact
Tel: +27 (0)12 440 8316 or +27 (0)12 341 0591
Ezemvelo Private Nature Reserve S 25° 42′ 36.00″ E 28° 55′ 48.00″
Contact
Tel: +27(0)13-680-1399 and +27(0)83-440-5886
E-mail: ezemvelo@telkomsa.net
Website: www.ezemvelo.co.za
Additional Information
Entry Fee: R40 adult (R50 high season); R30 child (R35 high season); R20 vehicle (R25 high season)
Gate opening and closing times
*Open: 07:00
*Close: 17:00 summer and winter
Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is a small 128ha nature reserve situated within the city limits. The reserve’s vegetation is a transition zone between Bankenveld (grassland), sour mixed bushveld and sour bushveld (Acacia veldt). The perennial Moreleta Spruit flows at the foot of the Bronberg Mountains and a large part of the reserve lies within the flood plain of this spruit and is mainly covered in grassland. Tall grasses occur along the spruit with a few reed beds in the stream. The Moreleta Spruit transects the reserve. A wooden bridge was recently erected in the eastern section of the reserve to facilitate the crossing of the spruit on foot. A section of the Bronberg Mountains forms the northern border.
Residential areas border the southern and eastern sides. The footpaths are easily followed. There is also a steep concrete path that can be followed to the top of the mountain and descends through a wooded area on the eastern side. Specials that can be found in the reserve include African Black Duck, European Nightjar, European Bee-eater, Red-throated Wryneck, Brown-backed Honeybird, swallows and swifts, Marsh Warbler, Cape Grassbird, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Cape and Village Weaver. In summer the grassland holds large numbers of Southern Masked Weaver, Red Bishop, White-winged Widow and Red-collared Widow.
Grassbirds are common and Levaillant’s Cisticola also occurs here. This is also the best area for swallows and swifts and a typical summer’s afternoon should produce Greater and Lesser Striped and White-throated Swallow, Barn Swallow, as well as Palm, White-rumped and Little Swift. Rock Martin can also be expected, especially in winter. Tawny-flanked Prinia is common, and in late summer Marsh Warbler is guaranteed.
Other seedeaters are not common, but small groups of Bronze Mannikin and Common Waxbill are found regularly. The grassland is burnt almost every winter, and then Crowned, Blacksmith and Wattled Lapwing, as well as Spotted Dikkop can be expected. Diedericks Cuckoo is present in considerable numbers in summer. African Black Duck is regularly found flying along the stream. Lesser Swamp Warbler is resident and Cape and Village Weavers breed in isolated spots.
In the Acacia thornveld, Chestnut-vented Tit-babbler, Long-billed Crombec, Rattling Cisticola, Black-chested Prinia and Neddicky occur in considerable numbers with Crimson-breasted Shrike also present. In summer these species are augmented with Willow Warbler and Spotted Flycatcher. Also look out for Cut-throat and Red-headed Finches. Amongst seedeaters Yellow-fronted and Black-throated Canaries are the most common, especially in the morning. Helmeted Guineafowl keep to the grassland in the thornveld. During winter the Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird moves into trees with mistletoe.
The mixed woodland houses various birds, of which Red-throated Wryneck, White-bellied and Amethyst Sunbird and Streaky-headed Seedeater can be expected with every visit. Acacia Pied Barbet, Cardinal and Golden-tailed Woodpecker, Brown-backed Honeyguide, Black Cuckooshrike, Arrow-marked Babbler, White-throated Robin-Chat (in denser areas), White-browed Scrub-Robin, Brown-crowned and Black-crowned Tchagra (the latter especially along the hillsides), Orange-breasted Bush Shrike, Violet-backed and Cape Glossy Starling, and Bokmakierie are almost always present in small numbers and can be found anywhere.
In summer Red-chested and Black Cuckoo often call from denser trees and during caterpillar outbreaks in late summer, Striped Cuckoo can be expected. The thick bush is the best spot for Southern Boubou and Bar-throated Apalis and in summer African Paradise Flycatcher is regularly seen here. The hills sometimes produce something rare, such as a rock thrush or Striped Pipit, but generally not much happen there. On the side of the kloof there are dead trees that are often used in summer as perches for European and White-fronted Bee-eaters.
Raptors are scarce in FGN. Black-shouldered Kites can be expected from time to time, and in late summer Yellow-billed Kite and Steppe Buzzard may occur. Now and then a sparrowhawk, or even a young African Harrier-Hawk can be seen. The best time for birding is in summer, especially in the morning or late afternoon. Up to 75 species can be expected on a summer morning, but 40 species are guaranteed, even on a winter’s afternoon. About 150 species have been recorded, including very rare birds such as Corncrake and River Warbler.
Directions
Take the R21 from OR Tambo International Airport to Pretoria and turn off onto the N1-North to Polokwane shortly before you reach Pretoria and then the
Lynnwood/WNNR off-ramp Turn right at the traffic light, cross over the freeway and follow the road for ± 3km. Turn right at the (5th) traffic light onto the M33 (General Louis Botha Drive). ± 1km further there is a sign indicating the Faerie Glen Nature Reserve/Plumbago Tea Garden on your left. It takes approximately an hour from OR Tambo International Airport.
GPS Coordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Faerie Glen Nature Reserve | S 25°46’27” | E 28°17’29” |
(pentad 2355_2955)
Contact
Tel: +27(0)12-348-1265/6 (8462)
Additional Information
There is no charge but you must sign in at the gate. Security at the gate and in the reserve has lately been upgraded but it is not recommended that you visit the site alone.
There are no facilities within the reserve but the Plumbago Tea Garden is situated at the entrance.
Gate opening and closing timesThe Pretoria National Botanical Garden is a 76ha urban oasis where birding is in a relaxed and safe atmosphere with up to 50 species of birds to be seen in a morning’s birding. The best way to observe the birdlife is to walk the undemanding trailsthat criss-cross the gardens. The garden consists of various habitats including woodland, acacia thickets, lawns and a few small ponds with a 35m high quartzite outcrop running down the centre. Some of the special species that can be seen here include Thick-billed Weaver (also nesting in the gardens), Fairy Flycatcher in winter, Brown-backed Honeybird, Red-throated Wryneck, Orange-breasted Bush-shrike as well Crimson-breasted Shrike.
More common species include Cape Robin-Chat, Neddicky, Amethyst Sunbird, White-bellied Sunbird, Southern Boubou, Black-backed Puffback, African Paradise-Flycatcher, Karoo and Kurrichane Thrush. Crowned Lapwing is very common on the lawns and can be seen in summer sitting on their nests. Blacksmith Lapwing and Spotted Thick-knee also occur here.
At the ponds Common Moorhen and Egyptian Goose can be seen as well as breeding bishops and weavers during the summer months. This is not a place known for raptors but the occassional Verreaux’s Eagle and African Harrier-Hawk can be seen flying over the gardens. Mammals include Rock Dassies, Common Duiker, Slender Mongoose and Scrub Hare.
Directions
From Johannesburg International Airport take the R21 north to Pretoria. Take the off-ramp at the intersection with the N1 north to Polokwane shortly before you reach Pretoria and then the Lynnwood/WNNR off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn right and immediately after crossing over the highway turn left into Meiring Naude. Continue until you reach a T-junction with Cussonia. Turn left into Cussonia and you will find the entrance to the gardens immediately on your right.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Pretoria Botanical Gardens | S 25° 44′ 24.00″ | E 28° 16′ 35.00″ |
Facilities
There are ablution facilities as well as a restaurant within the gardens. A second restaurant is accessible from the parking area of the gardens. Both restaurants are open 7 days a week. Please note that on weekends the gardens host concerts – so it is best to go birding as soon as the gates open in the morning. Toilet facilities at the Garden entrance, restaurant and Tea Garden are adapted for physically challenged people. No overnight accommodation is available.
Additional Information
A bird checklist can be bought at the entrance.
The Garden is open 7 days a week from 08:00 to 18:00. No entry after 17:00.
Entrance Fees:
Contact information
Enquiries
Tel: +27 (0)12 843 5172/3/4
Fax: +27 (0)12 804 4992
E-mail: pretoria-garden@sanbi.org.za
Website: www.sanbi.org
Mokha Restaurant
Tel: +27(0)12 804 1714
Fax: +27(0)12 809 0573
Milkplum Cafe
Tel: +27(0)12 804 5840/1
E-mail: milkplum@burgundysgroup.co.za
This reserve is a favorite birding spot for many birders due not only to the interesting variety of birds that can be found here, but also because of the excellent facilities as for example the 40kms of roads (30kms tarred) and three well maintained bird hides. The reserve also has a number of mammal species including Rhino and Hippopotamus. Please note that you are not allowed to leave your vehicle while driving around in the reserve.
A variety of habitats can be found in the reserve. The Rietvlei dam and other water bodies host numerous waterbirds while the reserve is also well known for its vleis, grasslands and woodland areas. During summer you can expect to see near to hundred species in a day’s birding. About 500 meters from the entrance is the Coot Corner’s hide which will provide you with excellent views over the dam. Numerous waterbird species can be seen from this hide including Reed Cormorant, African Purple Swamphen, Great Crested Grebe, Common Moorhen, Red-knobbed Coot and African Darter. Lesser Swamp-Warbler can be heard calling from the reed beds while other warbler species might be heard in summer including African Reed-Warbler.
A number of pipits and larks occur in the reserve and your identification skills of LBJs will be tested on a regular basis. Look out for Plain-backed Pipit, African Pipit, Spike-heeled Lark, and Rufous-naped Lark. Cisticolas are common in the grassy areas so listen in summer for the display calls of Zitting Cisticola, Desert Cisticola, Wing-snapping Cisticola and Cloud Cisticola. Levaillant’s Cisticola is common in the vlei areas.
A hide that must be visited is the Marais dam picnic spot. This is another good spot to see a number of waterbirds including Reed Cormorant, Yellow-billed Duck, White-breasted Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot, Common Moorhen and Egyptian Goose. Also scan the edge of the water for Black Crake and African Purple Swamphen. Warblers can be heard calling in the reeds next to the hide as for instance Lesser Swamp-Warbler and Little Rush-Warbler.
Other special birds for the Gauteng areas that occur at Rietvlei are Capped Wheatear, Temminck’s Courser (irregularly) and Northern Black Korhaan while Secretarybird has bred in the reserve and can sometimes be seen strolling through the reserve searching for food. Grass Owl and Marsh Owl also occur in the reserve but you will be extremely lucky to see the Grass Owls, although not impossible. Dark-capped Yellow Warbler has also been recorded recently.
Other more common birds to be seen in the wooded areas are Thick-billed Weaver, Cape White-eye and Southern Boubou, Cape Glossy Starling, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler and Fiscal Flycatcher. Scan the sky regularly for swallows, martins and swifts for example Brown-throated Martin, Banded Martin, Sand Martin, White-throated Swallow, Greater-striped Swallow and African Palm Swift. Rietvlei is also a good spot for raptors for example Greater Kestrel, Rock Kestrel, Amur Falcon, Steppe Buzzard and Black-shouldered Kite.
Directions
From Johannesburg International take the R21 towards Pretoria. Before reaching Pretoria take the Irene/Nellmapius Drive off-ramp. At the top of the off-ramp turn right and drive to the first four-way stop and then turn right towards Olifantsfontein. After about 1.5 km (after crossing the Sesmylspruit) you will see the sign Rietvlei Nature Reserve. Turn left and follow the road to the main gate.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Rietvlei Nature Reserve | S 25° 52′ 59.00″ | E 28° 15′ 48.00″ |
Additional Information
Facilities
The reserve offers a number of other activities as for example night drives, overnight facilities and horse-riding trails. There is a nice picnic spot with braai facilities. Ablution facilities are available in the reserve.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
Coots Corner Hide (Grade 3) is the first hide you will find on your left after entering the reserve. It overlooks Rietvlei Dam and a number of waterbirds can be seen form here. The hide is surrounded by reeds which make it excellent for watching weavers, warblers and shy species such as Little Bittern. The parking area and pathway consists of a grassy area and the surface is somewhat rough. The rest of the pathway consists of a boardwalk with quite a steep gradient. The benches are fitted to the floor of the hide and the shelves and viewing slots are also quite high.
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 25′ 45S 28˚ 16′ 05E
Fern and Fountain Hide (Grade 3) is located on the Vlei Route and overlooks the vlei area of the reserve. The area in front of the hide has been cleared of reeds and provides the opportunity to see waterbirds as well as warblers. This is a well maintained hide. Due to the elevation difference between the road and the hide, there is quite a gradient to be traversed to enter the hide which makes the hide not accessible to people who are mobility impaired. The benches are fixed to the floor of the hide and the viewing slots are also quite high.
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 52′ 58S 28˚ 18′ 31E
Marais Dam Hide (Grade 2) is located next to the Marais Dam in the centre of the reserve. The hide overlooks the dam where a large number of waterbird species can been seen. The hide is located next to the main picnic spot in the reserve. The pathway to the hide is built of cement and is smooth. However the gradient of this pathway is extremely steep.
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 54′ 25S 28˚ 18′ 30E
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 52′ 35S 28˚ 16′ 49E
Admission times
Summer: September to March 05:30 – 17:00 (You may remain inside until 19:00 when the gates close).
Winter: April to August 06:00 – 16:00 (You may remain inside until 18:00 when the gates close).
Contact Information
Tel: +27 (0)12 345 2274
Website: http://www.tshwane.gov.za/rietvlei.cfm
This very popular 795 ha reserve consists of a mix of open savannah, grassveld, dense savannah woodland as well as the Roodeplaatdam. During a morning’s birding you can expect to see a nice variety of water and terrestrial birds. About 80-100 species can be recorded in a few hours’ birding. You can drive through the reserve using a number of roads (most of them good enough for a sedan car) or you can walk the trail that runs through the reserve. The reserve has a number of well maintained and strategically well placed hides.
After entering through the gate turn left at the sign “Zeekoeigat”. After about 2km you will reach the Zeekoeigat complex. Enter here and continue till you see the “Bird Hide” sign and follow the track to the bird hide. At the bird hide a nice variety of water birds can be seen namely Grey Heron, African Sacred Ibis, White-faced Duck, Glossy Ibis, African Darter, Green-backed Heron, Little Egret and occasionally Black Heron. Lesser Swamp-Warbler and Little Rush-Warbler can usually also be heard in the reeds next to the hide.
Returning to the main road you will soon pass some office buildings. It is always worth your while to stop here and scrutinize the trees and grass surrounding the offices for species such as Crimson-breasted Shrike, Fiscal Flycatcher, Speckled Pigeon and in recent years Burnt-necked Eremomela. Cape Penduline-Tit has also been recorded here – although irregularly.
Travel through the parking area next to the office buildings onto a gravel road that will take you to the second bird hide. From the offices to the hide is about 1.8km. At the hide look out for waders such as Three-banded Plover, African Jacana and Wood Sandpiper. Other species you might come across are Bearded Woodpecker, Pied Kingfisher, Black Heron, Acacia Pied Barbet and numerous bishops and weavers.
Go back to the main road and turn right. After a few hundred meters you will reach the turnoff to the picnic spot. The picnic spot is situated between large trees and as the picnic spot borders the dam a number of water birds can be seen including large numbers of Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe, White-breasted Cormorant, Reed Cormorant, Grey-headed Gull, White-winged Tern and Whiskered Tern. Black Cuckooshrike has been recorded in the trees next to the picnic spot. Always expect the unexpected as vagrant species, such as Black-headed Gull, have been recorded here in the past.
Go back to the main road and turn left. Scan the roadside and listen for the characteristic call of Coqui Francolin which sometimes feed on the edge of the road – right in the open. Continue to the T-junction and turn left at the gravel road, pass the Aqua Social club and continue on the gravel road but beware the road can sometimes be very wet and bumpy. Flycathcers, barbets, woodpeckers, nightjars and many other birds can be seen here.
Directions
Take the R21 from Johannesburg to Pretoria and turn off onto the N1-North to Polokwane shortly before you reach Pretoria. Continue a few kilometers and take the Zambesi off-ramp from the N1 and turn right. Continue on the Cullinan R513 for about 5.5km and take the Kameelfontein turnoff to the left. After 3.6km you will get a board “Roodeplaat Reserve” – turn left and continue on this road for a few hundred meters to the entrance of the reserve.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
Roodeplaatdam Nature Reserve (Southern Section) | S 25° 38′ 59.00″ | E 28° 21′ 48.00″ |
Additional Information
Facilities
The reserve has a number of bird hides, a picnic site with ablution facilities, a hiking trail, chalet accommodation and conference facilities. Apart from birds there are also a number of mammal species including Burchell’s Zebra, Kudu, Waterbuck, Warthog and Impala.
Bird Hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
Zeekoeigat Hide (Grade 2) is maybe the most important bird hide in terms of size as well as the possibility to see some interesting waterbirds. The entrance to the hide and the walkway is wide enough for a wheelchair. There are a number of benches in the hide that are all permanently fitted to the base of the hide. There is no specific space for a wheelchair, although the one side of the hide can be used for this purpose, but it is not ideal. The height of the shelves and viewing space is about 870 mm but no leg or knee clearance is provided.
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 39′ 06.45S 28˚00’29.6E
Wildlife View Hide (Grade 3) was built in 2011. The hide seems more orientated to watching mammals visiting the water hole in front of the hide. However, with time the vegetation might improve and this could provide opportunities to see some interesting birds. The entrance to the hide is very wide and provides ample space for wheelchair users. Unfortunately the first few meters of the entrance is quite steep and not aligned with the ground. The benches are fixed and no space is provided for wheelchair users. The shelves and the viewing spaces are also quite high
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 38′ 43.25S 28˚21′ 12.2E
Picnic Site Hide (Grade 4) is situated next to the picnic spot in the reserve and overlooks Roodeplaatdam but does not provide much more viewing than can obtain from the picnic site. Access to the hide is limited: the pathway to the hide, is not accessible to wheelchair users and the first few meters of the hide is also very steep which would make it difficult for most people who are mobility impaired to enter the hide without assistance. The benches are fixed to the floor of the hide. No space is provided for wheelchair users. The shelves and viewing slots are also quite high. The hide is furthermore quite far from the parking area to the hide (nearly 200 m).
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 38′ 09.9S 28˚ 20’55.8E
Co-ordinates: 25˚ 38′ 19.52S 28˚ 22’36.75E
A nominal entrance fee is payable.
The gates are open from 06:00-18:00.
Contact numbers: +27 (0)12 808 5131/ 5174 / 5624
This water purification facility offers excellent birding for waders and water birds. It consists mainly of settling ponds and dams, but adjacent irrigated grassveld also offers good birding. Water purification works usually provide ideal habitats for water birds and the permanent dams and settling ponds ensure that water birds are present throughout the year. Ploughed fields and grasslands, adjacent to the purification plant, are regularly irrigated with treated sewage water from the works and provide excellent habitat for waders and lapwings.
BirdLife Northern Gauteng has been visiting Rooiwal since 1971 and has recorded 258 species. Birding is mostly water birds however on early summer mornings the lawns between the lower settling ponds often produce several Yellow Wagtails. Winter and summer regulars are Comb Duck, large flocks of White-faced Duck, Red-billed Teal, Little Grebe, Reed Cormorant, Black-headed and Grey Heron, Cattle Egret, Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Duck, African Black Duck, Southern Pochard, Red-knobbed Coot, Crowned- and Black-winged Lapwings, Black-winged Stilt, Cape and African Pied Wagtails, Squacco Heron and Brown-Throated Martin and White-throated Swallow. Long-crested Eagle and Black-breasted Snake-Eagle are regular visitors.
Birding is best during summer with a variety of waders as well as flocks of White-winged Terns and Barn Swallows. A large number of Amur Falcons
may also be spotted on the power lines. Winter birding is also excellent as many duck species frequent these dams during the winter months.
Directions
Rooiwal Water Treatment Works are situated north of Pretoria. From OR Tambo International Airport, take the R21 north to Pretoria. After approximately 40 km on the R21, take the N1-North off-ramp to Pretoria/Polokwane. Remain on the N1-North and take the Pyramid / Wallmannsthal off-ramp and then turn to the left. Continue on this road for 6.5 km until you reach a T-junction with the R101. Turn right onto the R101 for 1.5 km. Turn right onto the Rooiwal / Mabopane road (this turn off is directly opposite the power station). Follow the road as it circles left, taking you onto a bridge, crossing the R101 and wetlands. Turn right at the t-junction. Continue past the entrance to Rooiwal Power Station until you reach the entrance gate to Rooiwal Water
Treatment Works on the left. The site is approximately 80 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.
Contact
The 1650 ha nature reserve surrounds the 500 ha dam. Broad-leaved woodland, mixed woodlands, rocky woodland slopes, alluvial acacia veldt, marshy areas and open water. Thanks to the variety of habitats in this NR, 400 bird species have been recorded. The tarred road leading to Rust de Winter town often yields species not normally found in the NR like Meyer’s Parrot & Red-billed Buffalo-Weaver. The dirt road leading to the gate is also a good place to bird and you can expect birds like Lesser Grey-, Red-backed- & Long-tailed Shrike & Red-breasted Swallow. Look out for Striped Kingfisher at the entrance gate. Drive slowly along the shore until you reach a gate just where the angling area ends. Go through the gate and walk to the water to find water birds like White-faced, Comb, Yellow-billed & African Black Duck, Great Crested Grebe, Spoonbill & Spur-winged Goose. Also look for African Fish Eagle, Glossy Ibis, Purple Heron, Yellow-billed Egret, Little Bittern, African Rail, White-winged Tern, Pearl-breasted Swallow and Brown-throated Martin. Thornveld species like Violet-eared Waxbill, Arrow-marked Babbler, Melba Finch, Crimson-breasted Shrike, Burchell’s Starling, Pearl-spotted Owlet, Grey- & Yellow Hornbill, Little Bee-eater, Purple Roller and Grey-headed Bush-Shrike can be found here. The road goes around the dam and you can drive, stop and bird for a couple of kilometres. Where it is possible, walk to the dam.Over weekends and holidays the reserve may be packed with fishermen and their families. Boats are allowed on the dam. The road next to the dam may become impassable after heavy rain. Be aware of snakes. Birding is good all year round.
Directions
Take R 21-North towards Pretoria. Shortly before reaching Pretoria turn onto the N1-North towards Polokwane. Turn off at the Rust de Winter / Pienaarsrivier off-ramp. Turn right and continue for ± 21km towards Rust de Winter town. Turn right at the Rust de Winter Dam sign onto a dirt road and drive for 4km to the entrance of the reserve. Allow for approximately and hour and a half travelling time from OR Tambo International Airport.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Rust de Winter Nature Reserve and Dam | S 25° 14′ 10.00″ | E 28° 30′ 57.00″ |
Additional information
Contact number for site: +27(0)12-723-014
Rates for day visitors
Adults: R10
Children & pensioners: R5
Vehicle: R20
Gate opening and closing times
Summer: 06H00 18H00
Winter: 06H00 18H00
Tswaing (meaning place of salt in Setswana), features mainly a 220 000 year old meteorite impact crater approximately 70 meters deep and 1,3km in diameter. There is a variety of ecosystems, a wetland and the remains of a factory that produced soda ash and salt at the beginning of the 19th century. The 1 946 hectare conservation area comprises mostly acacia bushveld, broad-leafed and riverine vegetation. Over 240 bird species have been recorded, the bulk being typical Acacia Bushveld birds, including Golden-tailed and Cardinal Woodpeckers, Acacia Pied Barbet, Yellow-fronted Tinkerbird, African Grey, Yellow-billed and Red-billed Hornbills, Lilac-breasted Roller, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Black-headed Oriole, Marico and White-bellied Sunbirds, Green-winged Pytilia, Jameson’s Firefinch and Common Waxbill. Fairy Flycatchers, one of the intra-South African winter migrants, are frequently seen.
Waterfowl and waders are found on the shoreline in the crater as well as at the river to the northeast. Both Cape and Whitebacked vultures frequent the area. There is a resident, breeding pair of African Hawk-Eagles. Other raptors include Wahlberg’s Eagle as well as various Hawks, Buzzards, Goshawks, Falcons and Kestrels. Be on the lookout for the melanistic form of Gabar Goshawk. Owls to be found are Barn, White-faced, African Scops and Pearl-spotted Owlets. Spurfowl and Francolins abound, with the most common being Swainson’s and Natal. Red-crested Korhaan is more often heard than seen. In summer many swallows and swifts can be found over the crater and higher lying bushveld. A day visit is not really long enough to explore this exceptional reserve and at the very reasonable tariffs, it is worthwhile spending a few days discovering the secrets that it has to offer. Birding is good all year round.
Directions
Take the R21-North to Pretoria (Tshwane). After ± 40km turn onto the N1-North to Polokwane. After 30km exit at the Pyramid/Wallmannsthal off-ramp and turn left towards Pyramid. Turn right onto the R101 when you reach the t-junction. After ± 6.5km turn right at the Rooiwal/Mabopane sign and follow the road to the left to pass over the bridge. Continue on this road until you reach a t-junction (M35). Turn right and keep straight on the M35 (you will pass through the residential area of Kudube/Hammanskraal) till you see a sign on your left to Tswaing, which is just before Soutpan Trading Store. The entrance is ± 2.4km further on you right. Allow for one and a half hours of travelling time from OR Tambo International Airport.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Tswaing Nature Reserve (Entrance) | S 25° 24′ 56.76″ | E 28° 5′ 58.68″ |
Facilities
Picnic and camping site with ablution block and ample parking.
Group accommodation (max. 64 people) in Kgotla comprising four units in three ethnic styles, each sleeping 16 people clustered around a central “boma” with kitchen and ablution facilities. Only mattresses are provided. All bedding, utensils and food must be brought along.
Reservations are essential.
Contact
Reception Office: +27(0)83-207-7198
Manager: +27(0)83-505-2271
Additional Information
Day visitors: Adults R15.00, Children R10.00.
Guided trail walks: Standard admission fee plus R80.00 per guide.
Camping: R25.00 per night excluding admission fees.
Overnight accommodation: Adults R35.00, Children under 12 R23.00 pp per night.
Gate opening and closing times
Open every day of the year except December 25th and January 1st.
Summer: 07H30 16H00
Winter: 07H30 16H00
The 200 ha Wonderboom Nature Reserve is situated to the north of Pretoria and straddles the Magaliesberg Mountains. It is famous for its magnificent specimen of Ficus salicifolia, a wild fig called the “Wonderboom” that is more than 1 000 years old. At the top of the Wonderboom Hill are the ruins of the Wonderboom Fort, one of four forts built by the former Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek at the end of the 19th century.
Habitat
Most of the reserve consists of broad-leaved woodland covering the rocky slopes with some open grasslands. At the bottom of the hill is a picnic spot with some lawns and large trees. The Apies River can also be accessed from the western-side of the reserve.
Birding
Birding is done by foot. There are a number of trails and making the effort to climb the hill can be especially rewarding birding wise. Some of the species that can be seen are Verreaux’s Eagle, Rock Martin, Bar-throated Apalis, Fiscal Flycatcher, African Grey Hornbill, Spotted Thick-knee, Cape Glossy Starling, Southern Boubou, Black-backed Puffback, Neddicky, White-bellied Sunbird, White-throated Robin-chat and White-browed Scrub-robin to name a few. In summer a number of Cuckoo species can be heard or seen including Klaas’s, Red-chested, Diderick and Black Cuckoo. If you are lucky you can see Striped Pipit at the top of the hill. Scan the fruiting trees for the beautiful African Green Pigeons. About 50 species can be seen during a few hours birding.
Directions
Take the R21 from Johannesburg to Pretoria and turn off onto the N1-North to Polokwane shortly before you reach Pretoria. Continue a few kilometers and take the Zambesi off-ramp from the N1 and turn left into Zambesi drive and continue for 8-9kms and turn left into Lavender. After a few 100 meters the road splits – keep to Lavender and watch for the reserve entrance on the left.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Wonderboom Nature Reserve | S 25° 41′ 10.00″ | E 28° 11′ 28.00″ |
Additional Information
Facilities
There are a picnic spot, ablution facilities and a boardwalk under the massive wild fig. The picnic spot can become crowded, especially over weekends.
Enquiries
Wonderboom Nature Reserve Gate: +27 (0)12 543 0918
Website: http://www.tshwane.gov.za/wonderboom.cfm
Gate times
07:00 to 18:00 (entrance to the reserve only until 16:00)
An entrance fee is payable.
The Vaal Birding Route extends from the green hills of Devon in the east to the Vredefort Dome in the west. Within this region occurs a wide variety of habitats including extensive highveld grasslands, rolling hills cloaked with a variety of woodland types and extensive natural pans and wetland areas. The vast shoreline of the Vaal and the richly diversity of riverine habitats along the Vaal, the Klip, the Suikerbos and other rivers, all contribute to a region which is rich in natural treasures. Vaal has a relatively small altitudinal range, from about 1 300 m to 1 900 meters above sea level. Despite its small area and lack of sub-tropical woodlands, Vaal has over 360 species of birds, including a number which are more easily seen here than anywhere else.
Devon, in the north- eastern corner is the centre of a rich farming area, and offers beautiful rolling grasslands interspersed with cultivated fields. This area, part of Lesedi, is rich in upland seeps, wide vleis and river systems. It also boasts numbers of farm dams and natural pans. The grasslands here are undoubtedly the richest in Vaal and hold substantial populations of Blue Korhaan, Blue Crane, Orange River Francolin, Pink-billed Lark and Cuckoo Finch; all sought-after species in the region as well as South African endemics including Northern Black Korhaan, Cape Longclaw and Cape Weaver. In the summer, the grasslands are the scene of brilliantly colourful displays as a host of widowbirds and bishops wear their brilliant breeding feathers; Fan-tailed Widowbird – rare elsewhere in Gauteng is common here. Cisticolas are plentiful and the localized Pale-crowned Cisticola occurs in seasons of good rain.
Depending on soil types and grass cover, a number of larks are possible; Eastern Clapper Lark is common around Suikerbosrand and to the South, while Melodious Lark can be found right across the region in the right habitat. Highly localized and sought after by birders, the endangered African Grass-Owl occurs widely across the region, but particularly at Suikerbosrand and Klipkop. Other common and widespread grassland species included Cloud Cisticola, African Quailfinch and that iconic Highveld performer: the Long-tailed Widowbird with its remarkable jet-black streamers.
On the border of Lesedi, close to Nigel lies Blesbokspruit, one of South Africa’s most loved wetland birding hot-spots. The Blesbokspruit wetlands, which are protected by the Ramsar treaty, are best known through Marievale Bird Sanctuary. This bird sanctuary is ever popular with photographers who take advantage of several excellent bird hides to get up close to an assortment of ducks, kingfishers, rallids, herons, and shorebirds. Marievale is known as a rarities hotspot, regularly producing rare birds. In recent years, these have included Slaty Egret, Black-tailed Godwit, Western Marsh Harrier, Great Bittern, Spotted, and Corn Crake. Such elusive rallids as African Rail, Baillon’s Crake and Red-chested Flufftail are regular here but also occur at other wetland sites within Vaal.
Around Heidelberg, the imposing hills of the Suikerbosrand range dominates the landscape, home to rather isolated populations of bird species, typically associated with the Drakensberg Mountains and Mpumalanga highlands. Top birds here include Grey-winged Francolin, Sentinel Rock-Thrush, Eastern Long-billed Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Cape Canary and Yellow Bishop. Rather mystically, Ground Woodpecker, Cape Eagle-Owl and African Rock Pipit occur at low densities in the range. Yellow-breasted Pipit is an erratic and poorly known endemic, which visits the area in the winter months as it seeks refuge from the cold extremes of its breeding range on the higher mountains of Mpumalanga and the Drakensberg. Throughout the year, Cape Rock-Thrush and Mountain Wheatear are bold and colourful denizens of rocky ridges and adjacent homesteads,
Suikerbosrand is perhaps the centerpiece of the Vaal Birding Route, and contains both high-altitude grasslands (up to 1 900 m), wooded valleys and an interesting expanse of thornveld; which holds a host of Kalahari specials representative of arid woodland which occurs at a number of sites on the route, and holds a wide variety of sought after endemics. This woodland extends from the south-western corner of Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve right down to the extreme south-western corner of Vaal, and occurs in an accessible patch at Goeiehoek. Species that are typical and widespread in this habitat type include Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Ashy Tit, White-browed Sparrow-Weaver, Green-winged Pytilia, Long-billed Crombec, Red-headed Finch, Acacia Pied Barbet, Kalahari Scrub- Robin, Long-tailed Paradise-Whydah and Golden-breasted Bunting and Cardinal Woodpecker.
While the acacia woodland typically dominates flatter, alluvial soils, mixed woodland and scrub is more prevalent in hilly areas, valleys and kloofs. These mixed woodlands are widespread at Suikerbosrand, Nature Reserve, Klipkraal, Goeiehoek and the Holfontein area, but occur widely in Central and northern Vaal as well. Some of the species typical of these woodlands also occur widely in gardens in the region, including Cape White-eye, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Fiscal Flycatcher, Green Wood-hoopoe, Cape Robin-chat and Karoo-thrush. Other species typical of these habitats include Bar-throated Apalis, Bokmakierie, Cape Weaver, Brown-backed Honeybird, Neddicky and Red-throated Wryneck. In the winter months they are joined by the charming Fairy Flycatcher, which leaves its breeding grounds on the top of the Lesotho highlands to avoid the heavy snowfall which usually occurs there. The Holfontein area in the far South-Western Corner of Vaal has a good variety of acacia and mixed woodland types, and is probably the best place to see Orange River White-eye, as well as all the other woodland species listed above.
Vaal covers part of the wintering range of the worlds furthest-migrating Raptor, the Amur Falcon, which comes all the way from the Amur basin in North-eastern Asia. These small falcons are often seen in large numbers are occur on all the grassland areas across Vaal. Both Heidelberg and Vereeniging have roost sites for these remarkable small falcons (which also include the less common Lesser Kestrel). Another migrant species which offers a real spectacle is the Black-winged Pratincole. This migrant from western Asia is often present in huge flocks and the Vaal Dam Bird count in 2011 produced a total of 72 000 Pratincoles! Devon, Marievale, fields adjacent to Suikerbosrand and the Vaal Dam are places to see these majestic swallow-like birds, but they can turn up in any open country and roost on recently mowed fields, ploughed lands and the edge of pans.
South Africa’s Highveld boasts a large number of natural pans, and Vaal is no exception. These pans are seasonal and water levels vary from year to year. When conditions are right they may hold large numbers of waterbirds, including Flamingoes, Ibis, Herons, Grebes and Waterfowl. One of the best pans in Vaal is Leeukuil Pan, just outside Sharpeville. It may share similar birds with Klipkop Farm, Grootvlei Pan and some of the wetlands in the Devon grassland, but Leeukuil Pan is the largest of these waterbodies and may hold over 3000 water-birds at times, including large numbers of shorebirds in the summer months.
34 species of Raptors are known to occur in Vaal. Resident and widespread species include Greater Kestrel, Rock Kestrel, Verreaux’s Eagle, Lanner Falcon, Jackal Buzzard, African Fish-Eagle and the ubiquitous Black-shouldered Kite. Long-crested Eagle has shown an extension of its range into Vaal and is now known to breed in the area – particularly at Henley on Klip. Apart from the Amur Falcon’s and Lesser Kestrels summer sees the arrival of several other species most notably Steppe Buzzard, but also three species of Harrier – Marievale Bird Sanctuary is probably one of the best places in South Africa to see Western Marsh Harrier, while the both Montagu’s and Pallid Harrier range more widely over the Vaal grasslands from east to west.
Top Specials
South African Shelduck
Western Marsh-Harrier
Greater Flamingo
Black Harrier
Orange River Francolin
Blue Korhaan
Grey-winged Francolin
Blue Crane
Spotted Crake
Double-banded Courser
Baillon’s Crake
Black-winged Pratincole
Caspian Tern
Sentinel Rock-Thrush
African Grass-Owl
Pale-crowned Cisticola
Orange River White-eye
Pink-billed Lark
Fairy Flycatcher
Melodious Lark
The Vaal Dam is one of the largest inland water bodies in South Africa and with a shoreline of over 950km it has more shoreline than KwaZulu-Natal! Due the varied nature of the shoreline, development and the large amount of recreational activity, which takes place on the Vaal Dam, by far the best birding is actually outside Vaal at South Bay, and a shallow keeled boat is required to view the birds there. The Vaal Dam is the focus of an annual waterbird count, and in 2010, 72, 000 Black-winged Pratincoles where counted – a number which has lead to a re-assessment of this species global population estimate. The Vaal Dam also holds a significant number of Goliath Heron, Caspian Tern, and usually one or two of the rare Lesser Black-backed Gull.
The river has been the focus of large scale urban development along its banks, which has much reduced the bird diversity and numbers compared to historical times. However there are a number of areas where birding remains good and a range of aquatic species can be found. The Vaal River Barrage Reservoir has stable water levels and Cloudy Creek and the Taaibosspruit are two navigable tributaries which are the focal point for Vaal River birding cruises, a relatively new form of birding that can be expected to increase in future. Species such as Black and Goliath Heron, African Snipe, Whiskered Tern and African Black Duck are amongst the many species which can be seen on such a birding trip.
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve is approximately 13 337 ha in extent and is at an altitude of between 1 545 and 1 917 metres above sea level. The reserve is accessed by a 67 kilometre circular tarred road and there are various walks available ranging from the short paved walkway at the back of the Interpretive Centre to the 10km and 11.5km Bokmakierie hiking trails. There is a large diversity of vegetation types including highveld grassland (some over 1800 metres), sheltered kloofs and valleys, Broadleaved woodland, Acacia Savanna, stands of Protea caffra and stands of Aloe marlothii. Taking the circular drive is the best way to cover a variety of habitats. This is a good reserve for Highveld species such as Red-collared and Yellow-rumped Widows. Larks which occur include Spike-heeled, Red-capped and Long-billed and Pipits include African, Long-billed and Plain-backed. The paved walk behind the information centre may yield Sentinel Rock-Thrush (winter), Red-throated Wryneck, Red-eyed Bulbul and Bokmakierie. Mountain Wheatears are numerous in the higher areas of grassland where Wing-snapping Cisticolas and Grey-winged Francolin are also found. Red-wing and Orange River Francolins also occur whilst other cisticolas occurring in the reserve are Fantailed, Desert and Cloud. Capped Wheatear may also be seen. Summer raptors are Amur Falcon and Steppe Buzzard with resident raptors including Secretary Bird, Black-shouldered Kite and Jackal Buzzard. Numerous Canary species such as Cape, Yellow, Yellow-fronted, Streaky-headed and Black-throated occur within the reserve. The best time to visit is in early summer when larks and cisticolas are calling and Widows and Bishops are in breeding plumage.
In addition to the birding attraction the reserve also holds larger game species such as Zebra, Red Hartebeest, Black Widebeest, Sprinbok, Eland, Kudu and Chacma Baboon.
Directions
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Main Entrance | S 26°27’17” | E 28°13’22” |
| Secondary Entrance | S 26°31’60” | E 28°09’64” |
Facilities
The reserve contains two excellent picnic spots with braai and ablution facilities. There is an Interpretive Centre and Farm Museum at the Diepkloof main entrance picnic area. In addition there is a small restaurant at the Protea Hotel adjacent to the Diepkloof main entrance picnic spot.
Overnight accommodation is available at either the newly opened 30 Room Protea Hotel or at the Kareekloof Resort, which is also administered by Protea Hotels. Kareekloof has both chalets and camping spots but is popular with families so can be a little noisy at peak times. There are also overnight hiking huts for the more energetic but these are not always open.
Additional Information
Gate times:
Summer: 07H00 18H00
Winter: 07H30 17H00
Entrance Fees:
Adults R20
Children R10
Pensioners R10
Car R10
Contact
Tel: +27 (0)11 904 1011 or 904 3930/3/7, +27 (0)71 602 7581
Fax: +27 (0)11 904 2966
Web: http://www.gauteng.net/attractions/entry/suikerbosrand_nature_reserve/
The West Rand extends from Randfontein in the west to Roodepoort in the east, and includes the town of Krugersdorp. Carletonville and Westonaria are included as being part of the Far West Rand. This region offers woodland, mountain and grassland birding since the area is bounded by the Magaliesberg Mountains and slopes into the bushveld. The steeper southern slopes (cliffs) are ideal breeding ground for the Endangered and Vulnerable Cape Vultures as well as other raptor species. Several major rivers flow through this region. The Cradle of Humankind which is a World Heritage Sites are also situated in this area.
The Abe Bailey Nature Reserve situated near Carletonville on the West Rand. The reserve is named after the mining magnate, Sir Abe Bailey, who farmed and hunted in the area during the early part of the last century and whose original hunting lodge now serves as the reserve offices. The reserve is approximately 4200ha in extent.
The reserve is predominantly comprised of Carletonville Dolomite Grassland and associated wetlands with scattered caves and patches of broad-leafed and acacia woodland. The wetland itself is diverse ranging from dense reed beds to shallow open water, patches of short emergent vegetation, extensive areas of flooded grassland and narrow mudflats. The combination of wetland, grassland and bush habitat makes this a rewarding birding destination at any time of year and throughout the day. Despite an already impressive species list, the relatively low visitor frequency means that new birds are regularly encountered adding an element of excitement to any visit.
The reserve provides excellent viewing of both grassland and wetland birds, while the woodland patches occasionally provide interesting surprises. The current reserve list stands at over 260 species of which over 100 are residents or regular migrants. This is an excellent destination for novices, while experienced birders can expect to record over 100 species during the course of a morning in summer.
No bird hides are currently available, but a vehicle serves just as well on the main entry road which has been paved. The bridge across the wetland is an excellent spot for catching glimpses of Black Crakes and African Purple Swamphens as well as good sightings of Black Herons and of course large numbers of Red-knobbed Coots and Moorhens.
Birds are best observed on foot and excellent views of a variety of species are possible if one is prepared to walk quietly. Park your vehicle at the reserve offices and spend some time searching/listening for the Red-throated Wrynecks, Paradise Flycatchers, Karoo Thrushes, Cape Robin-Chats, Grey-headed Sparrows, Glossy Starlings and Cape White-eyes that can often be found there. Walk back along the entry road to the wetland and keep a lookout for Black-collared, Pied and Crested Barbets, Black-eyed and Red-eyed Bulbuls, Speckled, Red-faced and White-backed Mousebirds, African Hoopoes, Diedericks Cuckoos, Chestnut-vented Titbabblers, Blue Waxbills, Black-throated Canaries, Black-chested Prinia and other interesting birds in the long grass, bushes and woodland patches adjacent to the road. Fairy Flycatchers may be encountered here in winter.
Once back at the wetland, turn right (i.e. west with the sun behind you) and follow the rough path along the edge of the water until you reach a stand of large Eucalyptus trees. The first 100m of the floodplain has recently become inundated with shallow water and while affording some excellent views of ducks and waders, visitors will need to scout carefully for a dry route around this section. A canal has been dug along the length of the wetland and the numerous, well-spaced, vegetated mounds provide ideal vantage points, but care should be taken to avoid stepping into a Ground Squirrel burrow. Keep a lookout for African Rails, Black Crakes, Squacco Herons and Little Bitterns. Good sightings of African Purple Swamphens, Reed and White-breasted Cormorants, Darters, African Spoonbills, Glossy Ibises and a wide variety of ducks, geese, herons and egrets are usually possible. Three bridges once spanned the canal, but these have become unsafe and should not be used.
Avocets, Black-winged Stilts, Three-banded Plovers, Ruffs, Marsh and Wood Sandpipers and African Snipes can frequently be seen feeding in the shallower areas and on the adjacent mudflats. Yellow-billed Storks are regular summer visitors while Greater Flamingoes are occasionally recorded. Don’t forget to keep one eye on the more aerial species as a variety of swifts, swallows and martins may be seen hawking for food over the wetland throughout the year. Both African and Western Marsh-Harriers have been spotted patrolling the wetland on rare occasions while small flocks of African Quail-finches and Orange-breasted Waxbills are regularly encountered on this walk.
Few additional species are likely to be recorded beyond the stand of Eucalyptus trees and this is a good place to turn around. Cormorants and Darters have nested in the dead trees on the far side of the wetland and these are always worth scanning for activity. From the Eucalyptus trees, one can either return to the reserve offices by retracing the wetland route or alternatively there is a rough road running through the adjacent grassland. Stonechats, Cape Longclaws, Wattled and Crowned Lapwings and flocks of Long-tailed and White-winged Widowbirds, Red and Yellow-crowned Bishops, Red-billed Queleas and Pin-tailed Whydahs frequent this grassland area.
For those who are particularly interested in viewing grassland species, the reserve staff should be contacted for directions to the most appropriate tracks/trails. There are currently no formal access roads for visitors to drive through the grassland habitat. In addition to those grassland species already mentioned, Northern Black Korhaans, Helmeted Guineafowls, Swainson’s Francolins, Rufous-naped, Spike-heeled and Clapper Larks and Ant-eating Chats are commonly recorded. Capped Wheatears may be abundant in burnt areas at certain times of year and Namaqua Doves and Secretarybirds have also been encountered on occasion.
Directions
From Johannesburg, take the M1/N1 to Bloemfontein and then the N12 west following the signs to Potchefstroom. Before the railway bridge across the N12 turn right on the R501 to Carletonville. Take the first turning into Carletonville, cross the railway line and then proceed along Agnew Road to the 4-way stop on Annan Road. Cross over Annan road passing the Carletonville Technical College on the right. Turn right into Ada Street and continue straight over the bridge (grain silos on the right) until you see signs indicating Khutsong to the left. Proceed as to Khutsong, and keep a sharp lookout for the Abe Bailey Nature Reserve sign on the right after approximately 3.8km. For those who have visited the reserve before, the new gate is several hundred metres further along from the original entrance. If you reach the intersection at the entrance to Khutsong, then you have gone too far. Approximate travelling time from OR Tambo International Airport is 90 minutes.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Abe Bailey Nature Reserve | S 26° 18′ 0.00″ | E 27° 20′ 0.00″ |
Additional Information
Contact number for site: +27(0)18 788 3290
Gate opening and closing times
Summer: 06H00 – 18H00
Winter: 06H00 – 18H00
Entry Fee
R5 per person and R5 per vehicle (payable at the reserve office)
Ablution facilities are available for day visitors while groups can make use of the recently completed lecture hall and kitchen. The original chalets and braai area have been completely renovated and dormitory accommodation is now also available. Those wishing to make use of the lecture facilities or accommodation should contact the reserve manager on (018) 788 3290 during office hours.
There is no longer a fence between the reserve and the neighbouring township of Khutsong and visitors may well encounter groups gathering firewood from stands of exotic trees. Although no incidents have been reported, it is nevertheless advisable for people to visit the reserve in groups and no valuables should be left in vehicles.
Krugersdorp Game Park covers an area of approximately 1500ha and is accessible via a network of tarred roads within the reserve. Walking is not permitted in the reserve due to the presence of Buffalo and White Rhinoceros. The habitat is mainly grassveld with a number of small dams, reed beds and clumps of acacia. In addition there is a densely wooded valley running through the reserve following the line of the river.
Typical grassland species that can be seen here include Wing-snapping, Cloud, Desert and Zitting Cisticolas, Rufousnaped Lark, Anteating Chat, Long-tailed and Red-collared Widowbirds, African Pipit and Northern Black Korhaan. Blackheaded Heron, Cattle Egret, Glossy and African Sacred Ibis, Yellow-billed Duck, African Wattled Plover and Egyptian Goose can be located at the various dams within the reserve. Southern Red Bishop, White-winged Widow, Red-collared Widow and Levaillant’s Cisticola can all be found in the reed beds. In summer the wooded valleys are home to Red-chested and Diderick Cuckoos whilst large numbers of Barn Swallow quarter the grasslands. Rarities seen at the reserve include Kurrichane Buttonquail and Montagu’s Harrier (summer visitor).
There is an aviary in a disused lime quarry situated on the road network around the reserve containing a number of indigenous species such as Grey Crowned Crane, Southern Red-billed Hornbill, Red-billed Quelea and Wattled Starling.
The Game Reserve is renowned for its 100 ha Lion enclosure and in addition has various antelope species such as Tsessebe, Impala, Springbok, Gemsbok, Waterbuck and Eland. The Reserve also contains Burchell’s Zebra, Giraffe, Vervet Monkey and Hippopotamus.
Directions
From Johannesburg Airport take the R24 towards Johannesburg. Shortly after the R24 merges with the N12, branch left off onto the N3 south towards Heidelberg and Durban. Continue along the N3 for approximately 5 kilometers and take the N2 Johannesburg offramp, keeping to the right towards Johannesburg at the N2 split. Continue along the N2 for approximately 11 kilometers until reaching the intersection with the N1 at which point you remain in the centre lane and continue towards Roodepoort on the N2. Descending from the freeway via the offramp on the right hand side the road becomes Main Reef Road. Continue along Main Reef Road through Roodepoort for approximately 15 kilometers and then turn right onto Westlake Street. After 1.7 kilometers turn left onto the R24 Rustenburg road and continue for a further 21 kilometers approximately, the entrance to the reserve is on the right hand side. Approximate travelling time from the airport 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Main Entrance | S 26° 6′ 37.02″ | E 27° 43′ 43.98″ |
Facilities
The reserve contains a public day visitor’s picnic spot close to the entrance with swimming pool, braai and ablution facilities. There is a swimming pool, ablution facilities and a small shop at the caravan park. Ngonyama Lion Lodge has a restaurant and Ladies Bar.
Overnight accommodation is available at either the Ngonyama Lion Lodge or at the caravan site, both of which are within the reserve.
Contact
Tel: +27 (0)11 950 9900 or +27 (0)71 556 3813
Email: info@p2a.co.za
Web: http://www.krugersdorpgamereserve.co.za/
Additional Information
Gate opening and closing times
Gate times: 08H00 – 18H00
Entrance Fees:
Adults: R 70
Children: R 30
Field Guide: R 30
The Botanical Gardens are approximately 300 ha in extent, and comprise both landscaped and natural veld areas. The natural vegetation of the area is “Rocky Highveld Grassland” which is made up of a patchwork of grassland and savanna with dense bush in kloofs and along streams. The gardens are easily accessible from both paved and gravel paths which criss cross the area. The Crocodile River flows through the gardens and descends from the rocky cliffs via the 70 meter high Witpoortjie Waterfall. A small dam and wetland has been created at the lower end of the gardens with a bird hide overlooking the dam.
Despite its near urban location the birdlife is prolific and the gardens are renowned for their breeding Verreaux’s Eagles which have their nest ledge adjacent to the waterfall. In winter the Succulent Rockery attracts Amethyst, White-bellied, Greater Double-collared and the occasional Malachite Sunbirds. Winter is also a good time to look for Fairy Flycatchers.
In summer the gardens attract a good array of migrants with Red-chested, Diderick, Black and Klaas’s Cuckoos all regularly recorded. African Paradise-Flycatchers are common in summer and the gardens are a good location to find Striped Pipit, Black-headed Oriole, Brown-hooded Kingfisher, Kurrichane Thrush, Cape Weaver and African Black Swift. The dam holds a breeding population of Red Bishop and Southern Masked-Weaver and is regularly visited by Reed Cormorant and the occasional Pied Kingfisher and Green-backed Heron.
The more energetic visitor venturing to the top of the cliffs may encounter the occasional Cape Rock-thrush or Lazy Cisticola. The gardens are well worth a visit at any time of the year and have a species list of well over 200 birds.
Directions
From Johannesburg Airport take the R24 towards Johannesburg. Shortly after the R24 merges with the N12, branch left onto the N3 and immediately right onto the north off-ramp towards Pretoria and Roodepoort. Continue on the N3 for approximately 12 kilometers and at the N3 / N1 split keep right on the N1 South towards Roodepoort and Bloemfontein. After a further 14 kilometers take the R 512 off-ramp sign-posted Malibongwe Drive and Lanseria. Turn right towards Northgate / Lanseria and after 4 kilometers left into Olievenhout Avenue. Continue to the intersection with the R 564 Northumberland Avenue adjacent The Dome and turn left towards Honeydew. Cross over the M5 Beyers Naude Road and turn right into Paul Kruger Road. Continue for 5 kilometers then turn right onto Hendrik Potgeiter Road. After a further 3 kilometers turn left at the Caltex petrol station onto Doreen Road and then first right into Malcolm Road. The entrance to the Botanical Gardens parking is on the left after a further 3 kilometers. Approximate travelling time from the airport 60 to 90 minutes depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.
GPS Co-ordinates
| Location | Latitude | Longitude |
| Main Entrance | 26°05’13.8″ S | 27°50’40.7″ E |
Facilities
The Botanical Gardens have ablution facilities at the main entrance, Eagle’s Fare Restaurant and at strategic points along the pathways. Meals and refreshments can be obtained from the Eagle’s Fare Restaurant which is open daily excluding Christmas Day. No overnight accommodation is available.
Bird hides – (Please visit the Bird Hide page for a description on the grading of the accessibility of the different Bird Hides).
The bird hide (Grade 2) is over-looking the small pan. The pathway to the hide is paved and in good condition. The gradient of the pathway is quite steep in some areas. The wood boardwalk is raised from the ground but without a rope, rail or raised edge at the edge of the boardwalk. This design shortcoming makes if dangerous, not only for wheelchair users but also the general public. The benches and the viewing slots are at two different heights, making provision for people of different ages and heights. The benches are not fitted to the ground and can be moved. The floor is made of cement and access through the door is generous.
Co-ordinates: 26˚ 05′ 06S 27˚50′ 37E
Additional Information
Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens are maintained and overseen by The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).
Enquiries:
Tel: +27 (0) 86 100 1278
Fax: +27 (0) 11 668 4903
Fax to email: +27 (0) 86 520 7715
E-mail: Sisulugarden@sanbi.org.za
Website: http://www.sanbi.org/gardens/walter-sisulu
Eagle’s Fare Restaurant:
Tel: +27 (0) 82 671 8382
E-mail: eat@eaglesfare.co.za
Website: www.eaglesfare.co.za
Gate times: Mon – Sun, 08H00 – 18H00
Entrance Fees
Adults: R35
Pensioners & Disabled: R25
University students (with valid student cards): R25
Scholars: R12
Children under 6 yrs: Free
BOTSOC members: Free
Pensioners: Free on Tuesdays
Please note: Entrance fees are more on concert days – see Events
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