Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve offers game, birding, fishing, hiking and water sports – all the better for the cool breezes that offset the summer heat.
The 7,000-ha Doorndraai Dam Nature reserve lies on the Sterk River in the scenic foothills of the Waterberg Range in Limpopo. Found between Mokopane (formerly Potgietersrus) in the north and Mookgophong (formerly Naboomspruit) in the south, Doorndraai boasts a wide variety of woodland habitats such as acacia, hillside broad-leaved woodland and riverine woodland.
Game found on the reserve includes tsessebe, sable antelope, mountain reedbuck, kudu, bushbuck, blue wildebeest, leopard, impala and steenbuck. Sightings of duiker, klipspringer, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe, warthog, bushpig, brown hyena, genet, African wild cat, black-footed cat, aardvark, hedgehog, honey badger and otter are common. A road extends along the eastern shore of the dam for roughly 14 kilometres making it easier to spot game.
The reserve is a popular fishing destination with crystal clear dam water which offers largemouth bass, kurper, carp and barbel.
For birders there are over 300 species of birds and twenty-three species of raptor that have been recorded in the reserve. Look out for Osprey, the resident African fish eagle, Martial eagle, Verreauxs’ eagle and Tawny eagle. Many waders, herons, ducks and Common whimbrel can be seen on the open shoreline.
Water activities on the dam include boating, skiing, parasailing, windsurfing and canoeing.
Beautiful wild olive trees are scattered throughout the reserve and popular hiking trails weave their way through the grassland, bushveld and woodlands.
Visitors are accommodated in four camping sites. Gate Opening and Closing Times: 06h00 – 18h00. Doorndraai is open to the public for a small charge, daily visitors are also accepted. Bookings: 015 453 0629 or 082 806 2165.
How to get there: From the R101 between Mokopane and Mookgophong turn towards Sterkrivier/Doorndraai.
After 17km, turn left onto a gravel road towards Doorndraai, after 5km on the left is the first gate. The main gate/office is another kilometre into the reserve.
| More info on the area of Waterberg | More info on the Limpopo area |
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