Text and photographs by Romi Boom
Source: This article was taken from the Autumn 2011 issue of Wild Magazine
An overnight stay at Sable Dam Hide near the Phalaborwa Gate of Kruger National Park inspired Wild’s editor to shortlist a few parks with new bird hides, opened in the past year.
Vrolijkheid Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Where: Situated in the Breede River Valley, about 15 km south of Robertson on the McGregor road.
Activities: Hiking, hiking and more hiking. Surrounded by high mountain peaks that are often shrouded in mist, the area is a hiker’s paradise with trails to suit everyone.
Accommodation: Fully equipped but very basic cottages are available at Die Galg, which is approximately 14 km outside McGregor. Tel 023-625-1735.
The hide: The all-weather hide next to the upper dam of the Heron Trail is an idyllic spot to watch the setting sun and scan for African fish eagle, white-backed duck and fairy flycatcher. The bench inside seats four to five people, plus there’s space for a wheelchair. On the far side of the dam you can pick up the 8 km mountain-bike route if you feel like stretching your legs. The trail winds through succulent Karoo vegetation. Spring and summer, when the migrants arrive, are particularly rewarding for birders. There have been 175 bird species recorded in the reserve.
Contact: Reserve 023-625-1621, website
Mokala National Park, Northern Cape
Where: Nama Karoo meets Kalahari in this park located just off the N12, about 70 km southwest of Kimberley.
Activities: It’s your chance to tick off rare game like black rhino, sable and roan antelope, tsessebe and the unusual-looking black springbok.
Accommodation: Mosu Lodge has comfortable bungalows (R760 for two), a restaurant and pool. The self-catering chalets at Lilydale Lodge (R495 for two) overlook the Riet River. Rustic camping costs R90 for two.
The hide: In the vast scrubland of this arid park, the new hide with spacious deck overlooks Stofdam waterhole, a magnet for birds and game. The hide is opening in autumn and will be accessible by wheelchair. There will be bird reference posters at hand to help with identification. Look for martial eagle, pale chanting goshawk and marabou stork, as well as Kalahari specials such as black-chested prinia.
Contact: Park 053-204-0158, bookings 012-428-9111,
Rooisand Nature Reserve, Western Cape
Where: Located in the Kogelberg Biosphere near Kleinmond.
Activities: Stop and smell the flowers – the biosphere is a botanical treasure trove with spectacular proteas and endangered mimetes. Most of the walks leave from the Oudebosch cabins outside Kleinmond. The Palmiet River offers thrilling kayaking in winter.
Accommodation: The chalets at Kogelberg are being revamped but there’s plenty on offer in the seaside towns.
The hide: From its perch overlooking the Bot River estuary, Rooisand hide offers prize sightings of greater flamingo, African spoonbill and osprey. You may also spot wild horses. The hide was designed by architect and birder Vernon Head and has viewing slots that look out in all four directions. The walkway to the hide is accessible by wheelchair and a reed structure screens visitors from the birds. For close-up sightings of waders, visit in winter when the hide should be surrounded by water.
Contact: Reserve 028-271-5138, website
Marakele National Park, Limpopo
Where: Near Thabazimbi in the heart of the Waterberg mountains.
Activities: Put your 4×4 to the test and follow the three-day eco-trail into the primitive part of the park. By day guides help you read the signs of the bush, by night you relax in unfenced wilderness camps. R3 245 per vehicle, maximum five vehicles.
Accommodation: Fully equipped safari tents (R855 for two) with their own veranda and braai facilities, or pitch your own (R160 for two).
The hide: Made of reeds and shade netting, the hide at Bollonoto Dam is designed to blend into its surroundings. Down below elephant and zebra come to drink, black crake and dwarf bittern feed in the water, and common moorhen nest in the reed-beds. The hide is in the Kwaggasvlakte section of the park and is accessible by sedan. For a breathtaking view of the park’s Cape vultures, take a break from the hide and follow the road up the Waterberg massif.
Contact: Park 014-777-6929, bookings 012-428-9111,
Camdeboo National Park, Eastern Cape
Where: Practically surrounding the town of Graaff-Reinet on the vast plains of the Karoo.
Activities: Spend some soul time in the awe-inspiring Valley of Desolation. Dramatic cliffs and dolerite columns tower over the valley floor. Hikes of various lengths and level of challenge offer views of the endless space.
Accommodation: There are plenty of options in town, but the park will be getting its own tented camp soon. Watch this space.
The hide: Birders will be glad to hear the Khwalimanzi hide has reopened after a fire destroyed it. This spacious, thatched hide on the eastern floodplain of Nqweba Dam seats 15 people and has views on three sides. It’s a good place if you want to add waders such goliath heron, crested grebe and spur-winged goose to your tick list. Large herds of up to 100 eland, buffalo, blesbok and springbok also come calling. For the best sightings, visit early morning and evening during summer when migrants swell the numbers.
Contact: Park 049-892-3453, website
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