Wakkerstroom is home to the largest population of threatened bird species in South Africa, and one of South Africa’s premier birding locations.
Thanks to the attention of the Wakkerstroom community who formed the Wakkerstroom National Heritage Association and the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Association, the wetlands around Wakkerstroom have been designated a protected reserve and the once sleepy and obscure village is firmly on the tourism and birding maps.
The reserve area was sponsored by the conservation arm of global paper an pulp company SAPPI, and the success of this venture has also resulted in a Training Centre being set up by Bird Life South Africa to train bird guides from the local community – some of whom are employed in other birding areas of South Africa and some who have become self-employed bird guides.
The Wakkerstroom Wetland Reserve Training Centre is also engaged in the monitoring of threatened species – both resident and seasonal visiting species such as the rare White Winged Flufftail.
Other species that can be seen include Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Blue Korhaan, Southern Bald Ibis and all 5 species of Harrier bird found in South Africa.
| More info on the town of Wakkerstroom | More info on the Highlands Meander area |
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