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Description
The whole area of Wakkerstroom covers around 1200 km², so most birding is done by driving in the roads leading in the hills around the town. Just drive along the loops to the south, east and north of Wakkerstroom and check the hills for grassland birds (Denham's Bustard, Blue Bustard, Black-bellied Bustard, White-bellied Bustard, Southern Anteater-Chat, Blue Crane, Pale-crowned Cisticola). You can also find Yellow-tufted Pipit and Yellow-breasted Pipit, Rudd's Lark , Spike-heeled Lark, and others in the more rocky areas near Groenvlei and the Naauwhoek Pass. The wetland near the town is easy accessible due to several hides in the large reedbeds. It is possible to get very close to the more secretive birds of the wetland areas such as Red-chested Flufftail, Little Bittern, etc.
Details
Access
Due to the far distances it is absolutely recommended to have a 4x4 car. The hides around the wetland are accessible only by feet, and during wet season (Sept. - Jan.) they are sometimes not accessible due to the high water level. There is always safe parking close to the hides and you can also drive around the wetland by bike.
BirdLife South Africa is running a centre on the western side of the wetland. It offers accommodations and in any case it is worth a visit. You can book tours with very competent guides and borrow a very elaborated brochure with loads of tips concering birding in the area (a true piece of art with decades of work and passion included).
Terrain and Habitat
Wetland , Grassland , Plateau , Lake , Reedbeds , Mud flats , Agriculture , City/villageConditions
Hilly , Rocky , Open landscape , Wet , High water possibleCircular trail
YesIs a telescope useful?
YesGood birding season
Spring , SummerBest time to visit
Spring , SummerRoute
Paved road , Wide path , Narrow trail , Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
Average walkAccessible by
Foot , Car , BicycleBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Photo Blue Bustard by Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.