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Clarens Kloof Dam

Clarens, Free State  >  South Africa

The Clarens Kloof Dam and Clarens Nature Reserve are a beautiful area with panoramic spots and nice bird species in a valley area.

Added* by Christiaen MOUS
Most recent update 2 Nisan 2024
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Description

In the Clarens area, nature is preserved by the Clarens Village Conservancy (CVC). Their working area covers more than 800 hectares and is called the Clarens Nature Reserve. This area is very popular with hikers, but it is also a very nice area for birding with birds such as Jackal Buzzard, Buff-streaked Chat, Ground Woodpecker, Fork-tailed Drongo, Olive Thrush and Dideric Cuckoo (summer). Clarens Kloof Dam is a good place to search the reed beds with a spotting scope for Cape Weaver, Southern Red Bishop (summer), Yellow-billed Duck, Lesser Swamp Warbler, White-throated Swallow and Red-knobbed Coot.

In the grasslands around Clarens and around the ridges you have a chance to observe Wing-snapping Cisticola, Karoo Prinia and Bokmakierie. According to Birdlife South Africa, the following bird species are core species for this area: Wailing Cisticola, Cape Batis, African Dusky Flycatcher, Cape Grassbird, Greater Double-collared Sunbird, African Pied Starling, Red-eyed Bulbul, Karoo Thrush, Black Swift and Cape Bunting.

Details

Access

The dam and nature reserve are located directly west of the town of Clarens. Click on the P in the map for directions or coordinates. It is not possible to drive to the Clarens Kloof Dam. There are several walking routes from the village to the dam or around the lake. A walking map is sold at several points in Clarens and the routes are very clearly marked. Anyone who wishes to explore the area by bicycle (mountain bike) must apply for a permit through CVC. This is possible at any store in Clarens. See more info on their website (see the link below).

Terrain and Habitat

Lake , Canyon/cliff , Mountain , Grassland , Plateau , Plain , Scattered trees and bushes , Reedbeds , City/village

Conditions

Mountainous , Rocky , Dry , Open landscape , No shadow

Circular trail

Yes

Is a telescope useful?

Can be useful

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Summer

Route

Unpaved road , Narrow trail

Difficulty walking trail

Average walk

Accessible by

Foot , Bicycle

Birdwatching hide / platform

No

Links

View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces

Map

Top 5 birds

Wailing Cisticola
3. Wailing Cisticola
(Cisticola lais)
Red-eyed Bulbul
5. Red-eyed Bulbul
(Pycnonotus brunneus)

Other birds you can see here

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