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Stofdam Hide

Mokala National Park  >  South Africa

Great spot in Mokala National Park for some arid birding as there is always something at the water.

Added* by Chenay Simms
Most recent update 8 Eylül 2025

Description

Mokala National Park is one of South Africa’s newer national parks. It was proclaimed in 2007 and named after the Setswana word for the camelthorn tree, which dominates the landscape. The park spans roughly 27,500 hectares and features a mix of koppieveld (rocky hills) and open plains, creating a peaceful and secluded setting ideal for wildlife viewing and birding.

Mokala National Park is one of those hidden gems that is not flashy, but allows for a lot of peace and quite away from the crowds. The Stofdam bird hide is one of the must visit spots for birders in this park. When there is water in the little dam it is a hive of animal and bird activity. Even when dry it is still a nice spot to just relax and make use of the ablutions. These restrooms are fed a water tank located next to them which often has a small overflow of water. This overflow creates a little bird watering spot that attracts a lot of birds, especially when the dam is dry.

Details

Access

Mokala National Park is located about 80 km southwest of Kimberley in the Northern Cape. As with most national parks in South Africa the park is access controlled, not accessable by foot and has an entrance fee. As Mokala NP is in quite a remote part of the country you cannot get there by public transport. The roads are drivable using a standard sedan but are gravel roads that are a bit rough in places. Press P on the map for directions.

The hide itself is easily accessible to people with limited mobility but can get quite hot in summer.

Terrain and Habitat

Scattered trees and bushes , Pond , Desert

Conditions

Flat

Circular trail

No

Is a telescope useful?

No

Good birding season

All year round

Best time to visit

Autumn , Winter

Route

Unpaved road

Difficulty walking trail

Easy

Accessible by

Wheelchair , Foot , Car

Birdwatching hide / platform

Yes

Extra info

If the dam is dry still check out the water tank around the side of the ablutions as there is usually a water overflow that attracts a lot of birds and butterflies.

Links

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

Map

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