Missing video
Sorry, this video could not be found.
A top birding spot in the Free State
Sandveld Nature Reserve
Birdlife is prolific in the Sandveld Nature Reserve.
© Rick Nuttall
Did you know?
The Bloemhof Dam lies at the confluence of the Vaal and Vet rivers in the Free State.
The Sandveld Nature Reserve is 1 of South Africa's top birding spots, with 295 bird species recorded here, as well as a wide range of mammals, including black and white rhino. It offers visitors an uncrowded experience in the wild.
Not many people know about this reserve, 200km from Bloemfontein.
Leading South African ornithologist Rick Nuttall has studied waxbill species in the Sandveld Nature Reserve, which he rates as 1 of his favourite birding spots in South Africa: 'It's a very special place, made all the more special by the lack of crowds and by the presence of camelthorn trees cradling sociable weaver nest masses, which can each host up to 300 birds,' says Nuttall.
'The reserve offers a variety of habitats including Kalahari thornveld, Karoo scrub, sweet-thorn savannah, open water and the dam shoreline, contributing to the great variety of species,' he adds.
Bird species in the reserve include crimson-breasted shrikes, white-backed vultures, sociable weavers, waxbills, lapwings, gabar goshawks, cuckoos, larks and other species of shrikes.
The reserve also has abundant game, including giraffe, buffalo, eland, gemsbok, sable and roan antelope, and black and white rhino.
Other attractions are angling and watersports on the 25 000-hectare Bloemhof Dam, which has hosted F1 powerboat racing over a number of years.
The dam also offers a great variety of waterbird species, including the South African shelduck, white-faced duck, Cape teal, Southern pochard, grey heron and goliath heron.
Birders, anglers and tourists are offered basic but clean camping and self-catering chalet facilities at the reserve. Don't expect luxury facilities and restaurants here. Do expect a wonderful birding and wildlife opportunity far from the madding crowd.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
Sandveld Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)53 4331701/2/3
Rick Nuttall (leading ornithologist)
Tel: +27 (0)51 447 9609 (w)
Email: ornito@nasmus.co.za
How to get here
The reserve is situated 200km north-west of Bloemfontein on the R34 between Hoopstad (Free State) and Bloemhof (North West province), and is +/-35km from Hoopstad and 10km from Bloemhof. Bloemfontein is approximately 380km from Johannesburg.
Get around
You'll need to drive yourself around in the reserve.
What will it cost
Day visitors pay R50 per car. The self-catering chalets are R300 per night for 3 people and R450 per night for 5 people. Camping facilities with electricity are R170 per night; without electricity R90 per night.
What to pack
Typical safari gear: binoculars, cameras, bird book.
Where to stay
The Sandveld Nature Reserve offers basic but clean chalets and camping facilities, with and without electricity.
What to eat
The Sandveld Nature Reserve has no restaurant or shop, and visitors must bring all their food and beverage requirements.