Gauteng, Mountains and Wetlands routes

Route 1
We make an early start and head for Marievale bird sanctuary which is a modified high-altitude wetland, it forms part of the larger Blesbokspruit IBA which was designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance in 1986. At least 286 species have been recorded here, we will be looking for specials such as Slaty Egret, Grass Owl, Bailons Crake and many other water loving species. From here we will head for the 13 337 ha Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve, which boasts a huge diversity of habitats. The reserve holds some 273 bird species, here we will be looking for some highveld grassland specials rarely recorded elsewhere in Gauteng. Specials include Sentinel Rock Trush (winter), Black Harrier (winter), Ground Woodpecker, Black Eagle, Grey-winged and Red-winged Francolins, Striped Pipit and many more. Of course there is the added advantage of a good sprinkling of game species to view. We will enjoy a packed picnic lunch at the Holhoek picnic site.

Route 2
We will start at the 95 ha Rondebult Bird Sanctuary where we will concentrate mainly on running up a quick list of waterbirds. The sanctuary consists of a number of large ponds originally created as settlement pans for a nearby sewage treatment plant. From here we head to Kloofendal Nature Reserve where we will find some woodland birds including the likes of Black Cuckooshrike, Malachite Sunbird, Klaas’s Cuckoo, Lesser and Greater Honeyguides and many more. A short distance from here we find the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens which is an outstanding birding locality with a bird list of approx. 230 species. On arrival we will enjoy a packed picnic lunch before heading for the nesting Black Eagles near the waterfall. There is some pleasant and well laid out walks, along which we will look for Greater Double-collared Sunbird, Mocking Cliff-chat, Rock Kestrel, African Black Duck and Half-collared Kingfisher to name a few.

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