The Wakkerstroom area is probably the best place for a range of highveld grassland endemics. The Wakkerstroom area boasts a mosaic of wetlands, vleis and a variety of highveld grassland habitats, as well as mountainous terrain, wooded kloofs and forest patches. Wakkerstroom is unique as an ecotourism success story in that the revitalisation of the economy of this small town is based on part on its growing popularity as a destination for birders.

Specials

Crowned, Blue and Wattled Crane, Southern Bald Ibis, Rudd's and Botha's Lark, Yellowbreasted Pipit and Palecrowned Cisticola. The Wetlands offer Maccoa Duck, Black Crake, Redchested Flufftail. Both Blue and Whitebellied Korhaan occur - albeit in differing grassland habitats. Montane specials include Buff-streaked Chat, Ground Woodpecker and Rock Pipit. Wooded kloofs host Bush Blackap, and Barrat's Warbler. Larger forest patches on the escarpement to the east of Wakkerstroom also contain Buffspotted Flufftail, Orange Thrush and Blue-mantled Flycatcher.

Facilities and Information

John McAllister has written an excellent guide to the area - accomodation and guides. Warwick and Michele Tarboton have published an excellent guide to the area which contains detailed maps and recommendations of the best drives and areas for specific species. This is available from the Wild Turkey - a well known shop in the centre of the town.

Guides

There are also resident guides specialising in birding outings. This is definately the best way for the visitor to locate the more difficult specials such as Botha's and Rudd's Lark, Rock Pipit and Wattled Crane

• More info on the Wakkerstroom area (Thanks to John McAllister & Elna Kotze)
• Checklist for Wakkerstroom area (Annotated)