Birding Wakkerstroom
The Grasslands around Wakkerstroom offer what must rank amongst the highest quality birding in Africa. The South African Grassland Biome is a now endemic relic of a once far more widespread vegetation type in Africa. While the total number of species recorded here - a little more than 300 - is low by African standards nine species are endemic to the biome and seven of these are found more easily here than elsewhere.
A further 21 easily found species are endemic, or nearly endemic to southern Africa as a whole. The region is registered as an Endemic Bird Area (EBA) by BirdLife International. A comprehensive check list has been compiled and can be obtained from the Wild Turkey (see ‘Specialist Shops’) or from most of the town’s guest houses. For more details telephone (017) 730-0269, 730-0029 or 730-0509. This summer ('97/'98) is a good time to go - Rudd's (now South Africa's most threatened bird) and Botha's Larks, Yellowbreasted Pipit, Bald Ibis, Blue Korhaan, Blue & Southern Crowned Cranes, Bush Blackcap, Stanley's Bustard, etc. are all displaying and otherwise getting ready for a bumper birding season. Contact John (017 730 0269) or At (017 730 0029) for a guided tour to privately owned farms where these species can be found.
Guides
At Kotze
At is a registered National Guide and is available to conduct both small and larger tours throughout the area. His speciality is birding, but with his knowledge of the history and natural environment of the Grasslands he is available to all interest groups. Tel. (017) 730-0029
John McAllister
A registered Specialist Guide, grassland environmentalist and well-known birder John was a major contributor to Top birding Spots in Southern Africa and managed the erstwhile Transvaal’s Bird Monitoring Programme. He specialises in personalised birding and scenic tours of the area. Tel. (017) 730-0269
Accommodation
Kaalpoort Guest Farm
P O Box 35 Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel: 017 730-0415
Turn left (signposted J D Boshoff - Kaalpoort) after 10 km on the Wakkerstroom-Utrecht road. Personal hospitality from Koos & Marietjie. Self, partly or fully catered farm holiday, tea garden, indigenous plant information, birding and paragliding. Children welcome.
Wakkerstroom Country Inn
P O Box Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel: 017 730-0067
Join Brian and Ian Charlton at this newly refurbished hotel on Church Square in the centre of the village. Six double en suite rooms in Victorian hotel - fully catered.
Wetlands Lodge
P O Box 160 Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel: 017 730-0101, Fax: 017 730-0124.
1,1 km from Wakkerstroom on the Piet Retief road. Five double rooms - fully catered - restaurant and pizzeria.
Weaver’s Nest Guest House
P O Box 329 Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel: 017 730-0115, Fax: 017 730-0280.
3 km out of Wakkerstroom on the Piet Retief road. Satour accredited Guest House. Eight double rooms and 1 family room - fully catered.
Toad Hall
42 Hoog Street. Tel and Fax: 017 730-0427.
Three double rooms in a restored Victorian house . Fully catered. Also self catering cottages in the village.
Rusoord Guest House
P O Box 308 Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel: 017 730-0225.
On the main road in Wakkerstroom. Three Double rooms - Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
Beautiful Just B & B
P O Box 249 Wakkerstroom 2480. Tel and Fax: 017 730-0269.
13 van Riebeeck Street on eastern edge of town. Join John and Elize McAllister for a birding weekend par excellence. Period furniture, personal attention, private entrance, no smoking, no children under 12. 1 en suite room, twin beds - other meals by arrangement.
Balele Mountain Lodge
P O Box 156 Utrecht 2980. Tel and Fax: 017 730-0418 or 017 730-0417.
After 21 km on the Wakkerstroom-Utrecht road turn right on to the D154. Five Chalets accommodating 24 people - self catering or partly catered. Bird watching, horse riding, trout fishing, hiking, caravan park.
Monika’s Guest House
P O Box 1225 Volksrust 2470. Tel. 017 735-1238.
500 m out of Volksrust on the N11 to Newcastle. Three double rooms, own bathrooms. In lovely thatched house with large, farm-like gardens. Fully catered.
Thanks to Elna Kotze and John McAllister for the inforrmation on this page and for the Online Checklist
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