Augrabies Falls National Park.
39km north east of Kakamas in the far northern Cape, the falls and the river create a striking contrast to the arid semi desert of this region. The lush vegetation attracts a good variety of birds. In the thornveld around the park look for the Sociable Weaver nests as Pygmy Falcon are likely to be nearby. Rosy-faced Lovebirds, Ashy Tit, Karoo Robin and Pririt Batis also favour thornveld. Namaqua and Black-chested Prinia can be found near the water and on the rock outcrops, Cinnamon-breasted and Rufous-eared Warblers are present. The area is good for raptors and Gymnogene, Steppe Buzzard, Red-necked and Peregrine Falcon are all commonly seen. The park has good accommodation.
Bushmanland.
This area of semi-desert karoo scrub and gravelly plains, with Calvinia in the south, Brandvlei to the west and Van Wyksvlei to the east covers quite a substantial area. It is one of the best birding areas in South Africa with many endemics or near endemics present. Best time is September to December, when breeding starts. Much of the birding is done from the car, and if one can find any water, then it pays to sit and wait and see what comes in. Larks are probably the main target species, with Stark’s, Sclater’s, Long-billed, Karoo, Thick-billed, Spike-heeled and Clapper Larks all present. The Red Lark is completely restricted to this area. Namaqua Sandgrouse, Black-eared and Grey-back Finchlarks, Cinnamon-breasted, Namaqua and Rufous-eared Warbler, Karoo Prinia, Karoo Eremomela, Black-headed Canary, Layard’s Titbabbler, Karoo, Tractrac and Sickle-winged Chat are all ‘sought after’ birds that can be readily seen. Ludwig’s Bustard and Karoo and White-quilled Korhan are relatively common. Raptors found here include Booted Eagle, Black Harrier, Lanner and Peregrine Falcon. Distances between towns are quite long, so make sure you have sufficient petrol and water when traveling in this area.
Goegap Provincial Nature Reserve.
This 7,000 hectare nature reserve is 15 kilometres east of Springbok. 581 different indigenous plants are seen here and some succulents are so rare they are found nowhere else in the world. The park incorporates the Hester Malan Wild Flower Reserve, which literally bursts into colour in the spring. This is also the best time to see birds. Although numbers aren’t large, birding here can be good. Raptors include Verreaux’s, Martial and Booted Eagles, Black-breasted Snake Eagle, Jackal Buzzard, Pale Chanting Goshawk, Black Harrier and Lanner Falcon. Larks are present with Red, Stark’s, Thick-billed, Karoo and Clapper Larks seen. In the eastern section of the park look for Double-banded Courser and Karoo Korhaan.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park.
This park is predominately montane grassland at over 2000 m above sea level. Target birds here include Bearded and Cape Vultures and Bald Ibis, of which there are two breeding colonies. Some 140 bird species have been identified in the park, and a hide at the vulture restaurant enables birders to observe them closely. At higher altitudes, look for Mountain and Buff-streaked Chat, Orange-breasted Rockjumper and Sentinal Rock Thrush. Around the Glen Reenen Caravan Park and accommodation watch for Rufous-chested Sparrowhawks and Cape Rock Thrush and Red-winged Starlings. There is good accommodation here which can be booked by telephoning (27) 58 255 0012. To access the park take the R711 to Bethlehem to Clarens and then the R712 from there to the park. It is about 340km south of Johannesburg.
Kalahari Gemsbok National Park.
Set in the most north westerly corner of the Northern Cape, this park of nearly one million hectares is an area of semi arid savanna and red sand dunes. Low rainfall and extreme temperatures make this a very hot and dry place. Birding though can be very good, with raptors featuring high on the list, and up to 25 species possible. Red-necked and Lanner Falcon, Bateleur, Steppe and Martial Eagle, Little Banded, Pale Chanting and Gabar Goshawks and Pygmy Falcon are all frequently seen. Wahlberg’s, Booted and Lesser Spotted Eagles are there but less common. A wide variety of larks and finchlarks are found here, particularly after the rains in January – March. Both Ludwig’s and Kori Bustard are common and Harlequin and Common Quail are frequently seen after the rains. During the dryer months of the year, it is best to find a waterhole and be patient. Namaqua and Burchell’s Sandgrouse will come in to drink in large numbers as will many other birds. Twee Rivieren is the only rest camp in the park that has a restaurant, so come prepared!
National Botanical Garden, Bloemfontein.
On the north west outskirts of Bloemfontein, this 70 hectare botanical garden is a very good site to go birding if one has a limited time in the city. 131 species have been recorded here, and although there are no rarities to be found, it does give you a good insight in to the birds of the area.