Birding in Memel

For a number of years Wakkerstroom, in the neighbouring Mpumalanga province, has been a popular birding destination, as it is here that certain of South Africa's range-restricted grassland endemic bird species and wetlands "specials" are known to occur, and all are reasonably accessible.

A network of mainly gravel roads provide access to various habitats in which these birds are to be found. A number of birding routes have been identified and information on which birds may be found in the different areas is available. A checklist of birds to be seen in the district, as well as a list of the "specials" is also available.

Click here for "Specials" found in the Memel district.

Birding Routes

The main habitats for birding around Memel include high-altitude (>1800m) plateau grasslands (mainly south of the town), the very extensive Seekoeivlei wetland (approximately 27km long) immediately to the north, as well as other smaller wetland areas, particularly along the Klip River to the south (east) of the town. Rocky hillsides and cliffs are also to be found; these also harbour interesting birdlife. Small patches of mistbelt forest also occur along the Drakensberg escarpment.

The following routes may be followed:

Route 1: South to the high-altitude plateau grasslands, Normandien Pass and the Klip River valley. Click here for more information.

Route 2: High-altitude plateau grasslands and Merinodal / Sterkfontein loop southwest of Memel. Click here for more information.

Route 3: Seekoeivlei Nature Reserve (western section). Click here for more information.

The bird photo's used on this page, and in the frontpage slideshow have been provided by Andy Swash. The photo's are copyright protected, and may not be used without the express permission of Andy Swash.