Located on the outskirts of Delareyville, close to Vryburg on the N14 highway, lies the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary – a 2000-hectare RAMSAR Convention-accredited waterfowl sanctuary. It is regarded as one of the largest waterfowl sanctuaries in Southern Africa, making it an internationally important destination for migratory birds and waterfowl.
Barberspan is the largest of a series of pans that lie in the fossil bed of the Harts River, measuring roughly 600 meters wide and 1550 meters in length. The sanctuary is home to over 12,000 birds and more than 365 bird species, making it a birdwatcher’s paradise. The sheer numbers and diversity of birds here make it an extremely popular destination among birders, and it is not uncommon to spot sought-after species like maccoa duck, chestnut-banded plover, and black-necked grebe.
One of the reasons why so many birds flock to the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is that it is one of the few permanent bodies of water on the western highveld, providing food and shelter for these waterbirds during the dry months. Here, you can spot flamingos, pelicans, grebes, terns, herons, cranes, ibis, and bitterns, and all but one of the South African duck species have been sighted at the pans.
While power boats are not allowed in the pans, birdwatching from a canoe in the southern section can be a gratifying experience. However, the sanctuary is popular with anglers as well, and several regional and national angling competitions are held here. Visitors can camp along the angling shoreline and explore the walking trails.
Popular activities and tourist attractions at Barberspan bird sanctuary
Apart from birdwatching, the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary offers several other activities for tourists to enjoy. One such activity is fishing. Anglers can be seen at the lake, fishing for species like carp, yellowfish, and bass. The sanctuary has a designated angling shoreline where visitors can camp and fish. It is recommended that anglers bring their own fishing gear, bait, and tackle as these are not available for rent at the sanctuary.
For those who enjoy hiking, the sanctuary has several walking trails that lead through the surrounding bushveld. These trails offer visitors the opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty and observe wildlife in their natural habitat.
The sanctuary also has a picnic area where visitors can enjoy a relaxing picnic surrounded by the sounds of nature. It is recommended that visitors bring their own food and refreshments as there are no restaurants or food vendors within the sanctuary.
For those interested in history, the nearby town of Delareyville has several historical sites and monuments worth exploring. The Delareyville Museum is a small museum that displays the town’s history and culture. The Voortrekker Monument, located in the town’s center, is a monument dedicated to the Afrikaans pioneers who settled in the area.
The town also has several small art galleries and craft shops where visitors can purchase locally made art and crafts. Visitors can also explore the nearby Harts River Valley, which is home to several game reserves and wildlife sanctuaries.
The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful destination that offers visitors a chance to connect with nature and observe a diverse range of bird species. With its many activities, tourist attractions, and points of interest, it is a must-visit destination for any nature lover or bird enthusiast.
Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre
In addition to the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, there are other attractions and activities to enjoy in and around the area. One such attraction is the Lichtenburg Game Breeding Centre, which lies just outside the town of Lichtenburg on the R503, about two hours from Johannesburg.
Operated by the National Zoological Gardens of South Africa, the breeding centre is primarily focused on breeding programmes for endangered species and supplementing populations for local and international zoos. While the centre is currently closed, it remains a unique and fascinating destination for animal lovers.
The reserve covers nearly 6,000 hectares and is home to a variety of unusual animals, such as the addax, scimitar-horned and Arabian oryx, and the mohrr gazelle. Visitors can also spot the remarkable pygmy hippo and Pere David’s deer in the wetland area. Additionally, more common animals such as white rhinos, blue wildebeest and various antelope roam the grasslands.
One of the main advantages of the breeding centre is its location. The area has a lot of water, creating a paradise for birds, and coots, herons, secretary birds and vultures are easy to spot. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching at one of the largest bird hides in the country, which has been built in the breeding centre.
For those looking for more outdoor activities, the nearby town of Lichtenburg offers a variety of hiking trails, as well as horse riding and mountain biking routes. The town is also home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Lichtenburg Concentration Camp Cemetery, which serves as a reminder of South Africa’s turbulent past.
For those interested in exploring further afield, the Pilanesberg National Park is just over an hour’s drive away. The park is home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo) as well as a host of other wildlife, and offers a range of activities such as game drives and hot air balloon safaris.
The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary and surrounding areas offer a wealth of activities and attractions for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re interested in birdwatching, hiking, or game viewing, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Molemane Eye Nature Reserve
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is not the only attraction in the North West Province worth visiting. The Molemane Eye Nature Reserve, located just 11km from Ottoshoop on the Lichtenburg – Zeerust Road, is another fantastic destination for those seeking a relaxing weekend away. This petite reserve boasts a natural well at its center, with half of the water filtering into a dam and the rest turning a water wheel that powers an old mill, which is a national monument and a great place to visit.
In addition to the mill, visitors to the reserve can pitch their tents alongside the dam for a unique and peaceful camping experience. The dam is also perfect for fishing enthusiasts, as there are Bass in its waters. However, please be aware that rules apply and it’s essential to inquire before fishing.
Molemane Eye Nature Reserve is home to various plant and animal species, so it’s an excellent place to explore and photograph the natural beauty around you. This reserve is ideal for families, as there are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about the environment and the importance of conservation.
When planning a visit to Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, don’t forget to include a trip to the nearby Molemane Eye Nature Reserve for a delightful and peaceful weekend away.
Kortkloof Cultural Village
The Kortkloof Cultural Village offers a unique and authentic cultural experience that allows visitors to learn about the traditional way of life of the Tswana people. Located in the Kortkloof Valley among the Swartruggens hills near Groot Marico, this rural village provides an opportunity to experience the slow pace of life in a remote and tranquil setting.
It’s important to note that the Kortkloof Cultural Village is not a cultivated tourist village but a living community. Therefore, visitors should contact the Groot Marico Tourism office in advance to arrange a visit.
During a visit, tourists will have the chance to tour the village and see the combination of traditional brick and zinc roofed homes alongside newer, low-income government housing. They can witness Tswana dancing and enjoy a traditional meal, which is part of the villagers’ set programme for visitors. The villagers are proud of their heritage, and the history of iron-smelting works and Tswana settlements can be seen throughout the Kortkloof Valley.
Apart from a visit to the cultural village, there are other activities and attractions to add to your itinerary. For example, the Eye of Marico, a natural river fountain, is a popular spot to visit. Tourists can also explore the Mampoer and Tobacco Route, which includes a visit to a local mampoer distillery. The Groot Marico region is known for its mampoer, a traditional South African fruit-based liquor. Visitors can also visit the Herman Charles Bosman Living Museum, dedicated to the famous South African writer. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy the local birding sites, and a visit to Wondergat, a unique natural sinkhole, is also worth considering.
In summary, while the Kortkloof Cultural Village may not be easily accessible to visitors, it provides a rare and genuine cultural experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression. Along with the various other activities and attractions in the surrounding area, a visit to the village and its people can be a highlight of a trip to the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary region.
Mafikeng Game Reserve
The Mafikeng Game Reserve, located on the outskirts of Mafikeng, covers an area of 4,600 hectares of open Kalahari grassland and acacia thorn scrub. The reserve offers an authentic African landscape of sour mixed bushveld, which is home to a wide variety of wildlife species. One of the major breeding parks for white rhino in South Africa, the reserve lies on the boundary of the capital city of the North West province and offers virtually guaranteed viewing of buffalo, gemsbok, giraffe, zebra, springbok, red hartebeest and of course, the white rhino.
Did you know that the Mafikeng Game Reserve has pioneered electronic tagging in an effort to stop rhino poaching? This innovative effort has led to a significant decrease in rhino poaching in the reserve. The reserve is also home to large populations of plains game, including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, springbok, and red hartebeest. The birdlife along the Molopo River is particularly prolific, with numerous species of finch and waxbill.
One of the biggest draws of the Mafikeng Game Reserve is its economical entrance fee, as well as the fact that the main circuit through the park takes little more than two hours. Visitors are almost always able to view enough game to make for a rewarding dip into the country’s wildlife. The reserve also lies in a malaria-free area, with a relatively mild climate. However, visitors in winter may want to wrap up during the evenings or on early morning game drives.
For those who want to see lions, the lodge that lies on the border with the Mafikeng Game Reserve and has its own entrance into the reserve, has a lion enclosure and a crocodile camp. Additionally, visitors can combine their visit to the Mafikeng Game Reserve with other nearby attractions such as the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, Kortkloof Cultural Village, and Molemane Eye Nature Reserve.
Molopo Game Reserve
Barberspan bird sanctuary is located in the North West province of South Africa, near the Molopo Game Reserve. The Molopo Game Reserve is a massive 24 000 hectare game reserve situated right up against the Botswana border in the far western corner of the province. One of the reserve’s unique features is the fossilized Phepane River bed which visitors can explore.
This game reserve is one of the best kept secrets in the country due to its remote location and people’s reluctance to share such a gem of a holiday destination. The reserve promises flourishing herds of wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, springbok, duiker, and even the warthog puts in an appearance. On the predator’s list, visitors may spot the cheetah, hyena, caracal, African wildcat, honey badger, and black-backed jackal.
The Molopo Game Reserve is particularly beautiful, with gently sloping red Kalahari dunes studded with bushman grass forming an ideal backdrop for the animals that call Molopo their home. The bird list in the reserve is impressive and includes many species of finch and waxbill. Visitors are allowed to walk in the reserve, adding to the element of solitude.
The reserve does offer hunting, which is a downside for some visitors. However, the game here is livelier than at some similar reserves, offering some hope that animals are a little more elusive.
Other tourist attractions in the area include the Mafikeng Game Reserve, which is a breeding park for white rhino and has become famous for pioneering electronic tagging in an effort to stop rhino poaching. The park is located on the boundary of the capital city of the North West province and offers virtually guaranteed viewing of buffalo, gemsbok, giraffe, zebra, springbok, red hartebeest and, of course, the white rhino. The park’s main circuit through the park takes little more than two hours and visitors can almost always view enough game to make for a rewarding dip into the country’s wildlife. The lodge that lies on the border with the Mafikeng Game Reserve and has its own entrance into the reserve, has a lion enclosure and a crocodile camp, which is another attraction for visitors.
In addition, the Vaalbos National Park is situated about 10 kilometers north of the Barberspan bird sanctuary. This national park is known for its koppies, which are small hills that dot the landscape, and the rocky ridges that are perfect for hiking and exploring. Visitors to the park may spot the rare Cape Vulture, the black wildebeest, and the eland, which are all found in the park.
Leopard Park Golf Course
Located in Mafikeng, the Leopard Park Golf Course is a premier golf course designed by Peter Matkovich. With its lush green fairways and eight of the eighteen holes incorporating water features, it provides a refreshing oasis in the dry and dusty conditions of the area. The theme of the oasis is perpetuated throughout the course, with an island green on the 18th hole providing a dramatic finish.
Accuracy is key when playing at Leopard Park Golf Course, as the long and slender fairways are knitted with Kikuyu grass. The greens, which are coated in Bent grass, provide a challenging end to many of the holes. Measuring in at 6720m, the course is ideal for golfers of all levels, with four different tee options available for your pleasure.
Leopard Park Golf Course offers a range of facilities, including a Pro-Shop, Club hire, Cart Hire, and Driving Range. Visitors are always welcome, but it is recommended that accommodation in Mafikeng be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Visitors to Mafikeng can enjoy other activities such as birdwatching at the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary or exploring the Molopo Game Reserve. The Mafikeng Game Reserve, which is one of the major breeding parks for white rhino in South Africa, lies on the boundary of the city and offers the opportunity to view buffalo, gemsbok, giraffe, zebra, springbok, red hartebeest, and the white rhino. The reserve has become famous for pioneering electronic tagging in an effort to stop rhino poaching.
For those looking to experience a taste of the African wilderness, Molopo Game Reserve is a 24,000-hectare game reserve located right up against the Botswana border in the far western corner of the North West province. Visitors can explore the fossilised Phepane River bed and observe flourishing herds of wildebeest, gemsbok, eland, red hartebeest, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, springbok, duiker, and warthog. The reserve is also home to predators such as cheetah, hyena, caracal, African wildcat, honey badger, and black-backed jackal.
Visitors to Mafikeng have a range of activities to choose from, and golfing at Leopard Park Golf Course is just one of the many options available. Whether it’s exploring the wildlife reserves, enjoying birdwatching at the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, or simply soaking up the beautiful African landscape, there is something for everyone in Mafikeng.
The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is open daily from 06h00 to 18h00 and is well sign-posted from the N14 which links the small towns of Delareyville and Sannieshof. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or a nature lover, the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is definitely worth a visit.
