Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Marievale Bird Sanctuary is approximately 1 000 ha in extent, is located at the southern end of the Blesbokspruit RAMSAR site and is a designated Important Bird Area (IBA SA021). The reserve is accessed by approximately 12 kilometers of rough dirt roads that can become impassable during long periods of wet weather. The reserve consists of large expanses of marsh with extensive reedbeds interspersed with open patches of water and mudflats during drier periods. There are areas of natural grassland and farmland surrounding the wetlands. Waterbirds are the main attraction with large populations of Reed Cormorant, Red-knobbed Coot and Yellow-billed Duck. It is probably the best location in Gauteng to see Goliath, Black, Squacco and Purple Herons alongside the commoner Grey and Black-headed. African Spoonbill and African Darter are relatively common and Greater and Lesser Flamingos occur from time to time. Ducks include Cape Shovelor, White-faced, Red-billed Teal, Hottentot Teal, Southern Pochard and even the occasional Cape Teal, Fulvous Duck, South African Shelduck and White-backed Duck. During migration and low water levels waders include large numbers of Ruff, Curlew Sandpiper, African Snipe, Pied Avocet, Black-winged Stilt and Little Stint. Wood and Marsh Sandpipers occur regularly. During summer months the reedbeds are alive with Lesser Swamp, Little Rush and African Reed Warblers with the occasional Greater Reed and Sedge. African Purple Swamphen and Black Crake are fairly commonly seen but the African Rail is more difficult to locate. Little Bittern are regularly seen from the Otter and Flamingo hides. African Marsh Harriers are frequent and Western Marsh Harriers turn up from time to time. In winter Marsh Owls can be seen quartering the nearby farmland and grasslands. Marievale is renowned for the rarities than turn up on occasion, these include in recent years Slaty Egret, Baird's Sandpiper, Pectoral Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Yellow Wagtail. The best time to visit is early summer when the grass is short and the birds are breeding and during migration for the waders, but the reserve is always worth visiting at any time of the year.

Directions

GPS Coordinates
Description	Latitude	Longitude
Main Entrance	26°21'47" S	28°30'22" E
Secondary Entrance	26°23'06" S	28°30'61" E

From Johannesburg Airport take the R24 towards Johannesburg. Shortly after the R24 merges with the N12, branch left off onto the N3 south towards Heidelberg and Durban. Continue along the N3 for approximately 35 kilometers and take the R550 (R554) Nigel / Lenasia offramp, turning left towards Nigel at the offramp intersection. Continue along this road for approximately 20 kilometers until reaching the T-junction with the M63 where you turn right towards Nigel. Proceed through Nigel (the road becomes the R42 after the traffic light intersection with this road) and just after the Vorsterkroon industrial area turn left onto a side road signposted Marievale Bird Sanctuary (Union Carriage & Wagon Works are on the corner). After approximately 5 kilometers at a fork in the road, take the right gravel road and the reserve entrance is reached after a further 1 kilometer and a sharp bend to the right.

A second entrance to the reserve can be reached by continuing along the R42 towards Delmas. After crossing the Blesbokspruit River and passing several large pans on the left the entrance to the reserve is signposted to the left.

Approximate travelling time from the airport 1 to 1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

Facilities

The reserve contains a picnic spot with braai and ablution facilities. There are five hides over-looking the pans four of which have chemical toilets nearby.

Overnight accommodation is available at either the newly opened 16 Room Goldfields Lodge Hotel in Nigel or at the 2 chalets on the reserve, which can be booked through Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

Additional Information

Enquiries:

Chalets (enquiries through Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve)

Tel: +27 (0) 11 904 1011 or 904 3930/3/7, +27 (0) 71 602 7581
Fax: - +27 (0) 11 904 2966

Goldfields Lodge Hotel

Tel: +27 (0) 11 814 7104/7495
Fax: +27 (0) 11 814 4367

Gate times:

	Open	Close
Summer	05H30	19H30
Winter	06H30	18H00

Entrance Fees: None

Goldfields Lodge Hotel:
Standard Room	R480 per night
Executive Suite	R580 per night
Honeymoon Suite	R780 per night