Ezemvelo Private Nature Reserve

Ezemvelo is situated on the Bankenveld, which is the transition between the Highveld grassland (about 4 000 ha) and the savanna (about 1 000 ha) biomes. Telperion is largely savanna and is about 8 000 ha in extent. The birding is good all year round but is best in summer when the migrants are present and when grassland birds are in breeding plumages and calling. A scenically attractive reserve comprising grassland plains and savanna, rocky outcrops and wetlands, stocked with a variety of animals. The Wilge River bounds the reserve on the eastern side. Visitors may walk, cycle or drive freely in the reserve and are permitted to cross the river on foot and access the area lying to the east of the Wilge River, called Telperion. Good range of Highveld and Bushveld species and the reserve list stands in excess of 200 species. In the first 12 months of the second South African bird atlas project, four lists were submitted and 145 species recorded. Specials include African Finfoot, Verreaux's and Martial Eagles and Shelley's- and Orange River Francolin. Red-winged Francolins and Cape Grassbirds are common. Birds associated with mountainous areas such as Mountain Wheatear, Mocking Cliff-chat, Red-winged Starling, African Black Swift and Rock Martin are frequently seen here. Many lark and cisticola species are commonly found in the reserve. Search the camping and picnic area for Greater Double-collared- and Amethyst Sunbird, Familiar Chat, Yellow-fronted- and Black-throated Canary and Lesser Honey-guide. White-fronted and European Bee-eaters and whydahs, widowbirds, bishops and weavers are plentiful in summer.

This is a popular venue for day visits and weekend birding courses organised by Gauteng bird clubs. The roads within the reserve are good and usually navigable by a sedan, but take care after rain.

There is a limited amount of luxury accommodation, a good number of self-catering chalets and mountain huts, a camping and caravan park, a picnic and braai (barbecue) area, hiking trails, game drives, cave guided walks, horse riding.

Directions

Look for the sign R21 Kempton Park/Pretoria and travel north-eastwards for about 14 km to the R25 Bapsfontein turn-off. Leave the freeway and turn left onto the R25. Keep on this road for about 60 km, travelling through Bapsfontein and Bronkhorstspruit. About 5 km beyond Bronkhorstspruit, turn right at the Ezemvelo direction sign onto a gravel road and travel for about 20 km, following the signs to Ezemvelo. The reserve is approximately 90 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude: 28,93
Longitude: -25,71

Contact

Tel: +27(0)13-680-1399 and +27(0)83-440-5886
E-mail: Ezemvelo[at]telkomsa.net
Website: www.ezemvelo.co.za

Additional Information

Entry Fee: R40 adult (R50 high season); R30 child (R35 high season); R20 vehicle (R25 high season)
Gate opening and closing times
Open: 07:00
Close: 17:00 summer and winter.