The Wakkerstroom Area
A visit to Wakkerstroom, in the company of a BirdLife South Africa trained guide, will almost guarantee you the opportunity to see three endemic species which are restricted to Southern Africa's high altitude grasslands – Rudd's Lark, Botha's Lark and Yellowbreasted Pipit. Other specials include Blue Korhaan and Southern Bald Ibis.
Wakkerstroom is well-known for its peace and tranquillity, but there is also much to do about town. There are a number of eateries, pubs, basic shopping facilities (the nearest centre is Volksrust), a garage, salon, museum and historical buildings to visit, but most importantly great birds! The area has three major bird habitat types – wetlands, grasslands and forest.
Birding in the area
Some of the specials to be found include:
Wetland Species
- Grey Crowned Crane
- African Grass Owl
- African Snipe
- African Purple Swamphen
- African Marsh-Harrier
Grassland Species
- Rudd's Lark
- Botha's Lark
- Yellow-breasted Pipit
- Southern Bald Ibis
- Blue Korhaan
- Denham's Bustard
- Buff-streaked Chat
- Ground Woodpecker
Forest Species
- Bush Blackcap
- Chorister Robin-Chat
Bird Hides
There are 4 hides situated around the wetland.
- SASOL Flufftail Hide
- Crane Hide
- Clive Beck Memorial HideZ
- Iain Drummond Hide
Bird Guides
As many of the special birds in and around Wakkerstroom occur on privately owned land, which is not accessible to the general public, it is advisable to book a Community Bird Guide. The guides have the necessary permission to visit private farms and are experts at finding the specials. This can be done in a relatively short period of time because they know their patches well.
Guides can be booked through email:wakkerstroom-centre@birdlife.org.za or contact +27 (0)78 503 9754
Accommodation at the Centre
As the BirdLife Wakkerstroom Centre was originally built as a training centre for Community Bird Guides, the facilities are fairly basic but cosy and welcoming. The facilities are serviced on departure and are run on a self-catering basis.
Catering is available on request for groups of 13 or over.
Bring your own towels and drinks.
Facilities at the Centre
Dormitory
12 x 2 bed (singles) rooms with communal his/her bathrooms(hot water showers).
The kitchen has 2 x 4 plate stoves with ovens, 1 x 2 plate gas stove, 2 x fridge/freezers, 1 x chest freezer. Linen, cutlery, crockery and washing up liquid are provided. There is a fireplace in the training room for cold nights.
Guest Suites
2 x 3 bed (1 double and 1 single bed) suites, en-suite showers with a lounge/kitchen and dining room area. The kitchen has a 2 plate Salton Oven, gas heater, fridge and smaller freezer. Linen, cutlery, crockery and washing up liquid are provided.
Campsite
There are 10 campsites (max 6 people per site), with ablution facilities (hot showers) and a communal scullery and food preparation area. There is plenty of grass, shade, braai facilities with great views of the wetland.
Accommodation bookings
Accommodation can be booked through email: wakkerstroom-centre@birdlife.org.za or contact +27 (0)78 503 9754
Rates
| Facility | Members | Non-Members | ||
| Sep – Mar & Easter | Apr - Aug | Sep – Mar & Easter | Apr - Aug | |
| Guest Suites | R120.00 | R100.00 | R150.00 | R120.00 |
| Dormitory | R95.00 | R75.00 | R120.00 | R95.00 |
| Dormitory (groups) | R1 430.00 | R1 050.00 | R1 820.00 | R1 315.00 |
| Conference – full day | R600.00 | R450.00 | R750.00 | R550.00 |
| Conference – half day | R350.00 | R250.00 | R450.00 | R350.00 |
| Camping – per person | R35.00 | R25.00 | R45.00 | R30.00 |
| Plug Point | R 10.00 | R 10.00 | R 15.00 | R 15.00 |
| Guides – half day | R200.00 | R200.00 | R250.00 | R250.00 |
| Guides – full day | R300.00 | R300.00 | R350.00 | R350.00 |
| EE Courses | Full day 09h00-15h00 R30 per learner | Half Day 09h00-12h00 R15 per learner | ||
| Catered meals for groups (Minimum of 13) |
Breakfast (cereals and yoghurt) R20 per head Breakfast (cooked breakfast) R25 per head Lunch (centre) R30 per head Lunch (packed) R25 per head Supper (incl dessert) R35 per head Prices subject to change | |||
Directions
From Johannesburg, take the N3 south. Turn off on the R23 to Standerton/Nigel. Then follow the R23 to Volksrust and then the R543 to Wakkerstroom (27km). From Durban, take the N3 to Estcourt. Take the N11 to Ladysmith (11km from the N3 offramp). Travel through Ladysmith and head for Newcastle along the N11 (80km) and continue to Volksrust (55km). Pass through Volksrust and take the Piet Retief road (R543) to Wakkerstroom (27km).