The Centre is situated within the Grasslands Biosphere Reserve, Important Bird Area (IBA) SA020, which BirdLife South Africa regards as one of the highest priority IBAs in South Africa. The Centre is located on 154ha of grassland adjoining the internationally-renowned Wakkerstroom Wetland, home to many globally-threatened bird species such as White-winged Flufftail, Grey Crowned Crane, Rudd's and Botha's Lark.

What is on offer at the Wakkerstroom Centre?

Accommodation facilities

With bird specials ticked and/or photographed, lay your head down at our accommodation facilities, with the option of en-suite guest rooms, dormitories or camping/caravan sites.

Conference facilities

Conference facilities are offered at the Centre at unbeatable prices. What better venue can there be for a conference or meeting?

Hides

There are three bird hides on the property, namely the Flufftail Hide, Crane Hide and Iain Drummond Memorial Hide. Here you can catch a glimpse of the water birds and waders. Another two hides are located on the town side of the wetland, namely the Clive Beck Hide and the WOW (Wings over Wetlands) Hide. The WOW Hide was completed in 2010 with funds from the Wings over Wetlands Programme.

Community bird guides

Not too sure where to find those elusive species? Why not employ the services of one of the community bird guides? Contact the Centre for details, availability and bookings. Tel: +27(0) 83 227 0128 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Wakkerstroom Centre Information Brochure gives more information about the available at the Centre.

Click here to download the Brochure

The Centre has magnificent views of the wetland from all three accommodation blocks, including a large verandah leading off the conference centre where one can enjoy a cup of coffee while welcoming the morning sun or a sundowner at the end of the day!

Environmental Education

2009 saw the beginnings of environmental education for local schools in and around Wakkerstroom. All environmental courses have been developed in line with the current school curriculum and support learning in the class. Using birds as a focal point, various environmental issues are explored.

The following courses are currently on offer to schools, with more being developed on a continual basis or on special request:

• Water and wetlands
• Grasslands
• Sustainable living
• Climate change
• Basic bird identification for learners
• General ecology and geography

These courses use a hands-on approach to bridge the gap between learners and their environment. Practical activities are integrated in all courses. Special days (environmental days) are also celebrated at the Centre with learners and educators.

Click here for more information on holiday programmes and more.

Wakkerstroom Centre Environmental Education Fund. Click here for more information.

So whether you are a keen birder or simply like the outdoors, pay us a visit at the centre of endemism - you won't be sorry.

Contact Kristi Garland for more information and bookings:

Tel: +27 (0) 83 227 0128
Fax: +27(0) 86 692 5312
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

"There is nothing dull about Wakkerstroom"

For the more engergetic there is a lot to do ~ paragliding, horse-riding, 4x4 trails, hiking trails, fishing and much more. For those who simply want to relax, there are a number of restaurants and coffee shops, as well as outdoor and curio shops in town.

Find out more about what's on in Wakkerstroom