The Wakkerstroom Tourism and Education Centre is now known as the BirdLife South Africa Grasslands Conservation Centre, which will focus on research and conservation initiatives, supporting the protection of South Africa’s unique grassland ecosystems. The Grasslands Conservation Centre no longer offers accommodation and is closed to the general public. As part of the Mpumalanga Grasslands Conservation Project, the centre will play a key role in biodiversity stewardship, working with landowners and communities to safeguard critical habitats for globally-threatened bird species such as African Marsh Harrier, Grey Crowned Crane, Rudd’s and Botha’s Lark and Yellow-breasted Pipit.. A major focus of our efforts is the conservation of the endangered Botha’s Lark (Spizocorys fringillaris), a species dependent on intact, well-managed grasslands. Learn more about Botha’s Lark and our conservation efforts here: https://www.birdlife.org.za/bothas-lark/.

 

Any queries and bookings pertaining to BirdLife South Africa’s Accredited Community Bird Guides based in Wakkerstroom, please contact Thandulwazi Ndaba on thandulwazi.ndaba@birdlife.org.za,(071) 718-1566 (Calls only), (082) 289-3396 (WhatsApp only). 

Grey-crowned Cranes in Wakkerstroom. Wikimedia Commons | Eric Gropp ©

Hides

There are two bird hides on the Western side of the wetland, namely the 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 Northern 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?

For more information and guide bookings, please contact Thandulwazi Ndaba on thandulwazi.ndaba@birdlife.org.za,(071) 718-1566 (Calls only), (082) 289-3396 (WhatsApp only).