Central Karoo – Commandodrift Nature Reserve
About the Birding
Roughly 60km from Cradock, in the heart of the vast central Karoo birding route, lies the 6 000 hectare Commando Drift Nature Reserve. Central around the impressive Commando Drift Dam, which is fed by four rivers, the dam ensures an abundance of biodiversity within an otherwise stark landscape. The lake itself covers roughly 950 hectares when full but water levels fluctuate in relation to rainfall and river flow.
About the Birding Site
The vast central Karoo is one of South Africa’s most iconic ecosystems, blanketed by semi-desert drought adapted vegetation and characterised by endless plains broken only by isolated conical hills. The region is dotted with picturesque towns and villages, many with a quaint charm and old-fashioned way about them. The largest among these is the picturesque town of Graaf-Rienet, the fourth oldest town in South Africa and the administrative centre for virtually the entire Karoo region.
Other Related Information
Directions:
Commando Drift is roughly 60km north of Cradock on the road to Tarkastad.
The nearest towns are:
Tarkastad: 35Km
Cradock: 55Km
Queenstown: 125Km
Key species:
Martial and Verreaux’s Eagles, Double-banded Courser, Blue and Northern Black Korhaans, Kori and Ludwig’s Bustards.
Contact details:
For more information, contact:
Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency
17-25 Oxford Street
East London CBD
Tel: +27 (0)43 492 0081
Email: info@ecpta.co.za
Reserve contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)87 286 6404