Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve

About the Birding

Measuring approximately 700 hectares, Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve is the largest proclaimed nature reserve in Johannesburg and is situated only 10 km south of central Johannesburg. The Bloubosspruit, a perennial stream, runs through the reserve between several wooded hills and koppies. The vegetation is a mix of highveld grassland, and broad-leaved and acacia woodland. There are several hiking trails of various lengths and gradients.

About the Birding Site

While the wetland area below the recreation centre is too small to support many permanent residents, lots of interesting species visit occasionally. These include White Stork, African Snipe, Green-backed Heron, Hamerkop, Common Sandpiper and Three-banded Plover. Red Bishops, Levaillant’s Cisticola, African Reed Warbler, Pied and Wattled Starlings are residents in the reed beds and acacia veld around the wetland and White-fronted Bee-eaters nest in the banks of the perennial stream. Brown-throated Martin, Greater Striped and Barn Swallow, South African Cliff Swallow, White-rumped and African Palm Swift forage in the air.
Commonly found in the acacia veld along the stream are Red-collared Widowbirds, Black-chested and Tawny-flanked Prinia, Bar-throated Apalis, Brown-backed Honeybird. Chinspot Batis, Brown-crowned Tchagra, Black-throated Canary, Ashy Tit, Red-headed Finch, Jameson’s Firefinch, Crimson-breasted Shrike and Cinnamon-breasted Bunting can also be found. The grassland supports Zitting and Cloud Cisticola, Swainson’s Spurfowl and Cape Longclaw are frequently seen. The Mountain Wheatear and Sentinal Rock Thrush can be found in the higher areas. Blacksmith, Wattled and Crowned lapwing frequent the short grass fields around the recreation centre, and African Olive Pigeon and Speckled Pigeon sit on the roofs of the buildings.

Red-chested, Diederik and Jacobin Cuckoos, Paradise Flycatcher and Willow Warbler are common summer visitors.

Over 220 species have been recorded on the Reserve.

Other Related Information

Address: Main Entrance: Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve, 129 Peggy Vera Rd, Kibler Park, Johannesburg South, 2091

GPS: -26.305193, 28.011392

Hours:

Summer: 06h00 – 18h00
Winter 07h00 – 17h00
Open 365 days a year

Pentad: 2615_2800

There is secure parking at the main entrance, a small picnic area and well-maintained ablutions.

There is no entrance fee.

Key species:

Verreaux’s Eagle, Red-throated Wryneck, Orange River Francolin, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher (winter visitor), White-fronted Bee-eater, Chinspot Batis, Sentinal Rock Thrush, South African Cliff Swallow.

Contact details:

The reserve is owned by City of Johannesburg and managed by Johannesburg City Parks and Zoo:
General inquiries:  011 9433578

Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve Association is an NPO which assists with the running of the Reserve:
Email:    secretary@klipriviersberg.org.za / chairman@klipriviersberg.org.za
Website: http://klipriviersberg.org.za/
Bird Walks: Kevin Lavery – 083 267 3494 – 3rd Saturday of the month