An absolutely fantastic body of water fringed with pristine highveld grassland. Birding is great all year round with most cisticolas, larks, bishops, widowbirds, and weavers however most active in the summer months. The reserve is accessed through the western side (no access to the eastern side possible) and a nominal fee is payable at the entrance. The dam itself should be searched for an array of waterfowl including Southern Pochard, Cape Shoveler, Great-crested Grebe, Red-billed Teal, and Red-knobbed Coot, whilst Grey-headed Gull, Whiskered and White-winged Tern (both in summer), and Caspian Tern all frequent the dam as well.

Bronkhorstspruit dam covers an area of 952 ha and has surrounding agricultural fields, seasonal wetlands, and a mixture of highveld grassland with a few Eucalyptus stands. The reserve is well known as both a great fishing and birding destination. It is suggested that birders visit the Nature Reserve throughout the week as there is often an influx of fishermen over the weekend which often disturbs the birds in the surrounding area.

Directions:
From Pretoria take the N4 east toward Bronkhorstspruit. Take the R25 exit, turning immediately right and heading in a southerly direction (R42). Proceed along this road for 19km before tuning right onto a single-track dirt road. Proceed along here for 2.8km following the road as it veers toward the right and toward the dam/s entrance buildings.

Key species:

Western Osprey, Great-crested Grebe, Caspian Tern, Marsh Sandpiper, Common Greenshank, Marsh Owl, African Rail, Striated Heron, Giant and Malachite Kingfishers, African Yellow Warbler, Horus Swift, and Orange-breasted Waxbill

Contact details:

Bronkhorstspruit Nature Reserve
Tel: +27 (0)79 930-8343
Website: http://www.tshwane.gov.za/sites/tourism/NatureConservation/Pages/Bronkhorstspruit-Nature-Reserve.aspx