This large, protected piece of Eastern Rûens Shale Renosterveld consists of approximately 80% virgin land: a matrix of Renosterveld shrublands of different ages, with thicket-like vegetation in the kloofs attracting another suite of avifauna. The remaining 20% of the reserve comprises previously agricultural landscapes.

The reserve is sign-posted from the Road (-34.3306, 20.3768), and Bredasdorp/Malgas Road (-34.3881, 20.3069).

When approaching from Swellendam/Spitskop, scan the fields immediately after the turn. Cape Vulture (from the nearby Potberg colony) are occasionally seen in these pastures. Karoo Korhaan are also possible. More common are Red-capped and Large-billed Larks, Pied Starling, Cape Weavers and other seed-eating species.

If you leave the Bredasdorp/Malgas Road, scan the roadside fields for Denham’s Bustards, Secretarybirds and Karoo Korhaan. Common Quail (summer) is abundant amongst the growing wheat. The birding from the directional sign (-34.3732, 20.2833) to the Renosterveld Research and Visitors Centre (-34.3381, 20.3268) is excellent. Agulhas Long-billed Larks are common along this road, especially once you get to the start of the reserve (-34.3598, 20.3090). The distinctive Agulhas form of Cape Clapper Lark is especially conspicuous in the early morning as they undertake their unmistakable display flights. Cloud Cisticola is also common along this stretch. Coveys of noisy Grey-winged Francolins can be surprisingly common. Both Southern Black Korhaan, and Denham’s Bustard, and probably Karoo Korhaan breed on the reserve. Black Harriers (another breeding species) are regularly seen hunting low over the Renosterveld. Coveys of Namaqua Sandgrouse regularly drink at the dam near the old cottage (-34.3436, 20.3250).

Both access roads will meet at the Renosterveld Research and Visitors Centre (-34.3381, 20.3268) where you can park and follow on foot. Start at the gate (-34.3379, 20.3247), working your way through the renosterveld to the junction (-34.3371, 20.3230). Here you can continue right and up to the lookout point (-34.3344, 20.3224), and onto the botanical interpretive trail: or left and along the road to the reserve boundary (-34.3351, 20.3094). The birding along either route is excellent and offers plenty of opportunities to see most of the species mentioned above.

Key species:

Black Harrier, Southern Black Korhaan, Cape Vulture, Agulhas Long-billed Lark, Cape Clapper Lark, Denham’s Bustard, Cloud Cisticola