Located southwest of Oudtshoorn, Paardebont offers fantastic birding opportunities, especially for those interested in Karoo specials. To get there, take the road from Oudtshoorn passing Volmoed to the turnoff to Paardebont (-33.6891, 22.0769). Starting your birding from this gravel road, you might pick up your first Karoo specials, such as Karoo Eremomela and Karoo Chat. Follow the gravel road to the crossing of the Moerasriver, where the distinctive call of the Namaqua Warbler rattles from the reedbeds, providing an easy starting point for your search. The road follows the Moerasriver, where larger trees provide birding opportunities to spot Pririt Batis, Black Sparrowhawk, and White-backed Mousebird.

Beginning your birding adventure early in the morning could allow you to catch sight of Ludwig’s Bustard as they stride across the open plains, and witness the Cape Clapper Larks displaying their namesake dance. Keep an eye out for the Southern Black Korhaan, another iconic species, spotted in the low Karoo vegetation as they too perform their loud display. For raptor enthusiasts, watch for the majestic Black Harrier or Booted Eagle soaring overhead.

As you approach Paardebontriver, you will come across another thorny thicket patch surrounding a farm dam. Here, you may find Fairy Flycatcher, Chestnut-vented Warbler, and Black-headed Canaries frequenting the combination of water, thorny thickets, and farmlands. In the same area, listen for the typical call of the Lesser Honeyguide. After about 9 km you will find a fork in the road, take the road to the left (-33.7890, 21.8202) as you near the turning point of this birding trip (-33.7959, 21.8027).

Paardebont is situated in a semi-arid region, characterized by open plains amongst the valleys, sparse vegetation, and rocky outcrops, providing a diverse range of habitats for various bird species. The area is also known for its unique topographies while transitioning between the different vegetation types. The birding experience at Paardebont is enhanced by the tranquility of the surroundings, making it an ideal location for peaceful Karoo bird watching.

Starting point: (-33.6891, 22.0769), &
Turning point: (-33.7959, 21.8027).
If you are interested in plants or the medicinal purposes of some karoo plants, then Minwater Eco Adventures is on this route where the road hugs the Moerasriver for a short period in the beginning.

Key species:

Blue Crane, Ludwig’s Bustard, Southern Black Korhaan, Black Harrier, Karoo Scrub-Robin, Karoo Chat, Large-billed Lark, Karoo Lark, Karoo Eremomela, Chestnut-vented Warbler, Namaqua Warbler, & Fairy Flycatcher.

Contact details:

Minwater Eco Adventures (-33.7124, 22.0396)
Website: https://minwater.co.za/
Email: louis@minwater.co.za
Tel: +27(0)44 279 1285 or +27(0)82 481 3625

Text prepared by:
Rudi Minnie
Cell: +27 (0)72 837 0242
Email: rudi.minnie@gmail.com