Waterberg – Doorndraai Dam
About the Birding
The Doorndraai Reserve holds a large dam in the foothills of the Waterberg between Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) and Mokopane (Potgietersrus). Aside from the dam, the area holds wooded hills, savannah bushveld, open plains, and dense broad-leaved woodland. The reserve itself is vast, covering an area of roughly 7,000 hectares and boasts a small population of Waterbuck, Greater Kudu, Bushbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Blue Wildebeest, Plains Zebra, and Giraffe.
The reserve supports a healthy complement of raptors including the Martial Eagle, African Hawk-eagle, Western Osprey and African Fish-eagle. The grasslands and open savannahs hold both the Coqui and Shelley’s Francolins, while the Mocking Cliff-chat and Freckled Nightjar prefer the rocky ravines and kloofs. This is also one of the few places in the country where Garganey has been reported – albeit extremely rarely.
Other Related Information
To reach the Doorndraai Reserve, take the Sterk Rivier road off the R101 between Mookgophong (Naboomspruit) and Mokopane (Potgietersrus). After 17km, turn left onto a dirt road. The entrance to the reserve is a further 5km along this road. There is a campsite at -24.282, 28.785.
Text prepared by:
Daniel Danckwerts (Rockjumper Birding Tours)
