Species likely to be encountered along the way include African Oystercatcher, both Kelp, and Hartlaub’s Gulls and White-fronted Plovers. Be sure to scan the ocean for other species foraging offshore or in transit. These would include Cape Gannet, Swift (Greater Crested) and Sandwich (summer) Tern and Cape Cormorants. The trail ends at the lookout point (-32.5893, 18.3038). Here are picnic tables and ablution facilities where visitors can stop for a quick break before birding their way back the road (3km walk). This walk offers an excellent opportunity to spot Strandveld species like Karoo Scrub-robin, Grey Tit, Layard’s Warbler, Cape Penduline-Tit, Bokmakerie, and White-backed Mousebirds.

The wetland for which the reserve is known, attracts large numbers of 70+ waterbird species. The wetland is not permanent and in some years it is completely dry. It is best to contact the reserve to enquire about the conditions of the wetland before visiting. There are four bird hides positioned along the shoreline. Three are placed at the southern end which receives inflowing water first, and is also the last part of the pan to dry out. The fourth and smallest hide is situated further north along the western edge of the wetland. All hides are accessible via a short walk from the nearest road. Waterfowl are the most common species seen, especially Cape Shoveler, both Red-billed, and Cape teal and Yellow-billed Ducks. Black-winged Stilts, Red-knobbed Coot, Little Grebe, African Spoonbill and White-breasted Cormorant are all regular. In summer, hosts of small waders like Curlew Sandpipers, Little Stint, Wood Sandpiper, and Ruff are all possible. There are small pockets of managed reedbeds scattered around the wetland that are inhabited by Southern Red Bishop, Little Rush-, and Lesser Swamp Warblers.

The 3km long Rocherpan Trail begins just past the northernmost cottage (-32.6134, 18.3030) and takes the visitor along the eastern side of the wetland crossing over the northern end of the wetland meeting up with the western access road (-32.5918, 18.3074) at to return via the road (c. 4km) along the west side of the wetland. This trail is excellent for Strandveld specials. Karoo Scrub-robin, White-backed Mousebird, Grey Tit and Cape Penduline Tit are all present, in addition to species like Long-billed Crombec, Bar-throated Apalis and Yellow Canaries. Several larks also occur including Cape Clapper, Large-billed, Karoo and Cape Long-billed. Southern Black Korhaan and Ludwig’s Bustard are rare. Look out for Black Harrier at the northernmost part of the trail as it turns westward. Other common raptors include Pale Chanting Goshawk and Black-winged Kite. This trail does provide opportunities to observe waterbirds along the route, but make sure to leave early so that the sun is at your back.

Key species:

African Oystercatcher, Kelp Gull, Hartlaub Gull, Cape Cormorant, Cape Gannet, Swift Tern Cape Shoveler, Red-knobbed Coot, Greater Flamingo, Black harrier, European Bee-eater