Category Archives: About

A hard day’s work in Dinokeng

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Last week we had opportunity for a quick day visit to the Dinokeng Game Reserve and thankfully the chilly winter weather let up for a little while, allowing us to spend the day in the great outdoors, exploring the only game reserve where the “Big 5” roam freely within our home province of Gauteng, while also getting a bit of work done.

Southern Pied Babblers
Blue Wildebeest
Coqui Francolin
Kudu bull
Magpie Shrike
Kudu cow
Kudu bull
Kudu cow
Black Springbok
“Standard” Springbok
White Springbok
Grey Go-away Bird
Blue Wildebeest
Warthog
Larry’s Dam
Burnt-necked Eremomela
Giraffe
Purple Heron
Stream crossing in Dinokeng
Stream crossing in Dinokeng
Nyala
Kalahari Scrub Robin
White Rhinos
White Rhinos
Stream crossing in Dinokeng
Elephant bull
Pienaars River
Pienaars River in Dinokeng

The reason for our trip to Dinokeng Game Reserve was an introductory visit to Ngata Safari Lodge, the newest addition to DeWetsWild’s portfolio of wild destinations that we offer a reservation service for and that we can use as base for our guided tours. Ngata is a small venue  inside the reserve and less than an hour’s drive from our home in Pretoria, offering safari-style tents with en-suite bathrooms – the epitome of “glamping” – and breakfast included in the rate. There is also camping sites where you can pitch your own tent or caravan and use either private or communal ablution blocks. On site there is a restaurant, function venue, boma and swimming pool. We were very impressed with Ngata’s facilities and personnel and if you’d like to book a visit don’t hesitate to reach out – you will probably run into us there one day soon!

Safari-style tent at Ngata Safari Lodge
The tents are equipped with double beds
and en-suite bathroom with wc, bath and shower!
Camping site at Ngata
Communal ablution block
The finest views are from campsite 1, which has its own private bathroom
Ngata’s boma is ideal for fireside get-togethers
Ngata’s function venue

Orange River Francolin

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Scleroptila gutturalis

The Orange River Francolin is a ground-living bird that inhabits open, flat and often arid grasslands, where it feeds on a wide range of plant material and invertebrates. In South Africa their distribution centres on Gauteng, the Free State and North West, extending marginally into adjacent provinces. On the African continent there’s two widely separated populations, one in Southern Africa and the other in North-East Africa, which are considered by some authorities to be separate species entirely. According to the IUCN the species is of least concern, though agricultural practices may have a severely negative impact on populations in farming areas.

Orange River Francolins are shy birds and difficult to observe, although their loud crowing often gives away their presence. They’re usually seen in pairs – they’re monogamous and territorial – or in small family groups. These francolins may nest at any time of year in response to rainfall, with the female incubating a clutch of up to 8 eggs in a little hollow she scrapes in the ground surrounded by dense grass. The hatchlings emerge after a 3 week incubation and leave the nest soon after. They grow quickly and start making practice flights even before they’re 2 weeks old! Fully grown they measure about 34cm in length and weigh approximately 400g.

Orange River Francolin
Orange River Francolin
Orange River Francolin
Orange River Francolins
Orange River Francolins

April ’25 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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March and April knell in the autumn season in our part of the world, and while we still had lots of rain in both months temperatures have also declined noticeably of late with the sun rising ever later and setting ever earlier. Misty mornings are the order of the day now at our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve and the colours in the leaves are matched by a large number of autumn butterflies. I’ve had the pleasure of guiding several groups on drives through the reserve the past two months, and in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography we also hosted learners from Joubert’s high school’s photography club on a wildlife and nature photography workshop.

Rietvlei sunrise
Rietvlei scenery
Eyed Pansy
Dotted Blues
Broad-bordered Grass Yellows
Broad-bordered Grass Yellows
Net-winged Beetles
Sooty Blue
Citrus Swallowtail
Giant Bullfrog juvenile
Heavily gravid female Common Green Mantis
Rain storm passing over Rietvlei
Sunset at Rietvlei
Rietvlei sunset
Rietvlei sunset

As mentioned, we’re experiencing many misty mornings at this time of the year and, while it makes early morning game-viewing tricky the multitude of wet spiderwebs illuminated by the first rays of sunlight are a sight to behold!

Waterbuck in the mist
Eland in the mist
Spiderwebs on a misty morning
Spiderweb (photo by Joubert)
Spiderweb
Spiderweb (photo by Joubert)
Spiderweb (photo by Joubert)
African Stone-Chat in a misty sunrise

A most remarkable sighting this past month was of a Black-headed Heron that had caught a Brown House Snake!

Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught
Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught
Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught
Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught
Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught
Black-headed Heron with a snake it caught

Rietvlei is still delivering lots of interest for bird lovers, not least of which was a flock of cuckoo finches that spent several weeks in the reserve before moving on.

African Darter
African Fish Eagle
Pair of African Fish Eagles calling
African Paradise Flycatcher
African Snipe
African Stone-chat
Banded Martin
Black-winged Kite
Black-winged Kite
Burchell’s Coucal
Cape Glossy Starling
Cape Grassbird
Cape Longclaw
Cape Robin-Chat
Cape Wagtail
Cattle Egret
Crowned Lapwing (photo by Joubert)
Cuckoo Finch male
Dark-capped Bulbul
Fiscal Shrike
Green-backed Heron
Jacobin Cuckoo
Levaillant’s Cisticola
Long-tailed Widowbird male in flight
Malachite Kingfisher (photo by Joubert)
Marsh Owl
Northern Black Korhaan female
Orange-breasted Waxbill
Smiling Ostrich
Pin-tailed Whydah male
Female Pin-tailed Whydah
Reed Cormorants
Southern Masked Weaver
Swainson’s Spurfowl chicks
African Wattled Lapwing
White-breasted Cormorants
Zitting Ciscticola
Ostrich family gathering (photo by Joubert)

Rietvlei’s densely vegetated grasslands is still making it very difficult to see any of the smaller kinds of mammals that call the reserve home, but thankfully the large population and wide variety of larger animals are still playing their part to make our guided drives and walks most memorable.

Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black Wildebeest
Blesbok
Blesbok
Blesbok running across Otter Bridge (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo bull looking fearsome (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo cow
Buffalo calf (photo by Joubert)
Buffaloes crossing a road in Rietvlei (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo rushing through the long grass (photo by Joubert)
Young eland cows
Eland bull
Eland bull
Spotted-neck Otter
Plains Zebra portrait
Waterbuck
Waterbuck cow

If you’d like to join me on a guided tour of Rietvlei – on a hike or on an open vehicle drive – you can book through melanie@rietvleicoffee.co.za / +27(0)74-820-9926.

List of birds we saw at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during March and April 2025 (109 species):

Scientific Afrikaans English
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
Amblyospiza albifrons Dikbekwewer Thick-billed Weaver
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anhinga rufa Slanghalsvoel African Darter
Anomalospiza imberbis Koekoekvink Cuckoo-Finch
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Apus apus Europese Windswael Common Swift
Apus caffer Witkruiswindswael White-rumped Swift
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Asio capensis Vlei-uil Marsh Owl
Batis molitor Witliesbosbontrokkie Chinspot Batis
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Bubulcus ibis Veereier Western Cattle Egret
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Butorides striata Groenrugreier Green-backed Heron
Caprimulgus pectoralis Afrikaanse Naguil Fiery-necked Nightjar
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Ceryle rudis Bontvisvanger Pied Kingfisher
Chalcomitra amethystina Swartsuikerbekkie Amethyst Sunbird
Chrysococcyx caprius Diederikkie Diederik Cuckoo
Cinnyris talatala Witpenssuikerbekkie White-belled Sunbird
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
Circus ranivorus Afrikaanse Vleivalk African Marsh Harrier
Cisticola fulvicapilla Neddikkie Neddicky
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Corythornis cristatus Kuifkopvisvanger Malachite Kingfisher
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra mozambica Geeloogkanarie Yellow-fronted Canary
Dendropicos fuscescens Kardinaalspeg Cardinal Woodpecker
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Dicrurus adsimilis Mikstertbyvanger Fork-tailed Drongo
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Euplectes albonotatus Witvlerkflap White-winged Widowbird
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes axillaris Kortstertflap Fan-tailed Whydah
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Falco biarmicus Edelvalk Lanner Falcon
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Hirundo albigularis Witkeelswael White-throated Swallow
Hirundo rustica Europese Swael Barn Swallow
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Kleinglansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lanius minor Gryslaksman Lesser Grey Shrike
Lophoceros nasutus Grysneushoringvoel African Grey Hornbill
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Merops apiaster Europese Byvreter European Bee-eater
Microcarbo africanus Rietduiker Reed Cormorant
Mirafra africana Rooineklewerik Rufous-naped Lark
Motacilla capensis Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail
Muscicapa striata Europese Vlieevanger Spotted Flycatcher
Neophedina cincta Gebande Oewerswael Banded Martin
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Oena capensis Namakwaduifie Namaqua Dove
Ortygospiza atricollis Gewone Kwartelvinkie African Quail Finch
Oxylophus jacobinus Bontnuwejaarsvoel Jacobin Cuckoo
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Phylloscopus trochilus Hofsanger Willow Warbler
Ploceus capensis Kaapse Wewer Cape Weaver
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Prinia flavicans Swartbandlangstertjie Black-chested Prinia
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Quelea quelea Rooibekkwelea Red-billed Quelea
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Scleroptila gutturalis Kalaharipatrys Orange River Francolin
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Hamerkop
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Sphenoeacus afer Grasvoel Cape Grassbird
Spilopelia senegalensis Rooiborsduifie Laughing Dove
Streptopelia capicola Gewone Tortelduif Cape Turtle Dove
Streptopelia semitorquata Grootringduif Red-eyed Dove
Struthio camelus Volstruis Common Ostrich
Tachybaptus ruficollis Kleindobbertjie Little Grebe
Tadorna cana Kopereend South African Shelduck
Tchagra senegalus Swartkroontjagra Black-crowned Tchagra
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Terpsiphone viridis Paradysvlieevanger African Paradise Flycatcher
Threskiornis aethiopicus Skoorsteenveer African Sacred Ibis
Trachyphonus vaillantii Kuifkophoutkapper Crested Barbet
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Turdus smithi Geelbeklyster Karoo Thrush
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Vidua macroura Koningrooibekkie Pin-tailed Whydah
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye

List of mammals we saw at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during March and April 2025 (14 species):

Scientific Afrikaans English
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros
Connochaetes gnou Swartwildebees Black Wildebeest
Cynictis penicillata Witkwasmuishond Yellow Mongoose
Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok Blesbuck
Equus quagga Bontsebra Plains Zebra
Hippopotamus amphibius Seekoei Hippopotamus
Hydrictis maculicollis Kleinotter Spotted-necked Otter
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Sylvicapra grimmia Grysduiker Common Duiker
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland

February ’25 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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We’ve been having loads of rain in Pretoria since mid-December and our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve has turned into a lush green paradise where even rhinos and buffalo can disappear among the tall grass, in striking contrast to the fire-ravaged veld in early spring. The reserve was even closed due to flooding for a few days in February! Nature’s resilience is remarkable! The month of February marks a year since I started guiding guests on drives and walks through this special reserve on a freelance basis, and in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography we presented another “introduction to wildlife photography” workshop for aspirant wildlife photographers from Gauteng at the reserve in February as well.

Early morning at Rietvlei, on my way to meet my guests for the morning drive
Sunrise at Rietvlei
Sooty Blue butterfly pair
Speckled Rock Skink
Speckled Rock Skink
Mosquito Fish
Mosquito Fish
Common Diadem butterfly
Swainson’s Spurfowl landing on a dead branch
Storm building over Rietvlei
Storm building over Rietvlei
Heading home in the evening

The young Black-chested Snake Eagle is venturing further afield of the nest in which it was raised, though still returning to it regularly. I haven’t seen its parents at the nest at all during January and February, and suspect they’re probably coaxing the youngster to roam more widely by feeding it at other places.

Adult Black-chested Snake Eagle
Juvenile Black-chested Snake Eagle
Juvenile Black-chested Snake Eagle
Juvenile Black-chested Snake Eagle

Aside from the Black-chested Snake Eagles, Rietvlei’s grasslands, thorny thickets and wetlands are positively bursting at the seams with a wide-variety of other birds, several of them in enormous numbers.

African Black Duck
African Darter
African Quail Finch
African Stonechat
Amur Falcon
Banded Martin
Black-chested Prinia
Bokmakierie
Cape Grassbird
Cape Longclaw
Cape Longclaw
Cattle Egret
Crowned Lapwing
Diederik Cuckoo
Fan-tailed Widowbird
Giant Kingfisher
Hamerkop
Orange-breasted Waxbills
Ostriches dustbathing
Ostriches
Ostriches females in a tiff
Pin-tailed Whydah male displaying to the female
Pin-tailed Whydah
Red Bishop
Red-billed Quelea
Red-collared Widowbird
Red-throated Wryneck
Red-throated Wryneck
Reed Cormorant
Rufous-naped Lark
Southern Masked weaver
Spotted Thick-knee
Spotted Thick-knee
Wattled Lapwing
Willow Warbler
Yellow-billed Duck
Yellow-billed Duck
Yellow-fronted Canary
Zitting Cisticola

List of birds seen at Rietvlei in January and February 2025:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Coturnix coturnix Afrikaanse Kwartel Common Quail
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Tricholaema leucomelas Bonthoutkapper Acacia Pied Barbet
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Buteo buteo Bruinjakkalsvoel Common Buzzard
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Chrysococcyx caprius Diederikkie Diederik Cuckoo
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Merops apiaster Europese Byvreter European Bee-eater
Hirundo rustica Europese Swael Barn Swallow
Muscicapa striata Europese Vlieevanger Spotted Flycatcher
Apus apus Europese Windswael Common Swift
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Neophedina cincta Gebande Oewerswael Banded Martin
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Turdus smithi Geelbeklyster Karoo Thrush
Crithagra mozambica Geeloogkanarie Yellow-fronted Canary
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Ortygospiza atricollis Gewone Kwartelvinkie African Quail Finch
Motacilla capensis Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Tringa hypoleucos Gewone Ruiter Common Sandpiper
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Streptopelia capicola Gewone Tortelduif Cape Turtle Dove
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Plegadis falcinellus Glansibis Glossy Ibis
Sphenoeacus afer Grasvoel Cape Grassbird
Streptopelia semitorquata Grootringduif Red-eyed Dove
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Lophoceros nasutus Grysneushoringvoel African Grey Hornbill
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Hamerkop
Upupa africana Hoephoep African Hoopoe
Phylloscopus trochilus Hofsanger Willow Warbler
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Ploceus capensis Kaapse Wewer Cape Weaver
Scleroptila gutturalis Kalaharipatrys Orange River Francolin
Tachybaptus ruficollis Kleindobbertjie Little Grebe
Lamprotornis nitens Kleinglansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Vidua macroura Koningrooibekkie Pin-tailed Whydah
Euplectes axillaris Kortstertflap Fan-tailed Whydah
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Trachyphonus vaillantii Kuifkophoutkapper Crested Barbet
Corythornis cristatus Kuifkopvisvanger Malachite Kingfisher
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Dicrurus adsimilis Mikstertbyvanger Fork-tailed Drongo
Falco amurensis Oostelike Rooipootvalk Amur Falcon
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Cypsiurus parvus Palmwindswael African Palm Swift
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Microcarbo africanus Rietduiker Reed Cormorant
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
Anas erythrorhyncha Rooibekeend Red-billed Teal
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Quelea quelea Rooibekkwelea Red-billed Quelea
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Spilopelia senegalensis Rooiborsduifie Laughing Dove
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Amadina erythrocephala Rooikopvink Red-headed Finch
Mirafra africana Rooineklewerik Rufous-naped Lark
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Threskiornis aethiopicus Skoorsteenveer African Sacred Ibis
Anhinga rufa Slanghalsvoel African Darter
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Prinia flavicans Swartbandlangstertjie Black-chested Prinia
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Chalcomitra amethystina Swartsuikerbekkie Amethyst Sunbird
Apus barbatus Swartwindswael African Black Swift
Bubulcus ibis Veereier Western Cattle Egret
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Asio capensis Vlei-uil Marsh Owl
Struthio camelus Volstruis Common Ostrich
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Hirundo albigularis Witkeelswael White-throated Swallow
Apus caffer Witkruiswindswael White-rumped Swift
Euplectes albonotatus Witvlerkflap White-winged Widowbird
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan

The tall grass and lush vegetation is making it very difficult to see most of the mammals and especially the smaller kinds. One exception is the zebras, seeming to now prefer the reserve’s roads for walking from one grazing area to the next and giving me and my guests wonderful up-close encounters with these beautiful animals.

Black-backed Jackal with a bullfrog
Black Wildebeest
Blesbok
Buffalo
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra female and foal
Plains Zebra foal getting a tail in the face
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebras
Red Hartebeest calf
Eland running across the road

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei in January and February 2025:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok Blesbuck
Equus quagga Bontsebra Plains Zebra
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland
Sylvicapra grimmia Grysduiker Common Duiker
Suricata suricatta Meerkat Suricate
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Hippopotamus amphibius Seekoei Hippopotamus
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Connochaetes gnou Swartwildebees Black Wildebeest
Leptailurus serval Tierboskat Serval
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Cynictis penicillata Witkwasmuishond Yellow Mongoose
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros

If you’d like to join me on a guided tour of Rietvlei – on a hike or on an open vehicle drive – you can book through melanie@rietvleicoffee.co.za / +27(0)74-820-9926.

 

DeWetsWild adds CapeNature to our portfolio!

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DeWetsWild is proud to announce that we can now assist with reservations at CapeNature reserves in the Western Cape, and also use these as bases on our bespoke guided tours!

The new reserves in our fold are:

Anysberg Nature Reserve in the Little Karoo
Cederberg Wilderness Reserve
Gamkaberg Nature Reserve in the Little Karoo
Goukamma Nature Reserve on the Garden Route
Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve in the Overberg
Keurbooms (Whiskey Creek) Nature Reserve on the Garden Route
Kogelberg Nature Reserve in the Overberg
Limietberg Nature Reserve in the Winelands
Marloth Nature Reserve in the Overberg
Robberg Nature Reserve on the Garden Route
Rocherpan Nature Reserve on the West Coast
Vrolijkheid Natue Reserve in the Winelands

You are welcome to email us on dries@dewetswild.com with your request or alternatively complete the following form if you would like DeWetsWild to take care of your next holiday reservation in one of the CapeNature Reserves listed here (the more detail you provide us, the better service we can provide to you):

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Our 2024 in Pictures

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Join us as we reminisce about the places DeWetsWild visited while exploring Southern Africa’s wild places in 2024!

May 2025 be a year to remember for all the best reasons. Happy New Year, everyone!

Chalet 4 at Boschkop, on the shores of the Vaal Dam, January 2024
Skukuza Rest Camp, Kruger National Park, January 2024
Skukuza Bungalow #210, Kruger National Park, January 2024
Skukuza Safari Tent #316, Kruger National Park, January 2024
Cliffhanger Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Recce Lodge
Sunrise at Rietvlei
Camping at Elephant Sands
Elephants drinking from the waterhole in Elephant Sands Lodge
Camping at Domtshetshu Pan
Camping at Domtshetshu Pan
Camping under the stars on Sua Pan
On the horizon lies our campsite on Sua Pan, surrounded by emptiness
Elephant Sands’ Eco Lodge
Campsite #19 at Senyati Safari Camp
Elephants at the waterhole seen from the deck above Senyati’s restaurant
Game-viewing by boat on the Chobe River
Elephants making their way to the Chobe River
Victoria Falls
Lilydale Unit#1, Mokala National Park, June 2024
Sunset Kudu at Mokala
Buffelshoek Safari Camp, Manyeleti Nature Reserve, June 2024
Two of the Kambula Lions at Manyeleti
Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel, Boardwalk Shopping Centre and Bertha’s Restaurant
View from my room at the Simon’s Town Quayside Hotel
African Penguin
Ostriches on the beach at the Cape of Good Hope
Kirstenbosch Spring Annuals Display
Table Mountain cableway
Big old elephant bull between Satara and Olifants in the Kruger National Park
Jamie Mulhovo Guest House, Skukuza, October 2024
Sunset scenery around Skukuza
Research Camp Chalet 5, Skukuza, October 2024
Buffalo at sunset
Research Camp Guest House, Shingwedzi, October 2024
Elephant cow walking past Shingwedzi Camp’s entrance
Gariep N1 Chalets in the Great Karoo
Camping at Karoo National Park, December 2024
Karoo Scenery
Camping at Aloe Canyons
Aloe Canyons
Entrance to Bontebok National Park
Bontebok National Park scenery
De Hoop Vlei
Agulhas Lighthouse
African Penguins on the boardwalk at Betty’s Bay
Camping at Ebb-and-Flow Rest Camp in the Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park
Wilderness
Camping at Storms River Mouth
Rough seas at the Tsitsikamma coast

November ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Summer has now firmly returned to our part of the world and our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve has turned into a green paradise boasting with a wide variety of colourful blooms. What a pleasure it was conducting guided drives through landscapes so vibrant with life this past month!

Serene scenic spot in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Large herd of Eland
Hypoxis flowers
Hypoxis flowers dotting a recently burned grassland
Wild Penstemom (Graderia-sp)
Chocolate Bells
Chocolate Bells
Sweet Thorn blossoms
Sweet Thorn tree in bloom
Helichrysum species
Rorippa species
Red-hot Poker (Kniphofia) species
Gnidia species
Ipomoea species
Bloubietou
Poison Bulb (Boophane)
Solanum species
Solanum species
Doll’s Powderpuff
Fine-leaved Verbena (naturalised weed from South America)
Clerodendrum species
Berkheya species
Dog Rose (must be a garden escapee)
Unidentified bloom
Bloumelkbos

All around birds are nesting and many males are sporting their splendid breeding plumage, showing off their finery, doing display flights and singing loudly to attract their mate’s attention.

Rufous-naped Lark
Cattle Egret
Northern Black Korhaan male displaying
Long-tailed Widowbird
Southern Red Bishop male in breeding plumage
Southern Masked Weaver
Pin-tailed Whydah male
Red-collared Widowbird
Whiskered Tern

These Glossy Starling males were caught in the midst of a bloody fight, which could only be about a female or a prime nesting site – or both!

Cape Glossy Starlings in a vicious fight
Cape Glossy Starlings in a vicious fight
Cape Glossy Starlings in a vicious fight

The spring season has brought a baby boom to Rietvlei! From tiny lapwing chicks and newly hatched leopard tortoises to the newest addition to Rietvlei’s rhino population; these cute little creatures are sure to make your heart melt!

White Rhino calf
White Rhino calf
Crowned Lapwing chicks
Crowned Lapwing chick
Crowned Lapwing chick
Ostrich family with newly hatched chicks
Baby Ostrich
Red Hartebeest with newborn calf
Black-backed Jackal pup
Newborn buffalo
Eland calves with the herd
Newly hatched Leopard Tortoise
Zebra foal
Curious baby Yellow Mongoose
White Rhino calf

The resident pair of Black-chested Snake Eagles are also nesting again and providing a steady stream of serpentine sustenance to their new chick.

Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest
Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest
Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest
Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest
Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest
Black-chested Snake Eagles at their nest

After the first heavy rain shower at the end of October, Sharp-tooth Catfish started congregating at Otter Bridge, ready to move into their spawning grounds in the marshy area upstream.

Sharptooth Catfish at Otter Bridge
Sharptooth Catfish at Otter Bridge
Sharptooth Catfish at Otter Bridge

We’re also now seeing lots of insects and reptiles out and about on the reserve thanks to the warm weather.

Speckled Rock Skink
Leopard Tortoise
Nile Monitor
Green Milkweed Locust

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei in October & November 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros
Connochaetes gnou Swartwildebees Black Wildebeest
Cynictis penicillata Witkwasmuishond Yellow Mongoose
Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok Blesbuck
Equus quagga Bontsebra Plains Zebra
Hippopotamus amphibius Seekoei Hippopotamus
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Suricata suricatta Meerkat Suricate
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebras
Black-backed Jackal
Black Wildebeest
Blesbok
Black Wildebeest
Black-backed Jackal
Yellow Mongoose
Black-backed Jackal and Blesbok
Meerkat
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Eland
Blesbok
Eland on the run

List of birds seen at Rietvlei in October & November 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Amblyospiza albifrons Dikbekwewer Thick-billed Weaver
Anas erythrorhyncha Rooibekeend Red-billed Teal
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anhinga rufa Slanghalsvoel African Darter
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Anthus vaalensis Vaalkoester Buffy Pipit
Apus barbatus Swartwindswael African Black Swift
Apus caffer Witkruiswindswael White-rumped Swift
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Ardeola ralloides Ralreier Squacco Heron
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Bubulcus ibis Veereier Western Cattle Egret
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Buteo buteo Bruinjakkalsvoel Common Buzzard
Camaroptera brevicaudata Grysrugkwekwevoel Grey-backed Camaroptera
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Ceryle rudis Bontvisvanger Pied Kingfisher
Chlidonias hybrida Witbaardsterretjie Whiskered Tern
Chrysococcyx caprius Diederikkie Diederik Cuckoo
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Corythornis cristatus Kuifkopvisvanger Malachite Kingfisher
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra gularis Streepkopkanarie Streaky-headed Seedeater
Crithagra mozambica Geeloogkanarie Yellow-fronted Canary
Curruca subcoerulea Bosveldtjeriktik Chestnut-vented Warbler
Cypsiurus parvus Palmwindswael African Palm Swift
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Dicrurus adsimilis Mikstertbyvanger Fork-tailed Drongo
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Euplectes albonotatus Witvlerkflap White-winged Widowbird
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Hirundo albigularis Witkeelswael White-throated Swallow
Hirundo rustica Europese Swael Barn Swallow
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Indicator indicator Groot Heuningwyser Greater Honeyguide
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Kleinglansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lybius torquatus Rooikophoutkapper Black-collared Barbet
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Merops apiaster Europese Byvreter European Bee-eater
Microcarbo africanus Rietduiker Reed Cormorant
Mirafra africana Rooineklewerik Rufous-naped Lark
Motacilla capensis Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail
Neophedina cincta Gebande Oewerswael Banded Martin
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Oenanthe pileata Hoeveldskaapwagter Capped Wheatear
Onychognathus morio Rooivlerkspreeu Red-winged Starling
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer domesticus Huismossie House Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Phylloscopus trochilus Hofsanger Willow Warbler
Plectropterus gambensis Wildemakou Spur-winged Goose
Ploceus capensis Kaapse Wewer Cape Weaver
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Quelea quelea Rooibekkwelea Red-billed Quelea
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Sphenoeacus afer Grasvoel Cape Grassbird
Spilopelia senegalensis Rooiborsduifie Laughing Dove
Streptopelia capicola Gewone Tortelduif Cape Turtle Dove
Streptopelia semitorquata Grootringduif Red-eyed Dove
Struthio camelus Volstruis Common Ostrich
Tachybaptus ruficollis Kleindobbertjie Little Grebe
Tchagra senegalus Swartkroontjagra Black-crowned Tchagra
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Terpsiphone viridis Paradysvlieevanger African Paradise Flycatcher
Threskiornis aethiopicus Skoorsteenveer African Sacred Ibis
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Turdus smithi Geelbeklyster Karoo Thrush
Upupa africana Hoephoep African Hoopoe
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Vidua macroura Koningrooibekkie Pin-tailed Whydah
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye
Ostrich
Red-billed Teals
Common Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Northern Black Korhaan male
Capped Wheatear
Banded Martin
Cape White-eye
Fiscal Flycatcher
White-throated Swallow
Spotted Dikkop
Capped Wheatear
Black-crowned Tchagra
Pied Crow
Ostrich
African Black Duck
Cape Grassbird
Capped Wheatear
Willow Warbler
Willow Warbler
Ostrich
Bokmakierie
Cattle Egret
Northern Black Korhaan
Cape Grassbird
Ostrich Male
European Bee-eater
Rufous-naped Lark
Female Pin-tailed Whydah
Female Pin-tailed Whydah
Levaillant’s Cisticola
African Darter
African Darter
Black-headed Heron
Malachite Kingfisher
Banded Martin
Yellow-billed Duck
Yellow-billed Duck

 

If you’d like to join me on a guided tour of Rietvlei – on a hike or on an open vehicle drive – you can book through melanie@rietvleicoffee.co.za / +27(0)74-820-9926.

DeWetsWild adds many more destinations in Namibia!

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Following overwhelming requests from our loyal clientele, DeWetsWild is proud to announce that we’ve expanded our portfolio in Namibia considerably, and we now provide a reservation service for 26 destinations in, around and on the way to Namibia’s fabulous national parks and nature reserves!

In the /Ai-/Ais Richtersveld Transfrontier Park:
/Ai-/Ais Hotsprings and Spa
Boplaas Campsite
Hobas Lodge
(We can also assist with reservations at camps on the South African side of the Park)

In the Dorob National Park:
Jakkalsputz Campsite
Mile 72
Mile 108

In the Etosha National Park:
Dolomite Resort
Halali Resort
Namutoni Resort
Okaukuejo Resort
Olifantsrus Campsite
Onkoshi Resort

Hardap National Park

In the picturesque town of Luderitz:
Shark Island

In the Namib-Naukluft National Park:
Naukluft Camp
Sesriem Campsite
Sossus Dune Lodge

Popa Falls Game Park

In the Skeleton Coast National Park:
Terrace Bay Resort
Torra Bay Campsite

In historic Swakopmund:
Swakopmund Hotel & Entertainment Centre

Waterberg Plateau Park

In the capital city Windhoek:
Windhoek Country Club Resort

Off the beaten track in Namibia:
Duwisib Castle
Gross Barmen Resort
Khorixas Rest Camp

You are welcome to email us on dries@dewetswild.com with your request or alternatively complete the following form if you would like DeWetsWild to take care of your next holiday reservation at any of these properties in Namibia (the more detail you provide us, the better service we can provide to you):

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DeWetsWild’s Portfolio grows again!

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DeWetsWild’s portfolio of destinations for which we render a reservation service has expanded again to 307 points on the map, with the following 24 new properties in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia now included:

In South Africa:

  • 26º South Hotel in Muldersdrift.
  • African Rock Hotel & Spa in Kempton Park, Gauteng – conveniently close to the OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport.
  • Beacon House, Knysna.
  • Impodimo Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve.
  • Kapama River Lodge, Kapama Buffalo Camp, Kapama Southern Camp, Kapama Karula and Kruger Homestead, all in the Kapama Private Game Reserve.
  • Khaya Ndlovu Safari Manor, in the Rietspruit Game Reserve near Hoedspruit.
  • Kubu Bush Lodge & Kubu Safari Lodge, near Hoedspruit in the Lowveld.
  • Kruger Untamed Tshokwane River Camp in the Kruger National Park.
  • Kruger Untamed Satara Plains Camp in the Kruger National Park.
  • Mjejane River Lodge in Mjejane Game Reserve.
  • Tangala Safari Camp in the Thornybush Game Reserve.

In Botswana:

  • Chobe Marina Lodge in Kasane
  • Elephant Sands Lodge near Nata
  • Elephant Valley Lodge near Kasane
  • Kadizora Camp in the Okavango Delta
  • Saguni Safari Lodge in the Okavango Delta
  • Senyati Safari Camp near Kasane

In Mozambique:

  • Villa Robal at Machangulo Point on Maputo Bay

In Zambia:

  • The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa at the Victoria Falls

September ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Except for one horrific cold front moving over the country over the Heritage Day long weekend we’ve enjoyed pleasant Spring weather and scenery at the Rietvlei Nature Reserve this September. Many plants are already in bloom and a green tinge is flushing over the moister parts of the reserve.

Sacred Ibises coming to roost
Island View at sunset
Rietvlei Dam at sunset
Black Locust Tree blooms
White Evening Primrose
Rietvlei scenery (photo by Joubert)

I expected that we might see some different birds at Rietvlei following the fires last month, as well as some early summer migrants, and on both scores I was not disappointed. The number of species I’ve now recorded at Rietvlei since February has swollen to 148.

Capped Wheatear
African Stonechat
Cape Longclaw
White-throated Swallow
Southern Pochard
Arrow-marked Babbler
Streaky-headed Seed-eater
White-throated Swallow
Ostrich male chasing female
Hadeda
Fiscal Shrike
African Spoonbill
African Stonechat
Cape Sparrow female (photo by Joubert)
Capped Wheatear (photo by Joubert)
Swainson’s Spurfowl (photo by Joubert)
Swainson’s Spurfowl
Yellow-billed Ducks
Spur-winged Geese
Wattled Lapwing
African Snipe
Male Ostrich
Female Ostrich
Sacred Ibises
Spotted Dikkop
Black Heron
Grey-headed Gull
Blue-billed Teal
Long-tailed Widowbird
Ostrich Toe & Nail

I recorded 19 species of mammals during the month of September, most of any month since I joined the reserve’s guiding staff on a freelance basis. No doubt the denuded state of the vegetation so long after the rainy season and the areas opened up by veld fires have aided this. It was also nice to see some reptiles again, the warm spring weather must have woken them from their slumber.

Black-backed Jackal
Buffalo
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland herd on the run
Eland Bull (photo by Joubert)
Eland Bulls
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest (photo by Joubert)
Black Wildebeest (photo by Joubert)
Bushpig (photo by Joubert)
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Yellow Mongoose
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra
Waterbuck cows
Water Monitor
Flap-necked Chameleon

Our inaugural “introduction to wildlife photography” course presented in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography early in the month was another highlight and we hope to offer another session before the year is done. Let me know if you’d be interested in receiving more information!

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei in September 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros
Connochaetes gnou Swartwildebees Black Wildebeest
Cynictis penicillata Witkwasmuishond Yellow Mongoose
Damaliscus pygargus Blesbok Blesbuck
Equus quagga Bontsebra Plains Zebra
Herpestes sanguineus Swartkwasmuishond Slender Mongoose
Hippopotamus amphibius Seekoei Hippopotamus
Hydrictis maculicollis Kleinotter Spotted-necked Otter
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Microchiroptera Insekvretende vlermuis
(spesie onbekend)		 Insect-eating bat
(species unknown)
Potamochoerus larvatus Bosvark Bushpig
Raphicerus campestris Steenbok Steenbok
Suricata suricatta Meerkat Suricate
Sylvicapra grimmia Grysduiker Common Duiker
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland

List of birds seen at Rietvlei during September 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Amblyospiza albifrons Dikbekwewer Thick-billed Weaver
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Apus barbatus Swartwindswael African Black Swift
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Batis molitor Witliesbosbontrokkie Chinspot Batis
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Bubulcus ibis Veereier Western Cattle Egret
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Butorides striata Groenrugreier Green-backed Heron
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Charadrius tricollaris Driebandstrandkiewiet Three-banded Plover
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Gryskopmeeu Grey-headed Gull
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Columba guinea Kransduif Speckled Pigeon
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra gularis Streepkopkanarie Streaky-headed Seedeater
Cypsiurus parvus Palmwindswael African Palm Swift
Dendropicos fuscescens Kardinaalspeg Cardinal Woodpecker
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Dicrurus adsimilis Mikstertbyvanger Fork-tailed Drongo
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Hirundo albigularis Witkeelswael White-throated Swallow
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Kleinglansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lybius torquatus Rooikophoutkapper Black-collared Barbet
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Microcarbo africanus Rietduiker Reed Cormorant
Mirafra africana Rooineklewerik Rufous-naped Lark
Motacilla capensis Gewone Kwikkie Cape Wagtail
Netta erythrophthalma Bruineend Southern Pochard
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Oenanthe pileata Hoeveldskaapwagter Capped Wheatear
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Platalea alba Lepelaar African Spoonbill
Plectropterus gambensis Wildemakou Spur-winged Goose
Plegadis falcinellus Glansibis Glossy Ibis
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Psittacula krameri Ringnekparkiet Rose-ringed Parakeet
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Quelea quelea Rooibekkwelea Red-billed Quelea
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Scleroptila gutturalis Kalaharipatrys Orange River Francolin
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Hamerkop
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Spatula hottentota Gevlekte Eend Blue-billed Teal
Spilopelia senegalensis Rooiborsduifie Laughing Dove
Streptopelia capicola Gewone Tortelduif Cape Turtle Dove
Streptopelia semitorquata Grootringduif Red-eyed Dove
Struthio camelus Volstruis Common Ostrich
Tachybaptus ruficollis Kleindobbertjie Little Grebe
Tadorna cana Kopereend South African Shelduck
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Threskiornis aethiopicus Skoorsteenveer African Sacred Ibis
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Turdus smithi Geelbeklyster Karoo Thrush
Upupa africana Hoephoep African Hoopoe
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Vidua macroura Koningrooibekkie Pin-tailed Whydah
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye

If you’d like to join me on a guided tour of Rietvlei – on a hike or on an open vehicle drive – you can book through melanie@rietvleicoffee.co.za / +27(0)74-820-9926.