Category Archives: Guided Tours

Manyeleti Magic 2024: Abundant Buffaloes

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The Manyeleti Game Reserve has a large population of buffaloes and we encountered several enormous herds of these bulky bovines while exploring the reserve on our recent Manyeleti Magic photographic safari. Being able to venture so close to animals this intimidating is always a thrilling affair.

One buffalo from a herd several hundred strong
A Buffalo standing on a dam wall gives an unusual perspective
A Buffalo standing on a dam wall gives an unusual perspective
A Buffalo standing on a dam wall gives an unusual perspective
A Buffalo standing on a dam wall gives an unusual perspective
Buffalo taking a little longer to chew this prickly grasshead
Buffalo taking a little longer to chew this prickly grasshead
Old Buffalo bull
Buffalo cow with interesting headdress
Buffalo calf
Alert Buffalo bull
Buffalo cow
Young Buffalo bull

We’re already taking bookings for our 2025 Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari and Workshop, to be conducted out of Buffelshoek Camp again in June of next year in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography. Contact us if you’d like to join this one, or if you and a group of family and friends are keen to do something similar on other dates we’d be very glad to accommodate you!

Manyeleti Magic 2024: A massive serpent in an idyllic location

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Late afternoon on the third day of our 2024 Manyeleti Magic photo-safari we were driving through a most beautiful spot of towering trees lining a stream and waterhole, with the most glorious golden light illuminating the scene. It was a little slice of paradise filled with various animals and birds and it is hard to describe just how blessed we felt to be there in the moment.

Giraffes congregating at the water to drink
Giraffe checking out the water before drinking
Nile Crocodile basking on a sandbank
Hippo eyeing us from the waterhole
Hippopotamus cow and calf
Hippopotamus calf

Our guide Beckson was the first to notice an enormous Southern African Rock Python slithering across the two-track road we were on. It was a magnificent specimen and must’ve only very recently shed its old skin as it was now resplendent with shiny new scales amplified by the golden light of the afternoon sun. With pythons, especially this size, being a rare sighting we all got off the vehicle and our guests had a chance to photograph the enormous snake from all angles before it moved underneath an old leadwood stump and disappeared from view. A most memorable encounter; the kind of which we’ve learned is pretty much par for the course in the magical place that is Manyeleti!

Shiny new scales on a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
Just look at the size of this Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari!

We’re already taking bookings for our 2025 Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari and Workshop, to be conducted out of Buffelshoek Camp again in June of next year in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography. Contact us if you’d like to join this one, or if you and a group of family and friends are keen to do something similar on other dates we’d be very glad to accommodate you!

July ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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As I was away on other tours for most of June I didn’t spend enough time at our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve to warrant a month-end update from there at the end of last month, but having now spent quite a bit more time guiding guests on drives and walks through Rietvlei this past month there’s lots to share since the previous update at the end of May. Winter’s cold has really gotten its claws into Rietvlei now – we measured a minimum temperature of -10°C (14°F) at one of the river crossings at sunrise one morning! It was therefore really surprising to see the cold blooded Nile Monitor Lizards still out and about and not hibernating. The deciduous trees have lost their leaves and the grass is now dry and brown and much thinner, making game-viewing a lot easier.

Nile Monitor
Buffaloes striding through the shallow water of Marais Dam

Rietvlei’s birds are always a treat, even when some of them sport frosty plumage in the early mornings – check the back of the wattled lapwing in this gallery! The count of bird species seen during our July drives and walks tallied to 79 (there’s a complete list at the end of this post) but, with the male Long-tailed Widowbirds starting to cultivate their summer finery already, that list should start expanding in the next month of two as the summer visitors arrive.

Arrow-marked Babbler
Reed Cormorant
Reed Cormorant
White-breasted Cormorant colony
White-breasted Cormorant
Red-knobbed Coots
Black Crake
Red-eyed Dove
African Black Duck (photo by Joubert)
Yellow-billed Duck
Yellow-billed Duck at sunrise
African Fish Eagle
Bokmakierie
Common Fiscal
Egyptian Goose
Little Grebe (photo by Joubert)
Pied Kingfisher
Helmeted Guineafowl
Sacred Ibis
Sacred Ibis
Black-winged Kite (photo by Joubert)
Black-winged Kite
Northern Black Korhaan male
Northern Black Korhaan female
African Wattled Lapwing covered in frost
Cape Longclaw
Common Moorhens
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen (photo by Joubert)
Common Moorhen (photo by Joubert)
Neddicky
Ostrich head
Ostrich feathers (female)(photo by Joubert)
Ostrich foot
Southern Pochards
Southern Pochards
Southern Pochard
South African Shelducks
Cape Sparrow (female)
Cape Robin-Chat
Swainson’s Spurfowl
African Swamphen
African Swamphen
African Swamphen
Spotted Thick-knee
Cape Wagtail
African Reed Warbler (photo by Joubert)
African Reed Warbler
Long-tailed Widowbird
Male Long-tailed Widowbird starting to sprout his summer plumage

These Pied Starlings using a White Rhino bull as a catwalk for showing off was a rather amusing sighting!

Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk
Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk
Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk
Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk
Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk
Pied Starlings on their Rhino catwalk

As per usual Rietvlei was not going to disappoint us when it comes to the game-viewing experience!

Cape Buffalo
Curious Buffalo
Cape Buffalo
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Red Hartebeest at sunrise
Hippo
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal soaking up the first rays of the morning
Slender Mongoose
Yellow Mongoose
Serval walking away
Springbok
Springbok
Springbok
Waterbuck
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest carcass – perhaps fell prey to the cheetah?
Plains Zebra

List of birds I’ve seen at Rietvlei during June and July 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 capensis Teeleend Cape Teal
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
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Bostrychia hagedash Hadeda Hadeda Ibis
Burhinus capensis Gewone Dikkop Spotted Thick-knee
Chroicocephalus cirrocephalus Gryskopmeeu Grey-headed Gull
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
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
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Curruca subcoerulea Bosveldtjeriktik Chestnut-vented Warbler
Dendropicos fuscescens Kardinaalspeg Cardinal Woodpecker
Dessonornis caffer Gewone Janfrederik Cape Robin-Chat
Dicrurus adsimilis Mikstertbyvanger Fork-tailed Drongo
Dryoscopus cubla Sneeubal Black-backed Puffback
Elanus caeruleus Blouvalk Black-winged Kite
Estrilda astrild Rooibeksysie Common Waxbill
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Falco peregrinus Swerfvalk Peregrine Falcon
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Klein Glansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
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
Oena capensis Namakwaduifie Namaqua Dove
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Plectropterus gambensis Wildemakou Spur-winged Goose
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Porphyrio madagascariensis Grootkoningriethaan African Swamphen
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Psittacula krameri Ringnekparkiet Rose-ringed Parakeet
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
Saxicola torquatus Gewone Bontrokkie African Stonechat
Scleroptila gutturalis Kalaharipatrys Orange River Francolin
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
Spatula hottentota Gevlekte Eend Blue-billed Teal
Spatula smithii Kaapse Slopeend Cape Shoveler
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
Telophorus zeylonus Bokmakierie Bokmakierie
Threskiornis aethiopicus Skoorsteenveer African Sacred Ibis
Trachyphonus vaillantii Kuifkophoutkapper Crested Barbet
Turdoides jardineii Pylvlekkatlagter Arrow-marked Babbler
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Zapornia flavirostra Swartriethaan Black Crake
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye

List of mammals I’ve seen at Rietvlei during June and July 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
Kobus ellipsyprymnus Waterbok Waterbuck
Leptailurus serval Tierboskat Serval
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland

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.

 

Come along on a boat ride on the Chobe River

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During our tour of Botswana in June we set off on an afternoon boat ride from the launch site in Kasane, following the Chobe River upstream into the Chobe National Park and later returning along the main channel – the border between Botswana and Namibia – around Sedudu Island by sunset. Game-viewing and photographic opportunities from the boat was excellent as we floated low to the water to almost within touching distance of Nile Crocodiles, Hippos, Buffaloes, Elephants and a wide array of other animals and birds which were all surprisingly unworried by our proximity. Certainly an experience to savour and never be forgotten!

The Chobe River at Kasane
Schalow’s Turaco
Guinea-fowl Butterfly
Spur-winged Goose
Big Red Lechwe ram
African Darter
Nile Crocodile
Nile Monitor
Nile Crocodile
Nile Crocodile
Pied Kingfisher
White-crowned Lapwing
Banded Mongooses
Banded Mongoose
Nile Crocodile
Pied Wagtail
Game-viewing by boat on the Chobe River
Cape Buffalo
Serenity on the Chobe River
African Darter
African Darter
African Fish Eagle
African Fish Eagle
African Fish Eagle
Cape Buffalo
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Baby Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes searching for seeds in elephant dung
Baby elephant
Elephant youngster
Hippos
Cape Buffalo
Cape Buffalo
Cape Buffalo
Cape Buffalo and cattle egret
African Spoonbills
Yellow-billed Storks
Red Lechwes
Great Egret
Black heron “canopy feeding” on shoals of small fish disturbed by the moving buffalo
Game-viewing by boat on the Chobe River
Resting hippos
Spur-winged Goose
Red Lechwes
Marabou Stork
Waterbuck family
Marabou Stork
Pink-backed Pelican
Pink-backed Pelican
Water Thick-knee
Goliath Heron
Namibian fisherman in a traditional mokoro
Red Lechwes
Red Lechwes
Large flock of Black-winged Pratincoles settling down on an island for the night
Sunset over the Chobe River

Come along on a game drive through Botswana’s Chobe National Park

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We made an early departure from Senyati in order to be at the entrance gate into Chobe National Park by the time it opened at 6am. One of the first animals we saw was a leopard stalking a herd of impala, a good indication as to the quality of the game-viewing we enjoyed for the morning we spent exploring the park.

Leopard seen early morning in the Sedudu Valley
Sunrise over the Chobe River
Lechwes on the bank of the Chobe River
Red-billed Spurfowl
White-crowned Lapwing
Buffalo feeding in the Chobe River
Buffalo feeding in the Chobe River
Meyer’s parrot
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Puku
Puku
Red-billed Spurfowl
African Hawk-Eagle
Swamp Boubou
Tropical Boubou
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Baboon of subspecies Papio ursinus griseipes
Impala
Bradfield’s Hornbill
Little Bee-eater
Neddicky
Warthog
Vervet Monkey of the race C. p. ngamiensis photographed in the Chobe National Park
Vervet Monkey of the race C. p. ngamiensis photographed in the Chobe National Park
Serene scene on the Chobe River
Serene scene on the Chobe River
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebra
Giraffe
Puku
Nile Crocodile
Great Egret
Elephants making their way to the Chobe River
Nile Crocodile
Hippo
Elephants on the banks of the Chobe River
Elephants making their way to the Chobe River
Elephants drinking from the Chobe River
Elephants drinking from the Chobe River
Squacco Heron
Kudu cows
Kudu cow
Impalas congregating next to the Chobe River

The highlight of the day was finding three lions strolling across the Puku Flats. At one point they flushed a roan antelope from a patch of long grass, but it made a safe retreat. Eventually the lions found a shady spot in which to rest and we moved along.

Lioness
Lioness
Young lion male
Lioness
Lioness
Roan Antelope
Young lion male
Lioness
Lioness
Young lion male
Young lion male
Lioness
Young lion male

We made it as far west as the Kabulabula Peninsula before we had to turn around and head for the gate again, as we had another exciting excursion booked for the afternoon. More about that in the next post!

Back from Manyeleti Magic

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I am fresh back from our Manyeleti Magic Photo-Safari & Workshop hosted in conjunction with Hannes Rossouw Photography out of Buffelshoek Tented Camp, and what a trip it was – without a question one of the best I have ever had, and with 40+ years of visiting South Africa’s wild places that takes some doing! Of course I will be telling you all about it in good time, but here’s a little taste of what you can look forward to.

Red-billed Oxpecker diving into a White Rhino’s ear
Spotted Hyena
Bateleur pair
Lilac-breasted Roller
Cheetah
Young male Lion
Magpie Shrike
One buffalo from a herd several hundred strong
Pearl-spotted Owlet
The head of a Southern African Rock Python encountered on our Manyeleti Magic Photographic Safari
Spotted Hyena
African Wild Dogs in playful mood before starting their hunt
A Buffalo standing on a dam wall gives an unusual perspective
White Rhino
Leopard
Hippo eyeing us from the waterhole
Cheetah
Lions after dark
One of the males from the Kambula Breakaway pride
Two of the Kambula Lions at Manyeleti
Buffalo taking a little longer to chew this prickly grasshead
Old Buffalo bull
Plains Zebras
Lilac-breasted Roller showing off its colours

 

May ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Another month of guiding guests visiting our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve has passed, and with temperatures at sunrise now touching the 0°C mark near the water and the grass slowly turning brown and less dense there’s no denying that winter is upon us in our corner of the southern hemisphere. Sightings have been excellent as usual and I’ve had some thoroughly entertaining and very memorable drives with my guests.

A quiet corner of the Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Autumn colours in Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Phragmites Reeds thrive at Rietvlei Nature Reserve
Grass influorescence
Doll’s Protea is in fact a member of the daisy family, despite its resemblance to protea flowers
Female Giant Mantis / Common Green Mantis
Green Milkweed Locust
Painted Lady Butterfly
Brown-veined White Butterfly
Grasshopper of the family Pamphagidae
Nile Monitor
Puff Adder
Rietvlei sunrise
Island View on a misty may morning (photo by Joubert)

We managed to identify 94 bird species while out on guided drives this past month.

African Black Duck
African Darter (photo by Joubert)
Immature African Fish Eagle
African Pipit
African Reed Warbler (photo by Joubert)
African Snipe (photo by Joubert)
African Stonechat
African Stonechat female
African Wattled Lapwing (photo by Joubert)
Black-chested Snake Eagle (photo by Joubert)
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle (photo by Joubert)
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle (photo by Joubert)
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle in flight (photo by Joubert)
Blacksmith Lapwing
Black-winged Kite
Buffy Pipit
Cape Longclaw (photo by Joubert)
Cape Sparrow (male)
Cape Wagtail
Cattle Egret
Chestnut-vented Warbler
Common Fiscal
Common Moorhen
Common Waxbills
Crowned Lapwing (photo by Joubert)
Crowned Lapwing (photo by Joubert)
Greater Flamingoes
Green-backed Heron (photo by Joubert)
Grey Go-away-bird
Helmeted Guineafowl
Levaillant’s Cisticola
Little Grebe (photo by Joubert)
Long-tailed Widowbird (non-breeding)
Northern Black Korhaan male
Northern Black Korhaan pair
Northern Black Korhaan female
Orange River Francolin
Ostrich at sunrise
Ostriches at sunset
Red-billed Teal
Red-billed Teal
Red Bishop
Red-throated Wryneck
Reed Cormorant
Secretary Bird (photo by Joubert)
Swainson’s Spurfowl
Tawny-flanked Prinia
White-breasted Cormorant
Yellow-billed Ducks
Yellow-billed Ducks (photo by Joubert)

And most of the mammals also played along nicely, although the resident cheetah kept herself well hidden!

Blesbok
Blesbok
Blesbok
Buffalo Calf
Buffalo Bull
Buffalo Cow
Buffalo cow
Buffalo Bull
Buffalo Bull
Buffalo Bull
Buffalo Bull
Buffaloes fighting
Common Duiker
Eland
Eland herd (photo by Joubert)
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Slender Mongoose (photo by Joubert)
Yellow Mongoose
Yellow Mongoose
Spotted-necked Otters
Waterbuck bull
Waterbuck cow and calves
Black Wildebeest
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra

List of birds seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during May 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
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
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
Ardea melanocephala Swartkopreier Black-headed Heron
Ardeola ralloides Ralreier Squacco 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
Calendulauda sabota Sabota Lewerik Sabota Lark
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vleiloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Chalcomitra amethystina Swartsuikerbekkie Amethyst Sunbird
Circaetus pectoralis Swartborsslangarend Black-chested Snake Eagle
Cisticola juncidis Landeryklopkloppie Zitting Cisticola
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Corythornis cristatus Kuifkopvisvanger Malachite Kingfisher
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra mozambica Geeloogkanarie Yellow-fronted Canary
Curruca subcoerulea Bosveldtjeriktik Chestnut-vented Warbler
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 orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Falco peregrinus Swerfvalk Peregrine Falcon
Falco rupicolus Kransvalk Rock Kestrel
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Glaucidium perlatum Witkoluiltjie Pearl-spotted Owlet
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Klein Glansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius atrococcineus Rooiborslaksman Crimson-breasted Shrike
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lophaetus occipitalis Langkuifarend Long-crested Eagle
Lophoceros nasutus Grysneushoringvoel African Grey Hornbill
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
Passer diffusus Gryskopmossie Southern Grey-headed Sparrow
Passer melanurus Gewone Mossie Cape Sparrow
Phalacrocorax lucidus Witborsduiker White-breasted Cormorant
Phoenicopterus roseus Grootflamink Greater Flamingo
Phoeniculus purpureus Rooibekkakelaar Green Wood-hoopoe
Plectropterus gambensis Wildemakou Spur-winged Goose
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
Sagittarius serpentarius Sekretarisvoel Secretarybird
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
Tachymarptis melba Witpenswindswael Alpine Swift
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
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
Zosterops virens Kaapse Glasogie Cape White-eye

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during May 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
Sylvicapra grimmia Grysduiker Common Duiker
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland

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.

 

Three new Lodges added to DeWetsWild’s portfolio: Cliffhanger, Leopard Rock and Recce

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DeWetsWild is pleased to announce that we’ve added three more wonderful lodges to the portfolio of destinations to which we offer a reservation service, can use on guided tours or for hosting photographic safaris and workshops. The lodges are located on a private game reserve just outside of Bela-Bela in the Limpopo Province, about 160km north of Pretoria. All three are ideally suited for groups of family and friends looking for a comfortable self-catered breakaway within easy reach of the Gauteng metros. The Kritzinger Family, the lodges’ owners who have decorated them very tastefully and furnished the houses with all the modern conveniences, very graciously hosted us there last week to experience it first hand.

Recce Lodge

Recce sleeps up to 12 guests in four air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, each with a queen-size bed. Two of the rooms also have a loft with two single beds each, suitable only for children.

Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge
Recce Lodge

Leopard Rock Lodge

Leopard Rock boasts 3 en-suite bedrooms with a queen-size bed each, two bedrooms also having a loft suitable for 2 children on single beds with a third separate loft providing three single beds, thus accommodating a total of 13 guests.

Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge
Leopard Rock Lodge

Cliffhanger Lodge

Cliffhanger has a lovely setting overlooking a dam and the expansive bushveld beyond. Three en-suite bedrooms are furnished with a queen-size bed below and a loft with 2 single beds above (accessed with a ladder and only suitable for children), while a fourth bedroom with a queen-size bed, perfect as a honeymoon suite, perches below the main lodge.

Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge
Cliffhanger Lodge

The most direct route to Recce Lodge entails a drive of 18km gravel roads, while that to Cliffhanger and Leopard Rock is about 8km of gravel. Cliffhanger and Leopard Rock Lodges are located in an exclusive-use area of the reserve where private vehicles are not allowed on the game-viewing routes. Guests can however rent an open safari vehicle for self-guided traversing over this part of the reserve, or can book to join guided walks and drives. These options are also available to guests staying at Recce Lodge but guests who overnight there may also access the wider reserve road network which is open to all visitors in their own vehicles, though a vehicle with high ground clearance would be recommended. Aside from the attractions on the game reserve itself guests staying at Recce, Cliffhanger and Leopard Rock can use them as bases from which to explore other attractions in the Waterberg, not least of which is some terrific golf courses located nearby.

Nyala ewe
Plains Zebra
Giraffe and Impala
South African Tree Squirrels
Kudu cows
Kudu bull
Blue Wildebeest
Blue Wildebeest
White-backed Duck
White-backed Duck
Waterbuck bull
Guinea-fowl Butterfly
African Black Ducks
Nile Monitor
Waterberg Bushveld Scenery
Waterberg Bushveld Scenery
Waterberg Bushveld Scenery
Waterberg Bushveld Scenery
Waterberg Bushveld Scenery

If you’d like more information or would like to make a booking at Cliffhanger, Leopard Rock or Recce Lodge, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 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 reservation in the bushveld (the more detail you provide us, the better service we can provide to you):

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

 

April ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Isn’t it amazing how quickly the things we enjoy doing fly past!? I can’t believe another month of guiding drives at our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve is behind me already. Time then to take a look at what Rietvlei dished up in the month of April. Autumn is most definitely here and it is noticeable not only in the changing colours of the grass and leaves but also in the absence of most of the birds that visit our part of the world during summer.

Sunrise at Rietvlei
Julia Skimmer Dragonfly
Nile Monitor trying to swallow a huge crab
Reed seed
Black-chested Snake Eagle – with prey – in silhouette
Sharp-tooth Catfish at Marais Dam
Yellow-billed Duck in silhouette
Nile Monitor
Leopard Tortoise (photo by Joubert)
Buffalo in the wetland
Island View

I ticked 93 species of birds while guiding guests through the reserve this April.

Blacksmith Lapwing (photo by Joubert)
Immature Little Bittern
Bokmakierie
Red-knobbed Coot
Reed Cormorant (photo by Joubert)
White-breasted Cormorant
Pied Crow (photo by Joubert)
Cape Turtle Dove
Fork-tailed Drongo
African Black Duck
Yellow-billed Duck
African Fish Eagle
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle
Cattle Egret
Peregrine Falcon
Black-necked Grebe
Little Grebe
Helmeted Guineafowl
Hadedas
Hamerkop
Black-headed Heron
Sacred Ibis
Giant Kingfisher (photo by Joubert)
Black-winged Kite
Wattled Lapwing
Rufous-naped Lark
Common Moorhen
Female ostrich (photo by Joubert)
Male ostrich (photo by Joubert)
Southern Pochard
Tawny-flanked Prinia
Streaky-headed Seed-eater
African Snipe
Cape Glossy Starling
African Stonechat
African Swamphen
Red-billed Teal
Cape Wagtail
Southern Masked Weaver
Long-tailed Widowbird male in transitional plumage
Red-throated Wryneck

One of the highlights of the month was watching this pair of Pied Starlings sharing tiny red berries.

African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings (photo by Joubert)
African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings
African Pied Starlings (photo by Joubert)
African Pied Starlings

Fifteen species of mammal showed themselves during our drives in April.

African Buffalo
African Buffalo
Blesbok (photo by Joubert)
Eland
Hippo
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal (photo by Joubert)
Yellow Mongoose
Yellow Mongoose
Yellow Mongoose
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Waterbuck (photo by Joubert)
Black Wildebeest
Plains Zebras
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebras

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve in April 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
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland
Microchiroptera Insekvretende vlermuis
(spesie onbekend)		 Insect-eating bat
(species unknown)

List of birds seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve in April 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
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
Amblyospiza albifrons Dikbekwewer Thick-billed Weaver
Anas erythrorhyncha Rooibekeend Red-billed Teal
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Apus caffer Witkruiswindswael White-rumped 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
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
Cisticola tinniens Vleitinktinkie Levaillant’s Cisticola
Colius striatus Gevlekte Muisvoel Speckled Mousebird
Columba arquatrix Geelbekbosduif African Olive Pigeon
Corvus albus Witborskraai Pied Cow
Corythornis cristatus Kuifkopvisvanger Malachite Kingfisher
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra gularis Streepkopkanarie Streaky-headed Seedeater
Curruca subcoerulea Bosveldtjeriktik Chestnut-vented Warbler
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
Falco biarmicus Edelvalk Lanner Falcon
Falco peregrinus Swerfvalk Peregrine Falcon
Falco rupicolus Kransvalk Rock Kestrel
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 Huisswael Barn Swallow
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Ixobrychus minutus Klein Rietreier Little Bittern
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Klein Glansspreeu Cape Glossy Starling
Laniarius ferrugineus Suidelike Waterfiskaal Southern Boubou
Lanius collaris Fiskaallaksman Common Fiscal
Lybius torquatus Rooikophoutkapper Black-collared Barbet
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Megaceryle maxima Reuse Visvanger Giant Kingfisher
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
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
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Podiceps nigricollis Swrtnekdobbertjie Black-necked Grebe
Porphyrio madagascariensis Grootkoningriethaan African Swamphen
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Psittacula krameri Ringnekparakiet 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
Scopus umbretta Hamerkop Hamerkop
Sigelus silens Fiskaalvlieevanger Fiscal Flycatcher
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
Urocolius indicus Rooiwangmuisvoel Red-faced Mousebird
Vanellus armatus Bontkiewiet Blacksmith Lapwing
Vanellus coronatus Kroonkiewiet Crowned Lapwing
Vanellus senegallus Lelkiewiet Wattled Lapwing
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.

March ’24 update from Rietvlei Nature Reserve

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Since late February I’ve been guiding hiking groups and game drives in our local Rietvlei Nature Reserve on a freelance basis. Regular readers of our blog will know that we are rather fond of Rietvlei, so it is especially rewarding to be showcasing this special reserve in this way. I thought I might start doing a monthly round-up of what Rietvlei revealed while I explored it with my guests (assisted by Joubert who accompanied me on several of the trips).

Storm clouds building up over Rietvlei
A quiet corner of Rietvlei Dam
Doll’s Protea is in fact a member of the daisy family, despite its resemblance to protea flowers
An exotic fruit tree with a very pronounced browsing line!
Black Wildebeest, Plains Zebra and Eland share a hillside in Rietvlei
Black Wildebeest, Plains Zebra and Blesbok share a hillside in Rietvlei
Big herd of Eland
Green Milkweed Locust nymphs
Green Milkweed Locust
Red-veined Dropwing Dragonfly
Blue Pansy Butterfly
Broad-bordered Grass Yellow
African Leopard Butterfly
Black-tipped Acraea
Sandman Butterfly
Natal Acraea
Spotted Joker
Sooty Blue / African Grass Blue butterfly
Common Hottentot Skipper (male)
Long-tailed Blue Butterfly
Honey Bee on a Verbena flower
Sharptooth Catfish feeding on duckweed (photo by Joubert)
Nile Monitor
Nile Monitor
Speckled Rock Skink
Baby Speckled Rock Skink
Leopard Tortoise

All counted I managed to see and identify 111 species of birds at Rietvlei in the month of March, including a couple of summer visitors that will soon depart for warmer climes. You can find the complete list at the end of this post.

European Bee-eaters
Red Bishop male
Red Bishop female
Bokmakierie
Dark-capped Bulbul
Zitting Cisticola
Reed Cormorant
Reed Cormorant
Diederik Cuckoo
African Black Duck
Carolina Wood Duck male in eclipse plumage
Carolina Wood Duck female (photo by Joubert)
Yellow-billed Duck
Yellow-billed Ducks
Black-chested Snake Eagle
Long-crested Eagle
Cattle Egret
Cattle Egret
Peregrine Falcon
Cuckoo Finch male
Spotted Flycatcher
Cape Grassbird
Helmeted Guineafowl chick (photo by Joubert)
Black-headed Heron
Green-backed Heron
Giant Kingfisher
Malachite Kingfisher
Malachite Kingfisher
Northern Black Korhaan male
Northern Black Korhaan male
Northern Black Korhaan male
Eastern Long-billed Lark
Rufous-naped Lark
Rufous-naped Lark
Blacksmith Lapwing
Crowned Lapwing
African Wattled Lapwing
African Wattled Lapwing
Cape Longclaws
Cape Longclaw
Common Moorhen
Common Moorhen
Speckled Mousebird
Speckled Mousebird
Juvenile Black-crowned Night Heron
Ostrich face
Ostriches
Marsh Owl
Southern Pochard female
Southern Pochards
Southern Pochard (photo by Joubert)
Common Fiscal
Crimson-breasted Shrike
Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pied Starlings pecking flies from the back of a rhino
Pied Starling
African Stonechat female
African Stonechat
African Stonechat
White-throated Swallow
Red-billed Teals
Spotted Thick-knee
Cape Wagtail
Willow Warbler
Common Waxbills
Pin-tailed Whydah
Red-throated Wryneck

A recently independent Black-chested Snake Eagle has put on some amazing displays.

Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle
Immature Black-chested Snake Eagle

The males of various kinds of widow-birds were still displaying in their feathery finery early in the month, desperately trying to mate with as many females as possible before the end of the summer breeding season. By the end of the month they were rapidly transitioning into their drabber winter garb.

White-winged Widowbird
White-winged Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird female
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird
Long-tailed Widowbird having lost much of its breeding plumage (photo by Joubert)

The biggest birding highlight of the month for me was my first ever sighting of an Orange River Francolin, taking my tally to 611 species of bird seen in South Africa.

At the end of the summer season Rietvlei’s mammals are in excellent condition and during the month of March I recorded 16 species. The tall grass made it difficult to spot the smaller species though and the list might grow as we progress through autumn and winter.

Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackal
Black-backed Jackals
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Black Wildebeest
Blesbok
Blesbok
Buffalo calf
Buffalo family
Buffalo calf
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo bull
Buffalo cows and calf
Buffalo bull
Buffalo cow
Buffalo bull
Cheetah
Cheetah
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
Eland
For their size eland are remarkable jumpers!
Hippopotamus
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Red Hartebeest
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Waterbuck
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra
Plains Zebra

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 seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during March 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Acridotheres tristis Indiese Spreeu Common Myna
Acrocephalus gracilirostris Kaapse Rietsanger Lesser Swamp Warbler
Afrotis afraoides Witvlerkkorhaan Northern Black Korhaan
Aix sponsa Carolina Eend Wood Duck
Alopochen aegyptiaca Kolgans Egyptian Goose
Amandava subflava Rooiassie Orange-breasted Waxbill
Amblyospiza albifrons Dikbekwewer Thick-billed Weaver
Anas erythrorhyncha Rooibekeend Red-billed Teal
Anas sparsa Swarteend African Black Duck
Anas undulata Geelbekeend Yellow-billed Duck
Anomalospiza imberbis Koekoekvink Cuckoo-Finch
Anthus cinnamomeus Gewone Koester African Pipit
Apus apus Europese Windswael Common 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
Calendulauda sabota Sabota Lewerik Sabota Lark
Caprimulgus pectoralis Afrikaanse Naguil Fiery-necked Nightjar
Cecropis cucullata Grootstreepswael Greater Striped Swallow
Centropus burchellii Gewone Vlieloerie Burchell’s Coucal
Certhilauda semitorquata Grasveldlangbeklewerik Eastern Long-billed Lark
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
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
Coturnix coturnix Afrikaanse Kwartel Common Quail
Crinifer concolor Kwevoel Grey Go-Away Bird
Crithagra gularis Streepkopkanarie Streaky-headed Seedeater
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 afer Goudgeelvink Yellow-crowned Bishop
Euplectes albonotatus Witvlerkflap White-winged Widowbird
Euplectes ardens Rooikeelflap Red-collared Widowbird
Euplectes orix Rooivink Southern Red Bishop
Euplectes progne Langstertflap Longtailed Widowbird
Falco biarmicus Edelvalk Lanner Falcon
Falco peregrinus Swerfvalk Peregrine Falcon
Fulica cristata Bleshoender Red-knobbed Coot
Gallinago nigripennis Afrikaanse Snip African Snipe
Gallinula chloropus Grootwaterhoender Common Moorhen
Glaucidium perlatum Witkoluiltjie Pearl-spotted Owlet
Hirundo albigularis Witkeelswael White-throated Swallow
Hirundo rustica Huisswael Barn Swallow
Icthyophaga vocifer Visarend Fish Eagle
Jynx ruficollis Draaihals Red-throated Wryneck
Lamprotornis bicolor Witgatspreeu Pied Starling
Lamprotornis nitens Klein Glansspreeu 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
Lophaetus occipitalis Langkuifarend Long-crested Eagle
Lybius torquatus Rooikophoutkapper Black-collared Barbet
Macronyx capensis Oranjekeel Kalkoentjie Cape Longclaw
Megaceryle maxima Reuse Visvanger Giant Kingfisher
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
Netta erythrophthalma Bruineend Southern Pochard
Numida meleagris Gewone Tarentaal Helmeted Guineafowl
Nycticorax nycticorax Gewone Nagreier Black-crowned Night Heron
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
Plectropterus gambensis Wildemakou Spur-winged Goose
Ploceus velatus Swartkeelgeelvink Southern Masked Weaver
Prinia flavicans Swartbandlangstertjie Black-chested Prinia
Prinia subflava Bruinsylangstertjie Tawny-flanked Prinia
Psittacula krameri Ringnekparakiet Rose-ringed Parakeet
Pternistis swainsonii Bosveldfisant Swainson’s Spurfowl
Pycnonotus tricolor Swartoogtiptol Dark-capped Bulbul
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
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
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

List of mammals seen at Rietvlei Nature Reserve during March 2024:

Scientific Afrikaans English
Acinonyx jubatus Jagluiperd Cheetah
Alcelaphus buselaphus Rooihartbees Red Hartebeest
Antidorcas marsupialis Springbok Springbuck
Canis mesomelas Rooijakkals Black-backed Jackal
Ceratotherium simum Witrenoster White Rhinoceros
Chlorocebus pygerythrus Blouaap Vervet Monkey
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
Syncerus caffer Buffel Cape Buffalo
Taurotragus oryx Eland Eland