Birdwatching Experiences

Three Habitats Inside
One Fence Line

Three Habitats
Inside One
Fence Line

Bushveld gives way to wetland and then to open water, which is why a morning here can move from thornveld species to waders without leaving the property.

Bushveld gives way to wetland and then to open water, which is why a morning here can move from thornveld species to waders without leaving the property.

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Come birding with us

Over 400 Species on 3500 Hectares

Finfoot Lake Reserve runs to 3500 hectares on the edge of the Vaalkop Dam, and the birding is good because the habitat changes as you move through it. Whether you are building a life list or holding a camera for the first time, the experience is shaped around what you want to see.

Book a birding experience

Where to do it

Four Places Worth Your Morning

There are no fixed hides on the reserve, so birding is organised by habitat rather than by location.

Open water, the Vaalkop Dam shoreline

Waterbirds working the shoreline. The African Rail and the Purple Heron are both in the reserve’s own species set, and canoeing puts you on the water itself.

Wetland margin

The transition between open water and bush, where the habitat mix pays off. The reserve is named for the African Finfoot, a secretive waterbird of exactly this kind of vegetated margin.

Bushveld and thornveld

Woodland and dry-country species away from the water. The Violet-eared Waxbill, Chinspot Batis, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler and Orange-breasted Bushshrike are all recorded here.

Around the lodge

23km of internal road and walking routes give access on foot and by bike, and a bird list is kept at reception.

What you might see

Species Recorded on the Reserve

African Paradise Flycatcher

Fairy Flycatcher

Orange-breasted Bushshrike

Violet-backed Starling

Monotonous Lark

Pin-tailed Whydah

Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler

Chinspot Batis

African Rail

Violet-eared Waxbill

African Hawk-Eagle

Wahlberg’s Eagle

Secretarybird

Purple Heron

Black-winged Kite

Gabar Goshawk

Cape Penduline Tit

Full bird list

Guided birding

Three Ways to Go Out

Finfoot Lake Reserve runs to 3500 hectares on the edge of the Vaalkop Dam, and the birding is good because the habitat changes as you move through it. Whether you are building a life list or holding a camera for the first time, the experience is shaped around what you want to see.

Beginners Birding Quest

The starting point for anyone new to birding, and a good fit for families. 2 to 4 hours, 1 to 8 guests.

Birding Photography

Built around the camera rather than the list, with a focus on eye-level shots of the region’s most sought-after species. 2 to 4 hours, 1 to 6 guests.

Expert Birding Quest

A tailormade outing for serious birders, incorporating a bush walk or a guided drive. 2 to 4 hours, 1 to 6 guests.

Included

A bird guide, water and snacks. The conservation levy is not included.

Availability

Open to day visitors as well as overnight guests.

Meet your guide

Sarel Knows Where Everything Sits

Known locally as Sarel from Finfoot, and to guests as the bird whisperer, Sarel van der Westhuizen has more than 23 years of guiding experience, eight of them at this reserve. He knows the ground intimately, and he is as happy helping with a camera as with a bird list.

When to come

The Birding Calendar

Finfoot Lake Reserve runs to 3500 hectares on the edge of the Vaalkop Dam, and the birding is good because the habitat changes as you move through it. Whether you are building a life list or holding a camera for the first time, the experience is shaped around what you want to see.

FAQ

No. Finfoot Lake Reserve runs experiences for beginners and families as well as for serious birders, and outings are tailored to the group.

Guiding at Finfoot Lake Reserve is led by a resident guide with more than 23 years of experience, eight of them on this reserve, who is as comfortable helping with a camera as with identification.

Yes. Birding experiences at Finfoot Lake Reserve are open to day visitors as well as overnight guests. Day visitors are asked to book meals and activities in advance.

Over 400 species have been recorded at Finfoot Lake Reserve. Bushveld, wetland and open water habitats sit within the same 3500 hectare property, which is what produces the range. A full bird list is available at reception.

The birding experiences at Finfoot Lake Reserve include a guide, water and snacks. Bring your own binoculars and camera, and contact the reserve ahead if you need to borrow anything.

No. The conservation levy at Finfoot Lake Reserve is charged separately per person per day, for day visitors and overnight guests alike.

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