The Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is a huge 2000 ha body of water located between Delareyville and Sannieshof (about 3hrs drive from Johannesburg) and one of the largest waterfowl reserves in southern Africa.
Egyptian Geese
It was one of the first wetlands in South Africa to be covered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, indicating its importance as a sanctuary for migratory birds and waterfowl. The Reserve is a pioneer in ornithological research.
Bird numbers are regularly around 20 000 and about 350 different species can be found in and around the pan. In September and October, just before the summer rains, the pan can be crowded with more than 40 000 water birds.
It supports large numbers of flamingos and pelicans and also features sought-after special twitches like maccoa duck, chestnut-banded plover and black-necked grebe. During winter it is also possible to spot western dry-country specials like Namaqua sandgrouse, grey-backed sparrowlark and swallow-tailed bee-eater.
Certain sections of the pan are designated for angling and canoeing. Facilities and accommodations for birders at Barberspan include several bird-hides and three self-catering houses set up for groups of up to 20 people as well as camping facilities.
Contact
Tel. 053 948 1854
Location: Situated 17km north of Delareyville on the N14 in the direction of Sanieshof.
