Marievale Bird Sanctuary on the R42 lies on a wetland around ten kilometres from town.

It is located in the second half of Blesbokspruit, an area also designated Important Bird area. It is host to 240 bird species and 3 500 different bird types. There are 65 different species of waterbirds including reed cormorant, red knobbed koot, yellow billed duck.

Goliath, squacco and purple herons are usually present and the African marsh harrier is found quite frequently.
If you are an experienced birder with a bit of luck you may even find Marsh Owl, African Grass-Owl, Red-chested Flufftail, Curlew Sandpiper, Sand Martin, Caspian Tern, Baillon’s Crake, Black-winged Pratincole or even Black-tailed Godwit. Other recently spotted birds include Slaty Egret, Yellow Wagtail, as well as Baird’s, Pectoral and Buff-breasted Sandpipers.

Along with the five hides overlooking four pans, there is a braai and picnic spot with ablution facilities. To maximise your stay, you can overnight in the reserve in one of the two chalets which can be booked through Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve.

While a visit to the sanctuary is worthwhile at any time of year, birding organisations say the best time to visit is at the beginning of summer, when the grass is short and the birds are breeding.

Admission and visiting hours:
- Entry is free and the sanctuary is open from sunrise to sunset
- Summer times are from 5.30am to 7.30pm
- Winter times are from 6am to 6pm

Bookings and Enquiries:
Suikerbosrand Nature Reserve also handles Marievale Bird
Sanctuary enquiries on +27 (0)11 439 6300.