Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Afrikaans name:

Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Gauteng

Marievale Bird Sanctuary is also known as Marievale Nature Reserve. It is located near the town of Nigel.

The reserve is a birding hotspot and around 300 species of birds have been recorded. The main attraction are the waterbirds which flock to the floodplains of the Blesbokspruit River. Some of the species to look for include Marsh Owl, African Grass Owl, Goliath Heron, Purple Heron, Squacco Heron, Caspian Tern and many more.

There are four hides in the reserve which give good opportunities to birders and photographers alike.

Although the birds are the major attraction there is a chance of seeing Blesbok, Reedbuck, Cape Clawless Otter and other small mammals.

Entrance to the reserve is free.

Above - View from one of the hides

Photo © Johan van Zyl

Marievale Bird Sanctuary

Photo © Johan van Zyl

References and further reading

Top Birding Spots in Southern Africa - Author: Hugh Chittenden - Published: 1992 - Page: 169

Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to the Game Parks and Nature Reserves of Southe - Author: Editor - Alan Duggan - Published: 1991 - Page: 101

Country Life - Issue 280 - Author: - Published: 2019 - Page: 70

Go Birding in the Transvaal - Author: Brendan Ryan and John Isom - Published: 1990 - Page: 21

go! - Issue 085 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 32

go! - Issue 087 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 16

Insiders Guide - Top Wildlife Photography Spots in South Africa - Author: Shem Compion - Published: 2010 - Page: 65

Chris and Tilde Stuarts Guide to Southern African Game and Nature Reserves - Author: Chris and Tilde Stuart - Published: 1989 - Page: 48

Birding Hotspots - Author: Trevor Hardaker - Published: 2007 - Page: 26

Birding in Transvaal ????? What book is this? - Author: - Published: 0 - Page: 21

Atlas of National Parks and Reserves of South Africa - Author: Marielle Renssen - Published: 2006 - Page: 114

---

Top