Which bird species do you think is the biggest attraction to visitors of your lodge?
It’s hard to choose just one, as we boast the highest density of birds relative to area in South Africa with a bird list exceeding 430 species. Highlights include the Striped Crake, Dwarf Bittern, Thrush Nightingale, River Warbler, Greater Painted Snipe, and the African Finfoot.
Dwarf Bittern (Photo: Kobus Pienaar)
What is the name of your lodge, and since when has your lodge been operating?
Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge. We have been operating since 2011, with new ownership and management taking over in February 2024.
How best to travel to your lodge?
During the flood season, a 4×4 vehicle is recommended. At other times, a high-clearance 2×4 SUV is sufficient. The lodge is accessible via a 25km dirt road. The lodge is 130 km away from the Johannesburg airport.
Hamerkop (Photo: Calvin van der Merwe)
What kind of services – except for accommodation and food – does your lodge offer to visiting birders?
We feature three onsite bird hides: the Sanctuary Hide, Delta Hide, and a specially designed eye-level Photography Hide. Our standout attraction is the newly built Colossal Aviary, the largest indigenous South African exhibit in the world, spanning 2,700m². It offers photographers an unparalleled opportunity to capture endemic birds in a natural-feeling environment. The aviary includes a sunken photography hide overlooking a waterfall and stream, available by appointment at an additional fee.
What makes your lodge special?
Zaagkuilsdrift is exclusively dedicated to birding. Every aspect of the lodge, from the bird library to our curio shop, caters to bird enthusiasts. We’re proud to be regarded as the premier birding destination in South Africa.
Icterine Warbler (Photo: Calvin van der Merwe)
What are the 10-20 most interesting birds your lodge offers good chances to see?
Some of the highlights include:
- Striped Crake
- Dwarf Bittern
- Thrush Nightingale
- River Warbler
- Greater Painted Snipe
- Melanistic Gabar Goshawk
- Pearl-spotted Owlet
- Southern White-faced Owl
- Marabou Stork
- African Finfoot
- White-faced Whistling Ducks
- African Jacana
- Corn Crake
- Baillon’s Crake
- Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
- White-fronted Bee-eater
- Lilac-breasted Roller
- Crimson-breasted Shrike
- Woodlands Kingfisher
Striped Crake (photo: Jandre Verster)
What is the best time to visit your lodge, and why?
Birding is excellent year-round. However, the wet summer months are particularly rewarding, with abundant water and food sources attracting diverse birdlife.
Is your lodge involved in conservation efforts?
Yes. Zaagkuilsdrift is part of the Southern Ground-Hornbill Breeding Programme, supporting the conservation of this vulnerable species through captive breeding. We’ve also joined efforts to conserve African Wild Dogs by housing a breeding pair as part of a genetic diversity initiative.
White-faced Whistling Ducks (Photo: Doug Newman)
What other suggestions can you give to birders interested in visiting your lodge?
Please call to check road conditions before traveling, as flooding can occur. A high-clearance vehicle or 4×4 may be necessary. We also offer a ferry service for guests requiring assistance.
Green Wood Hoopoe (Photo: Doug Newman)
Do you have activities for non-birders?
Yes, we offer hiking and biking routes, a tennis court, a pool table, ping pong table, swimming pools, and game-viewing opportunities.
If any reader of 10,000 Birds is interested in staying at your lodge, how can they best contact you?
Email us at bookings@zaagkuilsdrift.co.za.
Burchell’s Starling (Photo: Calvin van der Merwe)
Is there anything else you would like to share with the readers of 10,000 Birds?
Zaagkuilsdrift is recognized as one of the best birding destinations in South Africa, offering an unparalleled bird list-to-land ratio due to our unique location. Our area is malaria-free.
Lilac-breasted Roller (Photo: Doug Newman)
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