Why bird-watching at Klipbokkop?

Klipbokkop offers a unique opportunity for bird-lovers to observe a wide variety of birds in a sanctuary of both pristine fynbos and mountainous terrains with rocky outcrops.

Within an 8km radius, Klipbokkop boasts with diverse terrains, which includes:

• undisturbed inland waters,
• wetlands,
• sandbelts,
• irrigated farmlands,
• as well as renosterveld.

Since Klipbokkop is nestled in the mountains, the bird life is as abundant at the Conference Centre, as on the rest of unspoiled landscape.

Bird-watching can be enjoyed by walking on the mountain tracks, by guided 4x4 driving on any of the three routes or sipping a cocktail enjoying the breathtaking views.

Klipbokkop was developed and is managed with a commitment to promote responsible and environmentally friendly tourism, and strives to attract and educate like-minded visitors.

Bird list

Download the list of species recorded by Trevor Hardaker while visiting Klipbokkop

Birding Atlas Project

Birding enthusiasts visiting Klipbokkop can take note of the latest Birding Atlas Project, and can contribute with their own observations. One can join the SABAP2 project as a registered observer and in this way contribute with one’s own observations.

SABAP2 is a joint project involving various institutes based at the University of Cape Town and BirdLife South Africa, following on a similar project which ran from 1987–1991. SABAP2 plans to produce an improved atlas and contribute to biodiversity conservation, specifically avian biodiversity in South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland.

The southern Africa regional area of interest for the project is divided into more than 17 thousand sampling units, each sampling unit referred to as a “pentad” which covers 5 minutes of latitude by 5 minutes of longitude. The pentad covering Klipbokkop is of particular interest as some scarce and vulnerable species are found in the fynbos mountain area. Of particular interest for the Birds of Prey Working Group (BoPWG) is the fact that endangered Birds of Prey like the Black Harrier and Verreaux’s Eagle nest in the area. The Klipbokkop pentad is shown below, its reference number 3345_1920 (depicting the pentad at 33˚45΄ south and 19˚20΄ east)

The habitat found here is of particular interest including pristine fynbos, especially around the Kweekkraal and Waboomberge mountain ranges.

Notables observed in the survey of December 2007 included the pair of Verreaux’s Eagles nesting on the southern cliffs of the Kweekkraal Mountain Range. It was interesting to notice the red tag (initiative of the BoPWG) on one of these birds’ left wings. A Rock Kestrel made this area its home.  A pair of Black Harriers (classified as “Vulnerable” in the Red Data Book for birds) was confirmed close to the Brandvlei prison’s shooting range.

Up in the mountain ranges birdlife is less abundant, although very interesting and worth the effort to reach the higher elevations. Two pairs of Cape Rockjumpers were observed above 1200m, always beautiful to see these active and enthusiastic birds.

One notable in the lower parts between the Brandvlei dam and the mountain, is the Aghulas Long-billed Lark. It is worthwhile to spend some time to find this species as it only occurs in a small area and is classified as “Near-threatened” due to pressure on habitat. It is identified by its long bill, somewhat curved. Also look out for a white belly with some tear-drop stripes on the breast.

Even the casual birder will thoroughly enjoy birdwatching from the comforts of Klipbokkop’s pub and cafeteria facilities, looking down the Droëspruit valley. Various sugarbirds bathed “on the rocks”, including Malachite, Orange breasted and Greater Double-banded Sunbirds. The Cape Bunting displays some stunning zebra-like patterns and the early evening display of the Freckled Nightjar can be enjoyed with your sundowner.

Take the full list of birds confirmed to date at and around Klipbokkop for a thoroughly entertaining couple of hours.