Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve

Wattled Crane in Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve

Mpumalanga is home to the beautiful Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, just outside the town of Dullstroom, which provides a sanctuary for the rare Wattled Crane - a wetland-dependant South African bird.

Dullstroom is famous for its excellent trout fishing locations and is home to the annual trout festival in October and this brings plenty of visitors to the Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve. Short trails through the Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve lead across the Suikerboskop mountain. These trails are not particularly demanding and make for a delightful few hours of trail blazing. On the eastern slope of Suikerboskop an old British blockhouse and war graves from the Second Anglo-Boer War may be visited. A walk to the public dam above Ambassador Lodge makes for a nice and easy walk along a gravel road. Note that hikers are advised to take along sun protection and also warm clothing as the sub-alpine weather in Dullstroom can change rapidly.

The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve, outside the town, provides sanctuary for the rare wattled crane which is a major attraction, tourists from all over the world flock here to watch this magnificent bird and its definitely a sight that would make any bird watcher realise just why they took up this hobby in the first place. The Steenkampsberg Nature Reserve is a wonderful travel destination with its magnificent flora and bountiful proteas, awesome birding opportunities and so much more.