Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve

Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve

The beautiful Doorndraai Dam nature reserve, set in amongst the foothills of the Waterberg south west of Potgietersrus, includes, as its name suggests, the rather large Doorndraai dam that offers many a visitor relief from the soaring temperatures that can afflict this part of the world during summer. The restorative cool breezes off the water, the fishing opportunities and the birding are the main reasons people visit the 7000 hectare Doorndraai Dam nature reserve, which lies roughly 30 minutes’ drive from Mokopane and Mookgophong.

The reserve is beautiful and offers a range of habitats that include a variety of woodland. The waters edge offers an area of grassland, whilst there are sections of open savannah and, around the dam wall, rock and riverine habitats - all of which make it a choice area for spotting different bird species. Beautiful wild olive trees are scattered throughout the reserve and popular hiking trails weave their way through the grassland, bushveld and woodlands.

And the Doorndraai Dam nature reserve is not just about birding and angling. There is a variety of South African wildlife that includes waterbuck, kudu, bush buck, mountain reedbuck, blue wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and, if you’re luck, sightings of leopard. Even the African wild cat, aardvark, hedgehog have put in the odd appearance. A road extends along the eastern shore of the dam for roughly 14 kilometres making it easier to spot game.