About Sandveld Nature Reserve

The Sandveld Nature Reserve is renowned as a major birding spot, not only in the Free State, but in the country – 295 species of bird have been recorded here. Best of all the reserve, which lies 200 kilometres from Bloemfontein, and roughly three and a half hours' drive from Johannesburg, remains relatively undiscovered.

Did you know? The Bloemhof dam supports more than 5000 waterbirds and one particular count registered over 10 000 individuals.

The Bloemhof Dam lies where the Vaal and Vet Rivers meet, right on the border between the Free State and North West Provinces.

Aside from an enthusiastic fishing fraternity (the dam is brimming over with common carp and catfish), and weekend powerboats, the dam is seldom inundated with visitors. Birders can spot specials like the great crested grebe, the rare pygmy falcon, desert cisticola and fulvous duck.

The reserve has been described as the closest thing to the Kalahari without having to actually go there. Camelthorn trees, Karoo scrub, sweet-thorn savannah, large colonies of sociable weavers, crimson-breasted shrikes, waxbills, cuckoos and larks are characteristic of the area.

The Sandveld Nature Reserve is roughly 37 000 hectares, named after its mostly sandy soils, although there are areas of thornveld savanna and the camelthorn tree makes its presence felt throughout the reserve. For birders the main attraction is the Kalahari thornveld, which gives rise to a host of sociable weavers and occasional sightings of the pygmy falcon.

But the fawn-coloured lark and the tinkling cisticola, fondly known as rooitinktinkie, are also easy to spot in the reserve especially in spring and summer; waxbills, gabar goshawks and tits all put in an appearance, and the pied barbet is fairly common. Even white-backed vultures breed in camelthorn trees in certain parts of Sandveld.

The open waters have their fair share of waterfowl - not quite that of the Barberspan Bird Sanctuary but good nonetheless. A highlight is the regular sightings, and the calls of a number of resident fish eagle pairs.

Sandveld Nature Reserve is not about birds alone and white rhino, giraffe, buffalo, sable and roan antelope, blue wildebeest, zebra and other mammals are all present in the Reserve. Sandveld supports other game like giraffe, eland, gemsbok, sable and roan antelope, the black and white rhino, black-backed jackal and aardwolf, whilst a move to the waters edge will reveal an abundance of water birds – flamingo, egrets, pelican and spoonbills. Even sightings of the Martial eagle have been recorded.

Facilities are by all accounts not great - don't expect restaurants or luxury accommodation in the Sandveld reserve. But there are night drives, organised walks and picnic sites along the shoreline of the dam for day visitors.

Find the reserve on the R34 between Hoopstad and Bloemhof.

Need to Know

WhereSandveld Nature Reserve, Bloemhof Dam, Free State, South Africa

WhenBest during daylight hours.

Telephone+27 (0)53 433-1701

OvernightStay in Bloemhof Accommodation, North West Province

Disclaimer

Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.

Feedback?

If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.

In the vicinity

Hotels & other accommodation options in Bloemhof

Noteworthy attractions

Accommodation near Sandveld Nature Reserve

FIND / South Africa Accommodation / North West Province Accommodation / Southern Region Accommodation / Bloemhof Accommodation

Bloemhof as a destination

Want to stay overnight?

Dates

When would you like to stay?
Choose dates

Number of Guests

Why book with SA-Venues.com
  • Your card is safe with us; strictest card verification in the industry and we don't store card numbers.
  • No airy fairy service fees; you save!
  • We care. Service with integrity.
  • Multiple payment methods:
    credit card, SID instant EFT, bank transfer.
  • All Bloemhof property owners / managers are verified (our experience protects you from online fraud).
  • Secure your booking
Our Payment Protection Guarantee only applies if your deposit payment is made via SA-Venues.com
Game Reserves
South Africa. Explore. Experience. Stay

SA-Venues.com® has been assisting travellers with their South Africa travel plans since 1999, and is the largest, independent online travel guide for South Africa available in both English and German.