Positioned on the edge of a pristine farm dam with a warm cup of coffee in hand, the gentle whistling of an overzealous Olive Thrush pierces the dawn’s repose. A chilling breeze carries a low-lying mist that envelops all in its path, adding a serene mystery to the morning—almost as if nature itself were holding its breath in quiet anticipation of the exceptional birding to come.
A promiscuous pair of Bar-throated Apalis add their rapid duet to the dawn chorus, while a young, inquisitive Cape Robin-Chat vigorously prods its beak into the lawn in front of us. Despite the peace and tranquillity, a louder call resounds amidst the orchestra: the call to explore.
Welcome to Dullstroom
There are many things synonymous with the small country town of Dullstroom: fly-fishing, pancakes, artisanal dining, quaint shops, whisky, mountain biking, mist, and hiking—to name a few. Nestled at over 2,000 metres above sea level, the town and its surrounding high-altitude grasslands boast impressive landscapes and nature reserves, earning it the nickname “the jewel of Mpumalanga.”
Proclaimed a town in 1892 by President Paul Kruger, Dullstroom thrives on tourism. It’s conveniently located just 2–3 hours from Johannesburg and Pretoria, and also serves as a popular stopover for travellers heading to the Lowveld from further afield.
Over the years, thanks to the curiosity of birders, a network of farm roads and reserves has been explored, revealing reliable sites for some of the country’s most sought-after species. These discoveries have secured Dullstroom’s place on the itineraries of many specialist bird tour operators.
Species such as Wattled, Blue and Grey-crowned Crane, Gurney’s Sugarbird, Secretarybird, Fan-tailed Grassbird (Broad-tailed Warbler), Buff-streaked Chat, Malachite Sunbird, Denham’s Bustard, Yellow-breasted Pipit, Ground Woodpecker, and Eastern Long-billed Lark are all readily seen in suitable habitats.
BirdLife South Africa is also active in the region. Our Wetland Conservation Team has dedicated years to researching the secretive, critically endangered White-winged Flufftail. Biodiversity stewardship and engaging landowners across the greater Steenkampsberg region have been vital in advancing broader conservation goals.
Birding Hotspots
Walkersons Estate / Walkersons Hotel & Spa
One of the area’s most productive yet lesser-known birding sites is Walkersons Private Estate, situated approximately 12 km north of Dullstroom on the R540 toward Mashishing. This 800-hectare estate is a serene haven and a birder’s paradise, with convenient access to other hotspots.
The rolling hills can be explored by car, golf cart, bicycle, or on foot. A network of dams hosts an array of waterfowl species. A well-positioned bird hide provides excellent viewing for the elusive Red-chested Flufftail. Flufftail stakeouts demand patience and an eye that avoids distractions not resembling a small rallid. Nearby, Cape Grassbird and Fan-tailed Grassbird are frequently encountered.
Birders need to stay either at Walkersons Hotel or on the estate to be permitted access to bird on the property.
Enquire at reception about access to the estate’s pristine “Mountain Reserve.” A mostly concrete road leads to the top, accessible by any standard vehicle. Beyond that, a high-clearance vehicle is needed to explore further. Here, flowering Proteas attract Malachite Sunbird and Gurney’s Sugarbird.
Verloren Valei Birding Route (incl. Verloren Valei Nature Reserve & “De Berg” Road)
From Dullstroom, travel 6 km along the R540 toward Mashishing and turn left onto the district road signposted “De Berg.” This begins one of the area’s most popular birding routes, ascending above 2,000 metres as it winds up the Steenkampsberg Plateau.
Watch for Gurney’s Sugarbird, Malachite Sunbird, Rufous-breasted Sparrowhawk, and, in summer, the dazzling Cuckoo Finch. As the ascent flattens, tune in for the call of the near-endemic Yellow-breasted Pipit, a frequent visitor to the high-altitude grasslands. The flora and butterfly diversity here reflects the uniqueness of these conserved habitats.
Greater Lakenvlei Birding Route
Head south out of Dullstroom on the R540 toward Belfast, then turn left at the “Elandsfontein” sign. This circular route loops back to the R540 near the Dullstroom Birds of Prey Centre.
It’s excellent for spotting high-flying, short-tailed cisticolas—Cloud, Wing-snapping, Pale-crowned and Zitting are common. Scan the agricultural fields near waterbodies for all three crane species: Blue, Grey-crowned, and Wattled. White-backed and Maccoa Ducks are often seen on the farm dams.
In the grasslands, look for Denham’s Bustard and Secretarybird. Grey-winged and Red-winged Francolin often forage along road verges or firebreaks in the early morning or late afternoon.
Recommended Accommodation: Booking Your Stay
BirdLife South Africa is proud to work with a network of Recommended Members (previously “birder-friendly” establishments), which are listed on our online GoBirding platform: www.gobirding.co.za
Walkersons Hotel and Spa is one such member, and booking your stay is quick and easy. Visit their website, click the “Book Online” tab, and follow the prompts to enquire about availability. Accommodation options range from full board to self-catering, and their helpful staff are always on hand to assist. On-site restaurants serve exquisite meals—a well-earned reward after a day in the field.
Conservation
In collaboration with the Escarpment Bird Club, BirdLife South Africa developed the Steenkampsberg Birding Routes to guide visitors through Dullstroom’s avian-rich countryside. These routes aim to raise awareness about high-altitude habitats and the species that depend on them, while also encouraging landowners to conserve biodiversity by tapping into eco-tourism, especially avitourism.
Support our Avitourism Project or Landscape Conservation Programme, both of which aim to further enhance the area’s conservation and eco-tourism potential.
For more information about becoming a member of BirdLife South Africa or joining our Recommended Member network, contact:
📧 membership@birdlife.org.za
📧 john.kinghorn@birdlife.org.za
Text by John Kinghorn
