The Waterberg-Nylsvley region is perfectly situated for day trips from Gauteng.
The Zaagkuilsdrift and Rust de Winter areas are just an hour’s drive away from Pretoria and can be birded for a morning.
The Nylsvley Nature Reserve is only an hour and a half from Gauteng, and with its mix of bushveld and floodplain habitats, it makes for an easily undertaken day trip.
Most of the other areas are best enjoyed with an overnight stay!
To make the most of the Waterberg-Nylsvley area it is advisable that you spend a night on the floodplain area and a second night on the Waterberg Plateau. Another option is to base your stay around Marakele National Park and its surroundings. The Vaalwater area would also be a good base for the Waterberg Plateau and Fringes.
If you have a full week to visit this region, the following itinerary is suggested which will give you the greatest diversity of habitats possible within the area and hopefully provide a good cross-section of birds of the area.
Day 1: Zaagkuilsdrift and Rust de Winter
Day 2: Nylsvley and Doorndraai Dam
Day 3: Vaalwater and Melkrivier area
Day 4: Marakele National Park
Day 5: Lephalale and western Limpopo River area
Day 6: Dwaalboom area
Day 7: Atherstone area
