Nylsvlei Nature Reserve Hot

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Nylsvlei Nature Reserve is best known as the largest floodplain in South Africa and is a RAMSAR wetland.

Best known for its large numbers of waterbirds, Nylsvlei Nature Reserve is also an excellent bushveld birding destination within easy reach from Johannesburg. The autumn months after good rains cause the floodplain to fill and this attracts thousands of waterbirds including herons, egrets and many of the secretive species such as crakes and gallinules. Waterfowl are common with White-Faced and Fulvous Ducks being the most regularly encountered. The beautiful African Pygmy Goose is another regular together with African Jacana’s. The bushveld that lies adjacent to the wetlands is excellent for Crimson Breasted Shrike, Arrow-Marked Babbler and Woodlands Kingfisher to name but a few. Many species of raptor also occur and night birding can be extremely rewarding with owls and nightjars being encountered.

Photography

Best Time to Photograph

Early mornings and evenings are best for driving along the road network to search for photographic subjects. Early to mid-morning is best at the hides.

Type of Photography

Birding

Best Time of Year

Autumn

Photographic Tips

Timing your visit to the period between March and May after good rains is best as this is when the floodplain attracts thousands of waterbirds.Mosquito's can be problematic.

Recommended Gear

Window mount and telephoto lenses are a must for photographing birds, while a bean-bag is useful and better than a tripod when photographing from the hides.

Highlights

Site Highlights

Thousands of waterbirds of numerous species can be encountered during periods when the floodplain is full.

Top Species

Footnotes

Season and Weather

Summers are hot with afternoon rainstorms, while winters are mild and pleasant.

Habitats

Other Activities

Bird Watching

Location

Closest Town

Makopane

Getting There

Access lies off the N1 highway at the Modimolle turnoff at the Kranskop tollgate. Follow the sign posts on the R101. The last section of the road is gravel but is easily passable by small vehicles.

Address

Nylsvlei Nature Reserve

Map

Swap Start/End Start Address

End

User comments

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Author: Peter ChadwickWebsite: http://www.peterchadwick.co.zaEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

About

As a dedicated conservationist, Peter Chadwick has 30 years strategic and operational conservation experience in terrestrial and marine protected area management. He has worked within all of the major biomes in southern Africa as well as having provided expert conservation advice at a global level. His conservation and wildlife photography is a natural extension to his conservation work where he has numerous opportunities to capture photographs that showcase the beauty and complexity of the outdoors. Peter’s photography is internationally recognized, with this work appearing globally in a wide range of print and electronic media.

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