Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, South Africa

Rating:
 

Barberspan Bird Sanctuary, a pioneer in ornithological research, is the largest waterfowl sanctuary in South Africa. Over 350 bird species, including pelican, flamingo, grebe, tern, heron, crane, ibis, and bitten, wait out the dry season at this conservation area's more than 2000 hectares of wetlands. Fish for carp, barbell and yellowfish. Paddle, if you bring your own canoe. Spy on nature from a hide. And, of course, enjoy bird watching with kids. Fed intermittently by the Harts River, Barberspan is the only permanent waterhole in an area of seasonal pans and vleis making it an ideal outdoor destination for families.

 
Getting there
 
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is situated just off the N14 between Delareyville and Sannieshof in South Africa's North West Province. The drive from Johannesburg is roughly 3 hours on good roads.
When to travel
 
While the weather is pleasant year-round, rain showers are likely from November to February. The average daytime temperature is 31° centigrade between September and April and 22° centigrade from May to August. The average nighttime temperature is significantly cooler both in summer and winter.
Weather Forecast & Climate History
South African Weather Service
Travel health & child safety
 
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is situated in the malaria free North West Province. In South Africa, malaria is a risk in some coastal areas as well as the provinces bordering Mozambique.
Malaria Risk Map
Malaria in Southern Africa
Opening hours
 
The sanctuary is open daily from 6:00 to 18:00.
Fees
 
Admission charged. An overnight fee is also charged for campers.
Contact details
 
Telephone + 27 (0)53 948 1854. Email: barbersp@lantic.net.
Things to keep in mind
 
Fishing is open to overnight guests only.
Get the latest kids can travel ideas, guides, reviews and tips for traveling with kids. It's FREE!
  
Share your opinion
Add kids can travelRSS FeedAdd to GoogleAdd to My MSNAdd to My Yahoo!
Tell others about usFurl itdel.icio.usStumbleUponDigg!
TRAVEL TRIVIA  
Magellanic penguins breed in:
Alaska
Patagonia
The Artic
South Africa
About Us | Suggestions | Submissions | Advertise | Site Map