Borakalalo *

[Duke]

Borakalalo means "place where people relax" and it certainly is a place for relaxation. This reserve is 14000 hectare and situated 60km north of Brits. It is only 120 km from Centurion but took us two and half hours to get there - the road is a disgarce between Brits and Borakalo and you have to avoid the potholes. The roads in the park itself are good and will not be a problem for a sedan vehicle. The park claims to have over 350 birds and you can walk in certain areas of the park which helps, we did get off the car for short walks and taking photos but plan another trip for a proper walk. The brochure states you can walk at your own risk - the risk being rhino and leopard

Other mammals listed include giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, sable antelope, common reedbuck, caracal, aaarvark, brown hyena and buffalo have just been introduced. Bird rarities that could be found according to the brochure are the African Finfoot and the White Backed Night Heron.

We found the best areas for birds to be the roads near the water, which is the Moreleti River (highlighted in Blue) and the Klipvoor Dam (highlighted in pink).



Summer would be the best time for birding as all the migrant birds will be here although it did get up to 44 Celcius

The Trp-trrr of the Wodland Kingfisher and Piet My Vrou of the Red Chested Cuckoo could be heard everywhere - we just had to find them

[PRWIN]

There are huts below the dam wall along the river, the group we where with photographed a African finfoot, we missed it as we arrived Friday and they where there from Wednesday when it was really quite.

Great place for bird and wildlife photography The area in pink we found the best for waterbirds

[Duke]

Amoli

To get to Borakalalo take the R511 to Haartebeestpoort Dam and then on to Brits. Just before Brits take the R566 towards Rosslyn. Pass the Brits abbatoir and then turn left towards Lethlabile and Jericho. The road is well signposted to get you to Borakalalo although it says Borakalalo National Park

Entrance fee is R35 per adult and R10 per car.







There are two camps, Morelete and Phudufudu. Morelete is on the bank of the river with the same name. Also a camping area. We stayed at Phudufudu. The safari tents are tired and need of maintenance but they only cost R550 per night. Nice big fridge but no freezer compartment



The small kitchen



Bedroom and Bathroom. Bath no Shower - OK for RP



There are designated areas for fishing, but note



Weir on the Moreleti River



Klipvoor Dam

[Duke]

It looks good Duke - do they have camping area...

Phudufudu camp is located in natural woodland and offers luxury and standard safari tents. Moretele Camp is located in riverine vegetation on the banks of the river with the same name and offers both standard safari tents and camping, while Pitjane is a rustic camping area on a bank of the Klipvoor Dam

[Duke]

Thank You Super Mongoose, Toko, nan, Amoli, Flutterby, Mel, Lisbeth

A "trrp-trrr" good morning to cheer you all up

Woodland Kingfisher Calling You can also hear the "Piet my Vrou" of the red chested cuckko in the background

The woody was singing away









This one, which was further away, was replying

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[Duke]

Thanks All

Although the Woody was very accommodating, posing for us, most of the birds and animals were skittish so we snapped it if we saw it

Go Away bird



This little guy who was on his own Red haartie



Giraffe



White Breasted Cormorants



Southern Masked Weavers



Little Egret ??



Pied Shrike

[Duke]

Yes Magpie Shrike thanks nan.

Could not see feet to see if little or great egret.

[Duke]

One of the lifers we got, a Shikra (immature) - ID confirmed by Dewi







European Bee Eater





Lilac Breated Roller

[Duke]

Are there lots of trees?

Yes, there are lots of trees. I quote:

Habitat include Acacia Woodland, Broadleaved Woodland, Riverine Bush, Open Grassland, Well Wooded Koppies and Sandy Shores along the Klipvoor Dam

[Duke]

Leopards, Rhinos, Hippos, Caracal are amongst the mammals listed for Borakalalo. Did not see any of them.

Common Reedbuck


Zebra


Waterbuck




Kudu


Nyala


Giraffe on the Beach




and in the bush