Marievale Bird Sanctuary Nature Reserve

Situated in a floodplain outside the little town of Nigel is Marievale Bird Sanctuary, one of South Africa’s important bird areas and a protected RAMSAR site. The sanctuary comprises shallow open water, reed beds and grasslands, attracting a huge variety of birds.

At least 180 species reside here, including healthy populations of reed cormorant, red-knobbed coot, African spoonbill, Ethiopian snipe and yellow-billed duck. Marievale is also known as one of the best birding spots in Gauteng to see Purple, Black, Squacco and Goliath Herons. During winter, Marsh owls can be seen hunting in the grasslands.

Facilities consist of five hides overlooking the four pans, a braai and picnic spot, ablutions and overnight chalets.