THE WAKKERSTROOM AREA
A local resident once said ‘There is magic in the air in Wakkerstroom. If it grabs you, you will fall in love and never leave’, and so it is that many residents have settled in the charming village of Wakkerstroom, which is set in a beautiful valley in southern Mpumalanga. With the main industry in Wakkerstroom being focused around tourism, the village has over 40 accommodation establishments which range from a fully serviced small country hotel to guest houses, bed & breakfasts, self catering cottages and a caravan and camping site, so there is something to suit every need and budget.
Weather conditions in the area are unpredictable. In the summer, it’s normally mild with minimum temperatures of around 12 degrees and maximum temperatures around 25 degrees. In winter the norm plummets below zero and maximum temperatures usually in the mid to low teens. It is not uncommon to have frost and snow but rain is not commonplace in winter.
Please note that meals can be enjoyed at any of the following restaurants in the village +/- 4 kms from the Centre. Please phone to book and confirm opening times:
A schedule of events, activities and programmes happening in the village is available for download at www.wakkerstroom.co.za.
Wakkerstroom has many wonderful, funny and inspiring stories waiting to be told. All you need to do to hear them is to get here…
BIRDING IN THE AREA
Wakkerstroom has long been known globally as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area and is listed as such in the IBA directory as IBA SA020. It is a birding haven with marvels to entice both the experienced and newcomers to this rewarding pastime.
A visit to Wakkerstroom, in the company of a BirdLife South Africa trained guide, will almost guarantee you the opportunity to see three endemic species which are restricted to Southern Africa’s high altitude grasslands – Rudd’s Lark, Botha’s Lark and Yellow-breasted Pipit. Other specials include Blue Korhaan and Southern Bald Ibis.
Wetland Species
Grassland Species
Forest Species
Various habitats in the region include grassland, mist belt, forests, gorges and cliffs and an extensive Wetland system.
BIRD HIDES
There are 4 hides situated around the wetland.
Crane Hide – on the BirdLife South Africa property
Clive Beck Memorial and WOW – Wings over Wetlands Hide – Amersfoort Road side of the wetland
Iain Drummond Memorial Hide – below the Oude Stasie
BIRD GUIDES
As many of the special birds in and around Wakkerstroom occur on privately owned land, which is not accessible to the general public, it is advisable to book a Community Bird Guide. The guides have the necessary permission to visit private farms and are experts at finding the specials. This can be done in a relatively short period of time because they know their patches well. Select either a full day or half day TOUR.
DORMITORY
The dormitory provides 12 twin single rooms (24 beds with linen) with communal male and female bathrooms. There is a fully equipped kitchen to cater for individual or group meals. There is a fireplace in the training room for cold nights. Please bring your own wood. All rooms have wall mounted panel heaters. Bring your own towels.
GUEST SUITES
2 guest suites each with a double bed and en-suite bathrooms (showers). There is a separate lounge, kitchenette and dining room. The kitchenette has a 2 plate Salton Oven, and a fridge/freezer. Linen, cutlery, crockery and washing up liquid are provided. All rooms have wall mounted panel heaters.
CAMPSITE
There are 10 campsites (max 6 caravans or 10 tents), with ablution facilities (hot showers), a communal scullery and food preparation area. Electrical points provided. There is plenty of grass, shade and braai facilities with great views of the wetland and Wakkerstroom Village.
