Commandodrift Nature Reserve

This scenic nature reserve covers an area of 5934 ha of riverine bush with acacia thickets, dry and arid karoo flats, mountainous terrain, and dam. The beauty of the reserve is that you can walk freely and cover all habitats without being confined to a vehicle.

Birding

To date 208 species have been recorded on the reserve. The acacia thickets along the river courses offer an especially rich variety of bird life. Species such as African Firefinch, Red-billed Firefinch, Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler, Namaqua Warbler, Fairy Flycatcher, African Red-eyed Bulbul and Scaly-feathered Finch can be seen.

The dam and its immediate surrounds provide Black-headed Canary, Desert Cisticola, Goliath Heron, Pied Avocet, Rufous-cheeked Nightjar, numerous duck species and waders.

The karoo veld offers Rufous-eared Warbler, Sickle-winged Chat, Namaqua Sandgrouse, Ludwig's Bustard, Southern Black Korhaan, Spike-heeled Lark, Eastern Long-billed Lark and Eastern Clapper Lark.

General
This reserve is situated 58km from Cradock on the Cradock/Tarkastad gravel road. A self-contained chalet, three rustic cabins and a trail hut are available for hire at very reasonable rates. Camping is also available. Bookings can be made through Eastern Cape Parks at Tel.+27 43 742 4450.

Website: www.ecparks.co.za

Shaun Peard 2002