Upington

Interesting birding can be had along the orange river in and around Upington. Die Eiland Holiday Resort, consisting of a campsite and hutted camp, lies on the southern bank of the river next to the main bridge. To reach it, follow the signs to the "palm Avenue" (the longest avenue of palm trees in the southern Hemisphere). The thick riverine bush lining the edge of the camp area supports Swallow-tailed Bee-eater, Ashy Tit, African Red-eyed Bulbul, Namaqua Warbler, Brubru, and the strikingly dark Northern Cape race of Karoo Thrush. Hamerkop, African Fish-Eagle and Giant Kingfisher breed along the river. Spotted Eagle-Owl, Barn Owl and Pearl-spotted Owlet are usually very vocal at night.

Spitskop Nature Reserve is a privately owned reserve 13 km north of Upington on the road to the kalahari Gemsbok National park. The 5641 hectares includes kalahari grass veld with some rocky hills, hence the name. There are 37 km of good gravel roads, and three hiking trails of different distances. Cyclists are also welcome. Camping facilities are available as well as two very rustic huts. Bird species include : Pygmy Falcon, Kori Bustard, Double-banded Courser, Capped Wheatear, Chat Flycatcher, Fawn-coloured Lark, Karoo Lark, Spike-heeled Lark, Eastern Clapper Lark, Cape Long-billed Lark, Thickbilled Lark and Red-capped Lark, Karoo Scrub-Robin and Kalahari Scrub-Robin, Grey-backed Sparrowlark and Black-eared Sparrowlark. Access is via the R360 to Gemsbok Park.

Park Tel: +27 54 332 1336

Claire Spottiswoode and Callan Cohen 1997
Riann de Klerk 1997