ZAAGKUILSDRIFT BIRD SANCTUARY AND LODGE, PIENAARSRIVIER

Situated between Pretoria and Bela Bela, Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is a world famous bird watchers paradise perfectly suited for the avid birdwatching enthusiast as well as those just searching for a unique and relaxing bushveld getaway.

Our lodge is completely "OFF THE GRID' and runs solely on renewable energy. 

We have a list of 435 bird species found in the area. View the Zaagkuilsdrift Birding List.

We are in close proximity to Kgomo Kgomo , the legendary Crake road and positioned in the heart of the Pienaarsrivier floodplain . Along with the over 430 potential bird species to be seen is an abundance of game such as giraffe, nyala, impala, kudu and springbok.

Our luxurious fully catered accommodation is complimented by attractive bird hides and photography hides as well as bush camp stands and private camping sites for those looking to take advantage of the incredibly unique Zaagkuilsdrift experience.   

We also have specialized breeding programs positively impacting endangered species such as the highly protected Southern Ground Hornbill and African Wild Dog.
 

Pretoria and Bela-Bela Bushveld Activities

At Zaagkuilsdrift, we offer a wide range of activities that allow our guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. From bird watching, walks to tennis, we have something for everyone.

Click here to learn more about the activities we offer. 

Lodge and Campsite Accommodation between Pretoria and Bela-Bela

Our lodge offers luxurious and comfortable rooms that are perfect for a relaxing stay. Each room is uniquely decorated and offers stunning views of the bushveld.
 
Lodge Accomodation
We have 7 units available that can sleep up to 24 people, beautifully decorated with inspiration from our surroundings. The different units are all grouped together with a dam close-by where you can watch the game drink water and view local birds and animals.

Deluxe Camp Sites
We have four shaded camping sites on the property with private ablution facilities. The views from these stands are glorious and you are guaranteed to wake up to the peaceful symphony of the birds singing. Please note that our Camp Sites do not have power points.

Bush Camp Sites
Our Bushcamp stands are ideal for large groups of people and can hold a maximum of six people per stand. They have access to shared ablution facilities. Our Bushcamps are in close proximity to the well renowned "Warbler Way" and our newly built Floodplain Hide. Please note that Camp Sites do not have power points. 

Pienaarsrivier Birdwatching Hotspot

We are arguably THE top birding destination in the country. Our unique area offers a high density of birdlife, boasting many lifers.  You are bound to spot a beautifully coloured bee-eater, hear the renowned  call of the "go-away" bird and if you are patient and persistent you will get a sighting of our elusive crakes and flufftails. 

"Warbler-Way", with its' dense shrub land is a hot spot for the highly sought after warblers and other "LBJ's"​

Conservation Projects at Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge

Southern Ground-Hornbill Project
Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is part of the Southern Ground-Hornbill Breeding Programme. Our facility was  chosen for captive breeding to help build a conservation insurance population with adequate genetic diversity. The enclosures were specifically designed for the long-term housing of Ground-Hornbills.

African Wild Dog Project
The decline of the African wild dog populations is ongoing, due to habitat fragmentation, human persecution, and disease outbreaks. Zaagkuilsdrift has obtained a pair of African Wild dogs as part of a breeding programme.

The African wild dog is a highly social animal, living in packs with separate dominance hierarchies for males and females. Uniquely among social carnivores, it is the females rather than the males that scatter from the natal pack once sexually mature, and the young are allowed to feed first on carcasses. The species is a specialised diurnal hunter of antelopes, which it catches by chasing them to exhaustion. Like other canids, it regurgitates food for its young, but this action is also extended to adults, to the point of being the bedrock of African wild dog social life. It has few natural predators, though lions are a major source of mortality, and spotted hyenas are frequent kleptoparasites.

Location

Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is located in the heart of the Pienaarsrivier wetland in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. Our lodge is just a short drive from the city.

Click here to learn more about our location and how to get here. 

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