The welcoming entrance to a legendary place. 
All the accommodation looks onto the pool and restaurant area. 
Free roaming game add to the amazing atmosphere. The venue
- Situated between Pretoria and Bela-Bela, Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is a world-famous birdwatcher's paradise, perfectly suited for avid birdwatching enthusiasts as well as those seeking a unique and relaxing bushveld getaway. We are in close proximity to Kgomo Kgomo, the legendary Crake Road, and are positioned in the heart of the Pienaarsrivier floodplain. In addition to the over 430 potential bird species that can be observed, there is an abundance of game such as giraffe, nyala, impala, kudu, and springbok. Our luxurious, fully catered accommodation is complemented 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 that positively impact endangered species such as the highly protected Southern Ground Hornbill and African Wild Dog.
The rooms offer great comfort and quality. 
The shaded camp sites offer a great camping alternative. 
The larger bush camps offer a change for larger groups to share the experience. Accommodation
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There are 7 units available that can accommodate up to 24 people, beautifully decorated with inspiration from
our surroundings. The different units are all grouped together near a dam where you can watch the game drink
water and view local birds and animals.
There are 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 birds singing.
The 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. These stands are in close proximity to the well-renowned 'Warbler Way' and our newly built Floodplain Hide. Please note that neither the shaded camp sites nor the bushcamp have power points.
Birding
Birding in the area is world-class. On the property itself, there are amazing hides. The most popular in summer is the floodplain hide, which offers stunning views and the opportunity to catch a glimpse of rare and sought-after crakes when the water level is high. There is also a sunken eye-level photographic hide near the lodge that provides unique angles to give an edge to your bird photography. The enclosed hide is also a great place for close-up waterfowl photography.
Abundance
What is immediately apparent when birding in the area is the amazing diversity of birds on offer.
When the floodplain is inundated, water birds arrive in huge numbers. This attracts not only large numbers of them but also some special, sought-after, and even rare species. The likes of Rufous-bellied Heron have been found on the floodplain, along with rare birds such as Eurasian Bittern.
The fact that people from Gauteng can see most of the species that attract birders to Nylsvlei, but with a one-hour shorter drive, surely makes this one of the top birding spots in the region, if not the country.
Be advised that road conditions are tough in the wetter months and ideal for 4x4 vehicles only in the weeks after rain. For the rest of the year, an ordinary sedan can traverse the road fairly easily.
What is immediately apparent when birding in the area is the amazing diversity of birds on offer.
When the floodplain is inundated, water birds arrive in huge numbers. This attracts not only large numbers of them but also some special, sought-after, and even rare species. The likes of Rufous-bellied Heron have been found on the floodplain, along with rare birds such as Eurasian Bittern.
The fact that people from Gauteng can see most of the species that attract birders to Nylsvlei, but with a one-hour shorter drive, surely makes this one of the top birding spots in the region, if not the country.
Be advised that road conditions are tough in the wetter months and ideal for 4x4 vehicles only in the weeks after rain. For the rest of the year, an ordinary sedan can traverse the road fairly easily.
River Warbler - A sought after skulker in the area.
Courtesy F. C. Robiller/naturlichter.de.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported International license.
Thursh Nightingale draws many listers to the area every year.
Courtesy Frank Vassen.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic International license.
Rufous-bellied Heron is one of the rarer birds on the floodplain.
Courtesy flowcomm.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic International license.
Spotted Crake occurs in low numbers each year and is a top tick.
Courtesy Imrah Shah.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic International license.
Aardvark is a rare and special find on a night drive.
Courtesy Kelly Abram.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license.
Facilities and services
Rooms (double and twin)
Camping (no electricity)
Restaurant / Kitchen
Self catering (only for camping)
Off grid power
Camping (no electricity)
Restaurant / Kitchen
Self catering (only for camping)
Off grid power
Licensed bar
Conference rooms
Wi-fi
Satellite TV (dining room only)
Swimming pool
Conference rooms
Wi-fi
Satellite TV (dining room only)
Swimming pool
For the birder
Guides booked via lodge for outside providers
Breakfast / lunch packs available
24 hour entry / exit
Birding related curio shop
Breakfast / lunch packs available
24 hour entry / exit
Birding related curio shop
Top ticks
River Warbler
Thrush Nightingale
Spotted Crake
Striped Crake
Thrush Nightingale
Spotted Crake
Striped Crake
Dwarf Bittern
Lesser Moorhen
Black-winged Pratincole
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Lesser Moorhen
Black-winged Pratincole
Blue-cheeked Bee-eater
Nearby hotspots
Kgomo Kgomo floodplain
Rust der Winter
Dinokeng
Rust der Winter
Dinokeng
Klipvoor dam
Roodeplaat dam
Vaalkop Dam
Roodeplaat dam
Vaalkop Dam