And now we’re making it as easy as possible for you to see them, through our guided tours.
GAME VIEWING
Game and bird viewing in the Nuwejaars Wetlands area:
(PLEASE NOTE: Our tours are closed for the winter season, and will reopen in the summer of 2021.)
We host DAILY trips to view the wildlife and the birds found in the Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area. See the first buffalo to roam the Agulhas Plain in more than 150 years. Look out for our bontebok – a species once on the brink of extinction. And if you’re lucky, you could spot the Rau Quagga living on the SMA. These Quagga form part of the Quagga Breeding Project – a project working to bring back the now-extinct Quagga.
You’ll of course see an array of other game, some of the very special bird species that occur here (like the threatened Blue Crane, Denham’s Bustard and Southern Black Korhaan), and of course our rich and threatened vegetation.
Both the Morning Wildlife Tour and the Sunset Wildlife Tour are led by a trained guide. And we’ll serve you refreshments overlooking the natural lake where the hippo live (including a glass of wine on the Sunset Tour).
Get involved & make history
The animals and plants that live here can’t speak for themselves. So it’s up to us to protect them, and give them a voice. But we need your help.
Make history – by adopting one of the first hippo to return to the Agulhas Plain in more than 150 years.
Or protect your own herd of bontebok, and get involved in our bontebok management actions (so join us when we dart an ill animal).
We can’t conserve this spectacular area without partners like you. Find out more.
Many of our NWSMA members also offer game viewing opportunities, if you stay at their accommodation.
Jubilee Hill
The Jubilee Hill cottage is situated on the historical Zoetendals Vallei farm, and overlooks the Zoetendalsvlei – the largest freshwater lake in South Africa that is connected to the sea. The self-catering cottage is ideal for nature lovers, while the lake is used by kite-surfers and canoeists.
082 887 2373
Black Oystercatcher Cottages
The Black Oystercatcher offers 4 self-catering cottages, on the road between Bredasdorp and Elim. The cottages overlook the Agulhas Plain – and from here you can eat delicious meals and taste wine at the Black Oystercatcher Restaurant, or visit local sights (for example in nearby Elim).
028 482 1618
Klipfontein Keep
This house is situated on the beautiful Klipfontein Farm – a birder’s paradise (and also just down the road from Struisbaai). The house sleeps 10 – and visitors can walk, enjoy the game (including eland), cycle, or just enjoy the setting.
028 424 1990
Strandveld Vineyards
Strandveld is the home of the First Sighting and Strandveld wines. The winery has two cottages – both with an indoor fireplace, and kitchen facilities, en-suite bathrooms, not to mention wonderful garden views. Conveniently located close to Elim and Struisbaai.
028 482 1902
Langrug Lodge
This farm cottage is a perfect combination of old and modern. It has two bedrooms, with en-suite bathrooms. The cottage is situated on the Zoetendalsvlei – and you’ll enjoy the views from the kitchen. There’s no electricity here; this getaway is about connecting with nature, not technology.
028 424 1990
Elim Accommodation
Stay over in the culturally-rich town of Elim. There are a couple of options here for visitors. From here, visit the watermill and the old Elim Church (and see its clock that dates back to 1757).
Elim Guesthouse: 028 482 1008
Palm Heaven:028 482 1600
Maggie van Breda:028 428 1912
