Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve

Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve, situated near Carolina in Mpumalanga, South Africa, offers a serene retreat approximately 2.5 hours from Johannesburg. 

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The reserve features rustic, thatched self-catering chalets designed with families in mind. Options include three-bedroom units accommodating up to six guests, four-bedroom units for up to eight guests, and five-bedroom units suitable for ten guests. Each chalet is equipped with a fully-equipped kitchen, comfortable lounge with a fireplace, DSTV, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and an outdoor braai area. 

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Guests can enjoy two swimming pools with spectacular views, a tuck shop offering treats and essential items, a games room with pool, table tennis, and foosball, a kids' play area, a jungle gym with a trampoline and monkey bars, a mini on-site fly fishing shop, a tennis court, and 24-hour security for peace of mind. 

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The reserve boasts unspoilt countryside with rolling hills, gleaming dams, and waterways. Sweeping views across the valleys are highlighted by mirror-still dams and bright African skies. Wildlife abounds, and birdsong provides the perfect soundtrack to this idyllic escape back into the heart of nature. 

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Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve offers exceptional fly fishing opportunities for both seasoned anglers and beginners. The reserve features eight well-stocked trout dams, maintained to high standards throughout the year, ensuring a quality fly fishing experience. Fishing permits are required and can be obtained from Reception, where basic fly fishing equipment is also available for hire. The Swartspruit and Komati Rivers border the reserve and are home to indigenous yellowfish species. To preserve these delicate species, strictly catch-and-release fishing is permitted along these rivers.

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Doornkop Fish and Wildlife Reserve is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of species across various habitats. The reserve’s natural environment nurtures a thriving bird population, making it an exceptional destination for birdwatching.

 

Among the notable species are the the Pale-crowned Cisticola, which inhabits grassy and scrubby areas, characterized by its display flights and vocalizations. The Southern Bald Ibis is commonly seen in open grasslands and agricultural fields, often in small social groups. Denham’s Bustard prefers open plains and grasslands, noted for its elaborate courtship displays and booming calls during mating season. The Blue Crane, South Africa’s national bird, frequents grasslands and wetlands. The Red-winged Francolin, often heard before being seen, is found in grasslands and forest edges, with distinctive calls at dawn and dusk. The Yellow-breasted Pipit ( a few records from the immediate vicinity, as well as a more established population near Dullstroom), found in high-altitude grasslands, is known for its distinct calls during the breeding season. The African Wattled Lapwing, typically near water bodies and wetlands, is recognized for its loud, piercing calls, especially when defending its territory. Lastly, the Buff-streaked Chat, favoring rocky and open grassland habitats.