Finfoot Lake Reserve: Birding and Family Adventure

Finfoot Lake Reserve is the ideal blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, nestled on the banks of the Vaalkop Dam in a landscape where the bush meets the shimmering waters. This picturesque reserve offers a range of accommodations—from self-catering villas to beautifully appointed chalets—and a host of activities designed for families, birders, and those simply seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle. With expansive views of the surrounding bushveld, a large open-sided thatched lapa serving as the social hub, an inviting swimming pool, and a variety of onsite facilities, the reserve is a paradise for nature lovers.

We were greeted with warmth and genuine South African hospitality upon arrival. Our family settled into one of the bush chalets—a cozy retreat featuring a single room with a king-size double bed, a sleeper couch for our daughter, two modern bathrooms, air conditioning, a fancy coffee maker, and a fridge. This comfortable setting provided a perfect base from which to explore the reserve and enjoy the natural surroundings.

Adding an extra touch of family fun, we were introduced to the Kids Explorer Club—an engaging and interactive programme that kept both my wife and our seven-year-old daughter busy throughout our stay. The club offers a host of exciting tasks: young explorers collect stickers and badges as rewards for completing activities. They went on mini-adventures to locate bird houses, spot various animals, partake in arts and crafts, and even enjoyed a session of braaing marshmallows. It was clear that the kids’ programme was crafted to inspire curiosity and foster a love for nature.

Our adventure truly kicked off on the first afternoon with a game drive into the heart of the reserve. My eyes first caught a delightful pair of Groundscaper Thrushes flitting by—the perfect introduction to the local bird life. Mere moments later, I experienced the thrill of a lifetime: an encounter with the Crimson-breasted Shrike, the bird I had most eagerly hoped to see on the trip. I managed to capture some stunning photos of this lifer, a moment that will be forever etched in my birding diary.

Crimson-breasted Shrike

As the day gave way to evening, we relaxed with drinks while taking in the breathtaking sunset over the Vaalkop Dam. The tranquil ambience, punctuated by the cool hues of dusk, was the perfect interlude between activities.

Each morning brought a sense of anticipation as my family embarked on two additional drives with the reserve’s friendly rangers. Meanwhile, I enjoyed a series of private birding expeditions led by Sarel, the reserve’s general manager and a true birder at heart. Sarel’s expertise was invaluable in the hunt for lifers. Although we had a few near misses—namely for the Northern Black Korhaan, Black-faced Waxbill, and Ashy Tit—I still managed to add a Southern Pied Babbler, Black-chested Prinia, and Great Sparrow to my life list, along with other impressive sightings such as African Hawk Eagle, Violet-eared Waxbill, Great Spotted and African Cuckoos, and even a European Honey Buzzard.

In one particularly special moment, Sarel himself joined in on the lifers. On the bridge just outside the reserve we heard the call of a Marsh Warbler, which was a lifer for Sarel. Although we recognized the bird as a Marsh Warbler while I was still there, it wasn’t until after I had left that, through sheer perseverance and his deep familiarity with the reserve, he managed to finally photograph that elusive Marsh Warbler—a truly unforgettable lifer for him.

Some of the most enjoyable birding encounters I had on the trip, was to do with Owls. On our very first sunset drive, I caught sight of a majestic Spotted Eagle Owl quietly observing the twilight. One morning, before the sun had fully risen, I was out for a walk around the camp when I noticed a dark figure perched on a tree. Curiosity led me closer, and there, almost face to face, was a stunning Pear-spotted Owlet—a bird I hadn’t seen in years. It flew off before I could capture its image, leaving behind a sense of wonder.

Later that evening, as we returned from supper, the unmistakable call of the Southern White-faced Owl resonated through the night. Its calls were so clear that even my wife couldn’t help but listen. Curiosity got the better of me, and when I played the recording back on my app, it roused a nearby Pear-spotted Owlet to join in the chorus. Sarel also demonstrated a neat trick: by playing the call of the Pear-spotted Owlet during daylight, he would alarm other birds out of hiding. Although we didn’t ultimately locate the elusive Ashy Tit we were looking for, this technique led me to sight the even rarer Great Sparrow—a true lifer for me—and sparked the curiosity of a passing Gabar Goshawk.

Finfoot Lake Reserve isn’t solely about avian spectacles. The reserve’s diverse wildlife adds an extra dimension to the experience. On one sunset drive, we observed a playful Scrub Hare darting through the bush, and not long after, we spotted a delicate two-week-old giraffe—a true testament to the rejuvenating nature of the reserve. Following recent good rains, the area bloomed with a profusion of butterflies, adding vibrant splashes of color to the already rich natural tapestry.

On our last day, we set out on a cruise on the Vaalkop Dam—a highlight of the reserve’s array of activities. Sipping on cool drinks as we drifted across the water, we marveled at the sightings that came our way: majestic Fish Eagles soaring above, lively Pied Kingfishers darting around the dam, and even the occasional Red Hartebeest making an appearance. This leisurely cruise was an excellent way to reflect on the adventures of our stay.

Perhaps my absolute favourite part of the day was as the sun began to set. I would sit by the pool, sampling a range of wonderfully crafted cocktails, and simply savor the ambience of the lodge and the surrounding bush. The sight of Marico Sunbirds flitting among flowering plants around the poolside, busily sipping nectar, provided a perfect, serene close to each day—a moment to cherish after the excitement of each adventure.

As our stay drew to a close, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the dedicated staff at Finfoot Lake Reserve—especially Sarel, whose expertise and passion for birding made our trip truly exceptional. To top it all off, as we were leaving, I managed to bag one last lifer on the access road outside the reserve: a striking Shaft-tailed Whydah.

My family’s visit to Finfoot Lake Reserve was an unforgettable blend of nature, adventure, and excellent service—a reminder that true South African hospitality and the magic of the wild go hand in hand.