Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary And Lodge

It exceeded my expectations - especially as it was off season, very quiet, with Wiaan and Marlene as great hosts. The camp site is excellent, providing ample space and a private spacious bathroom. It is a small compact property ideal for walking (about 3.5km circumference) with a number of routes to criss cross property to view birds, giraffes and few antelope species. There is a 20km stretch of gravel road of which 10km is badly corrugated and total distance from Pretoria East is 90km and ideal for quick break away from busy, larger camp sites. Please note that in the rain season you will require a 4x4 as nearly all roads flood in the area.

This was the most wonderful experience that we have had in a while. From the hospitality, food, accommodation, to the great talks about nature and to see what they are trying to achieve and protect at the Lodge and Sanctuary...Thank you so much!!! We will be back.

Great hosts. Great food. Great accommodations. Great birds. A fantastic experience. We went off-season, but were well taken care of.

A must visit birding venue, stunning facilities and great accommodation camping facilities too.

We went there for lunch after a morning of birding around the area. We had a braai there and I can't comment on the other facilities. It looked like a really nice place to visit for a longer period.The area is a birding hotspot.

Great birding site. Good camping facilities and some lodge rooms.Cannot wait to return after the rains.Very friendly hosts.

Very muddy strip (the main road!)at the time of my visit, but good birding including unique specials.

Came as a day visitor after birding in the early morning on Zaagkuilsdrift Road. The hosts are very nice, and the breakfast I ordered was absolutely delicious. The general area is amazing for birding. The hides on the premises are decent, I imagine they'd be a bit more exciting in flood. Do note you will need a high clearance vehicle - I took my hatchback with 18cm clearance and only just made it without trouble.

Mixed feelingsOut in the bush with catered lodging and 4 campsites. Recommended by a friend who spent a guided bird weekend there the facilities were better than portrayed on their website. Gerrie and Jaco are attentive hosts, welcoming and keep you well informed. We went on an off peak time so it was quiet and exactly what we needed. Sitting at the one waterhole makes for time to chill. Accommodation is rustc but meets needs. Meals are good but choice limited and dietary requirements not catered for. Walking was limited due to the Pienaar’s rivier flooding. The bird sanctuary is of some interest. A little off-putting is distant community music over weekends and domestic dogs barking and roosters crowing. Zaagkuilsdrift is an hour from Pretoria so a convenient quick away weekend.

No electricity makes camping very difficult. Otherwise, staying in the lodge is awesome.