by Etienne Marais

Introduction:
The reserve includes the large Doondraai dam and is set amidst hilly country south west of Potgietersrus. It is about 60 km from Naboomspruit. It's main attractions are good camping facilities and the freedom and space to walk unhindered to a wide variety of habitats. Game viewing can also be good, although summer weekends around the main campsite can be quite busy.

While birding can be excellent, bushveld birds may require more effort than at some other similar localities. In summer about 130 species a weekend is possible, while in winter 100 can be achieved with effort.

Doorndraai offers a good variety of woodland habitats, from acacia, hillside broadleaved vegetation and riverine woodland, as well as good mature broadleaved woodland. Near the waters edge a range of grassland and more open savannah habitats can be found, while the area below the dam wall provides rock and riverine habitats.

Birding:
The campsite is a good place for bushveld species, especially during the week when it is not busy. The eastern side of the camp is mostly acacia, while the north and west end (up against the hill has broadleaved trees and is good for bird parties. Look out in the thicker bush on the western edge of the campsite for Fantailed Flycatcher, Grey-headed Bush Shrike, Yellow-bellied and Terrestrial Bulbul (summer), Black Headed Oriole, Little Sparrowhawk and Southern Black Tit. The campsite is also a good spot for Striped Pipit, Black Flycatcher and Greencapped Eremomela.

Dam Shoreline. Water birds can be good, and the eastern shoreline can easily be accessed at a number of points, the very top of the dam usually being the best. White Breasted Cormorant. Great Crested Grebe, Pied and Giant Kingfisher, Fish Eagle and a variety of waders (in summer) are to be seen. At the very top end of the dam, reedbeds and damp verges often hold Squacco, Jacana or African Snipe.

Grasslands and open areas on the dam edge. Parts of the dam shoreline border on grassland areas where, Grassveld Pipit, Orange-throated Longclaw, Ant-eating Chat and Desert Cisticola as well as Quail Finch are found.

Woodlands. A wide variety of mixed woodland habitats are present. Broadleafed woodland holds Striped Kingfisher, Pallid Flycatcher, Brubru and Yellow-throated Sparrow. Wahlberg's eagle nest in a large Boekenhout visible from the road, and Flappet Lark can be heard displaying in hilly areas in summer. Acacia woodlands are frequented by Titbabbler, Barred Warbler and various Waxbills. Plum Coloured Starling, Grey Penduline Tit and three Hornbills species are present. Accipiters are plentiful, with Little Sparrowhawk, Little Banded Goshawk and Gabar Goshawk all present. Lizard Buzzard and Gymnogene are also present.

Rocky Hillsides and cliffs Around the dam wall and the spectacular koppie at the Southern end of the dam, as well as in the hills to the east. Rock Bunting, Freckled Nightjar, Lazy Cisticola and Mocking Chat are typical birds.

The "below Dam route", takes one around to the downstream side of the dam, and requires that you leave the park at the main gate, turning left at the T junction. Follow the road, eventually crossing over the Sterk river at the base of the dam wall to a once popular picnic spot. Look for Swifts and Martins, Pied Wagtail and Mocking Chat around the dam wall. Lawns around the Water Dept offices are good for Kurrichane Thrush and in winter Striped Pipit. Familiar Chat and Spotted backed Weaver are to be seen in this area. Views of pools in the river below the dam wall usually provide sightings of Black Crake, Malachite Kingfisher or Squacco Heron.

Information:
Doorndraai is 68 km from Naboomspruit via the "old" R101. Take the left turnoff to Sterkrivier and after about 16km a well signposted left turn leads to the reserve a further 6 km on.

Camping fees are R25 per site per night and a small entrance fee is also charged. Gates open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm (summer)