A bushveld reserve around Klipvoor Dam, known for rich birdlife and a wide range of plains mammals.
Borakalalo Game Reserve
Borakalalo Game Reserve is a protected area in the North West Province of South Africa, situated roughly 80 kilometers north-northwest of Pretoria and about 60 kilometers north of Brits. The reserve is built around the Klipvoor Dam and the Moretele River, giving it a central watercourse and adjacent wetland habitats that shape much of its character. The surrounding vegetation is a mix of woodland and open bushveld, a habitat typical of the South African interior plateau and one that supports diverse mammal and bird populations.
With over 350 recorded bird species, the reserve has a strong reputation among birdwatchers. Special sightings include African Finfoot, Meyer's Parrot, and Grey-Headed Kingfisher, alongside a wider selection of raptors and other bird groups. The mammal list is equally broad for a reserve of this scale, ranging from plains antelope such as tsessebe, roan antelope, and sable antelope to larger species including giraffe, hippopotamus, Cape buffalo, leopard, and brown hyena.
Although Borakalalo is recognized for its ecological richness, it has also faced ongoing safety issues that have particularly affected overnight visitors. Despite these concerns, the reserve remains a notable destination for day visitors interested in birding, game viewing, fishing on Klipvoor Dam, and exploring typical bushveld scenery.
