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Come birding with us
Ornithophiles, assemble! If you’re ready to boost your life list or hone your photography skills, it’s time to book a curated birding experience at Finfoot Lake Reserve.
Flittering, stalking, and swooping through our 3,500-hectare wilderness wonderland is some 312 indigenous species. Among them, everything from Violet-eared Waxbills, African hawk-eagles, and Wahlberg’s eagles to the ever-charismatic Secretary bird… and that’s only just the start.
Since no two bird enthusiasts are the same, we can personalise each experience to your skill set, taking special requests into consideration. With the Vaalkop Dam just yonder, you also have the chance to maximise your sightings out on the water from our bird hide. From beginners to experts, all levels are welcome at Finfoot Lake Reserve.
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Meet Your Guide
No need to feel lucky to spot some of Finfoot’s most sought-after bird species when you’re in the company of our secret weapon: Sarel van der Westhuizen. Known as our bird whisperer, or within the local community as ‘Sarel from Finfoot’, he has over 23 years of guiding experience under his belt, with over eight years at our reserve. He knows the environment intimately and his guided bird walks and tours are a highlight to any visit. Sarel also has a keen interest in photography and would love to help you refine your skills with the lens.
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What More Can I See?
Other Finfoot species include:
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African Paradise Flycatcher
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Fairy Flycatcher
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1800.jpg)
Orange-breasted Bushshrike
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_407172268.jpg)
Violet-Backed Starling
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_431505838.jpg)
Monotonous Lark
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_726342330.jpg)
Pin-tailed Whydah
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_204945410.jpg)
Chestnut-vented Tit-Babbler
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/AdobeStock_413809908.jpg)
Chinspot Batis
Book a Finfoot Birding Experience
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Beginners Birding Quest
Relaxed and low maintenance, this beginner’s package is the perfect way to familiarise yourself with the art of birding. Great for newcomers, and families, we can tailor your experience to include a bush walk, guided drive, or boating excursion on the Vaalkop Dam.
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2-4 hours
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2 min, 8 max
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Birding Photography
Cameras at the ready! Keen to improve your nature photography? This experience offers a special focus on capturing those split-second movements and eye-level shots of our region’s most sought-after bird species.
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2-4 hours
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2 min, 6 max
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/44305679_xxl.jpg)
Expert Birding Quest
Ready to skip the beginner’s stuff? This tailormade experience ticks all the right boxes for serious birders (twitchers!) wanting more of a challenge. Depending on what you prefer, we can incorporate a bush walk, guided drive, and boating excursion on the Vaalkop Dam.
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/stopwatch.png)
2-4 hours
![](https://dreamresorts.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/people.png)
2 min, 6 max