Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve

Afrikaans name: Spioenkop Dam en Natuurreservaat

Photo © Steven Herbert

KwaZulu-Natal

The Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve is situated between Winterton and Bergville and is only 35 km from Ladysmith.

On 24th January 1900 the battle of Spioenkop took place in the area. Although the site is situated outside of the reserve it is still visible. To reach it one needs to travel out the reserve and follow the signposts.

In recent times the water levels are low but the dam is used for boating and fishing.

The dam is surrounded by a nature reserve with access by car. A number of mammals may be seen including Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Impala, Warthog and Blesbok. The area is also popular with birders. Some of the special birds that might be seen here are Cape Vulture, Martial Eagle, Grey Crowned Crane, Blue Crane, White-bellied Korhaan, Secretarybird, Black Harrier, Goliath Heron and Buff-streaked Chat.

Accommodation in the reserve consists of 30 camping or caravanning sites as well as the Iphika Tented Camp. The reserve is administered by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.

Have you been to Spioenkop Dam? Did you enjoy it?

Photo © Steven Herbert

References and further reading

Where to see Birds in KwaZulu-Natal - Author: Bennett and Herbert - Published: 1995 - Page: 65

Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 235

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife

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