LIMPOPO – The beautiful Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve, set in the foothills of the Waterberg, south west of Mokopane, includes the rather large Doorndraai Dam.
From the R101 between the renowned Bushveld towns of Mokopane and Mookgophong, take a turn towards Sterkrivier/ Doorndraai as you negotiate your way through the electric-fenced farmyards.
After a 17 km drive, turn left onto a gravel road towards Doorndraai and, after another 5 km, on the left is the first gate that welcomes you to the reserve.
Once you have set foot onto the reserve, you will see three camping sites with basic ablution facilities for each.
The reserve offers many a visitor relief from the soaring temperatures that can afflict this part of the world during summer.
The restorative cool breezes off the water, the fishing opportunities and the bird-watching hot spots are the main reasons people visit the 7 000 ha Doorndraai Dam Nature Reserve.
Situated in the magnificent Waterberg mountain range of Limpopo, the Waterberg district is the ideal getaway where the weary traveller can relax and revel in the great natural beauty of the Bushveld savanna and its rich wildlife.
A secluded group camp hosting over 16 guests is available and offers a thatched lapa, boma, basic toilets and open air ablutions.
The Rooiribbok Trails Camp offers two self-catering chalets with kitchen, shower and toilet.
For those who want to sleep over, beds and mattresses are provided but guests are advised to bring their own linen, cutlery and crockery.
There is no electricity in the resort but the main ablution facilities are equipped with solar panels for water heating.
For those who wish to spend a sweltering afternoon in the relief of a cool breeze while enjoying the relaxation associated with fishing, there is only one place you need to go with a multitude of species that can be lured to the hooks of keen anglers.
Doorndraai boasts a wide variety of woodland habitats such as acacia, hillside broad-leaved woodland and riverine woodland.
Around and below the Doorndraai Dam is a range of grassland types and more open savanna biospheres.
Game found on the reserve includes tsessebe, sable antelope, mountain reedbuck, kudu, bushbuck, blue wildebeest, leopard, impala and steenbock.
Sightings of duiker, klipspringer, waterbuck, zebra, giraffe, warthog, bushpig, brown hyena, genet, African wild cat, black-footed cat, aardvark, hedgehog, honey badger and otter are common at Doorndraai.
The reserve is a renowned birding site and the dam a prime angling spot, while the resort is a popular destination for the whole family to enjoy various sports.
Some of the major highlights include angling, birding, hiking, self game drives, and boating.
Facilities at Doorndraai Dam Resort include three camping sites with basic ablution facilities.
It also offers a group camp that can host over 16 guests, fully self-catering trail huts and a braai area.
