
Important wetland bird area
Gauteng, South Africa
Marievale is a wetland reserve on the Blesbokspruit near Nigel, east of Johannesburg, and the most productive birding site in Gauteng: more than 280 species recorded, with hides on the reedbeds and pans for flamingos, crakes, herons, ducks and the migrant waders that arrive in summer. It is a Ramsar site and part of the Blesbokspruit wetland system. There is no accommodation inside and no game beyond small antelope; it is a half-day birding trip from the city, best early in the morning, and it combines with Suikerbosrand and the East Rand's other wetlands.
Things to do: Nature appreciation · Photography
Where you can stay: Camping · Chalets · Nearby B&Bs
What people record most across Gauteng. Past sightings, never a guarantee.
From iNaturalist records across Gauteng, not confirmed sightings inside this reserve.
Inside-park stays and nearby lodges, sorted by distance.
No stays are linked to Marievale Bird Sanctuary yet. These are the closest ones we have, by straight-line distance from the park, so check the drive before you book.
26.3565° S, 28.5113° E800 km from Cape TownOpen in Maps
Why book here
Wild places survive when the communities around them earn more from protecting wildlife than from anything that would replace it. Every stay you book through Spekboom carries a conservation contribution built into the price, never added on top, so choosing where you sleep becomes a way to fund the people and projects keeping this landscape intact.
Marievale Bird Sanctuary is in Gauteng, South Africa.
Yes. Marievale Bird Sanctuary is in an area recorded as malaria-free, which is why it is a common choice for families with young children and for a first safari. Malaria risk can shift with the season and the year, so confirm current advice with a travel clinic before you go.
In Gauteng, commonly recorded species include animals such as Black Wildebeest, Blesbok, Serval, Bontebok and birds including Karoo Thrush, Slaty Egret, Long-tailed Widowbird, based on iNaturalist occurrence data. These reflect the wider province, not confirmed sightings inside the reserve.
The best time to visit Marievale Bird Sanctuary is Mar-May, Aug-Oct.
Popular activities at Marievale Bird Sanctuary include nature appreciation, photography.
Other parks and reserves that share something with Marievale Bird Sanctuary.
Malaria-free parks and game reservesNational parks and reserves in South AfricaNature reserves and parks in GautengAll protected areas