We joined a group of 7 nature lovers in the Karoo Gariep Nature Reserve, based at New Holme in the Hanover District. The New Holme Farm, owned by avid conservationist and forward thinker, PC Ferreira, is a total surprise; an absolute oasis in the middle of the arid Karoo, with extensive wetlands around the Kelowan dam on the Seekoei river.
The area is host to a plethora of Karoo bird species, dominated by around 400 Blue Cranes that congregate around the water, and we managed to identify no less than 118 species during our three night stay. Of course, we could not have done it without the expert guidance provided by PC and Gita Claassen, the latter from Karoo Birding Safaris. For me the highlights were two lifers, Melodious Lark and Caspian Plover. We have been on previous safaris with Japie and Ralie Claassen, Gita’s parents, and I can assure…
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