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Day Trip from Wings Self-Catering Suiderstrand: Nuwejaarsrivier Wetlands SMA
Wings Self-Catering Suiderstrand is an excellent base from where to discover, explore and experience many exciting and interesting areas on a day trip. One such a daytrip is joining a Game Viewing Tour at the Nuwejaars Wetlands. We, Linda and Klaas, recently (March 2022) accompanied visitors from Australia and KZN on a Game Viewing Tour. The expectations of each one of us was totally met and exceeded.
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Special Management Area (SMA) is a unique venture to protect the natural environment alongside commercial farming. The SMA is the combined effort of 25 landowners and the historic town of Elim, covering a total of 46,000 hectares; with 22,000 hectares forming the core conservation area. By visiting the SMA one gains a better understanding of the unique Agulhas Plain wetlands system and why the Agulhas Plain is classified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
The Nuwejaars Wetlands Seasonal Game Viewing Tour starts on one of the Agulhas Wine Route’s farms namely the Black Oystercatcher less than 45 km from Wings Self-Catering Suiderstrand. The drive to the Black Oystercatcher takes you on a road past a few of the Agulhas Plain’s wetlands and vleis*, following the course of the Nuwejaarsrivier, through a large portion of the Agulhas National Park and many of the SMA farms. It is heartening to see how commercial farmers conduct their agricultural activities keeping conservation of the unique and threatened fynbos biome a priority.
The Game Viewing Drive through sections of the SMA nature reserve area, on an open game-viewing vehicle, is guided by a very knowledgeable and experienced guide. We saw buffalo, hippo, Rua quagga, black wildebeest, bontebok, hartebeest, ostriches, various birds of prey, as well as various protected bird species such as the Near-threatened Denhams Bustards and South Africa’s national bird the Blue Crane. The Blue Crane is an near-endemic vulnerable species and we saw a flock of well over a hundred birds - we are keen birders and have never seen such a large flock. Other than birds and game there are also a variety of unique plants including proteas, ericas, various bulbous plants as well tortoises and small mammals such as vlei rats and mice. What we still find truly amazing of Fynbos is that there is always some or other plant species flowering throughout the year; and we were once again not disappointed in the Fynbos flowers on display in the most arid season (February / March) on the Agulhas Plain.
On return to your vehicle at the Black Oystercatcher Vineyard we strongly recommend taking advantage of the opportunity to taste some of the excellent wines and craft beer on offer and stay on to feast on pizza from their wood-fired oven - we certainly enjoyed it.
This is but one of many day trips guests to Wings Self-Catering Suiderstrand can embark on. Watch out for more experiences and day-trip excursions in future blogs, remember to ask your hosts Linda and Klaas if you have any specific interests while staying at Wings.
* Vlei = low-lying, marshy ground, covered with water during the rainy season
