This reserve is a great place for a range of activities from bird watching, game viewing and walking to fishing, wind-surfing, water-skiing, sailing and canoeing. A self-drive Albert Falls safari can be taken with a guide in the game reserve.
Conferencing and Functions
Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve is a popular venue for conferences and weddings. Guests make use of the thatched gazebo and the well equipped hall for formal and informal team building activities. Evenings are spent around a campfire where one can absorb the beat of the African bush.
Game Viewing
On an Albert Falls safari, a reserve ranger can accompany guests in their 4x4 vehicle for a game drive. Visitors may encounter Rhino, Eland, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Warthog, Genet, Jackal, many species of antelope and maybe even the elusive Bush Baby.
Fishing
Bass and carp are the most popular fish found in the dam with Tilapia, Barbel (catfish) and Scalies also being caught. Albert Falls Dam is recognised as the premier bass dam in the country. South Africa's biggest bass fishing competition is held each year on the first weekend in September. The dam is then closed for a month to allow the bass to spawn.
Birding
A professional birding guide can be arranged in advance for a small group. With 280 bird species recorded so far, Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve is a birding haven with a diverse range of habitats. All kinds of water birds including African Fish Eagle and Secretary Bird reside here. Osprey can also be seen regularly among the bigger species.
Typical of the reserve are Darter, Reed and White-breasted Cormorants, Hamerkop, Little Egret, Goliath and Black-necked Herons, Spoonbill, Great White Egret and Sacred Ibis, the rare Pelican can be seen occasionally.
Thornveld and dense scrub host shrikes, scrub robins, barbets, woodpeckers and aloe-attracted sunbirds, orioles and bulbuls, Gymnogene and migratory kites, African Goshawk and Red breasted Sparrowhawk.
Nature Trails
The Nyoni Trail at Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve is 4km (2.5 miles) long and reasonably easy walking. It meanders along the slopes of Notuli Hill affording breathtaking views of the dam and Karkloof Mountains. The well marked trail continues through open grassland and woodland offering the opportunity to observe many bird species and a variety of antelope and Zebra. Maps are available at the Visitor Reception.
