Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, Sasolburg
One of the park's more memorable residents is the giraffe. (Image adapted). © Citizen
The park's landscape includes grassland and wetland habitats, with dams and natural areas that attract a surprisingly varied selection of birds. (Image adapted). © Sasolburg DirectBongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, Sasolburg
Bongani Mabaso Eco Park is a welcome patch of open countryside in Vaalpark, Sasolburg, offering visitors the chance to experience wildlife, wetlands and Highveld vegetation without travelling far from town. Situated near the junction of the R57 and R59, the eco park is managed by Sasol and forms part of the area's network of protected natural spaces. It is particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy birdwatching, nature photography and quiet outdoor exploration.
The park's landscape includes grassland and wetland habitats, with dams and natural areas that attract a surprisingly varied selection of birds. The greater Sasolburg area is known for its mixture of riverine woodland, grassland, acacia and broadleaved woodland, agricultural land and permanent and seasonal wetlands. At Bongani Mabaso Eco Park, birdwatchers can look out for species such as Goliath Heron, Black-crowned Night-Heron, Giant Kingfisher, African Jacana, Black Crake, Squacco Heron and Great Crested Grebe. Raptors, including Black Sparrowhawk and Long-crested Eagle, are also among the area's notable birds.
Wildlife is another attraction. The reserve supports a range of larger mammals, including zebra, black wildebeest, gemsbok and red hartebeest, while smaller antelope such as duiker and reedbuck may also be encountered. The reserve is also used for biodiversity studies covering insects, spiders, frogs, reptiles, birds, mammals and grasses. This scientific work forms part of efforts to understand and maintain the area's natural diversity.
One of the park's more memorable residents is the giraffe. A female giraffe gave birth to a calf in 2018 and another male calf was born in July 2020. The latter birth resulted in the park being temporarily closed so that the mother and newborn could settle without disturbance.
For visitors, the main appeal is spending time outdoors: birdwatching, walking, wildlife spotting and nature photography are natural ways to enjoy the surroundings. The park is also an interesting stop for families looking for an introduction to local wildlife and environmental conservation.
More than simply a green space, Bongani Mabaso Eco Park demonstrates how a heavily industrialised area such as Sasolburg can retain important pockets of natural habitat and provide opportunities for residents and visitors to encounter the Free State's Highveld wildlife close to town.
Address: Paardeberg Rd, Vaalpark, Sasolburg
Entrance location (GPS Co-ords): -26.776401441981278, 27.83830165187574
Tip: Free to enter. Open on weekends. If traveling from afar it is best to call 016 920 2659 to confirm opening times
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