Visit Verloren Valei Nature Reserve near Dullstroom Mpumalanga

Please note that Verloren Valei is a closed reserve. Entry is by appointment only. To book a visit, contact the Verloren Valei reserve office on 013 254 8800.

A Mpumulanga Parks Board specialist reserve situated approx. 15km out of Dullstroom on the De Berg road. This is a breeding retreat of the endangered Wattled Crane, where Blue Crane and Crown Crane can also be spotted. The reserve also boasts a wonderful range of specially protected flora including many species of terrestial orchids. Up to 55 various species have been identified including Disa zuluensis, Eulophia parvilabris, Satyruim hallockii var. occelatum. Many grassland endemic bird species are found here, including Rudds Lark, Yellow Breasted Pipit and Grey and red winged Francolins.

A few noteworthy amphibians and reptiles have adapted to the extreme habitat conditions and are  found in and around these wetlands. 50 Butterfly species including the  Warrenblue butterflies are found during the flowering seasons. 

Two very interesting mammal species are found  here – a specialist predator and its prey.  Nocturnal mammals who spend most of their lives underground.  The predator is called a Zorilla or African Weasel (related to the Honeybadger) and its prey, the Golden Mole.  This specific species was only discovered and described in the year 2000.

Grey Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Common Reedbuck, Oribi, Duiker, Blesbuck, Steenbuck and Black Wildebeest can also be found on the reserve. The common predators are serval cats, caracal, black backed jackal, side striped jackal, brown hyena and aardwolf.