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Predators

Berg-en-Dal is fantastic leopard country! I suggest driving the S110 gravel road and S110 tar road very slowly in the early morning and late afternoon… and be sure to check all the large trees. Usually a few lucky people see one of these elusive cats at least once a day on the S110 loop. For lions, try the S25 Crocodile River Road. Wild dogs are often seen in the vicinity of the camp and the S114 has been one of the most productive for these endangered animals. Spotted hyaenas are often found walking on the road on the S119.

Elephants and rhinos

White rhinos are common around Berg-en-Dal and are found along most of the roads in the area. Both the S110 and S120 gravel roads are particularly productive rhino roads. For elephants, I suggest you search in the vicinity of James Waterhole and along the S119 gravel road on the bank of the Mlambane River. They also often visit Gardenia Hide to drink or bath.

Giraffes and zebras

The S25 Crocodile River road is one of the best in the park for giraffes. You can easily see four or more herds in one drive along this road. The hilly country around Berg-en-Dal is not ideal for zebras and you might have to drive north to Afsaal picnic site to see these striped animals. Zebras are sometimes seen near Matjulu Waterhole and on the S121 Timfeneni Loop.

Hippos

Hippos feed at night when the sun can't damage their sensitive skins. You may find them out of the water and still feeding in the early morning, especially on overcast days. The S25 Crocodile River road often produces hippo sightings. Don't be surprised when one of these massive animals dashes across the road to reach the river!

Scenery

One of my favourite roads in the whole park is the S23 Biyamiti Loop, which runs along the bank of the Biyamiti River. Large trees and gigantic boulders line the banks of the dry riverbed, while the gravel road winds along its edge. The road is also great for birding and game viewing, making it one of the best in the park.

Birds

Berg-en-Dal camp is fantastic for birding and one can easily spot 50 species within the camp boundaries in a single day! Other great places for birding are the little river crossings in the area. The crossing of the Mlambane River on the S114 is great for malachite kingfisher and wood sandpiper. The Biyamiti Weir is just south of where the S114 and S23 join, and is a good spot for water thick-knees and black crakes. The S25 Crocodile River Road is great for martial eagles.