Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is
situated right next to the N14 national road, between the towns of Delareyville
and Sannieshof in the North-west province. The pan is fed by the Harts River
and is situated in open grassland that forms a great undulating plain, much of
which is cultivated for summer crops such as maize, sunflowers and groundnuts.
It is a large pan, 6 x 4
kilometers covering 3,200 hectares of which up to 2,000 hectares could be under
water with a maximum depth of 11m. The pan became a perennial source of water
when a local farmer, Mr Basson, dug a channel through the ridge that separated
the pan from the nearby Harts River during 1913. Descendants of Mr Basson still
farm right next to Barberspan. The reserve is surrounded by hundreds of
seasonal pans, most which dry up during winter.
The name Barberspan is not after
the Afrikaans name for the Barbel catfish which is found abundant in the pan.
It was named after Frederick Hugo Barber who hunted in this area during 1875.
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is one of the best inland spots in South Africa to see waterbirds. It is also an excellent site to see a wide range of other birds, from raptors and vultures to seedeaters. It is one of Birdlife SA’s Important Birding Areas (IBA SA026). More than 400 bird species have been recorded here.
On 12 March 1975 Barberspan, with De Hoop in the Western Cape, became South Africa’s first Ramsar wetland of International Importance. It is the only Ramsar wetland in the North-west province.
Leeupan, situated on a private
neighboring farm, gets water as an overflow from Barberspan. Strangely, the
water in Leeupan has a much higher salt content and attracts flocks of Lesser
and Greater Flamingoes.
With an infrastructure of
ringing and laboratory facilities plus fulltime experienced rangers, Barberspan
attracts researchers from the University of Cape Town, University of Gdansk
(Poland), University of Jos (Nigeria). Regular bird ringing takes place here at
Barberspan. Unfortunately we could not witness the ringing process during our
stay. The bird traps were only setup the day before our arrival. Usually it
takes 2 weeks to make the birds used to the traps.
Angling clubs from far away use
Barberspan for their annual fresh water fishing competitions. Fishing is
restricted to a specific area of the pan. No power boats are allowed, only rowing
boats. Barbel, Mudfish, Carp and Yellowfish are caught here. The arrangement is
that the vulnerable Yellowfish must be released again.
Windsurfing and sailing are allowed on the pan. Organized cycling
and running events around the pan have recently been introduced. A mountain
bike event with a 60km and 80km route called Ommi Pan Challenge, was a huge
success during April 2015.
An extensive network of good gravel roads inside the reserve and around the pan, makes it possible for visitors to see everything Barberspan can offer. Game such as Black Wildebeest, Zebras and Springbuck can be seen around the pan.
A short educational walking
trail, the Logadigadi Educational Trail, was started a few years ago as part of
a land claim settlement with the local community. The idea was that locals will
be trained as guides. The community will then receive part of the income from
the trail. Unfortunately the trail is not utilized at the moment because of
internal disputes with the local council.
Some of the local communities
who consider the pan to be a sacred place, use it for spiritual rituals. They
enter the water to talk to the big snake and to their ancestors.
A private landowner with a guest
house owns a piece of land right between the angling competition area and the
protected part of the pan. It is like a slice of cake taken out of a round
cake. Allthough there is good co-ooperation between the provincial authorities
responsible for the management of the pan and these private landowners, it is
difficult to control the water activities allowed from the private lodge.
There are 2 self-catering houses that can be rented from the reserve management. Flamingo house sleeps 6 and Pelican house can sleep 8. There is also a campsite with power points, braai stands, lapas, and ablution facilities with hot water.
Hartsmeander Tourism is an active and innovative organization that promotes the area as a tourist destination. Apart from several accommodation specials in and around Delareyville, Sannieshof, Ottosdal, Lichtenburg, Setlagoli, they offer guided historical tours on a monthly basis.
Barberspan Bird Sanctuary is
managed by North West Parks & Tourism Board. The reserve manager, Sampie
van der Merwe, is passionate about Barberspan and was most helpful to
accommodate us and show us around. It is sad to hear that one of his biggest
challenges is vandalism of fences, gates, ablutions by the anglers, the very
same people who enjoy the luxury of having a place like Barberspan on their
doorstep.
Date of visit: 20 May 2015
Contact information:
e-mail:
barbersp@lantic.net
Telephone:
+2753-948-1854