Ma2 Malmesbury-Kasteelberg

Approximately 45km – gravel and tarred road. RM indicates a Road Marker where the route changes direction. Please do not enter private property without permission from owners.

  1. Leave Malmesbury in a N direction – turn right at Piketberg Road and pass the SAPD and continue onto the gravel road N of town. The route meanders through wheat fields and vineyards and in late winter the yellow canola fields may result in spectacular views. LBJs and Helmeted Guineafowl are abundant – waterfowl may be found at all the water features along the road. Be on the lookout for Blue Crane in the open fields and Jackal Buzzard may be spotted along the road.
  2. Turn NE at RM Riebeek Rd (S33°22.195' E18°44.213'). One can see far and wide on this route and in winter the snow covered mountains may provide a good background for photography.
  3. Turn S onto the Riebeeksrivier Rd (RM Riebeek Rd S33°19.604' E18°48.647'). Along the next stretch of the road interesting species may be observed – the water features provide ample habitat for waterfowl and waders. A resident pair of Verreaux's Eagle may be observed toward the mountainsides E of the road. Past the Voorspoed Dam the area where the Horus Swift may be found from October to May (in the proximity of these coordinates S33°21.041' E18°48.999'). Stop and scan the numerous dams along this part of the route for waterfowl and waders – especially in the wet season.
  4. Turn SW at the junction RM Riebeeksrivier Rd-R46 (S33°24.183' E18°50.718') and rejoin the tarred road. Be on the lookout for Blue Cranes along this part of the route – especially in the open fields and close to feeding lots. Join the R45 at RM R46-R45 (S33°26.830' E18°45.883') and return to Malmesbury. Scan the town gardens for garden birds.

Birds: Garden birds may be observed in town; along the gravel roads between the fields and vineyards LBJs are abundant. Blue Crane may be seen in open fields and waterfowl at the water bodies along the route. The mountain slopes of Kasteelberg may provide an interesting variety of species and raptors may include the Verreaux's Eagle pair. Booted Eagle had been spotted in the past and Jackal Buzzard is a resident species. In summer Steppe Buzzard and Yellow-billed Kite may be spotted. Horus Swift frequents the area indicated above. Various other swift and swallow species may be observed. The route not only delivers a good number of species, but in late winter provides a scenic drive through the Swartland landscape with the snow-covered mountains and flowering canola fields.

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