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
Accommodation Near Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, Sasolburg
Sacred Ibis View
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Vanderbijlpark
4.8 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgA beautiful river-front retreat (sleeps up to 16 people) less than one hour from Johannesburg, suitable for the whole family! Situated on the banks of the Vaal River, between Sasolburg & Vanderbijlpark, near Stonehaven on Vaal. 4 x Double Bedrooms... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Mc Intyre Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Sasolburg
4.9 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, Sasolburg7 McIntyre Guest House features three self-catering rooms, each designed to accommodate up to two guests. Conveniently situated approximately 1.5 km from the Sasolburg town centre. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Heathbridge River Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Lochvaal
12.2 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgWelcome to HeathBridge River Lodge, situated in Loch Vaal with river views from the property stretching across the Loch. We have 2 self-catering cottages on a private home. All water is navigable and safe to ski and swim in. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Loch Vaal Cottage
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Lochvaal
12.8 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgLoch Vaal Cottage is a fully equipped air-conditioned self catering cottage on the banks of the Vaal River at in Loch Vaal near Vanderbijlpark and is ideal for boating / water-sports enthusiasts. Sleeps up to six. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
River Buoys Self Catering
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Lochvaal
13.1 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgLocated at Lochvaal near Vanderbijlpark in southern Gauteng, this self catering cottage with uninterrupted views of the Vaal River across manicured lawns is the ideal spot for fishing or launching your boat. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Heaven On Vaal
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Vaal Oewer
23.4 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgTreat yourself to a memorable, peaceful weekend away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the comfort of our self catering apartments at Heaven on Vaal. Each unit has a view of the river & their own braai on their balcony. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Container House
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Parys
25.5 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgThe container house is constructed from 6 shipping containers and then cladded with decorative cement panels. The house has 5 large bedrooms, 2 large bathrooms, a large kitchen and huge centre entertainment area. The centre area is 84sq meters... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Kedu Lodge and Toscan River Estate
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Lindequesdrif AH
25.8 km from Bongani Mabaso Eco Park - Vaalpark, SasolburgThe perfect weekend getaway on the banks of the Vaal river. Wooden cabins nestled amongst trees in a peaceful and tranquil environment with great fishing and fun for the whole family. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
- Roodia (1.14km)
- Vaalpark (1.50km)
- Welgelegen West (1.57km)
- Abrahamsrust (2.11km)
- Baddrifbrug (3.07km)
- Sasolburg (4.05km)
- Wonderfontein On Vaal (4.41km)
- Vanderbijlpark (7.86km)
- Viljoensdrif (9.53km)
- Sharpeville (9.75km)
- Bloempark (11.74km)
- Leeuwkuil (12.37km)
- Vereeniging West (12.75km)
- Roods Gardens (13.31km)
- Leeuhof (13.38km)
- Vaalpark Hospital (Netcare) - Sasolburg, Free State (0.38km)
- Heron Banks Golf Course - Sasolburg, Free State (2.03km)
- Emfuleni Country Club - Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (3.22km)
- Emerald Casino Resort - Vanderbijlpark, Gauteng (3.87km)
- Etienne Rousseau Theatre (ERT) - Sasolburg, Free State (4.32km)
- Sharpeville Memorial - nr Vereeniging, Gauteng (9.47km)
- Peace Monument - Vereeniging, Gauteng (13.67km)
- Civic Theatre Vereeniging - Duncanville, Vereeniging (13.68km)
- Maccauvlei Golf Club - nr Vereeniging, Gauteng (14.07km)
- Riviera on Vaal Country Club - Vereeniging, Gauteng (14.38km)
- Vaal Teknorama Museum - Vereeniging, Gauteng (15.43km)
- Midvaal Private Hospital - Three Rivers, Vereeniging (17.27km)
