Event information
Raapenberg Bird Sanctuary is a 10-hectare protected area on the Black River near Observatory. It is recognized as an important breeding site for many duck species and is home to the sacred ibis and Egyptian goose.
Also known as Vars Vlei, it occupies a portion of the flood-plain of the Black River upstream from the confluence with the Liesbeek River. The habitat is essentially 'mature' flooded reed beds with patches of open water .
There is no provision for public access but there is a more or less permanent patch of open water adjacent to the fenced footpath which connects the eastern end of Observatory Road to a foot-bridge over the Black River.