Shakati Private Game Reserve

 Article by Denni Raubenheimer
 Photos by Yolande van Niekerk & Denni Raubenheimer

Nestled in the Waterberg Plateau lies the little known Shakati Private Nature Reserve. Adorned with plants and trees typical of the Waterberg biome, Shakati’s 700 ha of semi-wilderness is home to an array of mammals, birds and reptiles. Within three hours drive from Pretoria, Shakati is ideal for couples, families and larger groups wishing for relaxation and quality time mixed with the African Bush.

Shakati's largest residents are its Giraffes. When visiting keep an eye out for Red-billed Oxpeckers servicing Shakati's herbivores.

Biodiversity:

Visitors to Shakati would do well to book themselves on a game drive to fully experience the faunal diversity of the Reserve. Whether your preference is mammals, birds, or reptiles - Shakati has plenty. Giraffe, Eland, Kudu, Red Hartebeest, Blesbok, Nyala, Common Reedbuck, Impala, Zebra and Wildebeest represent the bulk of the large herbivores. Mammalian carnivores include Black-backed Jackal, Bat-eared Fox, various Mongoose species, Genets, African Civet, Caracal and Leopard, though the likelihood of seeing the latter two is slim. Day and night drives are good for Black-backed Jackal, night drives are good for South African Lesser Bushbaby, Springhare and Bat-eared Fox. 

If names such as African Hawk-Eagle and African Pygmy-Kingfisher make your ears prick, then the Reserve could easily entertain you for more than a weekend. Over 220 species of birds have been recorded on Shakati, which is not surprising as it contains prospering indigenous woodland and is largely bordered by the Moloko River. During a visit one is likely to encounter Fork-tailed Drongo, Black-headed Oriole, African Paradise Flycatcher, Green Wood-Hoopoe, Namaqua Dove, Emereld-spotted Wood-Dove, Kingfishers (Pied, Brown-hooded, Striped and Woodland) Woodpeckers (e.g. Bennets, Cardinal and Golden-tailed), Bee-eaters (e.g. White-throated and Little), Groundscraper Thrush, Violet-backed Starling, White-crested Helmet-Shrike and many more. “Special” species, requiring a bit more luck, are Goliath-, African Pygmy-, and Malachite Kingfishers, Common Scimitarbill, Red-crested Korhaan, African Hawk-Eagle (a pair annually breeds in an large Boekenhout near the entrance gate), Barn Owl and Spotted Eagle-Owl to name a few.

Though Pied Kingfishers are most common along the Mokolo River, they sometimes inspect the main waterhole.

Shakati is also rich in reptiles of various types. Nile Monitor, Veld Monitor, Tree Agama, Rock Agama and Leopard Tortoise might all be seen by luck, or a sharp eye. Finally, for those with appreciation for snakes, there is no shortage – Cobras, Puff Adders and Black Mambas representing some of the residents that that should be well respected..

Accommodation:

Visitors to Shakati have the privilege to make themselves home in one of three chalets. Each chalet can comfortably accommodate six adults and contains a kitchen, a single bathroom, an outdoor shower, a porch and an outdoor braai. The chalets are all situated within a camp of roughly 100×70 m dimensions and are widely separated to ensure privacy. The camp’s garden has a distinct Bushveld-feel. It is largely covered with green lawns, which are interspersed with trees, and even has rocky portions that blend well with the surrounding bush. The camp also contains a large communal braai area, a communal kitchen and -lounge and a swimming pool.

Facilities and Activities:

Apart from general relaxation visitors can entertain themselves by hiking, bird watching, exploring the Mokolo River on foot (enquire for keys from reserve manager), or by taking a day- or night game drive with the friendly reserve manager. A waterhole with adjacent hide is within easy walking distance from the camp and is frequented by the whole variety of Shakati’s antelope, as well as numerous bird species.

Tree Agamas, or "Bloukopkoggelmanders", are possibly Shakati's most colourful common reptile.

Personal Experience:

When I think of visiting Shakati, much beauty and many possibilities are stirred-up in my mind. Possibilities of seeing bird species I have not seen before, of maybe catching a glimpse of the deadly Black Mamba, or possibly coming across the resident African Rock Python. Of photographing an African Paradise Flycatcher at its nest, Woodpeckers in the camp, or an Owl during a night drive. Sure as rain I’m reminded of the sweet and earthy smell of the Waterberg Plateau’s bush, and of the abundance of Nile Monitors around the Moloko River. I think of the snorting of Wildebeest and Zebra, of the somewhat elusive Rooihartebeest and their hides – a very similar red as many of the sandstone formations in Shakati. I daydream of the place and wish I was there – amongst the hundreds of bird species, the huge Eland and other antelope, the profusion of wildlife - big and small, seen and unseen, heard and silent.

My first sightings of the beautiful African Pygmy-Kingfisher was at Shakati's main waterhole. This is also where this photo was taken.

Contact Details:

For more information on Shakati Private Game Reserve, or to make a booking, visit http://www.shakati.co.za/, or contact Gideon at 082 410 1808. Otherwise, e-mail your queries to reservations@shakati.co.za.