Verloren Valei is a magnet for those with specialist interests such as orchids, wildflowers, birds (especially cranes), insects and wetlands in general. More important, though, is the opportunity to understand how these and other areas of interest exist as part of a wider ecological context. Our expert-led field trips are a way to come to grips with specific aspects of the Reserve within the context of the whole—and an opportunity to experience a place of outstanding natural beauty more intimately.

Tite’s Copper (Photograph by Justin Bode)
Orthochilus vinosus - a pre-rainfall flowering orchid (Photograph by Gerrit van Ede)
Wattled and Grey Crowned Cranes on Lakenvlei (Photograph by Jody de Bruyn)

Essential to enjoying your field trip. Copies may be purchased at the Reserve office or at the Heritage Centre in Dullstroom (next door to Mrs Simpson’s) – or by e-mailing info@verlorenvalei.org.za.

Upcoming Events

Field trips are R175 per person per day. Friends of Verloren Valei, as well as members of organisations affiliated with us, receive a discounted price of R125. Prices do not include admission to the Reserve (Adults R50, Pensioners and children R25).

Mail info@verlorenvalei.org.za for more information on events, or to book.

The 2022-3 summer programme is now concluded. Watch this space for next summer’s programme or mail us to go onto our mailing list.

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Wetlands Field Trip with Hannes Marais: 5 November 2022

Hannes Marais is a wetland ecologist with Mpumalange Tourism and Parks Agency and knows Verloren Valei very well. This trip aims to explain how wetlands work and what forms they take on the Verloren Valei grasslands.

This trip is fully booked.

LepSoc Africa Butterfly Field Trip: 10 December 2022

Verloren Valei is famous as an internationally important wetland, an orchid hotspot—and as the habitat of two butterfly species that occur nowhere else: Warren’s Blue and Clark’s Lost Widow (Verloren Valei Bergweduwee). The field trip led by the Lepidopterists’ Society of Africa (LepSoc) is an annual highlight of the Verloren Valei year. This year’s trip will again be led by Jeremy Dobson, President LepSoc, and Justin Bode.  

Other possible sightings might include the Transvaal Copper, Tite’s Copper, Bush Scarlet, Lydenburg Opal, Common Meadow Blue, Henning’s Black-Eye, Basuto Skolly, Table Mountain Beauty, Blue Pansy, Gaudy Commodore, Mountain Sylph and Restless Blue, to name just a few.

Booking is essential: mail us at info@verlorenvalei.org.za to reserve a place.

Birds and Flowers with Susan Abell and Geoff Lockwood: Date TBC

We are delighted to offer this popular two-day exploration of the floral and avian treasures of Verloren Valei—a unique opportunity to spend time out in the veld with ornithologist Geoff Lockwood and botanist Susan Abell in the Verloren Valei Reserve near Dullstroom, an internationally important wetland and recognized biodiversity hotspot.

Booking is essential: mail us at info@verlorenvalei.org.za to reserve a place.