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.
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 R200 per person per day, which includes the entrance fee to the reserve. Friends of Verloren Valei, as well as members of organisations affiliated with us, receive a discounted price of R150. Mail info@verlorenvalei.org.za for more information on events, or to book.
A botanical ramble with Dr Kevin Balkwill: 4 December 2021
A great opportunity to spend a day walking on this beautiful, closed reserve just to the north-east of Dullstroom in Mpumalanga in the company of Kevin Balkwill. Kevin is a plant taxonomist and a professor in the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences at Wits. He was Curator of the C.E. Moss Herbarium at Wits for 32 years. His current research interests are Acanthaceae and Labiatae (= Lamiaceae) amongst other groups.
Booking is essential: mail us at info@verlorenvalei.org.
LepSoc Africa Butterfly Field Trip: 18 December 2021
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: 18-19 December 2021
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.