Welcome to our world
The Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (DWR)
The Dabchick Wildlife Reserve (DWR) is situated in the Waterberg region of the Limpopo province. The reserve is roughly two-and-a-half hours’ drive from O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.
DWR is over 1 000 hectares in size, which allows us to be involved in various conservation projects, as well as cater for visitors who want to experience the African wilderness and all its inhabitants, big and small. We offer the choice of luxury accommodation or a more rustic experience, according to your tastes.
Activities
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers different activities and accommodation, according to your needs – experience the bush in the comfort a luxury tented camp, or attend specially designed courses in a rustic tented bush camp.
Accommodation
Luxury Tented Camp
The Luxury tented camp which currently accommodates 12 people is situated on a plain with views of the mountain/and or bush. The camp is unfenced so you can safely experience nature up close and personal. All our themed tents have electricity, lights, hot water and flush toilets but individual tents have different features. Please note that the tents and lapa are non-smoking areas.
Luxury Tented Camp
These spacious themed tents with Zebra and Giraffe themes respectively have 2 x ¾ beds, a bath and shower.
Exquisite Cuisine
The luxury tented camp offers full catering in a thatched Lapa, which also has a lounge with a fireplace and a bar.
Honeymoon tent
This spacious flagship tent whose theme celebrates our iconic bird.
Why we do what we do
The mission to conserve wildlife, protect biodiversity and make Africa a safer place for animals and ecosystems.
🍽️ 𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐏𝐄 𝟎𝟎𝟐
𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙎𝘼𝙁𝘼𝙍𝙄 𝘾𝙃𝙀𝙁! 👩🏻🍳🧑🏻🍳
𝘾𝙤𝙤𝙠. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙘𝙩. 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚.
Dabchick Wildlife Reserve
𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐬
Chef Tarryn Posthumus continues her culinary journey through the flavours of South Africa by blending heritage recipes with contemporary presentation.
“𝘌𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘱𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘴 𝘢 𝘴𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺. 𝘐 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘧𝘢𝘮𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘳 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘮 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘯𝘦𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘺 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦.”
Inspired by the landscapes and produce of the African bushveld, this month’s menu combines traditional flavours with refined techniques and elegant presentation.
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🍽️ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮 – 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐞 𝟎𝟎𝟐
𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫
Chicken Bobotie Cappelletti served with spiced carrot purée and pineapple chutney.
A colourful handmade pasta inspired by one of South Africa’s best-loved dishes, combining fragrant Cape Malay spices with silky fresh pasta and vibrant seasonal flavours.
𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞
Seared Lamb Rump served with creamy sweet potato mash, roasted baby beetroot and carrots, finished with chimichurri and a rich beer butter pan jus.
Tender lamb, perfectly cooked medium-rare, celebrates simple ingredients elevated through careful technique and bold flavour.
𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐭
Citrus & Cardamom Infused Semolina Sponge
Served with honey panna cotta, coconut custard and toasted almonds.
A beautifully balanced dessert where bright citrus, warm spice and delicate honey finish the meal on a light, refreshing note.
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🔥 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐮
𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐋𝐚𝐦𝐛 𝐑𝐮𝐦𝐩
The centrepiece of this month’s Culinary Safari celebrates one of South Africa’s finest cuts of meat.
Chef Tarryn marinates the lamb with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper before carefully searing it over a high heat to lock in flavour and tenderness. Finished with butter, onion and a splash of lager, the pan develops into a rich beer butter jus that perfectly complements the delicate sweetness of roasted vegetables and creamy sweet potato mash.
The dish is finished with fresh chimichurri, adding brightness and freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the lamb.
⸻
👩🏻🍳 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐟 𝐓𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲𝐧’𝐬 𝐏𝐫𝐨 𝐓𝐢𝐩𝐬
✔ Marinate lamb for several hours to maximise flavour and tenderness.
✔ Always allow meat to reach room temperature before cooking.
✔ Sear over high heat first to seal in the natural juices.
✔ Rest the meat before slicing to ensure every bite remains succulent.
✔ Hand mash sweet potato for the perfect creamy texture.
⸻
🌿 𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐂𝐮𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐢 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐝
Experience the flavours of the African bush through an exclusive Safari Chef Weekend at Dabchick Wildlife Reserve.
Each bespoke weekend caters for up to six cooking guests, while accompanying partners or friends can enjoy unforgettable wildlife experiences, including guided game drives, birding, walking with white rhino, conservation activities and the tranquillity of the Waterberg wilderness.
As the day draws to a close, everyone gathers around the table to enjoy the dishes created during the masterclass—sharing stories, exceptional food and the unforgettable atmosphere of the African bush.
REWILDING Southern Africa • Rewilding Africa • Global Rewilding Alliance • Waterberg Biosphere Reserve • Waterberg Tourism
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@followers
🔥 𝐒𝐀𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐈 𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐅 𝐌𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐂𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐒
Tarryn Anne Posthumus
Join Chef Tarryn for an unforgettable weekend where African flavours, wildlife and conservation come together around the fire.
🤝 Every Culinary Safari Weekend is individually tailored to the interests of each group.
📩 For enquiries and bespoke bookings:
📧 reservations@dabchick.co.za
📧 peter.oberem@dabchick.co.za
📱 WhatsApp: +27 (0)82 821 6577
🌐 www.dabchick.co.za
General bookings are now open on Booking.com.
#SafariChef #CulinarySafari #DabchickWildlifeReserve
#CookConnectConserve
#ConservationCuisine #TasteTheWild
#AfricanCuisine #SouthAfricanFlavours
#WildFood #BushDining
#WildlifeConservation #rewilding
🌍 𝐖𝐎𝐑𝐋𝐃 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐃𝐀𝐘 | 𝟑𝟏 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐘 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
Today, we honour the extraordinary men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting our natural heritage. World Ranger Day commemorates rangers who have lost their lives or been injured in the line of duty, while celebrating the courage, resilience and commitment of those who continue to safeguard wildlife and wild places every day.
This year’s theme, “𝙍𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨: 𝙂𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙨 𝙤𝙛 𝙖 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙩,” recognises the vital role rangers play as conservation leaders on the frontline of a rapidly changing world.
At Dabchick Wildlife Reserve, our rangers are at the heart of every conservation success story. From wildlife monitoring and habitat restoration to anti-poaching vigilance, ecological management and environmental education, their dedication helps ensure that future generations will inherit thriving ecosystems.
𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐲.
We invite wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, conservation supporters and families to experience conservation in action by joining the new 𝐃𝐚𝐛𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐤 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐬. Spend time alongside our ranger team, gain first-hand insight into daily reserve operations, contribute to meaningful conservation activities, and discover what it takes to restore and protect Africa’s wild landscapes.
𝙏𝙤𝙜𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙬𝙚 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙘𝙩, 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙚𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙙.
🛎️ Now open for reservations on Booking.com
www.booking.com/hotel/za/dabchick-wildlife-reserve.en-us.html
👉 Explore the Rewilding Programme: www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve Rewilding Africa
Global Rewilding Alliance Waterberg Tourism
📧 reservations@dabchick.co.za
📞 WhatsApp: +27 82 821 6577
#WorldRangerDay #RangersGuardiansOfAChangingPlanet #DabchickWildlifeReserve #WaterbergWinter #RewildingSouthernAfrica #LifeThroughWildlife #ConservationInAction #AfricanBush #WildlifeReserve #LuxurySafari #WinterSafari #Waterberg #Limpopo #MalariaFree
𝘿𝘼𝘽𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘾𝙆 𝙒𝙄𝙇𝘿 𝘽𝙄𝙍𝘿𝙎
𝐃𝐖𝐑 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡!
July 2026
☀️Marico Sunbird (𝘾𝙞𝙣𝙣𝙮𝙧𝙞𝙨 𝙢𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨)
𝐈𝐔𝐂𝐍 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐬: Least Concern
🔍 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍
The Marico Sunbird is one of southern Africa’s most striking nectar-feeding birds. The breeding male is unmistakable with its iridescent metallic green head and throat, chestnut breast band and bright yellow pectoral tufts, while the female is more subtly coloured with olive-brown upperparts and pale yellow underparts. Although small in stature, this energetic bird is often revealed by its persistent calls and rapid movements between flowering shrubs.
💡 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐖?
🪶 Unlike some other sunbirds, it is largely sedentary and highly territorial, especially during the breeding season when males sing conspicuously from prominent perches.
🪶 Sunbirds are among Africa’s most important pollinators, transferring pollen between flowering plants while feeding on nectar. Their long, curved bills and specialised brush-tipped tongues are perfectly adapted for tubular flowers.
🪶 Although nectar forms most of their diet, Marico Sunbirds also feed on spiders and insects, particularly when raising chicks.
🏞 𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 & 𝐇𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐓
The Marico Sunbird is widespread across southern Africa, favouring open woodland, savanna, bushveld and well-vegetated gardens. It thrives wherever flowering shrubs and trees provide a reliable source of nectar throughout the year. In the Waterberg, it is especially associated with flowering aloes, wild dagga (𝘓𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴), honeysuckle and mistletoes.
🪺 𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 & 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐍𝐆
The female constructs an untidy oval or purse-shaped nest using fine grass, bark fibres, lichen, leaves and spider webs. Hidden among dense vegetation, the nest usually contains two eggs. While she builds and incubates, the male often remains nearby, singing from exposed perches to defend his territory.
🌍 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐍𝐎𝐓𝐄
Although the Marico Sunbird is currently classified as Least Concern, healthy populations depend on indigenous flowering plants that provide nectar throughout the seasons. Conserving natural woodland and planting nectar-rich indigenous species in gardens and reserves helps sustain not only sunbirds but many other pollinators that underpin healthy ecosystems.
🗨 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡
“𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘰 𝘚𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘰𝘵𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘴𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳. 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘥𝘢𝘨𝘨𝘢 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘮 𝘧𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘵𝘩 𝘈𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘯 𝘨𝘢𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘤𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘳𝘦𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘬𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘯𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘢𝘳-𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘴𝘶𝘯𝘣𝘪𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘻𝘦𝘯. 𝘞𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘺 𝘫𝘦𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘳𝘵 𝘣𝘦𝘵𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘮𝘴 𝘪𝘴 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘢𝘵 𝘋𝘢𝘣𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘞𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘙𝘦𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘦.”
— Drs Peter & Pamela Oberem
Peter Oberem
🦆 Dabchick Wildlife Reserve offers outstanding bird watching and photography. Book your stay now!
📩 Reservations: reservations@dabchick.co.za
🌐 More info: www.dabchick.co.za
🌿 Rewilding Programme
www.dabchick.co.za/new-dabchicks-rewilding-programme/
📍 As custodians of biodiversity, we are committed to preserving habitat, raising awareness and supporting collaborative conservation action.
🎼 𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐬 & 𝐒𝐧𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬
eBird Species Page:
ebird.org/species/marsun2
📷 Photo © Nico Fourie
Waterberg Biosphere Reserve
Waterberg Tourism
Rewilding Africa Global Rewilding Alliance
BirdLife South Africa
BirdLife International
The BIG BIRD CHALLENGE
#ConserveWildlife #ProtectBiodiversity #Africa #DabchickWildlifeReserve #ProtectWhatMatters #RewildingSouthernAfrica #BirdsOfSouthernAfrica #CitizenScienceMatters #ConservationInAction #MaricoSunbird #WaterbergBiosphere #LifeThroughWildlife
NEW! Dabchick’s Rewilding Programme - Dabchick
www.dabchick.co.za
DABCHICK EXPERIENCE Rewilding in the African Bush NEW! Dabchick’s Rewilding Programme JANUARY 2026 NEW! Dabchick’s Rewilding Programme in the Waterberg, Limpopo Programme Overview Accommodation Wi...
