Tucked away between Pretoria and Bela Bela, and just a stone’s throw from the legendary Crake Road and Kgomo Kgomo village, Zaagkuilsdrift Bird Sanctuary and Lodge is a place where nature takes the lead, and the world slows down just enough for you to notice every birdsong.

Set within the heart of the Pienaarsrivier floodplain, this is one of the most species-rich birding areas in South Africa, with over 430 species recorded. It’s no wonder birders from across the country—and the globe—return here again and again. But what truly sets Zaagkuilsdrift apart isn’t just the bird list. It’s the quiet thrill of watching lifers from our well-positioned hides. It’s the giraffe grazing just beyond your veranda. It’s the stillness of the bushveld and the warmth of a lodge built with care, by people who live and breathe this land.

At Zaagkuilsdrift, birding is more than an activity—it’s woven into every part of the experience. Whether you're an expert birder chasing rarities, a beginner discovering your first LBJ, a photographer in search of golden light, or a family simply looking to reconnect with nature, you’ll find yourself welcome here.

Our lodge is small and personal, offering a variety of accommodation options—each thoughtfully designed to immerse you in the natural surroundings. We are proudly malaria-free, and deeply committed to conservation, with ongoing breeding projects for endangered species like the Southern Ground Hornbill, Blue Crane and African Wild Dog.

More than just a lodge, Zaagkuilsdrift is a sanctuary—for birds, for wildlife, and for people who long to return to something real, peaceful, and beautifully wild.