Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary

Struben Dam Bird Sanctuary is a protected area in Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria, centered around a reservoir that holds significant water for diverse aquatic life. The site features different fish species and is marked by mixed vegetation ranging from grassland to denser bushland areas.

The area originated from a private farm owned by F.E.B. Struben, and the dam was constructed sometime between the 1940s and 1960s. This period marked the shift from agricultural land to a modern wildlife protection area.

The name honors its founder, and today visitors experience how urban surroundings and nature coexist here. You will see people walking and watching birds while taking a break from city life.

The grounds are accessible daily and offer walking trails along with basic facilities such as restrooms and picnic areas for visitors. Plan your visit for early hours when birdwatching is most successful and the area is less crowded.

The grounds display a transitional vegetation zone called Bakenveld that sits between grassland and denser bushland. These in-between spaces attract specialized bird species that you would not find in just one of these environments alone.